Page 45 - Port Douglas Magazine 33

love.

Romance
STORIES OF

#storiesofromance

ALEX & ALANA

Black Tie in the Outback

WORDS by Jacqueline Long

ike many couples planning their ultimate wedding day, with everyone at some point, and it allowed us to finally move
the last year has certainly provided a roller coaster of on. The new plan evolved in just three weeks!”
Lemotions with numerous changes and even cancellations. “We decided to do something completely different to the
Having tried unsuccessfully twice to enjoy a destination original wedding and something that didn’t feel like a
wedding with their friends and family in Port Douglas, think consolation prize,” said Alana. “We wanted something
iconic St Mary’s by the Sea with reception at the Sugar Wharf, luxurious, more indulgent than any other holiday we’d ever
this couple decided it was time to change their approach. The been on, so that our wedding would feel special. We also
result certainly did not disappoint. A magical elopement to wanted to completely relax so we were looking for somewhere
the Outback providing one of the most stunning backdrops we could have an all-inclusive mini moon afterwards. Enter
and one of our favourite weddings of the year. Mount Mulligan Lodge.”
Alex and Alana tell us their story …. Mount Mulligan, or “Ngarrabullgan” as many know it, is
“I grew up in Cairns and Alex in Canberra,” said Alana. “We majestic. Located 150kms north-west of Cairns, it dominates
met as housemates living in a ramshackle Queenslander in the Outback landscape. The Lodge is nestled beneath this
Brisbane in our student days. Our journey took us around the sandstone tabletop mountain. “It’s such a beautiful, remote
world and we eventually settled in Melbourne.” place and there’d been a lot of rain in the months leading
“At the end of last year we temporarily relocated to Cairns up to March, so it was lush and green,” said Alex. “It felt
very tranquil out there. Alana also has an interest in Far North
to some spend quality time with Alana’s family” adds Alex.
Queensland’s gold rush era and the Mount Mulligan township
Amid snap lockdowns aplenty, their plans still seemed and Tyrconnell mine encompass this rich history.”
so precarious especially in relation to Alex’s family and “On the day we were also grateful for the glorious weather!
whether they would be able to join them from Victoria. This Travelling to the location by helicopter (35 minutes from
led them to a tough decision. “We decided we’d rather not Cairns) was such an exciting way to start the day! Flying over
invite anyone than be disappointed at the 11th hour if people this iconic historic and cultural site was a magical way to set
couldn’t come. We hoped we’d be able to enjoy celebrations
the scene for our wedding.”

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 45