Page 47 - Port Douglas Magazine 33

love.

Having seen a lot of boho inspired weddings,
we wanted to do something different,
so black tie in the outback it was!”

“We wanted to get married on the same day we arrived, brief and I think this allowed the florist to just do her
timing the ceremony and photographs afterward for thing and come up with something amazing,” she said.
that golden hour light. Although this wasn’t initially After the ceremony and photos, they returned to the
aligned with the flight schedule, we were very grateful Lodge and enjoyed a seven-course degustation on the
to Aaron (the Coordinator for Northern Escapes) for wedding night under the stars. The Outback sky was
making it all work. The staff also even provided Al with spectacular and so romantic!
a separate suite for him to dress. Having seen a lot of
boho inspired weddings, we wanted to do something They received so many well wishes. Bottles of
different, so black tie in the outback it was!” champagne were delivered to their room courtesy of
their friends and family which made them feel really
“One great thing about eloping on a Monday in March loved. It was the perfect day.
was that all the best suppliers were available!” laughed They stayed at Mount Mulligan for a three-night mini
Alex. “Local knowledge from Alana’s sister gave us an moon. With clear blue skies and sunshine for the
inside track to the best people in town, coupled with
some online research from our home in Melbourne. whole time, they were perfect days for the couple’s
These team members were the clear standouts in their adventures. “We went ATV-ing, checked out the
fields and they certainly delivered on the big day!” historic town, did stargazing through a telescope, ate
and drank like royalty and relaxed by the pool. Simply
The ceremony took centre stage for the couple, with divine,” they said.
Anna doing a wonderful job as celebrant. “She had Any advice for those thinking of eloping?
us answer some questions separately so there were
some lovely surprises on the day. We also wrote our “Go all out and make it an occasion to remember.
own vows and as music has always been a big part of Treat yourselves! Get a brilliant celebrant because
our relationship, selecting our favourite tunes together the ceremony really becomes the focus of the day (as
was important,” Alex said. “Hearing the beautiful opposed to the afterparty). You want someone who’ll
things we’d said about each other, which Anna give you all the feels.”
weaved effortlessly into the ceremony, will always be a “And make sure you have a top photographer to
favourite memory for both of us. capture it all so your friends and family can share in
The couple said they were thrilled with the photography. the joy, and so you have something to show to your
The very talented Jason made the most of the gorgeous children one day.”
backdrops and the beautiful light. “We were very happy with our team. They were all just
“Danielle did a beautiful job too. It was well worth such nice people and when you are eloping it really is
bringing her on location. At one stage I considered having important to vibe with your suppliers as they become
my hair and make up done in Cairns, then travelling to your de facto wedding party!” they said.
Mount Mulligan. It was a thick and warm March Day so “It was wonderful. Just do it!”
I’m glad I didn’t go down that route,” Alana said.
“And go while the going is good. These are
“Since the wedding I’ve also had so many compliments unpredictable times.”
on my flowers, I loved them! I was very light on the

OUR T E A M
Celebrant: Anna Soltwedel
Photography: The Raw Photographer
Venue: Mount Mulligan
Planner: Aaron of Northern Escapes (Mt Mulligan)
Flowers: Botanic Republic
Hair and makeup: Danielle Lyth

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 47