Page 43 - Port Douglas Magazine 34

love.

Romance
STORIES OF

#storiesofromance

MATT & HOLLY

Romance under the Rain Trees

WORDS by Jacqueline Long

After graduating from high school in Cairns, Holly to our spot we sat down, enjoyed the views, chatting
decided to spread her wings and make the move to and sharing a drink or two. It wasn’t long after this
Townsville to study at the university. It was here that that he kissed me and asked me if I would spend the
she met local boy Matt. rest of my life with him. Many tears followed, then
laughter, as he confessed just how nervous he had
“I got a part-time job as a swim teacher and was been.” Homeward bound, their excitement peaked as
introduced to Matt on my very first day,” she said. they shared their happy news with family and friends.
“We happily worked together as colleagues for the
next two years until one work Christmas party. Yes, “We began planning the very next day,” Holly said.
a cliche but we just realised how well we got along “After some initial research we decided it might be
and the rest, as they say, is history - from that night fun to plan the wedding ourselves. I was keen to give
forward we were inseparable.” it a go and I thought it might help us to budget.”
One sunny day in December the couple had spent First on the list was a wedding venue and Holly
a lovely morning with family celebrating Matt’s booked a place they both loved, the idyllic Rex Smeal
birthday, but in the afternoon Holly noticed Matt was Park in Port Douglas. So picturesque, it was perfect!
“a little off”. She felt terrible and tried several times Next stop was a company called EventCore to see if
to lift his birthday mood, but to no avail. When he they could hire tables and chairs. “Kylie was great
finally suggested they head to Castle Hill to watch the - we instantly hit it off and within hours the whole
sunset later, she jumped at the chance. Happy that reception felt planned!” Holly said.
they had some birthday plans, she headed to the gym.
It was mid session that Holly had a funny feeling … “She also sent me recommendations of other vendors
she thought I might like. After a few emails and phone
“Was he going to propose?” Quieting that little voice, calls I was over the moon, everyone was available on
she spent the rest of her session convincing herself our wedding date. All the vendors were so lovely to
otherwise. She must just be reacting to Matt’s mood. deal with, they made the whole process easy and
happily answered all my questions, no matter how
Getting ready for their sunset date, Holly said: “Matt ridiculous. Looking back I was so lucky with my
was still behaving very strangely (he pre-drank to team, they were all amazing.”
watch a sunset!) and seemed on edge. When we got