Page 45 - Port Douglas Magazine 34

love.

“As the sun went down we danced and
partied into the evening, under the magical
fairy lights and a clear night sky.”

Feeling great about their plans, Matt and Holly but it also offered the relaxed vibe and informal
decided to drive up to Port one weekend to go for a feel of a garden party. Selecting the menu from the
hike, well ok, to get excited about their wedding too! team at Port Douglas Catering, they decided on the
On route, they drove out through the Mowbray Valley, grazing table. It was delicious, catered for everyone,
passing a fantastic property. The huge raintrees were looked fabulous and felt like the perfect fit. The team
spectacular, and the grounds incredibly picturesque, suggested serving their cake as the dessert, which
with rolling lawns and views over a beautiful lake. they thought was a great idea as well.
They both thought and even commented, what a
beautiful spot it would be for a wedding. Soon after, After the ceremony, while guests relaxed and mingled,
EventCore announced the Lakeside Retreat as one of they took the opportunity to take family photographs
within the grounds. Katie, their photographer, had
their new event venues.
hand picked some interesting local backdrops, all
On a natural high and only two weeks out from their within five minutes of the Retreat. This allowed the
wedding, Holly was contacted by the Local Council. couple to capture lifelong memories on film but meant
It was the call no bride ever wants to receive - Rex they did not have to miss out on sharing the beautiful
Smeal Park, their wedding setting, had been double afternoon of celebrations with friends and family.
booked and they needed to find another location
for the event. “We couldn’t believe it,” she said. “As the sun went down we danced and partied into
the evening, under the magical fairy lights and a clear
Thankfully fate stepped in, the team at EventCore
rose to the occasion and within hours their guests had night sky. Throughout the reception we would find
been advised of a new venue, the stunning Lakeside our guests simply taking a moment to step back and
Retreat they had noticed on our day trip to Port! admire the celebrations - as well as the trees, which
could only be described as majestic,” Holly recalled.
The new venue brought lots of benefits. “Matt and
I even chose to stay together the night before the “All together, our family and friends enjoyed the
region for a week. We spent our time sampling local
wedding. We felt it added to the experience and set restaurants and cafes, booking extra activities and
the scene for the whole weekend,” she said.
just soaking up the tropical way of life. It was just so
On the day, Celebrant Anna had hand-crafted the wonderful seeing everyone come together to celebrate
ceremony. It was personal and romantic but also our wedding and see them enjoying themselves in one
relaxed with a few jokes and funny stories strung of our favourite places.”
throughout. “She turned our very vague vision into
a ceremony that reflected us and our relationship. We Would you do it all again?
couldn’t have asked for more.” “Absolutely! It was better than we could ever have
imagined and maybe, just maybe our double booking
The reception was only a short stroll away! The was a blessing in disguise,” the happy couple said.
setting provided the wow factor with lots of space

T HE DR E A M T E A M
Venue & Equipment Hire: Lakeside Retreat & Eventcore
Catering : Port Douglas Catering & Events
Photography: Katie Purling Photography
Celebrant: Anna Soltwedel
Entertainment: Connor Reid
Hair & Make Up: Shae @ Tropical Beauty
Bride dressed by: LUV Bridal

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 45