Page 39 - Port Douglas Magazine 38

love.

Romance
STORIES OF

WORDS by Jacqueline Long

rowing up in different states of With a lot of online research and social media with photos of our parents and grandparents
Australia, it took a European holiday scrolling, they found their perfect partner in into her bouquet – it was a way for us to make
with stunning back drops of the Port Douglas Weddings and Hire. sure they were all present with us on the day.”
GGreek Islands and, well, a little bit of “It was 100% so easy to plan, even from “The ceremony was relaxed and intimate and
help from some mutual friends for these two 3000km away!” said Elle. “Karlie, our wedding our photographer, The Seitter Woodhouse
Aussies to meet. coordinator, took care of everything. She and videography by Tulieve Photography,
Quite unexpectedly neither Chris or Elle recommended and booked all of our suppliers Mehdi captured our whole day with ease. The
realised this holiday romance would blossom, and understood exactly what we wanted! We backdrop, the weather, the gentle ocean breeze,
as they purchased their first home, building a had some initial chats to work out our ‘must and with this setting there was no need to rush
life together in Canberra and becoming parents haves’ and sent through lots of inspiration. She off anywhere. Instead, we were able to take our
to their fur baby, Popcorn. Settled and enjoying took it in her stride, and to be honest we felt so time and mingle with our family. Following the
their life, it wasn’t long before the couple began confident in her ability we let her do her thing. sunset, we were even lucky enough to enjoy a
to consider their future. After all, it would take focus and some extra full moon,” Elle said.
Both were excited by the prospect of marriage, superhuman organisational skills to make it Sitting down to a beautiful table and sharing
and even though no question had yet been happen in this short time frame.” a delicious menu with their family was so
posed, they began working with the Diamond “The only stress really,” Elle continues, “was memorable. They took their time, savouring
Boutique in Canberra. Love spanning across finding the dress and securing a venue.” Elle’s the moment, enjoying canapes followed by
the generations, inspired by rings left to her Mum had sourced some beautiful lace on a trip shared plates, and all wrapping up with dessert
by Elle’s grandmother, the couple relished the to Singapore and Elle found a local dressmaker, canapes and a chocolate cake … featuring
opportunity to work with a talented team of so now to the venue. none other than their dog (Popcorn) and
jewellers. Re-creating these treasured pieces, “Karlie told us she had found the perfect Elle’s family dog (Mila) as cake toppers which
they mastered their own keepsakes into an location, “said Chris. everyone loved. Complementing this, his and
engagement ring and Elle’s wedding band. her cocktails (His: Whiskey Old Fashioned;
It was Cottonwood Estate.
With the couple’s anniversary marked on Hers: Limoncello Spritz).
the calendar and only five days away, family Once again Cottonwood did not disappoint, as
wondered if Friday might just be the day! The Set on five acres within a secluded they grazed under the stars with their closest
proposal day. However, Chris could not wait cove, with breathtaking northern views, family by the candlelight and fairy lights.
that long. Mid-week, the couple had just had it was absolute beach frontage and It was so magical.
dinner and Elle was relaxing at home. Cue offered total privacy. Perfect for the
Popcorn. The couple’s golden retriever casually ceremony, reception and they could host Far North Queensland felt so relaxing. As
sauntered (if golden retrievers can do that) into their immediate family too. Seeing the planned, the couple wanted to take advantage
the room. Adorned around her neck was a sign photographs alone they knew the search of their destination wedding so started their
holiday spending three nights at Peppers Beach
with a simple question, “Will you marry me?” for a stunning venue was over it!
Elle loved that Chis and popcorn had executed Club, Port Douglas before the wedding and
such an awesome surprise proposal and of Chris continues: “Elle had always loved the idea a further two nights in Palm Cove at the Sea
course offered the only reply: “Yes!” of a beach / garden wedding and this hidden Temple Resort. Embracing a full relaxation
holiday was their goal.
Soaking up the moment, the couple started to gem allowed us to bring the two together!” Elle
imagine what their special day might look like. adds: “Chris is always saying don’t be afraid “We sipped cocktails by the pool and wandered
through the boutique stores in Macrossan
They both felt so ready to plan their wedding, to embrace colour, so we made sure that came
so they set about making it happen as soon as into the styling of the day as well. Once Karlie Street. As first-time visitors, our family enjoyed
possible! Three months to be exact! (Cue gasp suggested alternating napkins in plum and day trips to the Great Barrier Reef, Cape
from us mere mortals.) blush to pop amongst the white that really set Tribulation, Mossman Gorge and enjoyed local
experiences such as water skiing along Four
“We were not set on what our wedding would the tone for the colours and our styling.” Mile beach,” said Chris and Elle.
look like but knew if we got married, we Arriving at The Estate, “Cottonwood was even It was such a great lead into the wedding and
wanted it to be about us, “said Elle. “We have more beautiful in person, like a mini boutique
friends who got married during COVID who resort - we couldn’t have chosen a better venue one they would highly recommend.
had a beautiful tiny wedding they loved (having and we were so happy that we were staying for “We were so relaxed when we finally arrived
originally planned a big one) and I guess you three long days and nights.” at our wedding destination. Stepping into this
could say that inspired us to do it how we really “On our wedding day, we spent the day together magical place that was Cottonwood, it was
wanted, our very own micro wedding! until it was time to get ready. Chris moved to the next level, our perfection,” the couple said.
Chris continues: “ We were looking for a spot to guest Cabana with his family and Elle remained “The house was picturesque, with the endless
have a coastal wedding too, where it felt more in the main house with her Mum and Shae from and beautifully manicured lawns running
like a holiday and was warm enough that if it Tropical Hair and Beauty, to work her magic. seamlessly into the palm fringed beach and
rained it didn’t matter. We had been to Port “Writing our own vows for our ceremony was the 180 degree sweeping views over the ocean.
Douglas once before for a holiday and loved the both hilarious and terrifying – for us they We have found our perfect slice of paradise in
vibe.” summed up our relationship perfectly,” said Cottonwood and have created memories that
Chris. “We were also thrilled that our florists we will enjoy for the rest of our lives!” they
were able to attach Elle’s grandmother’s locket said.