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“Our feelings got stronger with every working week that passed and as “Once we had locked in our venue, it all came together quickly through
two young bartenders, shaking cocktails and sneaking in a kiss from word of mouth and a bit of research. For example, once I had touched base
time-to-time, life changed,” laughs Josh. with Isaac from Perspectives, I asked if he knew of any videographers
When the time eventually came to take things to the next level, Josh and DJ’s, which led to us booking Tayla and Bart. In a funny way they
wanted the proposal to be a surprise! all had small roles as wedding planners. Em had a good idea in mind of
what she wanted and the suppliers helped us bring that to life with their
“I thought I did a pretty good job throwing Em off the scent, the sneaking guidance and recommendations. A recipe for success!” he said.
around was done, the ring was purchased and I had even lined up a
cameraman to film the proposal. I just had to decide where to pop the “The team at Port Douglas Catering were fantastic too. They helped
question. Every Friday, Em and I would take our dog Rosie for a walk, bring together all our favourite things and created a feast for our guests,
get some coffees and then sit on what we called “the hill.” As we were including our must-haves of tacos, gourmet steak sandwiches and
walking to our regular spot, out of the blue Emily asked, “Do you think margaritas! It was all delicious and perfectly us!”
you’ll be nervous when you propose?”... I couldn’t believe it, but I laughed Probably their biggest stress in the lead-up was the weather, not knowing
and replied, “Probably, but I would never show it.” Moments later I was if they would need to use the marquee to protect against rain or wind.
down on one knee, still surprised, she said yes and tackled me to the Luckily enough, two days out they received all clear and that money was
floor. Following the proposal, I had booked Em in to get her nails done, put to good use, straight to the honeymoon!
we went to Catalinas for lunch and enjoyed a two-night stay in the city. “On the morning of the ceremony, we both found it all a little nerve
On Friday night we were joined by all our family. It was the perfect racking, “said Josh. “The property offered two houses so we got ready
proposal weekend. separately and didn’t see each other until the aisle! As soon as we saw
It was Em’s other sister Jess who first introduced us to Port Douglas when each other, all the anxiety and nerves disappeared, and it made that first
she convinced us to book a holiday in 2019. We did and just absolutely fell encounter all the sweeter.”
in love with the area. When you are driving from Cairns to Port Douglas Anna helped calm their nerves, “Everything felt so romantic and relaxed
and you’ve got the coast on your right and valleys and palm trees to your that during the ceremony for that fleeting moment we felt like it was
left - it doesn’t even feel like Australia. It made a destination wedding an just the two of us.” He continues: “One thing you need to know about
easy decision for us. We felt Port Douglas was far enough away from Em and I though is that we are fiercely competitive. So, when it came to
Sydney that it would feel like a holiday. I think our friends and family writing our own vows, we always joked about whose would be better -
were quite stoked. The people who have been to and love Port Douglas the jury is still out. But having just celebrated our first year of marriage,
now had an excuse to return and for those who hadn’t it would be a great we ensured that we made the time to say our vows to each other again
first-time experience and an excuse for a holiday with all their friends. and have committed to do this for every single anniversary.”
As for many couples, plans were thrown when they had to delay their Following the ceremony, the couple made sure they had photos with the
wedding due to Covid. “Our original venue was already booked which bridal party and all their special guests. “Then Isaac took us to some
was obviously quite stressful. It was our incredible wedding coordinator beautiful spots that were so quintessentially FNQ. Lots of palm trees and
Kylie who saved the day by booking in Lakeside. We felt absolutely just stunning scenery. I think the photos speak for themselves,” Josh said.
blessed,” said Josh. “And to be honest it just gave us that extra bit of Returning to the reception was one of their favourite moments. They
time to really nail the planning. In that time, we also attended another
three weddings which also helped us fine tune the right elements for our loved the idea of the guests having something they could interact and
night.” have fun with at the reception. Cue the tambourines. Em’s dad David had
38 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner