Page 42 - Port Douglas Magazine 40

The arrival cocktail at Harrisons set the tone before the culinary Reflecting on their destination wedding in Port Douglas, Eli and Morgan
experience began, offering guests a choice between an Espresso martini share valuable insights for couples considering a similar experience. “I
or a Hugo spritz to “really get the party started,” laughs Morgan. The would definitely say to spend at least a weekend in Port Douglas when
couple also ensured their guests left with lasting memories, each guest you start looking. It really helps you get a feel of the place, and you can
receiving a bottle of limoncello as a wedding gift, complete with a check out different venues to figure out what suits your vision,” advises
cocktail recipe. Eli. The couple also emphasizes the importance of a wedding planner,
The menu showcased their favourite foods, with Hervey Bay scallops, especially for remote planning. “It honestly will take away so much of
Tasmanian sirloin, and a modern take on treacle tart making the cut. your stress and anxiety so you can actually enjoy the planning process!”
“Being from Hervey Bay, Hervey Bay scallops had to be one of our suggests Morgan.
entrees. For mains, we picked the Tasmanian Sirloin alternate drop Trusting chosen vendors is another key piece of advice from Eli and
with Barramundi – you can’t not get Barra in tropical north QLD!” Eli Morgan. “They know what they are doing, and everyone we dealt with
explains. Instead of a traditional wedding cake the couple opted for a was extremely professional,” Eli encourages. Finally, the couple stresses
champagne tower featuring their favourite Veuve Clicquot. “We did this the significance of savouring the wedding day itself. “Make sure on your
straight after speeches concluded so that everyone could celebrate and wedding day you take a moment to take a step back with your husband
have a toast,” adds Morgan. “The sunnies came back out for this, and it or wife and watch all your guests enjoying the amazing wedding you put
was heaps of fun.” together. It’s so important to take in the whole day because it honestly
flies past in a moment,” concludes Morgan.
“Instead of a traditional wedding Every detail leading to Eli and Morgan’s wedding in Port Douglas, from
cake the couple opted for a their chance encounter in Hervey Bay to the tranquil proposal in the
champagne tower featuring their rainforest and the lively celebrations in Port Douglas, unfolds across
favourite veuve clicquot. the pages. Their experience is a testament to the allure of a destination
“we did this straight after speeches wedding, the joy of celebrating with family and friends, and the
concluded so that everyone could importance of crafting a wedding that encapsulates the unique nature
celebrate and have a toast” of a couple.

The task of capturing the essence of the day through photography THE TEAM
was entrusted to Matt Evans, who not only provided stunning natural
and candid shots but also guided the couple to create editorial-style
photographs. “We were lucky enough to meet Matt Evans in 2022 when Wedding Planner: Bec and Dragonfly Weddings
looking at venues. He did an engagement photoshoot for us, and it was Ceremony: Crystal Chapel at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort
lovely to get to know him before the wedding,” explains Morgan. Reception & Catering: Harrisons @ Sheraton
Post-wedding, Eli and Morgan extended their stay in Port Douglas, Photography: Matthew Evans Photography
indulging in a short honeymoon. Their adventures included a crocodile Celebrant: Anna de Soltwedel, The Love Chronicles
tour with Solar Whisper, snorkelling at the reef with Quicksilver, and Flowers: Floral Edge
culinary delights at local hotspots like Melaleuca, Zinc, Harrisons,
and the more relaxed Hemingway’s Brewery and Toast Sandwich Bar. Entertainment: Matty Boi
On their final night, the couple also participated in cane toad racing at Hair & MU: Danielle Lyth Makeup & Hair and Makeup by Carly B
Chilli’s, with Eli proudly watching his chosen toad come in second, albeit Bride dressed by: Karen Willis Holmes for the Bride
after a required kiss – a humorous end to their tropical escapade. Bridesmaids dressed by: Shona Joy
Groom & Groomsmen dressed by: MJ Bale