Page 40 - Port Douglas Magazine 46

love.
love.

STORIES OF
ROMANCE

Love, Laughter & Little Cove:

Em & D ’s

PORT DOUGLAS WEDDING

Words by Rosie Wang

or Em and Dan, who both grew up in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, love

began with a swipe. They matched on Tinder in August 2017, and after

Ftheir very fi rst date Dan announced to his family that he already knew
Em was the one. Six years later, in August 2023, he proposed to her in the
lush surrounds of the Melbourne Botanical Gardens, a setting as serene and
grounded as their relationship.
A Far North Queensland wedding was always on the cards. Dan’s parents
spend much of their time in Port Douglas, and Em grew up holidaying every
year in Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Trinity Beach. Dan’s Mum, Tania was
instrumental in bringing their dream wedding to life, she was the driving force
behind the festivities.
The couple also used the invaluable expertise of Kylie from Eventcore. “She

was an amazing support and was across every detail,” says the couple as their
dream celebration took shape, thoughtfully incorporating several Jewish tra-
ditions to honour Dan’s heritage. The breaking of the glass and the lively Horas

brought energy, joy and a beautiful sense of connection to their ceremony.
The night before the wedding, Dan upheld tradition by staying elsewhere,

away from Em and their three-month-old son, Raphie. It was the perfect pre-
lude to a day they describe simply as magical.
Little Cove provided an unforgettable backdrop for their vows. Surrounded by
150 of their closest family and friends, Em and Dan exchanged promises un-
der the canopy of palm trees and the soft glow of coastal light. “The entire day

was a highlight,” they say, yet the moment that followed the ceremony became
one of their most treasured memories.

Their reception entrance was nothing short of electric. With their saxophon-
ist Mike belting out Freed from Desire, Dan theatrically popped champagne
as they danced through the crowd, eventually climbing onto chairs as guests
cheered around them. It was the exuberant, joy-filled moment that set the tone

for the night.

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 41