STORIES OF ROMANCE Thane & Chris' Tropical Wedding Tale

Words by Rosie Wang
Photography by Katie Purling Photography

When love blossoms, it has a way of taking us to beautiful, unexpected places. For Thane and Chris, their love story took them to the tropical haven of Port Douglas, where they celebrated their union with a perfect blend of romance, family, and sheer fun.

Chris grew up in Langwarrin, Victoria, a place known for grand romantic gestures —where Dame Elisabeth Murdoch was gifted Cruden Farm as a wedding gift from her husband, press baron Sir Keith Murdoch. Thane, on the other hand, had a more nomadic upbringing, moving between various states before eventually spending some time in Cairns. While this didn’t directly influence their choice of wedding location, their affinity for tropical destinations was unmistakable.

So how did they meet when they lived 2,874 km away from each other? Nine years ago, their paths crossed virtually online (the wonders of modern technology) and nine years later they are now very much offline, in reality and in love. A beautiful acreage home in Langwarrin, which they share with their three children, is now paradise on earth and home.

Thane proposed to Chris soon after a life-changing moment. Two weeks after welcoming their son Harrison into the world via surrogacy, Thane popped the question on Father’s Day, making it a doubly special occasion. “It was my first Father’s Day,” Chris recalls fondly, “and Thane involved all the kids — it was very romantic.”

When it came to planning their wedding, Chris shared: "We knew we wanted a destination wedding." At first, they considered an overseas tropical location, but soon realised it might limit the number of guests who could join them.

After spending a week in Port Douglas, they fell in love with its laid-back tropical vibe. A bit of research made it clear that Port Douglas was the perfect choice — it had everything they wanted and provided the ideal setting to celebrate their special day surrounded by all their loved ones.

When the couple first announced their destination wedding, they were expecting about 40 guests to make the trip due to the distance. Instead, they were pleasantly surprised when 76 friends and family members showed up, many making it a vacation and bringing along extended family.

Their wedding turned into a tropical holiday for everyone! Every wedding needs a great team to bring it to life, and Chris and Thane couldn’t have been happier with theirs.

Kylie from Eventcore stood out as the rockstar planner who made everything run smoothly. "We’re still in touch every week, she feels like a close friend now," Chris says. “Her design, style, and commitment were unmatched. I couldn't recommend her highly enough.”

And then there was Rads from Port Douglas Catering, who “nailed our food and drink perfectly, even under pressure.” Chris laughs, remembering the giant production that came together flawlessly under her leadership.

Anna, their celebrant, brought a gentle kindness to the ceremony that felt deeply personal, while Katie Purling captured the day in breathtaking photography. Threadless Films’ Glen produced a stunning wedding video, Bart’s DJ skills kept the dance floor alive, and Drewboy and the Sax Addicts added a vibrant live music touch. Chris gushes about Drew's magical acoustic set during the ceremony and the unforgettable moment when the entire wedding party hit the dancefloor at 5 PM, so caught up in the fun that dinner was delayed.

Of course, no wedding would be complete without flowers, and Wynne's floral arrangements were breathtaking, adding a magical ambiance to the venue.

Originally, Chris and Thane had planned to hold their reception at the iconic Sugar Wharf, but with rain in the forecast, a last-minute switch to a giant clear span marquee at Rex Smeal Park was made.

“It was the best decision ever,” Chris notes. The sunset, calm weather, and palm trees created a magical backdrop, and the clear tent allowed for stunning views of the water and a spectacular fireworks display.

Sugar Wharf, however, remained the ceremony location, looking stunning inside as the couple exchanged their vows.

Thanks to Kylie and the wedding team, planning the event was a breeze, even from a distance. Chris took a very hands-on approach, collaborating closely with Kylie to design every detail, but he credits her for making everything so easy. "You could be as involved or uninvolved as you wanted, and it still would have worked."

On the day of the wedding, there were no rigid traditions for Thane and Chris. Instead, they spent the day getting ready together with their groom’s party and kids, enjoying a relaxed, fun atmosphere. "We've been together for nine years," Chris says, "so why not start the day together?"

With a vision of classy, romantic fun, Chris sent Kylie a single Instagram video for inspiration, and she ran with it, creating a wedding filled with memorable moments—fireworks, sparklers, confetti cannons, live music, and an all-around vibrant atmosphere. “It was the greatest party I’ve ever been to,” Chris beams.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the ceremony was the personal vows the couple wrote for each other. Chris says: “The ceremony, the speeches, and the fireworks were highlights for me. The speeches had everyone both in stitches and in tears, especially my dad's speech—there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.”

The couple opted for a plated tasting menu designed by Rads, which gave their reception the feel of a fine dining experience in the heart of the tropics. And when rain threatened, their switch to the stunning clear marquee only enhanced the ambiance.

Katie Purling expertly guided Chris and Thane throughout the day, capturing breathtaking shots that perfectly encapsulated the magic of their wedding. Meanwhile, Threadless Films’ video coverage allowed the couple to relive those special moments again and again.

Chris and Thane spent a week in Port Douglas, dining at their favourite spots, Melaleuca and Jungle Fowl, with their groom’s party. Although they wished they could have stayed longer, the memories they made will last a lifetime.

Chris’s advice for anyone planning a wedding in Far North Queensland? “Get a good wedding planner,” he says without hesitation. “There are so many logistics involved that you couldn’t possibly handle on your own. Call Kylie at Eventcore!”

For Chris and Thane, their Port Douglas wedding was everything they’d dreamed of and more — a perfect blend of romance, elegance, and pure fun. From the heartfelt moments during the ceremony to the fireworks lighting up the sky, their wedding day was an unforgettable celebration of love.

Thane and Chris’ wedding was a testament to the power of love, community, and a little bit of tropical magic.

Wedding Suppliers:
Thane's Attire: Hugo Boss
Chris' Attire: MJ Bale
Event Planner: Kylie from Eventcore
Ceremony: Sugar Wharf
Reception: Rex Smeal Park
Catering: Port Douglas Catering – Rads & Tommy
Photography: Katie Purling Photography
Celebrant: Anna Soltwedel
Flowers: Flowers by Wynne
Entertainment: Electric Dreams & Drewboy
Hair & Makeup: Tropical Hair and Beauty
Videography: Glen from Threadless Films
Fireworks: Xplosive Art Fireworks