Venue: Kingfisher Bay Resort, K’gari
Fifteen years ago, a school bus ride planted the seed for a love story that would eventually unfold on the sun-dappled shores of K’gari. Allana Hunter and Jordan Thomas first crossed paths as teenagers when Allana’s sister decided Jordan was cool enough to join their group of friends. Fast-forward to 2018: after a chance reunion at a going-away party, the pair picked up as though no time had passed, and their lives together truly began.
They soon built a home and a life in Brisbane before relocating to Rockhampton in January 2025, so Allana could begin medical school. And on 16 June 2023, Jordan surprised Allana with a proposal under a blanket of stars during a getaway in the Scenic Rim. “We were looking at the stars with binoculars,” recalls Allana. “Jordy left me for a second, and when he came back, he told me to put the binoculars down. When I did, he was on one knee and asked me if I’d do him the honour of being his wife.”
Two years to the day later, they said “I do” on the shores of K’gari at Kingfisher Bay Resort. Although they hadn’t deliberately set out to plan a destination wedding, nowhere else quite captured their hearts the way K’gari did. After discovering Kingfisher Bay Resort at a bridal expo in Brisbane, they visited in person and fell in love with the natural setting and relaxed vibe. “Jordy thought it was the nicest place, and being in nature appealed to him,” Allana shares.
With 20 of their closest family and friends gathered on Sunset Beach, the couple exchanged vows in a ceremony that felt perfectly true to them: natural, colourful, bright, and completely chilled out. Allana’s entrance was accompanied by “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor — her grandmother’s favourite song — as she walked down the aisle with her mum. The newlyweds later recessed to “Slice of Heaven” by Dave Dobbyn, a song that’s been “theirs” for years.
There were no cultural rituals or personal traditions woven into the day — simplicity and authenticity were the couple’s guiding lights. Keeping things easy to plan was a priority for Allana, who juggled wedding organising with the demands of medical school. “It honestly went off without a hitch,” she says. Even the practical challenges of a wedding on K’gari, like transporting the cake by ferry, were handled with family support and some clever solutions (such as choosing silk flowers to avoid the fuss of fresh blooms).
One unexpected, and amusing, guest did turn up at the end of the ceremony. “Nearly everyone who heard we were getting married at K’gari asked me about dingoes,” laughs Allana. “And I hadn’t seen a dingo until right as the ceremony finished! He just walked right up like he’d been invited.”
For her wedding look, Allana wore the “Shelby” gown by Karen Willis Holmes, purchased second-hand via StillWhite after first trying it on in-store in Brisbane. The dress was expertly altered by I Sew Rockhampton. Adding a pop of personality, she completed her outfit with royal blue shoes sourced online — a choice she loved for their bold colour and re-wearability. Jordan wore a suit from Christian Brookes.
The reception unfolded at the resort’s Sand & Wood restaurant, where the couple and their guests enjoyed a relaxed celebration. The styling was brought to life by Christie from The Prop People, who stepped in just six weeks before the day to help Allana out of a planning hiccup.
Allana and Jordan were impressed with the team at Kingfisher Bay Resort, describing everyone as “gracious and flexible,” with Suzanne from the events team making the ceremony perfect and helping them relax, knowing everything was in good hands.
Although they haven’t yet planned their honeymoon, Allana and Jordan are still enjoying the memories of a day that felt as easy and joyful as they’d hoped.
For couples considering a destination wedding, Allana’s advice is simple: “Keep it nice and small! It was lovely to share this intimate moment with our close family and friends. Even though weddings are a whole undertaking and we were tired, being there with family and friends and having that opportunity to sit around and chat made that all better.”
Dream Team
Photography: Jennifer McCue Photography Ceremony: Sunset Beach, Kingfisher Bay Resort Reception: Sand & Wood, Kingfisher Bay Resort Wedding Coordinator: Suzanne, Kingfisher Bay Resort Events Team Celebrant: Paul Truscott Dress: Karen Willis Holmes Bridal (style: Shelby), alterations by I Sew Rockhampton Groom’s Suit: Christian Brookes Hair & Makeup: Mia Makeup Flowers: Studio Alyssum Cake: Spoonful of Sugar Cakes Rings: B&G Jewellery @bg_jewellers Styling: Christie, The Prop People Catering & Music: Kingfisher Bay Resort