This impeccably styled wedding unfolded around North Queensland’s charming seaside town of Port Douglas. And we loved it so much we made Nicole & Alex our cover stars!
What a showstopper! It’s easy to see why Nicole and Alex inspired our front cover this issue, and we couldn’t wait to get into the details of their magical outdoor event.
“We always knew a destination wedding was for us,” says Nicole. “What other time in your life can you get so many of your closest friends and family together for a holiday? Besides, who doesn’t love incredible tropical photos for their wedding album?!”
In planning their three-day event, including welcome drinks and a poolside recovery, the couple looked to a favourite holiday locale. “Port Douglas holds a very special place in our hearts so we couldn’t think of a better place to have the most perfect wedding,” says Nicole. “Our first trip in 2019 was also our first family vacation with our daughter Sienna, who was 19 months old. It holds an extra special memory as we announced my pregnancy with our daughter Amaliya while we were there!”
Having returned many times with extended family, the couple knew they could bring their wedding vision to life here. “Tropical luxe, modern chic was our vibe,” says Nicole. “We loved the idea of long dining tables and everyone sharing a feast, as if you were at a big family dinner. We wanted to keep it intimate and relaxed but also formal enough for people to get all dressed up and have the time of their lives!”
Entrusting wedding planner Alysia Bridger with their event was key, as Nicole explains. “Planning any destination wedding has its challenges especially when it comes to logistics and not knowing local suppliers,” she says. “We had a clear vision of the aesthetics and how we wanted the vibe of the day to be, and without the input and countless hours of work and research Alysia did, we would never have achieved it. She even flew up to our destination to physically map out the plan and to meet with suppliers.”
The wedding day was pure cinema, with Alysia overseeing every glamorous detail. After a romantic ceremony by the sea, the gorgeous newlyweds moved on to Rex Smeal Park where a custom marquee, complete with glittering chandeliers and masses of fresh blooms, hosted a magical reception. Celebrating under the stars with their daughters and 50 guests is something the couple will treasure forever. And the fun didn’t stop there, with revellers moving to an after-party at Sheraton Grand Mirage and a poolside recovery the next day.
No surprise that feedback has been glowing, with guests blown away by the whole holiday event. “Everyone has commented on how they’d never experienced anything quite like it,” says Nicole. “From the beautiful location to the styling and custom features to the food and overall ambience created with the outdoor reception.”
Clearly, a wedding of this scope doesn’t happen by accident. The bride’s advice? “Do your research and have help!” she says of planning a stress-free event. “Understanding your location’s capabilities and the costs involved in bringing your vision to life is vital to a successful destination wedding and budget. Having someone on the ground or who can travel to liaise on your behalf is extremely helpful too”.
Their big day was breathtaking but the experience went beyond for the couple. “We’re so happy our nearest and dearest could create their own special memories surrounding our wedding by exploring the beautiful location in their own time and really immersing themselves into holiday mode,” notes Nicole. “It’s exactly what we wanted!”
DREAM TEAM:
PHOTOGRAPHY: Inlighten Photography // VIDEOGRAPHY: Soda Films // WEDDING PLANNER: Alysia Bridger Events // DRESS DESIGNER: Inbal Dror // BRIDAL GOWN: Helen Rodrigues Bridal BRIDE’S // SHOES: Jimmy Choo // VEIL: Elie Saab Bridal // ACCESSORIES: Keren Wolf & Jennifer Behr // RINGS: Matthew Ely Jewellery // MAKE-UP: Inspiring Artistry // ADDITIONAL MAKE UP: Makeup by Jasmine // HAIR: Pinned Hair // FLORALS: Florals & Co // CAKE: LoveLeighs Cakery // GROOM’S SUIT: MJ Bale // GROOM’S SHOES: Aquila // BAND/DJ: Limited Edition Band // CELEBRANT: Amber Gillam Celebrant // CATERING: Harrisons PD // FURNITURE/CUSTOM STRUCTURE & STYLING: Harbourside Decorators // CHANDELIERS & FAIRY LIGHTS: Chandeliers To Die For // SIGNAGE & MENUS: KC Times Co // FURNITURE: PD Weddings and Hire + Northhampton Events // AV/SOUND: Osmic Productions // WEDDING CARS: GBR Dream Drives // BRIDESMAID DRESSES: White Runway // DESSERT: Dukes Doughnuts // WELCOME DRINKS/AFTERPARTY/RECOVERY VENUE: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas // ACCOMMODATION: @portdouglasgetaways
