Location: Villa Botanica, The Whitsundays. Photography: Rolling Portraits Guests: 60
“In a destination wedding, the location has its own ‘bubble’ — it’s your wife and you, with the most important people in your life all in one place,” says Luke. “It’s like time stands still.”
High school sweethearts Teagan and Luke are now well-acquainted with the magic of a holiday wedding, having just celebrated that ‘far from home’ feeling at Villa Botanica in The Whitsundays. Beloved for its glittering Coral Sea vistas, unique backdrops, and impeccable hospitality, this five-acre private estate became the couple’s personal paradise. “It was a tropical oasis; a true destination wedding without the hassles of long travels,” says Luke.
Villa’s sea-facing wedding pavilion hosted the heartfelt ceremony, with the bride’s beautiful smile and Evie Young Bridal gown making a lasting impression. “The most precious memory of the day was definitely seeing my future wife walk down the aisle to me,” says the smitten groom. “I don’t think you can really prepare yourself for that moment.”
A shower of petals and the couple was wed, paving the way for the day’s funniest moment while chasing a Champagne moment at their photocall. “It was my job to shake and release a bottle of Champagne: a lovely spray and shared laughter was expected,” Luke explains. “I was new to this concept and spilled the majority all over myself! I believe we caught the shot nicely though and the laughter was very genuine — just not with me, more at me.”
With loved ones gathered around, the newlyweds enjoyed a picture-perfect reception feast on Villa’s open-air Sea Deck. “It was absolutely stunning,” says Luke. “The sunset turns to twilight over the beautiful waters looking back towards Airlie Beach. Very difficult to find a better place to enjoy your first meal as husband and wife with those who mean the most.”
It was the perfect outcome for a couple who admits planning a wedding around two busy lives can be challenging. “Between work, gym, family, and sport, it’s very difficult to organise the day of your dreams,” notes Luke. “That’s what lead us to Villa. They gave us the freedom and choice to organise our perfect day. However, they handled the dirty work and liaised with all relevant parties and ensured everything went seamlessly. They told us: Relax, don’t stress, we’ll be with you every step of the way”.
And they were! The team’s warm welcome and attention to detail extended to every one of the couple’s family and friends — inspiring “amazing” guest feedback and a glowing recommendation from the groom. “You don’t need to travel across the world to have your perfect wedding,” he says. “Villa ticks all the boxes without the jetlag.”
And how did they honeymoon? Teagan and Luke kept it local with a romantic sojourn to Glenelg and the wine regions of South Australia including the Adelaide Hills. Cheers to that!
The dream team
Date: 25.09.22 // Ceremony, reception & catering: Villa Botanica, The Whitsundays // Photography: Rolling Portraits // Gown: Evie Young Bridal // Wedding planner: Linda Mickelbourgh // Honeymoon: South Australia