From seaside chapel vows to dancing in the rain, Amber and Martin’s joyful union celebrated love in the Queensland tropics.
For Golden Guitar-winning country singer Amber (Lawrence), her first trip to Port Douglas with new fiancé Martin was a game changer. “We saw the church and Sugar Wharf, and because we enjoyed our holiday so much (the weather, food, overall environment) we decided then and there to have a destination wedding in Port Douglas,” she says.
The couple dipped into the region’s wealth of wedding expertise to create a magical experience. Working with local pros Port Douglas Weddings, they also embarked on a three-day ‘food tasting’ mission to ensure their 120 cherished guests would enjoy a top-notch reception!
When the happy day arrived, Amber and Martin wed at the iconic St Mary’s by the Sea chapel, with the bride wearing a gorgeous lace gown created by her sister Peta. The party then segued over to historic Sugar Wharf for Champagne toasts and gourmet canapés — the location-perfect fish & chips were a standout — and sensational sunset vistas.
With everyone in holiday mode, the celebration carried a relaxed, upbeat vibe … just as the couple had hoped. “We had a few days to spend with our guests,” says Amber. “So, our wedding wasn’t a frenzy of catch ups, we got to enjoy the dancing and eating without worrying about ‘working the room’.”
The evening also delivered an unexpected weather highlight, as Amber explains. “Two of my most precious memories are walking down the aisle on my brother’s arm, and dancing with my new husband to The Horses in the soaking, tropical rain!!” Guests shared in the festive spirit, with positive feedback still flowing in about “the church, the sunset, the location, the band, and dancing in the rain!” says Amber.
The newlyweds enjoyed a few extra days in Port Douglas before jetting off for a belated honeymoon in the USA a few months later. And their advice for couples contemplating a destination wedding?
“Just do it!” says Amber. “It’s the best way to have a wedding — your guests are happy, you’re all on holidays, and you’ve created a special place that you can always go back to on holidays to ‘remember when’…”
The Details:
Wedding date: 2/5/2019 // Ceremony: St Mary’s by the Sea // Reception: Port Douglas Catering at the Sugar Wharf, Port Douglas // Wedding planner: Bride with assistance from Port Douglas Weddings // Photography: Jacky Cooke, Port Douglas Wedding Photography // Dress: Peta Lawrence Bridal
