For Kaitlin and Jake, a traditional wedding never quite felt like the right fit. Instead, the couple opted for something smaller, quieter, and far more personal — a beachfront elopement with just their parents in attendance, surrounded by the beauty of Queensland’s Whitsundays.
Held at the luxurious Yangaro in Funnel Bay, just minutes from Airlie Beach, their wedding was equal parts private escape and meaningful celebration.
“We loved that Yangaro was so secluded — it felt like it was tucked away from the world,” says Kaitlin. “Having our families with us, in such a peaceful setting, was exactly what we wanted.”
Set within lush tropical gardens and framed by ocean views, Yangaro is known for its bespoke, high-end weddings — and it delivered in every sense. The venue’s team handled every detail, giving Kaitlin and Jake the stress-free experience they hoped for.
“Yangaro made it all so easy,” Kaitlin says. “The suppliers they recommended were incredible and worked together like family.”
With accommodation on site and a full-service planning team, the couple could truly unwind and enjoy the experience — something Kaitlin encourages for any couple considering a destination wedding.
“Pick the suppliers your venue recommends. It made the day feel effortless, and everyone brought such a beautiful energy.”
After a heartfelt ceremony led by celebrant Kylie McIntosh, the wedding party gathered for a private seated degustation, created by the talented team at Coastal Food Design.
The menu included fresh salmon sashimi cones, local Coral Trout, seared scallops, and melt-in-your-mouth slow-cooked beef cheeks. It was a culinary celebration of local produce, elevated by the setting and shared with the people who matter most.
Despite the intimacy of the day, there was no shortage of joy and humour. A standout moment?
“Jake’s mum proudly told everyone he used to be a model when he was a teenager,” laughs Kaitlin. “He was so embarrassed — it had everyone in stitches!”
From the laughter to the quiet, emotional exchanges, each moment was captured beautifully by Vanessa from Timeless Images, whose lens brought the love, landscape, and little in-between moments to life.
The details of the day were as thoughtful as the setting. Espresso and Bloom created romantic florals that complemented the natural beauty of the venue, while The Sweet Spot Whitsundays crafted a wedding cake that was both elegant and delicious.
Kaitlin had her makeup styled by Joanne Dromgold, and her hair by Erin from LOHST, adding a polished yet relaxed finish to the look — perfect for a barefoot beach celebration.
A Wedding and Honeymoon in One
After the wedding, Kaitlin and Jake stayed on at Yangaro to begin their honeymoon — enjoying the serenity, scenery, and space to soak in the magic of their day.
“One of our guests said it felt like we were on the set of a movie,” says Kaitlin. “That’s how special the location is.”
Advice for Other Couples?
Kaitlin is quick to share her number one tip:
“Book Yangaro!”
Dream Team
Venue: @yangaroresort
Planner: @yangaroresort
Celebrant: @kyliemcintoshcelebrant
Florals: @espressoandbloom
Hair: @l.o.h.s.t
Makeup: @joannedromgoldmakeup
Catering: @coastalfooddesign
Cake: @thesweetspotwhitsundays