A tropical celebration with all the trimmings set the scene for this joyful union.
Ben and Monika were already sold on the idea of a destination wedding when they considered their favourite holiday spot: Port Douglas. “We also love the beach/water so it’s pretty hard to look past a place as beautiful as Port Douglas,” says Ben.
The Victorian-based couple also had a secret weapon when it came time to design their dream day. “We knew an amazing team that was able to put it all together for us,” reveals Ben. Port Douglas Weddings & Hire brought creative flair, event expertise and a covetable collection of furniture and décor to the table, setting the stage for a glorious “we do.”
Cocooned in the love of 100 guests, the couple pledged their vows beneath a floral-adorned arbour, just steps from the Coral Sea. “Seeing Monika walking down the aisle, it felt like time just stopped and there were a million emotions all at once,” remembers the groom. Awww!
Attention to detail was a hallmark of this chic celebration — from the bridal party’s elegant monochrome palette and Monika’s stunning gown and bouquet to the sumptuous styling of the reception, hosted at historic Sugar Wharf. The mood was romantic rustic-luxe thanks to a mix of timber share tables, masses of florals and greenery, delicate textures, and magical layers of lighting.
The newly minted couple first enjoyed a spectacular photo shoot in the local area before making their entrance through a pair of vintage doors — then the party really kicked off! It was an evening brimming with laughter, dancing, a crowd-pleasing dessert bar and plenty of celebratory toasts. “Our guests drinking the bar dry of vodka shots was pretty amusing,” says Ben. “Very impressive given we had enough vodka for 400 shots!”
After hosting a wedding notable in both scope and detail, the groom has a hot tip for those considering a similar celebration. “Get yourself a good wedding planner,” he says. “This will make or break the planning experience for you. PDW&H was amazing — no detail was missed and they made the organisation side of things a breeze.”
Having friends and family together over a few days was an enduring highlight for the couple. “It was a holiday with all our favourite people,” says Ben. Now that’s a memorable way to start married life!
The Details:
Wedding date: 27.09.2019 // Ceremony: Little Cove // Reception: Sugar Wharf // Wedding planner: Vicki & Byron Kurth & Camila Conca – Port Douglas Weddings and Hire // Photography: Lukas Teasedale Photography // Flowers: Flowers by Wynne // Dress: One Day Bridal // Honeymoon: Minimoon at Niramaya Villas, Port Douglas with a European honeymoon to follow.
