When it came to the biggest day of their lives, these high school sweethearts knew just what they wanted: a fun party where all their guests could be free to mingle and enjoy each and every moment. And that's exactly what they got. And they also got married at one of the cutest chapels I've ever seen. Matthew Evans Photography was there to capture all the details of the day including the bride's fun and flirty dress that she designed all by herself. Click here for even more!
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From the Bride...Chris and I are high school sweethearts! We met in high school in Sydney at a shy 12 years old, were good friends throughout our school years, then started dating at age 16. We both studied in Sydney, and then I completed my university degree and was offered a job in Cairns, while Chris remained in Sydney to finish his study. Chris says the one year of long distance relationship made him realize he wanted to spend his life with me, and he surprised me by flying up to propose on a beach near Cairns! We knew it would be lovely to have a Spring wedding in far north Queensland, so started planning the wedding at Port Douglas.
Using a cute personalized ‘love heart’ motif by Cairns designer Bonni Barker, Chris & I hand created all of our stationery- invitations, church booklets, menu’s, signs. It felt like we were back in primary school cutting and gluing, but it was fun to prepare these together in the lead up to our special day and well worth the effort. Our church booklet cover also featured a photograph from our amazing engagement shoot with photographer, Matthew Evans.
I designed my own wedding dress and had it made by Irene Costa of Devine Bridal, Cairns. I always loved the idea of a short wedding dress and it was important to me that I was able to party and dance in it! I also had a special pair of glitter party shoes to change into for the reception which was my favourite accessory.
Our ceremony was held at St Mary’s by the Sea Chapel, Port Douglas, which is a gorgeous, intimate chapel in a beautiful climate. And having our wedding in North Queensland gave our family & friends from Sydney a great excuse for a holiday.
Chris & I had a clear vision of the fun, party vibe that we wanted for our reception, and the Sea Temple Golf Club allowed us to fullfil this idea! We started the night with a selection of cocktail food served at our indoor cocktail bars and lounges, as well as a playful chipping competition onto the golf course. Then an amazing buffet of food was served, with dinner tables arranged along the veranda overlooking the golf course and in the courtyard around a fig tree, decorated with beautiful outdoor lights and lanterns. We did not have a bridal table and allowed our guests to choose their own seats for dinner, which encouraged everyone to eat at their leisure, go back for seconds, mingle, dance, or sneak off to the photo booth! Chris has a big sweet tooth, so a lolly bar was a must. We filled it with chocolates, classic lollies, and lots of sour sweets (Chris’s favorite!).
One of our favorite moments was the dance off between Kate and new sister-in-law Rikka, which got all the guests dancing and doing the “dougie!” Another favorite moment was listening to the beautiful, heart-felt speeches from our parents, Best Man and Maid of Honor. My older sister and Maid of Honor, Amy Jane, surprised us by organizing fire lanterns for all the guests to release and make a wish. It was a lovely gesture and they looked beautiful floating off into the night, too.
Wedding Photography: Matthew Evans Photography / Wedding Dress: Irene Costa of Devine Bridal / Bride's Shoes: Zu Shoes (Blush + Glitter Pair) / Floral Design: Blush Floral / Ceremony Location: St. Mary’s by the Sea Chapel / Reception Location: Sea Temple Golf Club / Music: Millennium Weddings / Photobooth: Foto Fun Booth / Suits: Gibson Clothing / Groom's Shoes: Jeff Banks / Stationery: DIY / Wedding Cake: Passion for Cakes / Rings: Michael Muratore / Transportation: Our Own Car with DIY Decor / Hair: Rikka Perry / Make-up: Gabby De Celis