Samantha and Jonathan // Whitsunday Pavilion
Whitsunday Wedding Suppliers
Ceremony Venue: Whitsunday Pavilion
Reception Venue: Whitsunday Sailing Club
Photographer: Elk & Fir
Celebrant: Jan Harvey
Wedding Planner: Total Weddings
Decorator: Divine Weddings Whitsundays
Florist: Karen Hill Floral Design
Hair: Whitsunday Hair & Make-Up
Makeup: Whitsunday Hair & Make-Up
Caterer: Whitsunday Sailing Club
Entertainment: LA Entertainment
Cake Maker: Rachel’s Baked Creations
Accommodation: Mantra Boathouse Apartments
Transport: Whitsunday Transfers
Tours: Sundowner Sunset Cruises
Videographer: Lost & Wild
Dress: Anna Dutton Couture
Suits: YD
The Proposal
We were in Airlie Beach for our birthday, as Jono and mine fall one day apart. We went on a 4WD tour the day in between our birthdays, and once that was finished we decided to go for pizza at the beach where coincidently our view was The Pavilion.
We are sitting there and I go to grab the bag that our drinks were in, to which Jono quickly grabbed off me, and I knew straight away what was happening.
He pulled out the ring box and he said so nervously “I love you will you marry me?”
I answered “really??” Then a yes and I burst out crying.
Three months after we got engaged we fell pregnant, which was always in the plan. The engagement was the surprise, but then we wanted to wait until our daughter Charlee was old enough to be a part of the day – she’s 2 ½.
Honeymoon Heaven
For our honeymoon we are going on a 9 night cruise to the South Pacific.
Hens and Bucks
We both went to Airlie on different weekends and used the same holiday house. I had a tropical themed pool party, and Jono had a golf day in a wedding dress.
Splurge Vs Save
Our wedding budget was originally $15,000 but that quickly grew to $20,000!
We saved a lot on stationery and we didn’t necessarily splurge. We were quite conscious on what things were costing because it was already over budget.
We didn’t sacrifice on the wedding accommodation and the weekend we spent in Airlie for the wedding .
Whitsunday Wedding Venue
We got engaged in Airlie, we love partying in Airlie and it’s just such a big part of our relationship. We couldn’t have gotten married anywhere else!
The best thing about having a wedding in the Whitsundays is the chilled vibe, the beautiful views and everything was so close for our guests.
The night before the wedding we had an open invite dinner which was great because most of our guests came and it took the pressure off to get around to everyone on the day. Then after the wedding we went on a Sunday sunset cruise with our friends it was a great wind-down.
On the day we got ready at the Mantra Boathouse apartments which was perfect for space, views and so close to everything. Our family and guests stayed in hotels all around Airlie.
We stayed for 6 days in a holiday home!
Wedding Day Vision
Our wedding colour was navy, white, gold and some black. We think it fit the beachy feel.
Sit Down or Cocktail?
We had 82 guests all together and it was a relaxed sit down reception.
Funniest Moment
No mishaps but some guests getting their pants down to Eagle Rock was quite funny, especially Jonos mate wearing a jock strap.
Remarkable Memories
The ceremony – listening to Jono’s vows and our first kiss.
Then the feeling once you are announced as husband and wife and everyone’s cheering whilst you’re walking back down the aisle is amazing and such a relief.
The speeches – listening to your loved ones say such beautiful things about us individually and as a couple is so special
Supplier Shout Outs
Luckily our wedding planner Kasey did all that hard work for us, I did choose our photographer and videographer and they appealed to me because their work and talent is outstanding, and I had to have them be a part of our day.
Bride’s Wisdom
There is a lot of little things we didn’t think of/didn’t save for, and also some things cost more than we thought, so just always have that extra amount added into the budget.
I was originally against having a videographer but I decided to go with one in the end. I am so grateful I did, you really do forget the day and it helped jog the memory especially for the ceremony and speeches.
Be honest to your suppliers – they are there to make the day perfect and can handle any criticism, as long as the bride and groom are happy.
Have a set timeline so everybody knows what’s happening.
