There is so. much. to love today as we tell the story of Hannah & Joe’s boho wedding full of tropical flair.

This is not just a wedding that is a feast for the senses (that dress! that henna!), that is a riot of colour, of amazing details that are breathtakingly beautiful.  It’s also a feast for the soul. Hannah and Joe who met on a UK dating website set out to create a day, that in the bride’s words was “Boho – Tropical – Cocktail – Colour – Vibrancy – Fun”. There’s an amazing gown for you to dream over, a beautiful ceremony, dapper green wedding day suits, hair flowers, oh and the sparkling chandeliers of the reception. And that’s just the details- wait until you hear the stories! “We’re pretty thankful Hannah & Joe chose The Seitter Woodhouse to capture it all because it means we get to share every little moment with you!

It makes sense that these two tied the knot in Port Douglas, the very same place Joe proposed! Hannah fills us in. “Joe surprised me on a trip to Port Douglas. I knew he had something planned as it was my Birthday weekend away. We went down to the mariner to have a drink at Hemmingway’s Brewery.

He told me to wear something nice (which I always do). He then said we had to wait until 6.45 pm. I saw the Lady Douglas (boat) come in and said ‘Are we going on the Lady Douglas?’ I had been a few times – once with my family and once with Joe. He said no, but then we started walking towards it. I said yes we are. We got there and the captain welcomed us and gave us a drink and then the door closed.. it was just us. So I knew he was going to propose :). We started going out to sunset (away from the normal route) and treated to a bottle of MOET and a fruit platter and as the sun went down over Port Douglas Joe went down on one knee and presented the vintage ring that I had fallen in love with. I said yes! We came back past the Sugar Wharf and knew that we where we had to celebrate.”

The bride received a very special gift on the day of the wedding, sharing “My mum gave me a ring that was passed down in the family from the first daughter to the first daughter on the day of my wedding.”  It was the most beautiful addition to the white-painted henna that celebrant Stephanie Milne painted for the bride. “I had fallen in love with decorative hand henna and could not find anyone in Port Douglas – Stephanie is also an artist and she practised on herself and others to ensure the design I chose she could draw perfectly. She tested Henna and white body pen (which we went with) to see what stayed on the longest.
Stephanie arrived at a great time in the morning (I had begun pacing) I poured my first champagne and sat down and relaxed why Stephanie drew my henna – it was perfect!”

Hannah had a distinct vision in mind for her amazing wedding gown, working with PQ Fine Alterations to design and make it. “I had my dress made by a friend who owns PQ Fashions. I went dress shopping and nothing was inspiring me or made me feel special. I love Dolce and Gabanna and also fell in love with J’aton of Melbourne and wanted something unique.
The dress production began six weeks before with the sourcing of the lace and the tulle – 20 meters of tulle to be exact. The base garment was made from patterned lace. Altogether the construction took 6 weeks – meticulous fine-tuning of the garment and some changes here and there – like the chiffon at the neckline and removal of the underlay and in place two layers of beige tulle to hide my underwear.
20 meters of tulle ruffle was sewn on to the gown after being perfectly pinned in place. The final product was everything I imagined. Balloon sleeves, a fit and flare finish, off the shoulder one-off piece! I loved it.”

The day began with a sweet seaside ceremony at the St Marys By The Sea. Hannah  remarking “We fell in love with the church as soon as we saw it as it has a large window looking over the Port Douglas coast and out to the wharf.”

The groom and groomsmen wore beautiful green suits, custom made by George & King. The look was finished with patterned OTAA ties.

The bride walked down the aisle with her parents to Enya’s “Orinoco Flow”.

“I wanted it to be relaxed,” tells Hannah of the ceremony, officiated by Stephanie Milne. “Stephanie was an amazing celebrant – she understood Joe and I and what we needed from our ceremony. She even bought a Chanel book to hold her notes and our vows. Stephanie set up a beautiful table for us to sign our certificate in the perfect spot and even lent me her wishing well for our cards!

Joe and I are not overly romantic or soppy. We wanted it to be personal and meaningful. We chose to write our vows. I had my aunty read a poem, “To take a step without feet” by Rumi”.

Hannah & Joe loved working with their photographer, noting “Karen was perfect from the start.
I noticed her work when looking for photographers in Cairns and Port Douglas. She was noted as a fine art and fashion photographer – her pictures captured moments. There was no ‘cheese’ no looking at each other from around trees etc.
I met with Karen and was instantly at ease. Karen also shot our engagement party. I could not be more happy with the pictures – they are stunning!”

The bride’s beautiful veil was made by Wendy Louise Designs. ” It was inspired by Dolce and Gabanna’s Spring 2015 Campaigns” explains the bride. “My reception piece was inspired by Carmen Miranda. It was made of large silk peonies in pink hues. It was incredible.”

The beautiful blooms on the day were the handiwork of Flowers By Wynne. “Amazing!” notes Hannah. “I originally wanted peonies but they do not grow in North Queensland so I was advised to choose Grandiflora – large roses. I opted for cerise, fuchsia and blush. I also wanted a tropical feel so I chose painted palms in light blues and lilacs, as well as pampas grass for the dry table decorations.
My bouquet and the bridesmaid’s bouquets were made up of a collection of roses, rabbits tales and greenery – perfect!”

As dusk started to fall, guests headed to The Sugar Wharf to celebrate. Hannah telling “We wanted the Sugar Wharf because of the stunning view and the fact it is a blank canvas – it is open to any styling and theme.”

The bride designed the decor for the wedding herself, falling in love with it all in the process. “Everything to me was special – all the small details from the invitation – a Marc Jacobs design to the ring boxes – vintage. I loved all of it! From the Pinterest obsession to the finally seeing my vision come together on the wharf. I loved writing the run sheet and the mood board and communicating with all the amazing suppliers.”

Hannah and Joe chose “How Soon Is Now?” by The Smiths for their first dance. “It was epic! Self-choreographed – embracing Morrissey (made up on the spot after a couple of drinks)” reminisces the bride.

A big congratulations to you both Joe and Hannah! How we loved being able to share your wedding day stories! Thank you also to The Seitter Woodhouse for sharing today’s beautiful wedding with us.