A Brides Day at Villa Botanica

In May last year Paul, a successful construction manager based in the beautiful Whitsundays, asked his long-term partner Rebecca, a magazine publisher and entrepreneur, to spend the rest of her life with him.

As the happy couple began to plan the wedding, a wide network of friends and family helped it grow into the most anticipated social events of the year. Rebecca explains, “We wanted a small ceremony, held somewhere remote with a few friends. Then I realised there were so many people who needed to be a part of the celebration and we could only get married once…so it had to be huge”.

The first step was finding the perfect location. Originally a private estate, Rebecca learned that the owners of Villa Botanica were redeveloping the venue to accommodate weddings and receptions. Situated on 5 acres of oceanfront, the Villa boasts stunning views of the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday islands as well as one of the most spectacular tropical gardens in the country.

“Villa Botanica is so incredibly beautiful, as soon as I saw it I knew I couldn’t get married anywhere else. The hand carved gazebo, waterlilies, amazing architecture, mosaic floors, it really felt like I’d stepped into another time and place. The morning after our wedding I woke up in the Bridal Villa and momentarily thought I was in the Maldives” says Rebecca. “To be the first bride to get married there was very exciting.” Design and location aside, Rebecca found Villa Botanica’s privacy to be one of its greatest attributes. Rebecca explains, “I had been to several resort and beach weddings where you’re having to share your big day with a whole host of curious onlookers, but to have our ceremony and reception at a private location made all the difference.”

With a strict budget in mind Rebecca travelled to Brisbane to find the perfect dress, “I am a princess and I have always wanted the big meringue. Then I decided to tone it down with a beautiful, hand-beaded gown from Brides by Desire, but I spent three times as much as I intended” she laughs.

And the spending didn’t stop there. With a spectacular location, mounting guest list, over 1000 ivory and brown orchid stems and a bounty of food, wine and entertainment Rebecca had unwittingly created a wedding that her friends would envy for life.

“When our two year old son walked down the aisle and presented us with the rings it was such a powerful moment.” Rebecca continues, “I dreamt of the perfect day and I still can’t believe it came true.”

With its warm, subtropical climate and incredible scenery, the Whitsundays is Queensland’s number one location for destination weddings. For more information, visit www.weddingswhitsundays.com or www.villabotanica.com.au.

Photos of Villa Botanica

A perfect ceremony location overlooking the Whitsundays

Villa Botanic offer stunning gardens for wedding photos

An exotic tropical theme overlooking the Whitsundays