Anna and Chris’s beautiful floral wedding beneath the grand fig tree

When Chris Evans was experiencing one of life’s lows, along came Anna-Rita Auciello.

The Cairns pair initially met online and on their first date, clicked straight away. “Before we knew it we had been sitting chatting for over three hours!” Anna, 24 recalls.

Perhaps their meeting could not have come at a better time for Chris, 30, who was struggling with depression at the time. “We still think it’s amazing that even in those circumstances our relationship was able to grow, and if anything the struggle made us stronger,” reflects Anna.

On August 20, 2016 Anna and Chris exchanged vows among 55 family and friends beneath the giant fig tree at Hotel Grand Chancellor in Palm Cove, QLD. “As soon as we stood on their Fig Tree Deck, we looked at each other and knew this was where we were going to get married,” recalls the bride.

The couple made a point of keeping everything understated, letting the majestic tree and vibrant arrangements by Stella Florist shine for their floral wedding.

“Our photos took place under the palm trees of Palm Cove. And for our reception we were back on the deck, but this time the deck and the fig tree were lit with festoon lights.

“It was incredibly romantic.”

Photos courtesy of Justin Aaron Photography.

Chris’ proposal was particularly thoughtful. After buying Anna a new dress and taking her to get her hair done, Chris took Anna back to the restaurant where they had their very first date exactly three years earlier. “As we stood to leave, Chris dropped down on one knee… We were congratulated with applause from the restaurant,” smiles Anna.

Anna wore a stunning Mori Lee gown with a flattering low-cut neckline and open back.

Leisel from Our Ceremony officiated the pair’s special day. “We clicked straight away and booked her on the spot! Leisel was exactly what we were looking for – fun and down to earth.”

Anna says Nat from Stella Florist brought their floral dreams to life. “She created a 1.2 metre masterpiece love heart wreath which hung from the branch of the fig tree. Her attention to detail and creativity is out of this world!”

“She’s incredibly beautiful,” smiles Chris.

“All the florals from our day looked amazing,” praises Anna of Stella Florist’s work. “And I still have my bouquet!”

“I couldn’t imagine my life without him,” says Anna. “He is my rock – and he has a glorious beard!”

The pair have since gone on a minimoon along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. However, they plan on having a white Christmas European holiday this year as their official honeymoon.

“We loved our wedding because we finally became husband and wife in front of our closest friends and family, and followed it with a fun celebration full of laughter, food, drinks, dancing, and some amazing cake!

The first thing the pair agreed on was their cake by Passion For Cakes! “It was a three-tiered cake with two layers of raspberry and one layer of vanilla mud, with some fun 100’s and 1000’s on the outside.”