Smashing proposal leads to lovers’ Port Douglas wedding

This proposal was smashing, literally … the pair were being smashed by waves at the time.

Danielle French and Stephen Burke, both 28, met through mutual friends whose persistence to set them up paid off. The radiographer and carpenter refused a few times to be match-made, but eventually gave in one New Year’s Eve. “Perhaps it was fate,” smiles Danielle.

But two years later she moved to Cairns and the romance ended when the couple decided they didn’t want to pursue a long-distance relationship. But that old “fate” had its way and later Stephen followed his future wife north.

Stephen later proposed on a deserted beach near Cairns. “It was amongst the waves – which was rather risky,” laughs Danielle. “We were walking our Jack Russell dog … it took me by surprise, I was oblivious! He even got down on one knee.”

Their Port Douglas wedding on October 23, 2015 included 86 guests with a tropical flower theme. The ceremony at St Mary’s by the Sea Chapel was followed by a reception at the breathtaking Sugar Wharf. “Our wedding day was fabulous; perfect weather, amazing company, delicious food and great entertainment,” says Danielle.

The couple honeymooned in Queensland’s Yungaburra.

Photos courtesy of Azure Photography.

The bride’s elegant hair and makeup was created by Tropical Beauty – a perfect match for her theme.

Danielle wore a delicate lace gown with a V-neck and low back, with her groom in French blue by Roger David.

Guests traveled from as far as Africa (where Danielle is from) and London to see the pair wed.

Port Douglas Catering and Events took care of food at the reception. “Just fabulous!” praises the bride.