Rachael & Anthony's Villa Botanica Wedding
"Our day was perfect from the arrival through to the good byes."
Meet Queensland couple Rachael and Anthony, who recently tied the knot at the stunning luxury venue Villa Botanica in Airlie Beach, Whitsunday, QLD.
Read below to find out what made their day extra special, and what wedding vendors they chose!
Tell us a little bit about yourselves.
We met at the gym and sparks flew. We were married on our 4 year anniversary. We fit together like a glove and we know what each other is thinking. We went through hard times (my father diagnosed and passing away from cancer) and Tony was there for my family and I. He is my rock and solid ground that always has my back and picks me up when I stumble.
How was the question popped?
Christmas 2019, my first Christmas without my father. He placed a white heart that read ‘All I want for Christmas is you’ in a jewellery box and I read this and looked up and he was on 1 knee with my ring in a box and asked me the big question.
Where did you get married?
Villa Botanica at Airlie Beach. Tanya our wedding planner was perfect we booked 1.5yrs before the day and spoke to her monthly. All the planning and organising for the wedding was not stressful and easy. Our day was perfect from the arrival through to the good byes.
The venue handled timings, moving our guests around the estate, keeping me from being seen before the aisle, small touches (scissors, bandaids) and being there for me before I saw my groom.
We ended the day by staying in their bridal suite. They did a turn down service and arranged the room beautifully with my bouquet and wedding cake for our midnight snack.
What was most important to you both on your wedding day?
Each other and our dogs that were included in our day.
Who was your favourite wedding vendor and why?
Villa Botanica was so professional. The staff at the venue all wore headsets and ear pieces, so all employees knew what was happening and communication was clear. I.e. when I was walking down to the ceremony, the music started at the correct time and I walked down at the right spot in the song.
The wedding planner was with us for the whole day, she gave us guidance (ie where to hold my bouquet and making sure we had food and drinks). She was amazing!
What was your favourite part of the day?
My favourite part of the day was our first look, we stood around the elephant door and held hands while our dogs looked at the other person and then I stood in front of him and he saw me for the first time. In his words ‘I broke him’ he cried with happiness and for the rest of the day he said ‘I’m still at the door, speechless, you shocked me with your beauty’. It was this small moment of just us that made the time special.
Any other special moments?
The other special moments were getting back to suite and stopping for 20mins before going to the reception. It allowed us a moment to absorb what had just happened and have a private moment to ourselves. Walking into our reception to see our family and guest waiting us. Feeling the love and happiness surrounding us in that moment.
Walking down the aisle and meeting Tony halfway down, embracing and then lighting a candle for the people that couldn’t be with us today, but who we knew were looking over us. Feeling of inclusion of everyone, all family, friends and family that had passed on.
Rachael & Anthony's Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Villa Botanica
Makeup: Selena Clancy Beauty & Makeup
Hair: Amanda Fearn
Florist: Sofia Flowers - Airlie beach
If you loved reading about Rachael & Anthony's wedding, you can view more of our featured Real Weddings - or if you're in the midst of planning your own big day, use the ABIA Wedding Directory to find your ideal wedding suppliers.
