Weddings in the Whitsundays: the 8 people you need to know

Whether it’s a grand celebration or an intimate elopement, weddings involve a whole lot of organisation and know-how. If you’re saying “I do” in the tropical Whitsundays, you’re going to want to make friends with these eight people…

Kellie Chart
Owner and operator of Teepeevents Whitsunday

Tipis, teepees – however you spell them, these whimsical beauties have taken over the wedding world recently. The only supplier of ‘giant hat’ teepees in the Whitsundays, TeepeEvents Whitsunday is the brainchild of Kellie Chart, a women who on one occasion drove six hours each way in one day to set up a teepee for a Yeppoon wedding. Kellie takes care of everything – transportation, assembly and dismantling – so there’s no fuss for you on the day.

Mariella Tusino
General Assistant at Palm Bay Resort

You won’t find many people who love their job more than Palm Bay Resort’s Mariella Tusino. And who can blame her? Nestled in the neck of the Great Barrier Reef’s Long Island, the boutique resort is a wedding and honeymoon paradise. You’ll find Mariella busily darting around the resort, making sure everyone wants for nothing, personally remembering your favourite drink order and hooking you up with a buggy transfer to and from your wedding and beachside bungalow.

Georgina Madden
Events Coordinator at The Palm House

You’ll find Georgina planning dream weddings at Airlie’s The Palm House, an accommodation and wedding venue with its own adorable animal farm (perfect for photos) and beautiful vintage VW Kombi for shuttling wedding parties. Flying in and out of Airlie? Georgina also works for Virgin and Tiger Airways, and is the go-to woman for all things flights.

Sharon Gregory
Wedding and Events Sales Manager at Coral Sea Resort

With a pier that stretches out into the Coral Sea and 2.4 hectares of lush tropical gardens, Coral Sea Resort is a favourite in Airlie for weddings. Sharon Gregory goes above and beyond to get couples their ideal day, and thinks of everything – from making sure all of the resort’s staff know who the bride and groom are, to bringing the groom and his groomsmen out early sans sunglasses so their eyes can adjust before the ceremony. Yep, we said everything.

Teena Titley
Owner and Manager of Earlando

This 2,630-hectare, privately-owned property is blessed with private beaches, views of the islands, a rustic jetty, mountains and countryside. Earlando is also home to cattle and mango farms, and is where Angelina Jolie shot part of Unbroken. If anyone knows this place it’s Teena Titley, whose parents and grandparents discovered it in the ’60s.

Todd Jordan and Sophie Sneddon
Chefs and Co-owners of Aquava Boutique Catering and Chefs at Villa Botanica

At Villa Botanica, every last detail is styled to perfection – especially when it comes to food. Consistently delivering edible works of art – such as coral trout fillet, chilli vongole, black mussels and micro herbs with star anise and shellfish broth – the venue’s chefs, Todd Jordan and Sophie Sneddon, work closely with couples to create unforgettable wedding menus. If you’re not already in love with Villa Botanica’s scenery and gardens, Todd and Sophie’s culinary wizardry will have you weak at the knees.

Bianca Burgess
Florist and Co-owner of Le Sorelle Florist

Here at QB we’re in love with Le Sorelle’s work, and the visionary behind it all is Bianca Burgess. One part of the sister-run business, Bianca collaborates on all things flowers – from finding inspiration to personally assembling sigh-inducing creations.

Lucy Hockham
Bar Manager at Lure Abell Point Marina

With five years’ experience as a restaurant manager, in addition to her role as bar manager at Lure Abell Point Marina, Lucy Hockham knows her drinks. Matching delicious tipples with your wedding menu is an art they perfect here, and special requests are welcomed. Lucy’s latest creation? A concoction of watermelon, Caribbean white rum, coconut water and fresh orange and lime juice – perfect for a wedding in the tropics.

Feeling inspired? Find more about these fab experts in the QB wedding directory!

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