In true Whitsunday style, one local couple recently married in the heart of our iconic islands, spending their wedding day aboard Cruise Whitsundays’ Camira and saying their nuptials on a remote beach location.
Kayla and Simon Hodge planned a relaxed wedding day, and their dreams came true when their guest list of 70 family and friends were able to share their special occasion aboard a yacht where privacy and intimacy abounds.
The couple met at a small pub in Tasmania seven years ago and Kayla, who was born in the Sunshine Coast and had been living in Airlie Beach since 2010, soon convinced Simon to follow his heart to the Sunshine State to be with her.
It was 18 months ago that he proposed to the backdrop of the swirling sands, atop the lookout above the iconic Whitehaven Beach.
At that moment, Kayla knew she wanted her wedding day to be as magical as her proposal, so the couple decided that Whitehaven Beach would be their ideal wedding location.
Unfortunately, on their wedding day the winds were too strong, and vessels were unable to travel to the outside of Whitsunday Island in order to get to Whitehaven Beach.
Instead, Chance Bay on the inside of Whitsunday Island was selected.
“We arranged for everyone to get ready on the beach and I got ready with my bridal party on the boat,” said Kayla.
“Then we got the tender straight onto the beach and it was straight from the tender to the aisle – it was just perfect!”
After the ceremony, the party returned to Camira and enjoyed a relaxing sail while the speeches and afternoon tea took place.
“Then the first dance happened by accident,” reflects Kayla.
“After the speeches the music came on and he grabbed me, and we just danced!”
Photography was by Summer Rain and after the shoot Kayla said she was so hot that she made the decision to jump into the sea with her wedding dress on.
“It was so hot, and it felt so good to get in the water – it was beautiful,” she said.
The newly married couple are thrilled with their wedding day, where they made memories they will cherish forever.
“We love Camira, it is such a relaxed day, everything was included, and it was so wonderful to share it with our friends and family,” said Kayla.
“The crew made it so special, they went above and beyond, and we are already looking forward to coming back to celebrate with them again.”
A stunning sky creates the perfect backdrop for the first dance aboard Camira. Photo credit: Summer Rain Photography
The bride a groom take a refreshing dip in Whitsunday waters
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