Location: Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef, The Whitsundays // Photography: Brooke Miles Photography // Guests: 22
“The Whitsundays is a magical place to get married, and somewhere our family will treasure forever,” says Canberra-based couple Kayla and Daniel, who finally made it official with a STUNNING destination wedding on Daydream Island.
For the newly minted Mr & Mrs, who have enjoyed over a decade together, wedding bells were ultimately inspired by their children, Frankie and Lachie. “The four of us decided to get married!” says Kayla. And where better than a romantic holiday playground (aka The Whitsundays)? With its balmy climate, kid-friendly vibe, and exquisite locations, Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef ticked every box … and then some! The resort’s exquisite waterfront chapel set the scene while an extended celebration with loved ones created memories the newlyweds will cherish forever.
Kayla takes us behind the scenes of a Queensland wedding years in the making — and explains how this self-described “very untraditional” couple still brought a sentimental touch to their special day.
All good love stories start somewhere; tell us how and when you met …
Dan and I met at the Jerrabomberra Hotel in 2009, where I was working at the time. A mutual friend introduced us about two years before we actually started dating. In 2011, I met Dan again at work where we had a few drinks after my shift with other friends. On the June long weekend, we stayed with our families at their holiday houses and planned to go on a first date at the local golf club. Both our dads dropped us off as if we were teenagers. We were both very nervous but hit it off instantly. We introduced each other to our families the same weekend and have been together since.
Tell us about your lives together …
I moved in with Dan in 2012. We both worked hard in our own businesses to build an incredible future together. In 2013 we got Boston, an American Staffy who is the biggest sook and scaredy-cat of the family to this day. We love our fur baby. In 2016, we decided to extend our family and try for a baby. Unfortunately, this didn’t come easy, leading us down the IVF path. It wasn’t until 2018 that we finally fell pregnant. We were over the moon and decided to get engaged after seven years together. We bought acreage to build and raise our family in a rural setting.
Our first baby, Frankie, showed us a new kind of love and stole our hearts. In 2019, we wanted to have another baby and transferred one of our frozen embryos. We were unsuccessful and discovered secondary infertility was going to be a harder road. We suffered a lot of heartache during this time and were so close to giving up. Due to the financial strain, we put getting married and building our dream home on hold as my heart ached for another baby. In 2021, we gave birth to a healthy baby boy, Lachie. Our family was complete, and we enjoyed every moment of our two children. As a family, we laugh a lot. We try to have fun and live the best life we can.
What does marriage mean to you?
It’s the final piece of the puzzle. We have our two beautiful children, and according to my daughter, all that needed to change was “Mummy’s last name, so we are all the same.” So, the four of us decided to make it official and get married.
Make us laugh, make us cry: who proposed to who, and how?
Dan proposed in 2018, around our seven-year anniversary. We were pregnant with our first baby, so in love, excited for the future, and starting a family. Dan and I went out for dinner, but the restaurant was terrible and not romantic at all, so Dan didn’t propose. The next morning, we were lying in bed with a coffee (what we like to do on weekends), and then he proposed. It was intimate and private – it was perfect!
How and why did you choose your venues?
We were planning to go on a family holiday somewhere warm and kid-friendly where we could elope — but we knew that wouldn’t fly with our families (especially our mums). So, we thought, let’s ask our immediate family and give them the option. If they want to come, they can. If not, that is absolutely fine too. Of course, everyone wanted to come see us get married. We decided on Daydream Island in The Whitsundays, and it was truly magical!
Tell us about your dress …
I found my dream dress at Annabel’s Bridal Studio in Kingston, ACT. The team at Annabel’s was amazing and made me feel all those bridal feels every time I went in. My Stella York dress was the first dress I tried on and was the one that made me feel the most beautiful. It’s sexy and sophisticated with French lace, a skinny plunge neckline, and a sheer peek-a-boo corset back detail using laser-cut lace and tulle. The dress also features a modern scallop lace train. The ladies at Annabel’s made sure my dress fit me in all the right places.
What was your style aesthetic?
Modern elegance with touches of various pinks, white, and greenery, with flecks of gold.
Did you incorporate any traditions or perhaps do something a little different?
Dan and I are very untraditional. We didn’t want a bridal party — just the four of us, looking our best at the altar. I did, however, want to have pieces with me of close family who had either passed or were not able to make the trip. My mum organised for me to wear my late Aunt’s blue opal bracelet, and Dan’s Grandmother let me borrow her stunning diamond and sapphire ring. I was so grateful to wear such elegant, special pieces from strong women.
Any standout suppliers you’d like to mention?
Every supplier involved in our wedding was absolutely amazing. Our team was all familiar with one another so they worked so well together to ensure the day ran smoothly. A special shout-out to Brooke Miles Photography, Erin from L.O.H.S.T, Joanne.D Makeup, Pia from Daydream Island Resort, Divine Weddings, Sweet Spot Creations, Espresso and Bloom, and our celebrant Colleen Farry. What a dream team!
Any words of wisdom for other couples?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Remember to breathe and take in the day, and it goes so fast. Get a good photographer so you can look back and remember your special day for years to come.
How did you honeymoon?
We didn’t have a honeymoon but spent a few extra days at Daydream Island Resort to relax, spend time with our families, and celebrate being newlyweds … finally!
What are you most looking forward to now that you’re married?
Having the same last name and not having to use awkward or confusing titles like boyfriend/girlfriend, partner, or longtime fiancé. Now we are simply husband and wife.
DREAM TEAM
Wedding date: 12/03/2024 // Venue: Daydream Island Resort & Living Reef // Photography: Brooke Miles Photography // Gown: Annabel’s Bridal Studio // Hair: Erin from L.O.H.S.T // Makeup: Joanne.D Makeup // // Flowers: Espresso and Bloom // Coordinator: Pia from Daydream Island Resort // Stylist: Divine Weddings // Cake: Sweet Spot Creations // Celebrant: Colleen Farry
