Bride and groom hit the jackpot after winning their dream wedding day
It was the wedding of their dreams. Kiah and Joseph still can’t believe their luck after winning a regional tourism competition and eloping to the Capricorn Coast for a spectacular clifftop ceremony.
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An exciting new chapter began for Kiah Joyce and Joseph Collins-Soo Ulugia when they entered a regional tourism competition to win an elopement wedding.
“Dad, you can now kiss your bride.”
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The lucky couple, from Sarina, near Mackay, were chosen from more than
250 entries to tie the knot at one of the most idyllic coastal locations in Queensland – beautiful Five Rocks, a 60km (four-wheel) drive north of Yeppoon on the Capricorn Coast.
The intimate ceremony was gifted by Capricorn Enterprise’s Into the Wild Elopement Team, with the support of 13 local vendors.
Following the ceremony, a surprise helicopter arrived to take the newlyweds on a scenic tour of the area.
“We were absolutely elated with every aspect of the day and each of the amazing businesses who brought it to life ensured that every box was ticked, and every emotion captured,” Kiah says.
“Joe and I are so grateful for this experience and the gorgeous memories of the day will remain with us for a lifetime.”
How did you meet?
We met seven years ago in Rockhampton. Joe was having a little get-together one weekend with a few mates. A girlfriend of mine dragged me along in the hope we would hit it off. I had absolutely no intention of being “interested” at the time but we got along like a house on fire – now here we are.
How did Joseph propose?
Unfortunately there is no exciting proposal story. We always knew we would elope one day and after winning the competition a proposal was definitely not on the cards. When we found out that we’d won, the wedding was just a matter of weeks away.
Honeymoon?
It was straight back home to resume life as normal. With only a few weeks’ notice we figured we will just have a belated honeymoon one day down the track.
What made this uniquely your wedding?
The whole thing was unique I think. It’s definitely not for everyone to have no real say in how their big day will look or play out, and what vendors will be used, but we were super relaxed about it and knew we were in good hands.
Special memories?
Truly the whole thing. We didn’t have any pressure or stress – it was just so relaxed, fun, and easy. We still feel like the luckiest people in the world to have won something so incredible.
Funny moments?
It was kind of funny not knowing what our wedding day was going to look like until the actual day, but there were no crazy moments to mention.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Do whatever you want to do and never get caught up with what anyone else may think or say about it.
THE BRIDE
Kiah Joyce, 24
PROFESSION Stay-at-home dog mum
PARENTS Rhett and Bettina Joyce
DRESS Mason Bridal Boutique, Yeppoon
HAIR NG Hair, Rockhampton
MAKEUP PRO Makeup Studio
FLOWERS Shannon Hawkes Artisan Florals
ENGAGEMENT RING Family heirloom
THE GROOM
Joseph Collins-Soo Ulugia, 28
PROFESSION Aviation firefighter
PARENTS Amosa Soo Ulugia and Jeanette Collins
SUIT Stewart’s
TRANSPORT Rockhampton Helicopters
PHOTOGRAPHY
The Amber Light Photography
CONTACT
hannah.davies@news.com.au
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