It was a location only many could dream of and for Newcastle couple Joshua Breakwell and Joshua Starr that’s exactly what it was – a dream wedding.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The pair celebrated their $50,000 wedding at the Whitsundays Islands surrounded by family and friends on Friday.
The location and wedding were part of a unique prize they won from The Wedding Planners Whitsundays to celebrate marriage equality.
Whitsundays wedding the prize of a lifetime for Newcastle couple
Newcastle couple Joshua Breakwell and Joshua Starr will tie the knot in the Whitsundays Islands on Friday as part of a unique $60,000 prize they won to celebrate marriage equality.
Speaking from Paradise Cove Resort at Airlie Beach, the duo spoke of their pride at being able to “lead the way” for same-sex marriage and the shock of winning the prize of a lifetime.
“It’s a crown we can wear in all its glory,” Mr Breakwall said. “We know we can lead the way with the incredible wedding that’s been put together.
“At the end of the day, it might just be a piece of paper for some people but to us it’s a whole lot more.
“Throughout this whole process, we’ve really learnt it’s not just about having a wedding it’s about the marriage at the end of it.”
The couple’s prize, which involves 16 suppliers contributing their services free of charge to make the Joshua’s wedding a dream come true, came through a competition ran by the Whitsundays wedding industry.
As part of the promotion, earlier this year the couple invited a range of identities to attend the wedding.
“I entered a competition through Facebook that was put on by Paradise Cove and The Wedding Planners Whitsundays,” Mr Breakwell said.
“It was just tell your engagement and proposal story. I did that and didn’t think much more of it until I got a phone call after a big Facebook live announcement.
“I thought it was a hoax, but it was real and we couldn’t believe it that we won more than $50,000 to go towards a wedding.”
Mr Starr added: “When we first won it we didn’t speak for about the first hour, we were in shock. After that it’s been great planning it. It’s exciting the day is finally here.”
Together for the past six and a half years, the couple had planned on having a wedding in America, which they said would have only allowed for about 10 guests.
But by winning the prize, they’ve been able to include 48 of their friends and family in the special day.
Planning the wedding with locals has also made them some “great friends”, Mr Starr said.
As part of the prize, the couple also had $10,000 to spend on a honeymoon.
“We’re going on a private yacht for five days,” Mr Breakwell said.
“Sailing around the Whitsundays Islands, so that should be nice.”
