These two first met when they were 18… first impressions?
For Kaitlin, ‘My very first impression honestly was that I had met my match and I was no longer the loudest person in the room’.
For Ethan ‘This ones going to be a handful….. oh yep there she goes, just laughing at her own jokes’ 😂😂
They’ve had 8 years of being together and I doubt they have stopped laughing the whole time! Hanging out with Kaitlin & Ethan on their wedding day sure was a pleasure, they are a happy, adventurous pair of Legends. Makes for great job satisfaction!
An Allegiance Of Cultures
It was while on a snowboarding holiday in Japan in December 2019 that Ethan proposed. They had two weeks of waking up at 10:00, only then deciding which adventure to take on after some YouTube searching of ‘what’s on in Japan’! Kaitlin remembers ‘I loved every minute of that trip and I remember the day before he proposed thinking it was impossible to love him any more than I did getting to share those memories with him. Then the next day he proposed!’
While North QLD has been spared the nightmare lockdowns of the South, COVID still terminated any chance of some family being unable to attend the wedding and they were severely missed, most particularly Kaitlin’s maternal Grandparents who live in Scotland.
It was clear to me from the outset that for Kaitlin & Ethan, family was a preeminent aspect of their day. And what a cool mix huh? With Kaitlin’s Scottish heritage and Ethan’s indigenous roots, this is bound to be an awesome cross!
Ethan’s tribe on his grandmothers side is from Mount Isa, the Kalkadoon or traditionally the Kalkatungu people. Being a tall and athletically built tribe, they were also known as accomplished warriors even outside of the traditional warriors of other aboriginal tribes. His grandfather is Torres straight islander and comes from Moa Island. He led a “traditional” childhood, hunting and fishing for 90% of the meals he and his family consumed. Ethan’s grandfather stayed true to a lot of traditions, passing them on, instilling ‘old school’ values in his grandson.
Kaitlin was also born and bred in North West QLD, her parents living in Julia Creek at that time. Her Mum Kari is Scottish born, the brogue remains firmly in place!
North QLD Delivers
After many months of knowing that at any time, COVID could well thwart their plans, the actualisation of their day unfolded amongst the splendid atmosphere of Lake Tinaroo Resort, a very chillaxed part of the world. The wedding party & guests virtually had the place to themselves and well, that outlook. Sigh. Watch the sildeshow to soak it up for yourself…
Having shot weddings in the highly populated Victoria, where finding a car park can become a proper drama when on a tight schedule, finding myself in these unexposed parts is beautifully uncomplicated. Which, when I think about it, is just how Kaitlin & Ethan’s day went. Beautifully uncomplicated. Perhaps the only challenge was the fact that a breeze blew up during the Ceremony leaving the mostly unaccustomed-to-anythinng-under-25-degrees guests scurrying for a wind break and the bridesmaid’s doing a bit of shivering during the bridal shoot! But, also true to Nth QLD form, they stood strong in the face of challenge and we got the shots
The reception’s speeches did not disappoint with no small measure of emotion at times (I seriously love it when that happens!) accompanied by wonderful food and endless smiling from the head table interspersed with the odd tears. Ethan wore his heart on his sleeve, with all the emotion spelled out on his face at times. There was also a moment when Kaitlin’s Dad Ian was quite overcome with emotion as he spoke of his pride for his daughter, it was so very special.
More From Mr & Mrs Morrison
What Does Marriage Mean To You?
E: a commitment that spans our entire lifetime, no matter how tough things get. With this one will include a lot of laughs along the way.
K: an equal partnership, someone to walk through life and share everything with.
How would you describe your day? How did you feel?
E: not nervous that’s for sure. I just felt really ready to take that step and so grateful for how many of our loved ones were around. Also a tad emotional 😂
K: shockingly calm… nothing really stressed me out on the day to be honest, and that wasn’t something I expected.
Were there any surprises or honourable mentions you’d like to talk about?
E: none that I can think of but I’d like to acknowledge my parents because I didn’t directly get to in my speech. Thank you for the 27 years it took getting me to the altar.
K: I want to shout out to Dad for his arbor! I was too caught up in the moment to appreciate it during the ceremony but I look back in photos and he did an amazing job. Errol too, our MC, killed it. And I’m so incredibly grateful to Sally for suggesting our first look – it was one of the moments from the day I am most grateful for.
How does it feel to be Mr & Mrs?!
E: strangely familiar, and strangely foreign at the same time.
K: honestly like nothings changed. Although I will say how proud I am of my husband for being the absolute perfect groom on Saturday.
Bride’s dress @luvbridal
Groom’s outfit @peterjacksonau
Bridesmaids @showpo
Groomsmen @peterjacksonau
Makeup & beauty @browsandbeautybysr
Hair @_hairbyeva
Shoes @stevemadden
Rings & Jewellery @jbdtownsville
Flowers @idoflowerscairns
Cake Cheldon Morrison (Bridesmaid and grooms sister)
Celebrant @Heart-Celebrations-Amanda-Loftus-Marriage-Celebrant
Videographer Livestream by Cairns AV
Venue @tinaroolakeresort