In sickness and in health: Sarah and Anthony’s destination wedding

Not many brides miss their own wedding reception, but Sarah Berry was lucky just to make it up the aisle.

Sarah, 30, and partner Anthony Whittard, 28, had been planning their Port Douglas destination wedding for months and arrived in gorgeous North Queensland with their two young children from their home in Canberra before disaster struck.

Sarah was overcome with violent gastro the night before the wedding and on the morning of her big day she felt no better.

“I ended up getting some medication, which made me feel a bit better and got me through getting my hair done, getting dressed and down the aisle,” she says.

The couple wed at The Sugar Wharf on May 14, 2015 in front of 25 guests and, although celebrations continued at The Watergate Restaurant, Sarah was too unwell to take part.

“I felt terrible and I just wanted to go to sleep,” she says.

“So I went back to the hotel with Anthony while our guests went on to the reception without us. I spent the rest of the afternoon and night sleeping while my new husband watched TV and ordered room service.”

While the day may not have gone to plan, Sarah still got to marry the love of her life and, speaking from experience, her advice to future brides is simple: “Try not to get sick!”

Photos courtesy of Rachael Muller Photography.

Poor Sarah had to get beautified by Port Douglas Hair & Makeup while she lay sick on the couch.

“The idea was to have a wedding and honeymoon at once,” says the Canberra bride of their Port Douglas wedding.

Sarah wore a gorgeous strapless ruffle gown from Ferrari Formalwear and Bridal.