Latest news with #AndrewPowell
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Park Guide's Emotional Reaction to Wedding Captures 'True Moment of Connection and Humanity' (Exclusive)
When a park guide walked by Ashley and Andrew Powell's wedding, she stopped to watch their entire ceremony despite not knowing them "It was a true moment of connection and humanity. What a beautiful reminder that we can share in someone's joy and happiness, even if we don't know the person," the bride's best friend, Alexa Sorensen, tells PEOPLE The stranger made sure no one interrupted the ceremony or photos, and helped keep the area "clean and safe"An unexpected guest made a couple's wedding day all the more special. Ashley and Andrew Powell surprised an intimate group of friends and family by hosting a wedding outside on Nov. 16, 2024, in Fells Point, a waterfront neighborhood in Baltimore. The couple privately married a year prior and later wanted to publicly exchange vows in the place where they first expressed their love for one another. What the pair never expected was a park guide to witness their entire ceremony from afar. "It was so intimate, joyful and emotional — surrounded by so much love. This sweet park employee made the entire celebration even better," the bride's best friend, Alexa Sorensen, tells PEOPLE. "We noticed her shortly after the ceremony began, and she stayed for the entire thing." As seen in a video taken by Sorensen and recently posted on TikTok, a woman wearing a lime safety jacket happened to stumble upon the wedding. The stranger, whose name is unknown, stopped just a few feet away from the bride, groom and their officiant, and stayed to watch the entire ceremony. The guide became emotional and even shed a few tears. At one point, she rested her hand on her heart. "As a wedding photographer myself, I am always noticing little moments of human connection, and this one could not be missed," Sorensen shares. "We were all so moved by her sweet reaction — for a couple she didn't even know!" "It was a true moment of connection and humanity," she continues. "What a beautiful reminder that we can share in someone's joy and happiness, even if we don't know the person." The bride tells PEOPLE that the park guide sweetly ensured the area was "clean and safe" for the duration of her ceremony, and shooed off people who weren't supposed to be in certain camera shots. is now available in the Apple App Store! Download it now for the most binge-worthy celeb content, exclusive video clips, astrology updates and more! "Everyone thought it was amazing that she came over and congratulated us and told me how much of a beautiful bride I am," Ashley says. "When I mentioned the [Baltimore] Orioles in my vows, I saw out of the corner of my eye her smile so big like she was so proud to be a Baltimorean." The groom was equally humbled and moved by having someone he didn't know "care enough" to make sure no one interrupted his ceremony. "Also to have her come over crying afterward (when I also was bawling!) just shows that moments of vulnerability can really connect even complete strangers," Andrew tells PEOPLE. "She made our day so much more special than it already was, and I hope she knows how much her words and presence meant to us!" Sorensen has been "crying all week" because of all the heartwarming comments left on the wedding clip she posted. Many TikTok users shared their own stories of how strangers made a lasting impact during various milestone moments. This has reminded Sorensen that "love is all around." Her sentiment is a reference to the 2003 rom-com Love Actually, in which Hugh Grant's character, the Prime Minister, says, "If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around." "People have been so blown away by this display of human connection and sharing in each other's joys," Sorensen says. In a second TikTok post, she compiled her favorite comments. A few examples included: captains honking horns for a couple getting married at a lake, strangers saluting a casket on the way to a funeral, and a woman running up to congratulate a couple after their beach proposal. One TikTok user called the park guide's act of kindness "a quiet reminder that this life isn't just ours alone." They wrote, "It's something we share. Every moment, every connection … it all matters. And we're lucky to be in it together." Although Sorensen nor the Powells have been able to identify or locate the sweet stranger, someone commented on TikTok that they found the woman, showed her the video, and that "she was thrilled." Read the original article on People
West Australian
19-06-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Virgin Australia opens new flights to Qatar from Brisbane
Aussies will be given the opportunity to fly directly from Brisbane to the sandy plains of the Persian Gulf thanks to a new travel route opened up by Virgin Australia. Starting from Thursday, Virgin is launching flights from Brisbane to Doha's Hamad International Airport in conjunction with Qatar airways. Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson said the new flights 'mark the beginning of a new era' for the company and for international travel to Australia. 'Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we're not just launching new routes – we're opening the world to millions of Australians, delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience,' he said. 'This partnership strengthens Australia's global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.' Hamad International Airport supports 48 airlines, and ushers millions of passengers through its terminals every month. Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the new flights to Hamad would position the Sunshine State as a new gateway between Australia and the rest of the world. 'These new flights mean more tourists enjoying everything Queensland has to offer, giving visitors from all over the world affordable ways to reach our communities, boosting business for Queensland tourism operators,' he said. About 2.65 million passengers are expected to be arriving in Doha from Australia annually by this December, which Virgin says will increase 'competitiveness in the market and (provide) ample choice for Aussie travellers wanting to visit Europe, Africa and the Middle East'. Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff welcomed the new flights. 'This marks the most significant increase in capacity between Queensland and Europe in the past two years, and we're confident these new daily flights will boost tourism, strengthen international ties and support Queensland's exporters,' he said. 'It's fantastic news for the Brisbane-headquartered airline and even better news for travellers and Queensland's tourism-driven industry.' Fares are available now for purchase, with some discounts ranging up to 15 per cent for select travel dates between October 16 and March 31 next year.
Perth Now
19-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Virgin starts flights from Brissy to Qatar
Aussies will be given the opportunity to fly directly from Brisbane to the sandy plains of the Persian Gulf thanks to a new travel route opened up by Virgin Australia. Starting from Thursday, Virgin is launching flights from Brisbane to Doha's Hamad International Airport in conjunction with Qatar airways. Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson said the new flights 'mark the beginning of a new era' for the company and for international travel to Australia. Virgin Australia chief executive Dave Emerson, with cabin crew, says the new route is another milestone for international travel from Australia. Supplied Credit: Supplied 'Through our partnership with Qatar Airways, we're not just launching new routes – we're opening the world to millions of Australians, delivering more choice, better value and a seamless global experience,' he said. 'This partnership strengthens Australia's global connectivity while generating jobs, boosting tourism and injecting billions into the national economy.' Hamad International Airport supports 48 airlines, and ushers millions of passengers through its terminals every month. Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the new flights to Hamad would position the Sunshine State as a new gateway between Australia and the rest of the world. 'These new flights mean more tourists enjoying everything Queensland has to offer, giving visitors from all over the world affordable ways to reach our communities, boosting business for Queensland tourism operators,' he said. Virgin Australia has begun its new partnership with Qatar Airways to offer international travel. Supplied Credit: Supplied About 2.65 million passengers are expected to be arriving in Doha from Australia annually by this December, which Virgin says will increase 'competitiveness in the market and (provide) ample choice for Aussie travellers wanting to visit Europe, Africa and the Middle East'. Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff welcomed the new flights. 'This marks the most significant increase in capacity between Queensland and Europe in the past two years, and we're confident these new daily flights will boost tourism, strengthen international ties and support Queensland's exporters,' he said. 'It's fantastic news for the Brisbane-headquartered airline and even better news for travellers and Queensland's tourism-driven industry.' Fares are available now for purchase, with some discounts ranging up to 15 per cent for select travel dates between October 16 and March 31 next year.
Sky News AU
12-06-2025
- Sky News AU
Mackay beach with sand like talculm powder among drawcards, as Queensland ramps up for 2032 Brisbane Olympics
Tourists travelling to Queensland from interstate and abroad will have 45 new ecotourism experiences to choose from as the state prepares for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. Some will be in the World heritage listed Wet Tropics in the Daintree rainforest and Cape Tribulation rainforests and beaches. Andrew Powell, Queensland's Minister for the Environment and Tourism, said the Wet Tropics was of global significance with remnants of the Gondwanaland, the vast prehistoric supercontinent that once covered Australia and part of Antarctica. Some flora and fauna there are found nowhere else on earth. Indigenous groups will operate a new Daintree Cultural and Ecotourism Centre, he said. There will be an upgrade also to Lake Eacham, a crater lake in Crater Lakes National Park. It is about an hour south of Cairns and is a popular spot for swimming and bird watching. In Queensland's far north tourists flock to what may be the world's best beach. MacKay Cay is a tiny speck of real estate off the coast of Cape Tribulation. The sand is like talcum powder. The journey is a pleasant day excursion under sail from Port Douglas. On the mainland, work has begun on the Wangetti Trail, a 94-kilometre hiking and biking trail from Palm Cove to Port Douglas while the Smithfield Mountain bike network in Cairns will be extended by 53km. Mr Powell also flagged new hotels, new international airline connections, new cruise ship stop-overs and upgrades of Great Barrier Reef islands. In outback Queensland there is an emerging dinosaur trail. Palm Island off Townsville, the scene of riots in 2004, will be reborn as an Indigenous tourism resort with new infrastructure to cost $500,000. The improvements to Queensland holiday destinations are part of a 20-year strategy announced by Premier David Crisafulli. Mr Crisafulli said Queensland wanted to attract more sports and cultural events. 'Queensland will become Australia's events and ecotourism capital, delivering more ways for locals and visitors to experience and travel around our great state,' Mr Crisafulli said. The $9 billion upgrade to the Bruce Highway that runs for 1,679 km from Brisbane to Cairns, would increase drive holidays. Mr Crisafulli said a successful tourism industry was essential to the Queensland economy which supports more than 270,000 jobs and generates $115 million a day in visitor expenditure. About nine out of 10 tourism operations are small businesses. The Gold Coast would broaden its appeal by hosting more mega events like the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 and by building on the success of existing events such as the Gold Coast marathon, the world surfing championships, and Blues on Broadbeach musical event. A new visitors hub will be built in the Gold Coast Hinterland in Springbrook National Park with upgrades to the Purling Brook Falls precinct, lookouts and walking tracks. Queensland was also working to attract new international flights to the Gold Coast. Work has begun on a $7.7 million ecotourism centre at Girraween National Park on the Granite Belt in the heart of the Queensland wine district. Mr Powell said a major new tourist attraction was underway on Hinchinbrook Island National Park, or Munamudanamy as it is known to the Indigenous community. He flagged enhancements to the Thorsborne Trail, including new facilities, trail upgrades and new guided tours run in partnership with traditional owners. 'World Expeditions, global leaders in small-group, multi-day, sustainable walking experiences, will work with the Bandjin and Girramay people to deliver small group guided tours rich with Aboriginal culture on the trail,' he said. Meanwhile, Madonna's 1984 hit song Holiday has inspired a big-budget tourism push. Tourism and Events Queensland hopes to crack the 30 million mark for tourist visitations, up from 29 million last year. The Holiday song is performed by Queenslander Kita Alexander. It provides the soundtrack for a marketing campaign inviting visitors to explore iconic destinations like the Whitsundays, the Great Barrier Reef, Gold Coast, Brisbane and the Outback. Madonna first performed her hit song 12 years before Alexander was born. Craig Davidson, the chief executive of Tourism and Events Queensland, said the campaign would help give operators and destinations a meaningful, lasting asset. 'This brand isn't just a campaign – it's a long-term platform the industry can take ownership of and activate in their own way,' Mr Davidson said.
The Age
05-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
‘35,000 screaming tourists': Brisbane's role in new tourism strategy
Attracting bigger events, more business tourism and new product development will be Brisbane's focus for the next 20 years, as the government continues to cement its plan to grow the state's tourism industry. Destination 2045: Queensland's Tourism Future was announced on Monday, but the news mostly concentrated on the introduction of 45 new ecotourism projects. On Thursday, Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell brought together stakeholders at 1 William Street to discuss how Brisbane fits into the plan, with events to lead growth in the local tourism industry. 'If we focus on events, it's sports, culture, music, business,' Powell said. Loading 'You can have a business event that brings in 5000 delegates that books out hotels. It means that your restaurants and your cafés are full. It means there's certainty around employment in those industries and jobs for locals. 'We want to be the events capital of Australia.' The news is not entirely new. Brisbane has been eyeing infrastructure to host larger stadium events since securing the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and has committed to building a new 63,000 seat stadium at Victoria Park.
