A winemaker and occupational therapist, Ryan and Katelin are Denmark locals who chose to combine their love of family and the Down South lifestyle to create a truly personal day. Their wedding was a beautiful expression of the couple and came together as a result of the talents and generosity of the amazing group that they surround themselves with. After Ryan proposed to Katelin in 2016 whilst holidaying on the north coast of Spain, they both knew that Denmark was the only place they’d dream of getting married.
“We love where we live. We love the beach and our backyard and wanted our day to be fun and relaxed. Plus, it was a great excuse for all of our friends and family in Perth to come down for a holiday!”
On the morning of their big day, Katelin, Ryan and their guests got ready in various houses around Ocean Beach. The bridal party was transformed by the makeup talents of Tamara Stokes from Little Secret while Sarah Harvey from The Beauty Bungalow styled their hair to perfection. Katelin’s gown was designed by Unspoken and the bridesmaids (her sisters and best friend Lisa) were allowed to choose their own dresses for the occasion. Ryan and his groomsmen wore suits from Politix whilst the florals for the bouquets were provided by their close friend Nadia James. 
The couple were married in a relaxed ceremony at Lights Beach by their close family friend Michael Loney. Since the original staircase to the beach had been washed away, Ryan and his friends had to build a replacement so that guests could join in the celebrations. Katelin planned the day herself and incorporated a folk vibe into the styling to truly reflect the essence of Denmark.
Saying their vows on the beach was the highlight of the day for the couple, who felt it was such a special way to begin their married life. Katelin recalls how excited she was to arrive at the ceremony and the enthusiasm from everyone involved.
“I couldn’t wait to get to the ceremony, I was so ready to go!”
Photographs of the day were captured by the incredible In the Wilds of Someplace, with the post-ceremony shoot being held in a secret glen where blackberry hedges had grown wild. The couple had fun tracking around the bushland with their closest friends to get the perfect shots.
Following the shoot, guests were welcomed back to Ryan and Katelin’s house for a backyard reception. The night was catered by Henderson & Hwang, a duo from Kendenup who served up an amazing spit roasted pig and beef. The semi naked wedding carrot cake was baked by Katelin’s sister Jennifer Dean whilst the other desserts were made by her mother-in-law, best friend and her mum. Furniture for the day’s events was provided by local Denmark event hire company Showgoat Vintage.
Guests came from far and wide, partying on well into the night and drinking wine supplied by Ryan’s own business Express Winemakers. Katelin’s brother-in-law, DJ Jimmy Kinsella, kept the entertainment flowing all night and ensured the dance floor was still full well into the early hours of the morning. The following day, guests gathered at the newlywed’s house and enjoyed a brunch on the back deck, reliving stories from the night before.
All of those involved agree that it was the most perfect day and Katelin and Ryan feel so blessed that their family and friends played such a big part in making it happen. When asked what advice they would give other couples planning their special day, this is what they had to say:
“Stay true to yourselves. Don’t sweat the small stuff and remember to have fun! During the day, take some time to yourselves to take it all in because it’s over before you know it. If possible, delegate jobs on the day so that things run smoothly and remember to write it down!”
The stunning images from Katelin & Ryan’s wedding day were provided courtesy of In the Wilds of Someplace and showcase some of the talented work by the following wedding providers:
Photography In the Wilds of Someplace // Celebrant Michael Loney // Venue Lights Beach // Wedding Gown Unspoken // Suits Politix // Hair The Beauty Bungalow // Makeup Little Secret // Music DJ Jimmy Kinsella // Catering Henderson & Hwang // Décor & Hire Showgoat Vintage