Colourful DIY Wedding in Byron Bay with Bikes and Florals

When Barb (she/her) and Marj (she/her) started planning their wedding, they weren’t aiming for tradition, they wanted a party. A proper party. One where motorbikes roared down the aisle, flower mums threw petals to Kylie Minogue, and guests danced under rainbow streamers ‘til way past curfew. Set on Marj’s childhood property in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, their Byron Bay wedding felt more like a queer backyard festival than anything else. And that was exactly the vibe.

With a choreographed bachata first dance, DIY everything, and outfits that were made to move, the day was colourful, chaotic in the best way, and completely their own. From fireball shots at the reception to a forest walk lined with family photos, every detail had heart.

What inspired your wedding vibe and venue?

We wanted our wedding to feel more like a joyful, colorful festival than a formal event. The ceremony was held under two big tallowwood trees with Wollumbin in the background, on the property where Marj grew up, and where we camped on one of our first dates.

Everything had meaning, from the land to the decorations. We even made a “Barj Walk” through the forest with photos of friends and family pinned to the trees.

How did you make the ceremony your own?

We kept our vows short and sweet, and really focused on connection. Our friend Stefania, who’s also a bridesmate, officiated. Every guest held and blessed the rings before we arrived, which made it feel so communal.

Our entrances were wild, the flower mums kicked things off with petals and Kylie Minogue, then our bridemates danced down the aisle in colorful suits. Marj rode in on a Harley Davidson covered in paper daisies, and Barb zoomed in on a flower-decorated moped.

What were some of your non-traditional choices?

We got ready together on the day, which felt really grounding.

No cake, we went with doughnuts instead.

We skipped the parent dances, chose our own aisle entries, and instead of a first dance, we did a full bachata performance, then taught everyone the basic steps so they could join in.

Tell us about the outfits. They were next-level.

We both had multiple looks throughout the day. We did the ceremony in dresses, sourced from A Formal Affair, and then changed into second outfits for our first dance. Barb wore a sheer, sparkly dress that looked like disco met salsa, and Marj wore white pants and a corset top.

We topped it off with holographic boots and massive grins. Comfort, movement and personality were all a must.

What were some of the DIY elements you brought to life?

Almost everything was DIY. We made ceiling decorations, signs, floral elements using home-grown flowers, a photo walk, drinks area, table styling, and so much more.

Friends and family were all-in, we had working bees throughout the year to make it happen.

It honestly made the day even more special knowing how many hands contributed.

What advice would you give couples planning now?

Don’t skip photography or videography. Be flexible with your vision – things will shift – but try not to change your mind every week. Use a spreadsheet to track expenses and check in regularly, but don’t stress if things fall through.

Also, make your wedding feel like you. Don’t get stuck on tradition if it doesn’t serve you.

Did any vendors go above and beyond?

Our florist, Georgie from The Flowerista, was incredible. She blended flowers from Marj’s mum’s garden with local waratahs and absolutely nailed the vibe. It took hours of calls and visits to the farm but the final design was stunning and personal.

Any favorite memories that stand out?

Too many to count, but the bachata dance and teaching everyone how to do it with us was epic. Also, the surprise performances: a rap, a duet, a singalong, and a drag king. They absolutely blew us away.

We finished the night DJing and dancing way past curfew, which felt like the perfect finale.