Karen & Taryn – A DIY Wedding By The Beach

Sara Hannagan Photography Bunkers Beach House two brides Wedding Perth Dancing With Her

Read Karen & Taryn’s engagement story here.

There was very little stress in preparing for the wedding. We were determined to enjoy the planning and lead-up as much as the day itself. It was fun and exciting, making decisions. Kaz kept everything in order with multiple spreadsheets and regular reports to Taz to ensure everything was agreeable and on track.

We wanted to get married on a beach without the wind that often accompanies a beach wedding. K’s niece, Coralie, was an expert on South West WA beaches and suggested that Bunker Bay was the most beautiful by far – and the fact that it faced north meant that it was somewhat sheltered from the afternoon south-westerly’s.

On our very first visit, we knew it was perfect [even if there was a shark warning on that particular day]. Bunker’s Beach House café was located right on the same beach and served terrific local food and wine, so the decision was made.

The wedding needed to reflect our lifestyle, which involved a lot of time by the beach and hanging out with family and friends. It was important that the styling was simple, meaningful, and relevant.

All the styling was DIY. With family helping to set it up. From signs to games, dessert grazing table, aisle decorations, little extras like blankets and mosquito spray, the corn hole game, drink carts, and music. The biggest DIY project was our first dance mash-up, which involved multiple lessons and practice.

It was all part of the fun and uniqueness of the day. No detail was missed.

The wedding wasn’t just the perfect day – it was the perfect long weekend. Most stayed nearby for three or four nights to celebrate the wedding festivities all weekend with guests traveling from many places. We stayed in a beachside home with the most magnificent views of Bunker Bay.

Day one was sunset drinks at the beach, a meet and greet for guests, and a chance for us to spend time with family and friends without feeling rushed. We kissed goodbye at nightfall and stayed in different houses so we wouldn’t see each other until the ceremony.

Day two was the big day – we started the day relaxed, sipping champagne with hair and makeup. There were no bridezilla moments, except perhaps in the last ten minutes before meeting at the altar. A brides-man was with the wrong wedding party, and Karen realized she would be a few minutes late, and Taryn was going to be waiting longer than planned!

Taryn made her way down the boardwalk on her Dad’s arm to arrive at the beach and see that her song was being played by the actual band and was not a recording. Then Taryn waited ever-so-patiently for her wife-to-be to arrive [late].

The ceremony was full of laughs. K nearly dropped T’s ring in the sand. T vowed to deliver the occasional dutch oven, and also questioned the celebrant when asked to repeat the line, “To the most beautiful woman in the world”. Everyone roared with laughter, it was pure gold!

It’s not possible to put into words how perfect it was – small waves were crashing on the shore, a pod of dolphins was swimming nearby to give their blessings. The sky was a brilliant blue, and the sun was shining with a gentle breeze. We slipped off for some quick photos, where we shared some beautiful moments laughing, kissing, cuddling. To have a moment alone to look at the inside of our rings, each had arranged a secret inscription. We popped champagne and party poppers, got our feet wet, climbed beach rocks, and then promptly made their way back to the party, not wanting to miss out on the fun!

Day three and four were recovery, reflection, debriefing with loved ones, and departing the perfect location to begin the rest of their lives together.