Rain or shine: Tenielle and Josip's rustic Denmark wedding

When Tenielle and Josip planned their Denmark wedding for October 29, 2022, they knew they wanted to host a relaxed celebration on their Denmark property. “We wanted it to be at our recently renovated farm so that we could celebrate the next chapter of our life on the property we were to call home in the future,” explains Tenielle.

As stunningly beautiful as the Great Southern is, it’s also notorious for unpredictable weather. The heavens opened on Tenielle & Josip’s Denmark wedding day, but spirits remained high with a roaring bonfire, delicious food, and good company.

“Josip and I met in high school, but didn’t begin dating until about 5 years later,” remembers Tenielle. “Josip proposed to me on my 30th birthday while we were away on a brief holiday. The proposal was casual, quiet, and romantic way.”

The pair set about planning their Great Southern celebration, opting for a comfortable and relaxing “festival” vibe for their 120 guests. The wedding preparation was a week-long process to prepare the farm. Tenielle’s mother-in-law to be took on the catering while a bridesmaid with some finely-honed baking skills made an array of desserts.

For her wedding day, Tenielle kept her look classic with a simple yet modern gown featuring a delicate statement sleeve, fitted silhouette, and low back. In keeping with the colour scheme of natural, earthy tones. Josip and his groomsmen wore bone coloured suits with brown shoes and accessories.

Despite many a prayer for a clear day, the weather didn’t hold out. “It bucketed down!” laughs Tenielle. “And we had an entirely outdoor wedding, save for the marquee. The ceremony was outdoor beneath a flower-covered arbour. Everyone had umbrellas because the rain did not let up.” With guests huddled underneath umbrellas, Tenielle and Josip exchanged personal vows and were pronounced husband and wife.

As a the rain continued to come down, Tenielle and Josip snuck away for some wedding portraiture resulting in some stunning photographs. Guests mingled and nibbled on a plentiful grazing board overflowing with delicious treats. As night fell, a huge bonfire was lit and speeches took place within the warmth of the marquee.

The rain unfortunately canned the dance floor, but the happy couple and their guests still stayed up until the early hours of the morning enjoying the celebration before eventually retiring to tents and swags on the property for the night.

We chose the farm because we wanted comfort and freedom. Our farm is our home (or will be) and we could essentially do exactly what we wanted. Perhaps with hindsight we would have chosen a wedding date later in the season to avoid the rain, but perhaps not. The rain caused every one to socialise a lot, so people spoke to others that they probably wouldn’t have if the wedding was more spread out. Other than that, I wouldn’t do anything differently.