Tipi tent shelters couple from rain at bohemian beach wedding

When Darby and Michael purchased their first home, their wedding plans became clear: a backyard affair.

The couple, aged 31 and 35 respectively, had met years earlier while Canadian Darby was travelling Australia. The love was strong and Michael eventually followed her back to Canada. But their hopes and dreams were Down Under, so they eventually bought and settled on the Gold Coast. “The moment we saw our now home, we envisioned our wedding reception in the beautiful spacious yard,” explains Darby.

They planned for a relaxed, romantic and fun atmosphere for their 30 guests of immediate family and friends on February 23, 2018. “Michael and I always dreamed of a beach ceremony, but unfortunately, the weather on our wedding day had other plans,” says the bride. So their home doubled as their ceremony location too. “In the end, we wouldn’t change a thing. Everything turned out so beautiful and almost better than imagined,” smiles Darby.

And a tipi protected guests from the weather. “The atmosphere under the tipi tent was so relaxed as the rain fell down,” Darby recalls. “All the decorations, flowers and my wedding dress were created by my mum which made everything extra special.”

Photos courtesy of Rabbit and the Bear.

“I love that Jordyn and Andy captured the essence of our day perfectly,” Darby says of their photographers, Rabbit & the Bear.

The pair engaged decor company Hampton Event Hire to transform their Gold Coast home for the bohemian nuptials.

The couple chose their wedding rings from Michael Hill Jeweller.

“We have shared so many firsts together and taught each other so much. I really am a better person because of Michael,” beams Darby.

“It was such a beautiful setting with the most amazing view of the ocean and surrounding mountains,” says Darby of the proposal in Canada.

Video by  Rabbit and the Bear.