Kyah & Dominic's Catlins beach wedding

Now that we're moving into spring, it feels like the right time to invoke the summer day Kyah and Dominic brought everyone they love to their favourite Catlins beach for their wedding ceremony.

Kyah and Dominic during their ceremony Purakaunui Bay Catlins NZ

Kyah and Dominic are Kiwis by choice, with their families in Canada & the UK.

They’ve made Wanaka their home, but when they need to step outside the rush of life, their go to spot is Purakaunui Bay in the Catlins.

No cell phone reception, so much to see and do, especially if you’re into surfing, toasting marshmallows, sandcastle building, wildlife watching and the ever changing weather of the Catlins coast.

They wanted to not only introduce their families to this fabulous spot, but add another happy memory to recollect whenever they visit.

They wanted every part of the day to be joyful rather than stressful.  Every part of the day to be a communal event rather than choreographed.  So once I’d introduced myself to the gathered guests in the carpark, we took off our shoes and took our time wading across the creek and walking across the beach until we were gathered on the beach just a few metres from the shallows.

Shoes off, all of us making our way down the beach for the ceremony

One of the first parts of the ceremony being about taking a minute to feel the sand between our toes, the breeze in our hair, the sun on our cheeks and taking in the view.

Radiant bride Kyah

During the ceremony

Signing the paperwork

We celebrated their marriage with laughter and tears.  We celebrated it with joy.  We raised a glass to Kyah and Dominic as the ceremony closed.  Quite a few of us went for a paddle (that’s Kiwi English for wading in the shallows of the sea with your clothes still on) when it was done.

Paddling in the ocean Purakaunui Bay NZ

After a few group and family photos on the beach, Kyah and Dominic and all of their guests went for an explore on the beach and to Kaka Point to continue celebrating.

It was a perfect example of your wedding your way, which is my favourite way to celebrate two people doing life together.

Kyah in the rock pools after the ceremony

Kyah and Dominic chose to bring me in as celebrant only, taking care of all the other aspects of what truly was their wedding their way themselves.

And that's one of the options I offer. More about everything below, or contact me and we'll have a yarn about your plans, how I can help and your favourite chocolate cake recipe

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Celebrant Only