MARGARET RIVER / MARIE X ETHAN'S ADVENTURE ELOPEMENT

Marie & Ethan's Boranup Forest Adventure Elopement / Margaret River

Choosing an off-road adventure to remote, amazing landscapes where they had one of their first dates, Marie & Ethan declared their vows amongst the towering forest along the dramatic coastline of Boranup Forest in the Margaret River region with The Wild Elopement Co.

See inside their romantic forest elopement in Margaret River, captured by Victoria Baker Photography in a quiet moment of heartfelt vows beneath towering trees. Marie, wearing a delicate lace wedding gown and flowing veil, reads her vows as soft natural light filters through the bushland.

Ethan, dressed in a classic black tuxedo, listens intently as the couple share an intimate ceremony surrounded by native greenery. This timeless woodland elopement perfectly reflects the magic of nature-inspired weddings in Western Australia, blending elegance, emotion, and a deep connection to place.

Photographer, planning + coordination @the_wild_elopement_co / Celebrant @weddingsbykate / The Tuxedo @perthtailoringco / The Dress @secondheavenweddingwear / The veil @byfrancesharvey / The Venue @la.foret.enchantee / Hair & makeup @hiddenbeautehmua + @makeupbysrubi / Florals @theredgateflowerpatch / The Reception @hayshedhillweddings / MC & DJ @curtisbutcher

How did you first meet? Marie and Ethan met during medical school, initially convinced they were just friends — meeting for workouts in the park followed by dinner, laughing now at how those “hangouts” were clearly dates in hindsight. A shared love of movement quickly became their strongest connection.

Ethan, with a background in sports science and powerlifting, and Marie, newly stepping away from classical ballet, found common ground training together. Over time, their bond grew through calisthenics, time outdoors, and endless conversations — a connection they’ve continued to nurture for seven years.

The Proposal. Marie first took Ethan to the seaside town of Kalbarri where she had been during her medical placement, quickly falling in love with both the place and its people. While Marie was busy planning their adventures, Ethan seized the moment to propose after a long hike and swim through Kalbarri National Park. What began as a playful handstand photo turned into an unforgettable surprise when Marie came down to find Ethan on one knee — tears, laughter, and truly epic scenery followed.

The Inspiration.
Their wedding vision was inspired by timelessness and nature. Marie, who had once worked as a nurse in a nursing home, was deeply moved by residents’ treasured wedding portraits from the 1920s–1940s — images that felt elegant, enduring, and rich with meaning.

Wanting to honour that same legacy, Marie and Ethan chose classic styling paired with the raw beauty of the Australian landscape, blending tradition with the forests and coastline that have shaped their love story.

The Location. Boranup Forest in Margaret River held special meaning for Marie and Ethan as the setting of one of their very first dates - making it the perfect place to elope. Surrounded by towering trees and a deep sense of awe, the forest felt, as they say, like nature’s cathedral. While they had planned to celebrate at the home they’re building, unexpected delays led them to host their reception instead at a beautiful winery restaurant in the Margaret River wine region, closing the day with food, wine, and heartfelt celebration.

Advice. It may sound cliché, but focus on what truly matters to you, not what’s expected or labelled a “must-have.” Trends come & go; meaning lasts.

The Attire. Ethan wore a custom, handmade suit by well-known Perth tailor, Perth Tailoring Co designed specifically for him. Marie found her gown in a small second-hand shop called Second Heaven Wedding Wear, for a complete steal and well beyond what we could have afforded at full price.

One of Marie's closest friends/bridesmaid, Frances Harvey hand-stitched the mantilla veil, which was incredibly special. Marie tried on countless dresses without ever having a clear vision for the dress initially, but always knew exactly what veil she wanted, something classic and timeless. Together, it all came together perfectly. "We felt like an old-Hollywood couple it was truly magical."

"We often joke that getting married in the Boranup forest felt like standing in nature’s cathedral."

What part of the planning process did you enjoy the most? "We’re not people who particularly enjoy planning parties, so the best part of the process was having our incredible photographer and planner, Victoria, take on so much of the heavy lifting. Her guidance and organisation allowed us to enjoy the experience without feeling overwhelmed."

The First Dance. "As a dancer, it was the only wedding tradition we had discussed wanting to do. Ethan and I took up ballroom dancing together before the pandemic, learning a four-minute routine that blended ballet, waltz, cha-cha, and acrobatic lifts. Somehow managing to performing the full routine without error was not only the greatest relief but also felt like a representation of our commitment to working on challenges together as a duo."

Marie and Ethan’s elopement was a perfect blend of intimacy, timeless elegance, and the raw beauty of nature. From the towering forests of Boranup to the heartfelt personal touches in their attire and ceremony, every detail reflected their story, their love, and their shared sense of adventure. Surrounded by close friends, family, and the Australian landscape that has shaped their journey together, the day was effortlessly magical — a celebration that will be remembered not just for its beauty, but for the genuine love at its heart.