Hayley + Ryan

How did you meet?

We met in high school, but we both weren’t really friends we just knew of each other. Ryan moved schools halfway through so it wasn’t until a few years later we bumped into each other at party and recognised each other. We shared a drunken teenage kiss that night and we’ve been together ever since, for almost 11 years.

When did you know they were the one?

I think I’ve always known, but I think it was clear when I saw how he treated and loved my family as they were his own. My family is a handful so anyone that can handle them is perfect in my eyes.

What are your three favourite attributes of your partner?

1. He’s extremely calming, I know everything is going to be ok when I have him by my side.
2. He’s as quirky and weird as I am
3. Caring and compassionate, as I said above, towards my family and his family, our high maintenance rescue dog and me

Who proposed and how?

Ryan proposed in Bali. It could have been the most perfect story but he actually had three chances. We went out for dinner one night and on paper it would have been perfect. Dinner at sunset, overlooking the ocean. But it was boiling hot, the service was terrible and we were both disappointed with the food. So he decided that wasn’t the perfect moment. A few nights later we did the same thing, at a different venue. This time, everything was perfect. But he forgot the ring!!!
So in true Ryan fashion, he left the proposal to the last day. He’s a ‘go with the flow’ kind of guy so leaving things to the last minute is pretty standard for him. But, he’d also booked a tattoo on the same day, which ended up taking 7 hours so he left me at the villa, by myself for the entire day. By the time he got home, I had very little patience and was upset we’d wasted our last day of our holiday. He very calmly asked me to come get some fresh air and sit by the pool outside, so I begrudgingly said yes. I turned my back for a second and he was down on one knee. I couldn’t stop crying – happy tears (and it was loud crying, to the point where Ryan forced me back inside because he was worried the neighbours thought I was being hurt!)
So although it wasn’t the most perfect or romantic proposal, it was very ‘us’ – Ryan being calm, me crying, everything working out and going to plan when there was no real plan at all.

Where did you fall in love with your dress and why?

Brides by Design, in Perth Western Australia. The service and care there is amazing. I tried to find something similar on a smaller budget, but I couldn’t find anything that compared.

What was the best moment for you at your wedding?

We did a first look and our vows privately before the ceremony, as we’re both nervous public speakers. It was so special and intimate, and most importantly it took the pressure off. The aisle nerves were eased because we’d done all the stressful stuff already.

What were your favourite details?

I loved my dress (obviously) and my flowers. I also forgot to buy a bag (I’m a very disorganised bride) so I went to a thrift store the day before the wedding and bought a beautiful vintage bag that reminded me of my grandma, and it’s become my favourite thing I own.

What advice would you tell other brides?

Don’t sweat the small stuff, I got very caught up in trying to make everything perfect and fixating on details that no one else would care about except me. We also had our DJ cancel 3 days before due to COVID and at that point I thought there was nothing else that could go more wrong, that felt like the worst thing that could happen. So I went into the day very chill.
I also think everyone says this, but make sure you and your partner have alone time. We loved our moments together and made sure we carved out time for just the two of us.

Any standout vendors?

Our venue was surreal, Old Broadwater Farm is honestly the most beautiful venue in Western Australia and the crew that work there are so professional and accommodating. Our celebrant was the best, she told our love story so well and had everyone laughing, engaging and teary eyed. Also our photographer, she was so chill and calmed me down completely. She captured moments I didn’t even realise were happening! But I actually loved ALL our vendors and felt so lucky to have them as part of our day.