Katie & Ethan

2 Jan

Excerpt from Julia Rau Blog

‘Katie and Ethan’s wedding at Orchard Barn near Manjimup honestly felt like stepping into a little pocket of forest magic. If you’ve ever wandered around the Southern Forests of Western Australia, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s one of those places that people don’t talk about nearly enough when it comes to weddings – a total hidden gem for couples wanting something a bit different from the usual coastal spots.

Orchard Barn itself is tucked away at Clover Cottage Retreat, surrounded by towering trees and the kind of peaceful natural beauty that instantly slows your breathing down.

One of the things I absolutely love about this Southern Forests wedding venue is the incredible variety of ceremony spots. You can go lakeside, on the lawn, in the cottage garden, down by the river, inside the beautiful barn (a perfect wet weather option!), or – like Katie and Ethan – under that dreamy peppermint tree.

Their ceremony had such a gorgeous vibe. Kate, their celebrant, set the tone perfectly with her relaxed, fun energy – exactly what you want when you’re trying to keep nerves at bay and just soak in the moment. Katie’s mum did a beautiful reading and I loved the ring-warming ceremony, too. The wedding rings were passed around to every guest, to hold for a moment and give their silent blessing. Such a lovely, meaningful idea that made everyone feel part of their story.

There’s just something about the Southern Forests, the towering trees, the sense of calm, that makes weddings here feel extra special. It’s moody, it’s magical, and it’s still a bit under the radar, which is exactly why it’s such a dream spot for couples who want their day to feel personal, intimate and full of atmosphere. There’s also on-site accommodation at Clover Cottage Retreat – with four charming cottages that can sleep up to 24 people comfortably, so your nearest and dearest can really settle in for the whole weekend.’