Ryan & Alicia - A West Coast Wedding at Stonebridge

Ryan and Alicia are the kind of people who just want everyone to have a bloody good time. Both born and bred on the West Coast, they've been together for nine years, and with their beautiful children Ardie and Willa at the heart of their lives, their wedding was always going to be about more than just two people saying "I do". This was a celebration of the family they've built together, surrounded by the people who mean the most to them.

Alicia is a teacher at Lake Brunner School, while Ryan runs his own electrical business. When they're not busy with work and family life, you'll often find them spending time down at their family bach at Lake Kaniere. They're a pretty chilled-out pair who are always up for a bit of fun, and from the very first email, it was clear they wanted a wedding that reflected exactly that. Their plan was simple: one big party, full of love, with around 100 guests, bright florals and plenty of opportunities for everyone to let their hair down. With Ryan coming from a big family and a wedding party who were always up for a good time, we had a feeling this one was going to be a cracker.

The morning kicked off with the girls getting ready at Black on Grey Motels, right next door to the venue. Anna Page from Vibrant Beauty was looking after makeup, while House of Hair  took care of the hair. Alicia's dress was from Wilkins Bridal, and the bright floral touches and bouquets came from The Bridal Collective.

Meanwhile, the boys had plans for a bit of golf simulator action at Mundells Cafe and Multi Hub. Alicia reckoned the difference between the two sides of wedding prep was pretty obvious - the girls would be getting ready while the boys were off playing golf. 😂 Fair enough!

They're often the little pockets of emotion that happen away from the main event, but they can mean the world when you look back on them years down the track. And with Ardie and Willa featuring so heavily throughout the day, there were even more of those family connections to treasure. Having the kids involved made this a celebration of the family they'd already built together, and a chance to create memories they can all revisit in the years ahead.

At 3pm, everyone came together at Stonebridge for the ceremony, with Hami Tangiroa leading the proceedings. After nine years together, Ryan and Alicia were making it official, surrounded by family and friends who had been part of their journey. With their children right there in the middle of it all, this was a pretty special milestone for the whole family.

And then it was time to celebrate. With Jessica Leigh capturing the day through her lens, Antony keeping things moving as MC, and Vito Nonumalo on the decks, the reception had all the ingredients for the big party Ryan and Alicia had been dreaming of. A relaxed atmosphere, a room full of their favourite people and a dance floor ready for action. Ryan's the big sports fan in the relationship, while Alicia's happy to watch along, so there were probably a few sporting conversations happening around the tables too!

Ryan and Alicia nominated their close friend Georgia and sister-in-law Nele to join the Retro Camcorder Crew, with one behind the camera and the other taking on interviewer duties. It's always a fun way to get a different perspective on the day, letting guests have a laugh, get a little silly and share their own take on the celebrations. The footage has that wonderfully nostalgic feel that sits so differently alongside the main wedding film.

Ultimately, Ryan and Alicia wanted their wedding to be one big party full of love, and with Ardie and Willa at the heart of the celebrations, it was also a chance to honour the family they've created together. It was a day with personality, warmth and plenty to celebrate.

Thanks so much, Ryan and Alicia, for having Weka Films along to capture such a special chapter in your family's story. 🩵

🎧 ‘Best Days’ - Graham Colton; ‘Tonight’ - Animal Island
All music licensed through Musicbed