Join THE LOVE LETTER BY LYDIA RACHEL, a fortnightly note from me with wedding inspiration, podcast highlights, real weddings I’m capturing, and a few things I’ve been loving lately.

This week, I’m joined by Laura Mohi Ryan, founder of Wild Pilates, and recent bride. We’re chatting all about her somewhat unconventional wedding-planning journey.

Laura and her husband Liam had been together for 14 years. Instead of planning a big wedding straight away, they ended up doing something that suited them perfectly, an epic Indonesian elopement on Sumba Island, just the two of them, plus a photographer and videographer who flew over from Bali.

We chat about:

💜 How Laura and Liam met, and the Italy proposal that totally shocked her (in the best way)

💜 Why they stayed engaged for a couple of years and how that shaped their wedding choices

💜 The “write your list separately” exercise that helped them figure out what actually mattered

💜 Deciding to elope, not inviting anyone, and why they didn’t tell family and friends until afterwards

💜 What their wedding day looked like on Sumba Island, from ocean swims to vows on the sand

💜 Finding her dream two-piece outfit at LVR Bridal, plus the veil moment she didn’t see coming

💜 Doing her own hair and makeup, and the one thing she recommends if you have to DIY it

💜 The best way to tell friends and family afterwards (and why a few sneak peek photos helped)

💜 Budgeting for an elopement without it quietly turning into the cost of a small wedding anyway

💜 Laura’s advice for couples planning right now, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed

💜 A little intro to Wild Pilates and her healthy, realistic approach to feeling good in your body leading up to a wedding

…and so much more!

Follow Laura:

@wildpilates

@lauramohiryan

Let me know what you think of this episode!

You can check out photos from Laura and Liam’s wedding over on Instagram - and make sure you are following ⁠⁠@thekiwiweddingpodcast ⁠⁠

Follow Lydia ⁠⁠@lydiarachelphoto⁠⁠

Find all L & L’s amazing vendors:

Location, Celebrant & Catering: @thesanubari

Photographer: @imanperdana

Videographer: @alokjosaphat

Bride’s Outfit: @lvr_bridal

Bride’s Shoes: @paris__georgia

Groom’s Outfit: @porterjamessports

Groom’s Shoes: @drmartensnewzealand

Rings: @colinbartlett

Makeup & Hair: Bride @lauramohiryan

Pre-wedding makeup lesson: @katesolleymakeup

Also featured on Together Journal.