Maxine & James'
Forest Fairy Campout Wedding at Jarrahfall Bush Camp
Some love stories unfold quietly over time, and Maxine and James’ began long before their wedding day. High school sweethearts who grew up side by side, they were engaged around their ten year anniversary and chose to take their time before tying the knot. The long engagement was intentional and, as Maxine puts it, the most relaxing way to plan a wedding. It gave them space to soak in the joy of it all, to revel in the next chapter, and to appreciate the life they had built together, especially during the years they spent adventuring through the Kimberley.
Their October wedding at Jarrahfall Bush Camp was a perfect reflection of who they are. A little boujee, a little boho, deeply connected to nature, and happiest when life feels both abundant and grounded. They envisioned a forest fairy, rustic campout celebration that blended elegance with the simplicity of being outdoors. Jarrahfall delivered all of that and more. Cozy yet elevated, buzzing with energy, full of beautiful details, and set beneath twinkling lights and towering jarrah trees, it was everything they hoped for.
With 150 guests joining them, the atmosphere was warm and joyful. Many stayed on-site, leaning into the true campout experience. Guests filled the bunk houses, set up their swags and caravans, and embraced the glamping tents for a touch of luxury.
The entire weekend carried a sense of playfulness and community, the kind of celebration where no one wanted to go home.
Choosing Dwellingup felt natural from the start. Maxine and James thrive in the outdoors. They were engaged in the Bungle Bungles, so a forest wedding felt like a perfect continuation of their story. Dwellingup has always been a special place for them, and they wanted their wedding to feel like home, like family, rustic, relaxed, and a little off grid. They also loved the freedom of celebrating without a midnight curfew.
Their guests adored the location too. With the majority staying on-site, the weekend became a full retreat. Their morning-after breakfast brought everyone together again, sharing stories from the night before and easing into the day among the gum trees.
One of the biggest highlights of planning was working with their coordinator, Lauren. “Lauren is a queen. Honestly, I cannot relate to wedding stress because I had the best time planning it, all thanks to Lauren being the coordinator. She made everything fun, kept us on track, and took so much off my mental load.”
The forest itself also made the wedding feel incredibly special. Maxine and James have always loved the light in the Dwellingup bush and the way it filters through the trees. Getting married in a setting that felt both meaningful and playful took the pressure off perfection. It was beautiful because it was real, and because it honoured who they are together.
They had looked at wineries, vineyards, and bush venues north, east, and south of Perth, all within two hours, but none matched the feeling they had at Jarrahfall. The combination of the forest setting, the hall as a perfect styling canvas, and the ability to stay for the whole weekend made the decision effortless.
There were plenty of features that made the day unforgettable, but the ability to camp with their loved ones stood out.
“We love campouts and it was such a dream to do probably the biggest campout of our lives with so many friends and family. Being able to keep the celebration going into the early morning, dancing or sitting by the fire pit before falling into our tents, was magic.”
Maxine and James would recommend Jarrahfall in a heartbeat. The forest backdrop is breathtaking, the venue offers complete flexibility, and the experience of having accommodation, coordination, and the entire space included made their day feel seamless and personal.
If they could relive one moment, it would be their first look. “It is something we cannot look back on without butterflies. It was intimate, grounding, and the perfect way to soak it all in and calm the nerves before everything began.” And for the party? The surprise mob dance that family and friends secretly prepared will go down as one of the most unforgettable moments of the night.
Maxine and James’ wedding was everything they imagined. A blend of forest magic, thoughtful details, and spontaneous joy, all shared with the people they love most. A celebration that felt abundant, grounding, wildly fun, and unmistakably them.
