An Interview With Katie Nicholas, Founder of Wedding Road, the expert redefining wedding planning in Port Stephens

There is a quiet magic to Port Stephens. An effortless elegance where turquoise bays meet unspoiled coastline, luxury retreats sit harmoniously among national parks, and time seems to slow

just enough to savour every moment. For couples dreaming of a celebration that blends natural beauty with considered detail, it has become one of New South Wales’ most coveted wedding destinations.

At the heart of this flourishing coastal wedding culture is Katie Nicholas, Founder of Wedding Road a planning studio known for crafting timeless, soulful and beautifully orchestrated celebrations.

With her calm presence, refined aesthetic and deep understanding of the region, Katie has become a trusted guide for couples seeking a wedding experience that feels both deeply personal and flawlessly executed.

*Wedding Road* *Founder and Local Port Stephens Expert Katie Nicholas*

We sat down with Katie to talk about what makes Port Stephens so special and her expert advice for couples planning a refined coastal celebration.

Katie, what is it about Port Stephens that draws so many couples to celebrate here?

Port Stephens has an effortless beauty that’s impossible to replicate. The landscape is incredibly diverse from crystal-clear beaches and private coves to rolling bushland, boutique vineyards and breathtaking coastal lookouts. It offers couples an incredible sense of choice while still maintaining the unmistakable calm of a seaside escape. What couples love most is the feeling relaxed, intimate and deeply romantic.

Your work is known for its refined approach and thoughtful detail. How do you begin crafting a wedding

for each couple?

Every wedding truly begins with listening. I want to understand who my couples are, how they live, what inspires them and how they want their day to feel. From there, the design unfolds naturally.

At Wedding Road, we don’t believe in templates. We believe in interpreting personal style with clarity and cohesion, ensuring every element has intention. Whether a couple is drawn to an understated, contemporary aesthetic or something more layered and opulent, thoughtful detail is always at the heart of the experience.

For couples who may not have worked with a planner before, what value do you bring on the day itself?

Peace of mind is everything. A wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime moment where everything needs to flow seamlessly and having an experienced professional by your side allows you to truly be present.

My role is to manage every detail timelines, supplier coordination, atmosphere, flow and the unexpected so couples can focus on the moments that matter. I want them to look back and remember how everything felt, not how everything ran.

What are some of the unique opportunities and considerations when planning a wedding in Port Stephens?

Port Stephens offers incredible flexibility, but with that comes the need for thoughtful planning. Outdoor and coastal ceremonies are stunning, yet they require contingency plans and careful timing.

Availability is another key consideration. The region is in high demand, so securing venues and premium suppliers early is essential. The upside is the opportunity to create a full wedding weekend welcome dinners, beachside recovery brunches and relaxed moments that turn the celebration into a complete destination experience.

If a couple wanted to create a refined coastal celebration, where would you tell them to begin?

Begin with emotion. Close your eyes and imagine how you want the day to feel calm and soulful, modern and polished, intimate and heartfelt. That emotional clarity will guide every decision, from venue selection to palette, design and flow.

From there, surround yourself with experts who understand the region and can elevate your vision.

Port Stephens is home to exceptional suppliers and the right team makes all the difference.

What do you find most rewarding about what you do?

There’s a moment at every wedding often just before the ceremony when everything falls beautifully into place. The couple takes a breath, sees their vision come to life, and realises this is the beginning of their marriage. That moment never loses its magic. Helping couples begin their next chapter exactly as the

imagined is the greatest reward.

With an unwavering commitment to detail, a warm and intuitive approach, and an exceptional understanding of the Port Stephens landscape, Katie Nicholas continues to set the benchmark for elevated coastal weddings. Through Wedding Road, she invites couples to experience a celebration where beauty meets intention and where love is honoured in its purest form.

www.weddingroad.com.au