Post on 01-Jul-2018
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THE REAL THING
Looking for even more inspiration, or perhaps some useful tips for your special day? We have 11 couples sharing their wedding stories!
PHOTO Tracey Beveridge Photography (p120)
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THE DETAILSCEREMONY & RECEPTION Pokolbin Hall
CATERING Sprout Catering (p61)
PHOTOGRAPHY Tracey Beveridge Photography (p120)
VIDEO GMTMT Films (p122)
GOWN Lazaro
THEMEING, EVENT HIRE & FLOWERS
The Wedding Designer (p137)
TRANSPORT Kombi Hire
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC RECEPTION
Mobile Millenium DJs
BUDGET $42,000
CHANTELLE+ADRIAN5th September 2015
It was love at first sight for Chantelle and Adrian
when they met on a Contiki tour of Europe.
A few days into the trip, they were inseparable;
and within two weeks, each knew they’d found
their soul mate. When they returned to Europe
in 2014, Adrian proposed in the place they’d met.
Chantelle says “He bent down on one knee and
pulled out the most beautiful ring. I was so happy
and shocked I barely heard anything after that, and
snatched the ring out of the box. Unfortunately,
this was all caught on camera and has been played
to just about everyone!”
With the help of her mother, who fortuitously
owns a bridal shop, Chantelle chose a lace and tulle
mermaid-style gown, and even made her veil from
the off-cuts from the bottom of the dress.
In keeping with time-honoured tradition, the bride
was fashionably late (2 hours – oops!). The guests
who had been waiting outside on the hill had run
into the reception hall when the rain started. Chaos
ceased when the bridal party entered the hall, and
Chantelle walked up the aisle while her brother
sang Ed Sheeran’s ‘Tenerife Sea’. The hall had been
enchantingly decorated by ‘The Wedding Designer’
with a beautiful selection of flowers, long wooden
tables, greenery and fairy lights.
Chantelle’s advice for couples planning their big
day? “The day is totally about the two of you. Let
every part of it represent who you are and you will
not regret anything. Be happy no matter what the
day throws at you. And finally, focus on the most
important part of the day which is to marry the
person you love – everything else comes second to
that”. Sage advice indeed.
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THE MENUBY SPROUT CATERING (p61)
ENTREE
Crispy pork belly with apple and radish salad.
Tomato and cheese arancini with basil mayonnaise and leaf salad.
MAIN
Sirloin steak with mash potato, autumn vegetables.
Roasted chicken breast, pumpkin risotto, rocket and parmesan salad.
DESSERT
Dark chocolate mousse with cherries and coconut sorbet.
Sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and vanilla ice-cream.
THE MUSICAISLE I walked down the aisle to my brother
Nathan singing Ed Sheeran - Tenerife Sea
FIRST DANCE We awkwardly slow danced to Cold Play - Til Kingdom Come
GROOMS PERFORMANCE Adrian performed to Az Yet - Last Night
THE REAL THING THE REAL THING
BONNIE-LEE+DAN15th April 2016
Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first
holiday together since the birth of their child, Dan
asked Bonnie-Lee to check something on his phone.
An image of their little son popped up – he was
holding a sign that said ‘Mummy, will you marry
my Daddy?’ Wedding plans were quickly underway,
with Bonnie-Lee booking a time slot with Grace
Loves Lace the very day they arrived home.
After trying on numerous gowns, Bonnie chose a
beautiful lace skirt and separate top – the perfect
complement to her bohemian inspired style.
Bonnie-Lee describes their wedding reception as
something out of a movie. “We were surrounded
by huge trees filled with candles and flowers, live
music, lawn games, lots of food, wine and the
best company anyone could ask for. We danced,
talked and laughed the night away.” There were no
speeches and no first dance - just a huge party to
celebrate their most cherished day.
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THE DETAILSCEREMONY + RECEPTION
Wonganella Estate Winery (p51)
PHOTOGRAPHY Muse Photography (p104)
THEMEING & EVENT HIRE & FLOWERS
A Beautiful Occasion
FLOWER CROWNS Salamander Village Florist
WEDDING CAKE The Smelly Cheese Shop
WEDDING GOWN Grace Loves Lace
HAIR & MAKEUP Empire Artistries (p202)
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
Jerome O’Conner / Gen-r-8 Entertainment (p210)
BUDGET $16,000178 179
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GRACE+JONATHON16th April 2016
Grace’s 25th birthday is undoubtedly one of the
most memorable of her life – it was also the day
Jonathon surprised her with a proposal on the
Trocadéro, in front of the Eiffel Tower. Although
now living interstate, both Jonathon and Grace
grew up in the Hunter Valley and decided to return
to the area they hold so dear to marry. Grace
chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring
beaded and embroidered lace on tulle, draped over
delustered satin in a fit and flare style.
When it came to their ceremony, the couple
wished for something simple that reflected them
and what they believe in. Grace tells us “We had a
rose ceremony with our mums, and people loved
the vows we wrote so much they applauded them!”
They chose their location photos to take place at
Scarborough Wine Co. (Gillards Rd, Pokolbin), as
Jonathon worked on the cellar door whilst studying
and had seen many glorious sunsets from the top
of the hill – which they were lucky enough to enjoy
on their special day.
The ceremony was full of laughter, memories and
happy tears – there were entertaining speeches,
a video that continued on from the engagement
party, a full dance floor and a wildly successful
photo booth.
THE DETAILSCEREMONY Peppers Creek Chapel
RECEPTION Peppers Creek Barrel Room
CATERING Wine Country Catering
CELEBRANT Anthony Burke – The Hunter Celebrant
PHTOGRAPHY Cavanagh Photography (p119)
THEMEING & EVENT HIRE Bride and Groom
& Decorating Dreams (Peppers Creek)
TRANSPORT
Natalie’s Limousines (p224) and Prestige Hire Cars
FLOWERS Yeng Tan Floral Designer (p148)
CAKE & BONBONNIERE Farrell’s Cakery
STATIONERY The Little Paper Pantry
SUITS Hugo Boss (Groom)
& Rundle Tailoring (p89) (Best Man)
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Mick Fetch – Hunter Valley
Wedding Entertainment (p216)
BUDGET $60,000
Anthony Burke – The Hunter Celebrant
THE REAL THING
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AMY+JOEL14th November 2015
Despite living on the South Coast, the Hunter Valley holds a very special
place in the hearts of Amy & Joel – it was the setting for their first
romantic weekend away together some seven years earlier. The surrounding
vines and mountains inspired a complementary colour palette of rich wine
and plum tones for the bridesmaid’s dresses and chair sashes. Amy chose a
Sophia Tolli gown with cap sleeves, sweetheart bodice and a chapel length
train in glimmering gold ivory. The ceremony, which began with thanking
the 60 family and friends who made the special trip to Pokolbin, included a
hand-fasting ritual. Amy & Joel have the knot to keep forever as a reminder
of the bond they share.
Choreographed dance lessons paid off, with the first dance proving to be
one of the most unforgettable moments of the day. Dancing to Something
Borrowed’s version of ‘A Thousand Years’, Amy and Joel’s performance was
so tender it left some guests needing a tissue. How do you top off a perfect
wedding celebration? With a Bora Bora honeymoon, of course!
THE DETAILSCEREMONY Wynwood Estate
RECEPTION & CATERING Twine Restaurant
PHOTOGRAPHY Sherringham Photography (p117)
THEMEING & EVENT HIRE
Floral Affects and Event Hire (p147)
TRANSPORT Timeless Travel
FLOWERS Yeng Tan Floral Designer (p148)
WEDDING CAKE Bec’s Cake Creations (p159)
LAWN GAMES The Vintage Events Company
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Something Borrowed
GUEST ACCOMMODATION
Château Élan (p34) & The Sebel Kirkton Park (p38)
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HELEN+SIMON17th March 2016
Helen and Simon met in Mount Isa, arriving on the
same plane to start work as graduates in a copper
mine. For their seven year anniversary, Simon
planned a surprise trip, telling Helen to pack for
10 days away. What followed was a romantic stay
in a beautiful Hunter Valley cabin (The Edge at
Cedars Mount View), champagne, flowers, a wine
tour, and finally… a proposal.
Helen found her wedding dress the weekend after
the engagement, knowing as soon she tried it on
that it was ‘the one’. The couple were married
in an intimate ceremony by Celebrant Jacie
Whitfield, who the couple felt did a wonderful job
of writing a very personal ceremony. The bride did
the themeing herself, decorating the aisle with
stunning florals by Oh Fleur. Food and drink was of
paramount importance at the reception, and Helen
and Simon described the fine fare as ‘just amazing’.
Dinner and dancing were followed by a firework
display, which ranked right up there with the best
moments of the day.
THE DETAILSCEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING
Circa 1876
CELEBRANT Jacie Whitfield
PHOTOGRAPHY Popcorn Photography (p114)
TRANSPORT Slattery Helicopters
FLOWERS Oh Fleur
STATIONERY Fenton Ink
WEDDING GOWN Elizabeth De Varga
WEDDING + ENGAGEMENT RINGS Elstar by Design
SUITS Ferrari Formalwear
HAIR & MAKEUP Jet Hair and Makeup (p204)
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC XYDJ
WEDDING NIGHT ACCOMMODATION
The Convent (p229)
EXTRA SERVICES Kaboom Fireworks (p238)
BUDGET $26,000
CEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING
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SARAH+SHAUN20th February 2016
Sarah was working behind a gym counter, where Shaun
was a member. Shaun eventually plucked up the courage
to ask her out. After that first date, they never looked
back. The proposal was seven years in the making, but
finally happened at the couple’s favourite beach – the
same place they’d shared their first kiss and said ‘I love
you’ for the first time.
Sarah bought her wedding dress a year before the big day.
At the time, she was 18 weeks pregnant, which posed a
challenge, but perseverance paid off, the right dress was
found and then altered by colour, size, length and shape
until it was perfect.
The ceremony was held in the beautiful St Patrick’s of
Nulkaba. Sarah tells us “The live music by Jerome was
amazing and created a beautiful atmosphere. We wrote
our own vows and decided to keep them a surprise from
each other. It was beautiful! I knew that we were both
speaking from the heart and there wasn’t a dry eye in
the house. The ceremony was all I could have hoped for.”
The reception following started with canapés, drinks and
acoustic tunes. Guests relaxed on the lawn area while
the bridal party had photos, before everyone moved into
the spectacularly decorated barrel room for a sumptuous
dinner and plenty of dancing.
THE DETAILSCEREMONY St Patrick’s of Nulkaba
RECEPTION Margan Estate (p35)
PHOTOGRAPHY April Werz Photography (p116)
VIDEO Design Patrol
TRANSPORT Krusin Kombis
FLOWERS Rhondda Dowler
CAKE Melrose Cakes (p158)
STATIONERY Minted
WEDDING GOWN Made by Milca
BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES White Runway
SUITS Rundle Tailoring (p 89)
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
Jerome O’Conner & Master Blaster
WEDDING NIGHT ACCOMMODATION
Crowne Plaza, Hunter Valley
BUDGET $33,000
St Patrick’s of Nulkaba
April Werz Photography (p116)
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THE DETAILSCEREMONY & RECEPTION
Enzo Hunter Valley at Ironbark Hill (p30)
CATERING Café Enzo (p30)
PHOTOGRAPHY Cavanagh Photography (p119)
VIDEO Hunter Valley Video (p120)
GOWN Mia Solano from Luv Bridal, Chatswood
THEMEING & EVENT HIRE & WEDDING FLOWERS
Peonies Floral Designer
TRANSPORT Newcastle Classic Holden Wedding Cars
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
Two Play Strings (p216) and XYDJ
BUDGET $39,000
JEANETTE+ANDREW30th April 2016
Jeanette and Andrew met on a coffee date with mutual friends. It went so well
they ended up staying hours after their friends had left. Andrew planned a
picturesque New Zealand holiday in order to make a magical proposal,
and popped the question over breakfast at their private mountain
view accommodation.
Jeanette found a vintage-style ivory lace Mia Solano gown that she considered
quite perfect for an elegant Hunter Valley wedding. The big day dawned and so
did the rain, which miraculously cleared as Jeanette stepped out of the wedding
car. Jeanette says “As we spoke the vows we’d written, the sun came out and
shone through the glass-backed wall of the chapel. It was like the heavens had
opened up!” The personalised ceremony was made even more special with
the couple’s dog Jersey, acting as (furry) flower girl. The ‘reception room’ was
decorated like an enchanted forest with vines and flowers and a highlight of the
day was walking into the reception and seeing all our friends and families.
The speeches, the food, everything was perfect.”
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ERIN+MITCHELL2nd April 2016
Erin and Mitchell were married by their priest and
family friend, Fr Robert Borg, in a romantic and
intimate ceremony in the small Catholic church at
Wollombi. Erin wanted a wedding that reflected her
love of all things vintage, so when she stumbled
across her perfect gown on Etsy, she went with
instinct and had it shipped from the United States.
“The fishtail added drama, the lace gave a vintage
look, and the blush tone made the dress feel so
unique and romantic!”
Circa 1876 was the perfect location for an elegant
and relaxed reception. Peonies Floral Designer
was briefed with a fresh, vintage-inspired nautical
theme. Barker lounges for the cigar bar were
brought in, along with lawn games, a lemonade
stand and more. Finishing touches included black
and white striped table numbers, glass cloches, and
white flowers in abundance. The most memorable
part of the day? “We had never slow-danced
before, choosing to keep that moment for our first
dance. It was so romantic.”
THE DETAILSCEREMONY
St Michael’s Church (Wollombi)
RECEPTION & CATERING
Circa 1876
WEDDING CAKE Circa 1876 (cake)
Peonies Floral Designer (decorations)
PHOTOGRAPHY Popcorn Photography (p114)
THEMEING & FLOWERS Peonies Floral Designer
HAIR & MAKEUP Chic Artistry (p203)
ENTERTAINEMNT & MUSIC The Music Man Scot Finney
WEDDING NIGHT ACCOMMODATION
The Convent (p229)
BUDGET $60,000
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ALYCE+REUBEN7th May 2016
Alyce and Reuben attended high school together,
and started dating in Year 11. On the night of their
10 year anniversary, Reuben organised a romantic
dinner overlooking the water before proposing in
the couple’s special spot in King Edward Park.
Alyce fell in love with her gown on sight, choosing
an ivory mermaid design, with a sheer back
accentuated with embroidery and beading. The
couple married in perfect weather under a big tree
on the banks of the Paterson River, a lovely aspect
of the stunning Mindaribba House grounds. The
reception room, which was the perfect blend of
contemporary design and historical charm, was
festooned with pink flowers and hanging candles,
with gold sequin tablecloths providing a beautiful
finishing touch, and in perfect keeping with the
blush pink and gold colour theme. Guests enjoyed
pre dinner canapés, followed by alternate mains of
beef rump cap and chicken surprise. Dessert was
the wedding cake consisting of chocolate mud
with mint ganache, as well as a dessert buffet.
The couple’s five week honeymoon across America
was the holiday of a lifetime – a most fitting start
to married life!
THE DETAILS
CEREMONY & RECEPTION Mindaribba House (p42)
PHOTOGRAPHY Candice Campbell Photography (p106)
VIDEOGRAPHY Big Bear Films
WEDDING GOWN Allure Bridal
THEMEING & EVENT HIRE The Exotic Lily Event Hire
FLOWERS Peter Herd Florist
WEDDING CAKE Skye High Cakes & Creations
WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Williams the Jewellers (p98)
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Brown Bear & Hooves
WEDDING NIGHT ACCOMMODATION
Wallalong House (p43)
BUDGET $30,000
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THE DETAILS
CEREMONY
Immaculate Conception Morpeth Church
RECEPTION Walka Water Works, Maitland (p46)
CATERING Sprout Catering (p61)
PHOTOGRAPHY Rose Jane Photo
VIDEOGRAPHY Seventh Box Productions
THEMEING & EVENT HIRE Styling: Two Wild Hands
(p148) Hire: Crab Apple Vintage (p133); The Wedding
Designers (p137)
FLOWERS Two Wild Hands (p148)
WEDDING CAKE Wild Rose Sweets (p160)
WEDDING GOWN Allure Bridal
SUITS Rundle Tailoring (p89)
BUDGET $27,000
Walka Water Works, Maitland (p46)
ANN-MAREE+NICK31ST October 2015
Six years after meeting at work, Ann-Maree and
Nick’s family and friends were eagerly awaiting
news of an engagement. It’s now a fond joke
that Nick finally popped the question when the
Rabbitohs won the grand final. With a traditional
church wedding decided upon, the couple fell in
love with the Immaculate Conception Church in
Morpeth. Ann-Maree says “The sandstone, the moss
on the roof, the stained glass windows - it was
perfect. “ The church service was attended by
95 family and friends, many of whom travelled
from afar to witness the couple’s seven-year
journey to the altar.
The reception was held at Walka Water Works,
a restored and preserved 128-year-old former
pumping station. Ann-Maree wanted the reception
to feel like sharing a meal with friends and family
at home. “We wanted people to relax, mingle
and feel free to move around. We tried to create
little nooks for people to enjoy, from the outdoor
cocktail hour with a grazing table, canapés and
acoustic music; to inside where guests had share
plates and passed the meal around before moving
into the bar corner or benches. The Water Works
were able to be customised exactly as Ann-Maree
and Nick pleased. Family members built the bar,
installed mirrors, and constructed the bridal table,
while warm lighting, greenery, candles and great
food and wine made for an unforgettable reception.
The day is perhaps best summed up by the
Dr Seuss quote Nick cited at the end of his speech,
“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep
because reality is finally better than your dreams.”
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THE DETAILSCEREMONY & RECEPTION
Starline Alpaca Farmstay (p36)
CATERING D’Vine Catering (food) and
Stomp! Winery (wine)
PHOTOGRAPHY Anna Tenne Photography
THEMEING & EVENT HIRE
Dalissa Event Hire (p134) (ceremony)
FLOWERS Octopus’ Garden Florist
WEDDING GOWN Kel-Leigh Couture & Bridal
HAIR & MAKEUP Style by Divine (p204)
and Sophie Lewis Hair
ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Janey’s Alibi
WEDDING NIGHT & GUEST ACCOMMODATION
Starline Alpaca Farmstay (p36)
BUDGET $17,500
MEGAN+DEAN26th September 2015
Megan and Dean met at a party, where she was the
loud, crazy one in a bright pink wig, and he was the
quiet, shy one, watching the party go on around
him. A friendship kicked off that night, though
it was years before they became a couple. After
a year of being forced to live apart due to work,
Megan and Dean bought their first home together.
The day after they moved in, when everyone
helping had left, Dean said he had a housewarming
gift for Megan. When she opened her eyes, amidst
the moving boxes and bubble wrap, there he was
on bended knee. Megan didn’t have to try hard
to find her perfect dress. “I went jogging one
morning and ran right past it in the bridal store
window!! It stopped me dead in my tracks and I
knew that’s what I wanted. It was almost exactly
what I’d pictured – an elegant, simple gown with a
glamorous vintage feel about it.”
The couple married in a romantic ceremony
that was the perfect reflection of them. “It was
natural and green and we overlooked the dam
and vines, and we had alpacas roaming around!”
The reception was the party Megan and Dean had
always imagined, and as all of the guests were
staying in cottages on the property, the evening
could go as long as they wanted. The festivities
started with speeches and ended with dancing in
the early hours of the morning. When most people
had gone to bed, Megan and Dean built a bonfire
and toasted marshmallows with their bridal party
and close family that had travelled to be there.
THE DETAILSTHE DETAILSCEREMONY & RECEPTION
Starline Alpaca Farmstay (p36)
D’Vine Catering (food) and
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