the real thing - hunter valley wedding planner€¦ · · 2017-03-29the real thing looking for...

THE REAL THINGLooking for even more inspiration, or perhaps some useful tips for your special day? We have 9 couples

sharing their wedding stories!

PHOTO Muse Photography (p100)

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HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 167

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

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Rodney proposed on a boat on the Norfolk Broads in the UK on Christmas Day 2015. Emily tells us "He distracted me by pointing out a rare water deer! The deer was jumping through the river weeds, and as I turned around, there he was on one knee."

The ceremony was a result of six months of planning, largely with the help of A Beautiful Occasion which brought Emily's dream to fruition. The 'raw, romantic boho' style was embodied in a stunning floral bouquet and headpiece. Having lost her father and sister in the last five years, it was a heartfelt moment when Emily's mother walked her down the aisle. Celebrant Kim Oakhill told the couple's love story and performed a ribbon wrapping ritual to bind their love. Emily says "Our ceremony was exactly what we wanted – full of love and romance, and a sense of truth and passion."

The reception was on the beach and in the garden of the cottage, with guests lounging on floor cushions in dedicated chill-out zones. Flowers and tea lights adorned the cottage, boho lamps hung in the trees, and the soulful voice of Joel Oakhill on acoustic guitar, combined with the sound of the ocean in the background, created a magical ambience.

Emily's mum catered a buffet reception, with a selection of seafood platters, cooked meats, and beautiful salads. Emily says "Our wedding day really was a fairytale – it was more than we could have dreamed of."

The DetailsCEREMONY & RECEPTION Dolphins Cottage, Soldiers Point CELEBRANT Kim Oakhill PHOTOGRAPHY

Muse Photography (p100) GOWN Grace Loves Lace THEMEING, EVENT HIRE, FLOWERS & PLANNER

A Beautiful Occasion CAKE I Do Wedding Cakes ENGAGEMENT RING Matthews Jewellers (p95)

TRANSPORT Exclusive Vintage Wedding Cars (p210) ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Joel Oakhill

Emily & Rodney7th JANUARY, 2017

EMILY AND RODNEY HAVE KNOWN EACH

OTHER THEIR WHOLE LIVES - THEIR FAMILIES ARE

CLOSE FRIENDS. THE COUPLE TRAVELLED FROM

THE UK TO MARRY IN FRONT OF 25 GUESTS AT

A RUSTIC PORT STEPHENS BEACH COTTAGE –

A DAY EMILY DESCRIBES AS 'FAIRYTALE'.

THEME Romantic Bohemian

HONEYMOON Byron Bay

white + bright + neutral




The MusicWALKING DOWN THE AISLE

River flows in you

(Yiruma)

LEAVING CEREMONY

Caribbean Queen

(Billy Ocean)

FIRST DANCE

Can you feel me

(Anthony Hamilton)

"Our wedding day really was a fairy tale –

it was more than we could have dreamed of."




Brianna chose a custom ivory silk Monique Lhuillier beaded gown with a blush coloured detatchable train, perfectly complemented by jewelled white-floral Dolce & Gabbana shoes. The couple made their original vows to each other on The Anchorage’s Dalton Lawn overlooking the marina, under a tropical wedding arch created by their florist. Pool-side drinks and canapés followed the ceremony, before the main reception began in the Hamptons-styled interiors of The Anchorage.

Brianna wanted a wedding that embodied ‘Luxe champagne sparkle with a hint of Port Stephens Blue’. The stylish Chesworth Room was decorated with crystal vases, candles, silverware, gold cutlery, signs, placemats, and vintage napkins, along with cake and gift tables, plants, signage and a flower wall for the perfect finishing touch.

The Anchorage team created a delectable menu with guests choosing between Thai Beef Salad or Scallops, Pork Belly or Beef Eye Fillet, and Sticky Date or Lemon Tart.

The couple credit their stylists for keeping their budget in check. Brianna says “Hiring your items is definitely the best option to create your unique style without breaking the bank.” Highlight of the day? "It was all great so it’s hard to choose, but probably walking down the aisle with my father, seeing Lucas and all my family and friends, closely followed by everyone’s speeches at the reception. Legendary!"

The DetailsCEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING The Anchorage (p41) PHOTOGRAPHY Ben Adams VIDEO Design

Patrol GOWN Monique Lhuillier THEMEING & EVENT HIRE BWE Wedding Stylists FLOWERS Peter

Herd Floral Design CAKE Fifi La Femme ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Gareth Hudson Duo (ceremony)

and Gareth Hudson Trio (reception), EAO Entertainment (p201)

Brianna & Lucas2nd APRIL, 2016

LUCAS SPENT SIX WEEKS SMUGGLING

BRIANNA’S ENGAGEMENT RING IN AND OUT

OF HOTEL SAFES ALL OVER AMERICA BEFORE

FINALLY PROPOSING IN HAWAII DURING THE

LAST DAYS OF THEIR HOLIDAY.

THEME Coastal Luxe

HONEYMOON Qualia at Hamilton Island

champagne + blue + blush




High on the list of priorities was a traditional ceremony somewhere beautiful. The non-denominational St Patricks of Nulkaba was chosen, with the beautiful 1892 sandstone chapel and landscaped grounds providing the perfect backdrop for stunning photos. Kasey wore a champagne ivory lace gown with a sweetheart bodice, belted at the waist with a crystal band.

The couple were transported in style thanks to ‘Martha’, a 1959 Rolls Royce Cloud. The experience was made extra special with chocolates, strawberries and champagne enjoyed along the way. Prior to the festivities, Kasey and Joey managed to sneak a few minutes alone, enjoying the breathtaking views across the vineyards to the Brokenback mountain range and toasting their amazing day with a glass of champagne. This moment would later

be looked back on as one of the special highlights of their day.

The reception was held in Margan’s Barrel Room, which effortlessly delivered the all important 'wow' factor. Kasey says “The way our reception venue looked was one of our favourite things. We wanted a soft romantic feel. The tables were laid with ivory lace, mason jars were filled with flowers, and hundreds of scattered candles created a warm glow. The overall look was enhanced by silk-draped ceilings and fairy lights.”

The couple ended their special day with a romantic stay at Lavender Ridge Vineyard.

The DetailsCEREMONY St Patricks of Nulkaba RECEPTION Margan (p22) PHOTOGRAPHY April Werz (p117)

GOWN The Ivory Lounge THEMEING & EVENT HIRE Exotic Lily Event Hire FLOWERS Hunter Valley

Bouquets CAKE Sweet Poison ENGAGEMENT RING Matthews Jewellers (p95) TRANSPORT Exclusive

Vintage Wedding Cars (p210) ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Tom Blake Band

Kasey & Joey10th SEPTEMBER, 2016

SYDNEY-SIDERS KASEY AND JOEY WANTED

THEIR GUESTS TO BE ABLE TO ENJOY AN

AMAZING SUNSET AND A SPECTACULAR BARREL

ROOM. THE HUNTER VALLEY, WITH ITS WORLD-

CLASS WINERIES AND PANORAMIC VIEWS

FITTED THE BILL PERFECTLY.

THEME Classic

HONEYMOON ‘Peppers Soul’ in Surfers Paradise

plum + blush + navy




It is now recognised as the moment the two knew they would be together always. Mat later proposed at the very same spot, in front of a crowd of cheering beach-goers.

Laura chose a long-sleeve custom made Melanie Ford gown, designed with an in-built boned corset and lined with flesh coloured silk. An ivory English corded lace overlay and a stunning train that fanned perfectly resulted in the dress of her dreams.

The ceremony was not without a dash of drama, with Mat forgetting to bring the rings to the chapel. Laura’s car pulled over while everyone waited for the groom’s father to dash back and retrieve them. In the end, Laura and Mat got the ceremony they wanted – short and with some of their favourite songs playing softly in the background.

“The reception was one big party!” Laura says. “Our aim was to have great food, great

beverages and great music – and we nailed it! The speeches were very emotional so there weren’t many dry eyes in the house, but when the band started playing everyone got up and had a ball. The real party animals, bride and groom included, kicked on next door at the Goldfish Cocktail Bar until 2am”.

For both Laura and Mat, the most memorable part of the day is the walk down the aisle. "Mat said that all he could think of was 'Wow!' And for me, I just felt immense love as I looked down the aisle, seeing my handsome husband and having our family and friends there with us."

The DetailsCEREMONY St Patricks of Nulkaba RECEPTION Roche Estate CATERING Wine Country Catering

PHOTOGRAPHY James Bennett GOWN Melanie Ford SUITS Rundle Tailoring (p81) JEWELLERY

Matthews Jewellers (p95) THEMEING & EVENT HIRE Decorating Dreams FLOWERS Posies Floral

Artistry CAKE Sweet Poison TRANSPORT Sydney Eleanor Hire and Absolute Vintage Elegance

Laura & Matthew27th AUGUST, 2016

ON THEIR SECOND DATE, MATTHEW TREATED

LAURA TO A ‘WATERFRONT BREAKFAST’

(MCDONALDS ON A BENCH OVERLOOKING

NEWCASTLE BEACH). IT SOON BECAME

APPARENT THAT THE HUMBLE MEAL BELIED THE

GRAVITAS OF THE OCCASION...

THEME Winter luxe

HONEYMOON Niramaya, Port Douglas

black + gold + moody hues




Renee knew exactly what she wanted for her wedding, so living on the other side of the world proved no hindrance to organising the entire occasion herself. Helpful suppliers were key to orchestrating the wedding, with Renee poring over an email stream of configurations, stylings and dimensions.

Renee visited three shops in search of the perfect gown, with an idea of buying something in lace. Renee's mum convinced her to try on one particular gown for a second time, different to what Renee had envisaged - and she fell in love with it. "Elegant and classic, it made me feel like a 1930's movie star."

Celebrant John Scanlon married the couple in a beautifully personalised ceremony with exceptional attention to detail. Guests were regaled with funny anecdotes and stories of their time together,

and Renee and Ben exchanged vows they'd written themselves.

The reception was designed to be a celebration, not only of Renee and Ben, but for all of their friends and family too. Everything was planned to the finest detail, from the entrance (where the bridal party chose the music they entered to), to the sumptuous menu with matching wines.

Renee and Ben stayed in the Hunter for a week after the wedding before flying to Sicily for an amazing honeymoon (expertly organised by Ben) with wine-tasting, breath-taking scenery and relaxation.

The DetailsCEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING Peppers Creek CELEBRANT Hunter Wedding Ceremonies -

John Scanlon (p74) PHOTOGRAPHY Photography on Hermitage (p102) VIDEO Hunter Valley Video

TRANSPORT Princess Classic Cars (p211) GOWN Suzanne Neville, Knightsbridge, London BRIDESMAID

DRESSES House of Fraser (London) HAIR Empire Artistries (p189) ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC XYDJ

WEDDING NIGHT ACCOMMODATION Casa La Vina, Hunter Valley

Renee & Ben24th SEPTEMBER, 2016

LONDON-DWELLERS RENEE AND BEN MET AT

WORK IN 2010. AFTER MONTHS OF 'PLAYING

IT COOL' THEY FINALLY REALISED THEY WERE

MEANT TO BE. WHILE ON HOLIDAY IN VENICE,

BEN MADE A ROMANTIC PROPOSAL ABOARD

A GONDOLA.

THEME Whatever works!

HONEYMOON Sicily

gold + blush + champagne




Regan and Michael met through mutual friends at a party in Bondi five years ago. Three years later, they welcomed their little boy into the world. Michael proposed on a surprise weekend away in Cairns, and the wedding was planned during a whirlwind engagement.

Regan had been driving past Peter Trends on the Pacific Highway at Roseville for 15 years, and always thought how beautiful the dresses in the window were. Fittingly, it was her first stop for gown shopping, and she'd found 'the one' by mid morning!

The couple were married in the stunningly beautiful grounds of Albion Farm, in front of 80 of their nearest and dearest. Rev Deacon Lawrence Caelli officiated a relaxed, happy and meangingful ceremony.

With a good deal of help from family and friends, Regan and Michael brought

in everything they needed to create an ambient and personal reception at the beloved Woodville School of Arts & Community Hall. Both wanted a relaxed wedding with great food, great music and great wine being the priorities. Guests enjoyed extended canapes, followed by a main meal choice of roasted fillet of beef, or sage roasted chicken supreme, perfectly complemented by Hunter Valley wines and French champagne.

Regan's advice? "Keep your wedding as personal and unique as possible. Research helps. And book your photographer early!"

The DetailsCEREMONY Albion Farm Gardens, Woodville RECEPTION Woodville School of Arts & Community Hall

CATERING Teals High St, East Maitland PHOTOGRAPHY Sarkodie Photography GOWN Peter Trends Bridal

SUITS Ken Lane Menswear (p79) THEMEING & EVENT HIRE Beavis ‘Your Event Team’ (p135) FLOWERS

Morpeth Flower Gallery WEDDING NIGHT ACCOMMODATION Albion Way Cottage at Albion Farm

Regan & Michael10th SEPTEMBER, 2016

AFTER SEEING THE BEAUTIFUL IMAGES OF

ALBION FARM IN EDITION 18 OF HUNTER

VALLEY WEDDING PLANNER MAGAZINE,

REGAN WAS EXCITED AND INSPIRED –

SHE JUST KNEW IT WAS THE PERFECT

SETTING FOR A PERFECT WEDDING.

THEME Classic

HONEYMOON upcoming trip to Fiji

cream + deep red + navy




James proposed in New Zealand, where the couple were celebrating eight years of togetherness. Jessie says: "We walked to the end of a pier, and James asked me if I wanted photos for Instagram. He said they would look good with me sitting down on the pier, looking out at the scenery. As I was sitting, thinking I was getting my photo taken, he pulled out a ring and got down on one knee… and took selfies! When I turned around he asked me to marry him."

The ceremony was held outdoors under beautiful Eucalypt trees. Decorating the aisle entrance were wine barrels adorned with flowers, a suitcase confetti stack and a welcoming sign. Guests were seated facing the Wandin cricket pitch, in full view of the vintage sign emblazoned with the words ‘Congratulations Jessie & James’. At the end of the aisle a floral arch, vintage Turkish

rug and scattered pink and white petals completed the bohemian look.

Following the ceremony, live music, lawn games and canapés were served while the bridal party was photographed. Jessie tells us "The food at The Cricketers Pavilion was to die for! In between meals we had speeches from family and friends, which were a highlight. If we weren’t in stitches from laughing, we were in tears from all the wonderful things people said."

Jessie and James exited with a sparkler arch, hopped on the guest bus and headed back to their hotel for an after party!

The DetailsCEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING Wandin Valley Estate (p30) PHOTOGRAPHY Cavanagh

Photography (p110) VIDEO GMTMT Films (p113) GOWN Frankie, Made with Love from Lily Grace

Bridal THEMEING & EVENT HIRE The Vintage Way, DIY Hire FLOWERS Blooms on Darby CAKE Fifi La

Femme ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC Maxx Jackson (ceremony) with DJ Moby Disk (reception)

Jessie & James8th OCTOBER, 2016

JAMES FIRST NOTICED JESSIE AT UNIVERSITY

WHEN SHE POWERED PAST ON HER WAY TO

CLASS. HE TRACKED HER DOWN VIA MYSPACE

(AS IT WAS NINE YEARS AGO!) AND ASKED HER

OUT. THE TWO MET UP OVER HOT CHOCOLATE

AND THEIR LOVE STORY BEGAN.

THEME Bohemian

HONEYMOON Aitutaki & Rarotonga, The Cook Islands

white + green + pink + burgundy




Hannah had a particular bridal designer in mind, but while waiting for her Sydney appointment, she stepped into another bridal store ‘to kill time’. In the space of four dresses, Hannah found ‘the one’, saying “ I just felt so comfortable in it, and it wasn’t even a style I had in mind.”

The wedding ceremony was held in the garden of Greenfield Farm Estate, a place Hannah describes as so peaceful and beautiful that photos don’t do it justice. As luck would have it, the wisteria vine the couple married under went into full bloom just days before the wedding, providing a stunning backdrop in ceremony photographs. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed a surprise treat in the form of Mr Whippy icecream.

A cocktail reception was held on the property in an open pergola strung with fairy

lights. The two story barn next door was home to pre-reception drinks, served from a vintage caravan, with a cheese grazing table providing the perfect accompaniment. During the reception, three hours of continuous finger food was enjoyed, and a table was set up for a choice of lush desserts – lollies, cake and donuts.

Despite burning a hole in her dress with a giant sparkler, Hannah remembers her day as magical and perfect in every way. "Our day was brimming with laughter and dancing. It filled my heart to look around and see all of our loved ones having such a great time.”

The DetailsCEREMONY & RECEPTION Greenfield Farm Estate CATERING H&H Catering PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

Hello Sweetheart GOWN Nicole Miller THEMEING & EVENT HIRE Dan Van Vintage Caravan (p134) &

items hired from The Wedding Designer (p133) and Beavis 'Your Event Team' (p135) FLOWERS Blooms on

Darby CAKE Encore Cake Co WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT RINGS Kadia Jewellery TRANSPORT Kruisin Kombis

Hannah & Kane17th SEPTEMBER, 2016

HAVING GROWN UP WITH THE BEST MAN,

HANNAH MET KANE WHEN SHE WAS 16 AND HE,

JUST A YEAR OLDER. KANE PROPOSED AT MOUNT

TOMAREE, WITH HANNAH SO DELIGHTED,

SHE SKIPPED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN,

ANNOUNCING THEIR NEWS TO PASSERS-BY.

THEME Greenery & Timber

HONEYMOON Vietnam

blush + green + wood




Sofia knew of Rob – he was two years older and high school captain, but it wasn’t until later that the pair got to know each other at a mutual friend’s party. In true country style, they shared their first kiss on a hay bale.

Sofia found her gown much quicker than she expected – it was the fourth one she tried on. She says “I loved it but I was thinking ‘No, I have to keep looking, that can’t be it!’ I tried on 20 more dresses before returning to the first store to buy it.” loved the lace and the back of the dress.

The day of the wedding arrived and so did the wind. Sofia and Rob had planned to marry under the beautiful old fig trees, but creaking trunks and snapping branches posed a danger, resulting in the ceremony being moved slightly further afield to the centre of the lawn.

Long tables were set up in the reception barn, which was adorned with hanging greenery and festoon lighting. Sofia remembers walking in and being ‘wowed’ at the beauty of the room. Guests enjoyed outstanding catering with post-ceremony appetizers, followed by a banquet menu which included fresh oysters, pork belly, salt and pepper squid and lamb. And the memories that stand out from the day? “Having my hair in my mouth (courtesy of the wind) for the 'You may now kiss your bride' moment; and my brother's speech – it had everyone in stitches.”

The DetailsCEREMONY & RECEPTION Tocal Homestead (p34) CATERING Sprout Catering PHOTOGRAPHY Popcorn

Photography (p111) CELEBRANT Jacie Whitfield FLOWERS Justine Rose WEDDING GOWN Maggie

Sottero SUITS Ferrari Formal

Sofia & Robert3rd SEPTEMBER, 2016

SOFIA WAS SLIGHTLY TAKEN ABACK WHEN

THE PROPOSAL SHE’D EXPECTED ON THEIR

EUROPEAN HOLIDAY DIDN’T EVENTUATE.

INSTEAD, ROB WAITED FOR A ROMANTIC

WEEKEND GETAWAY IN SHOAL BAY TO POP

THE QUESTION.

THEME Soft Rustic

HONEYMOON Vietnam

Red Wine + Dark Green + Gold

the real thing - hunter valley wedding planner€¦ · · 2017-03-29the real thing looking for...

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