THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and...

13
173 172 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)

Transcript of THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and...

Page 1: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

173 172

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)

Page 2: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 175

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

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.

174

Page 3: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 177

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

176 HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au

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

Page 4: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

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.

179

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

Page 5: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

THE REAL THING

HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 181

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

180

Page 6: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

182 HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au

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)

182 183

Page 7: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 185

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

184 HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au

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

184

Page 8: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 187

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

186 HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au

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)

186

Page 9: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

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.”

188 189

Page 10: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 191

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

190 HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au

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

Page 11: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

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

192 193

Page 12: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

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.”

194 HunterValleyWeddingPlanner.com.au 195

Page 13: THE REAL THING Looking for even more inspiration, or ... · Strolling along a Bali Beach and enjoying their first ... chose a Sottero & Midgley gown that featuring ... THEMEING &

THE REAL THING THE REAL THING

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

196 197