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Custom Wedding Cakes from Newcastle Bakers

Posted in Newcastle Weddings, Wedding Cakes by HUNTER BRIDE

The CakeChef

The CakeChef

Choosing your wedding cake can be one of the most fun parts of planning your wedding. After all, it’s not every day you get to commission a specialist baker to come up with a magical showstopping creation just for you!

Thanks to modern baking techniques, it’s now possible to order almost any shape and style of cake you desire. That being said, the traditional tiered fruitcake with white icing is still popular.

But whatever your dream cake, you are likely to see portfolios full of beautiful creations to choose from when you visit suppliers of wedding cakes. Newcastle is home to some fabulous wedding bakers. To save you time, we’ve listed specialist bakers of wedding cakes in Newcastle in our Hunter Bride directory.

Gathering ideas

Before you narrow down a shortlist of bakers, get inspired by gathering together pictures of cakes that appeal to you. In discussing ideas for wedding cakes, Newcastle specialist bakers usually find it helpful if you come armed with something you like to show them. They can also offer suggestions, and make recommendations depending on the style of wedding, and also the time of year. Creamy filling in a cake at a summer wedding being held outside is probably not a good idea!

Personalising your cake

Have you thought about a gorgeous wedding cake that includes highly personal references? What about a marzipan dog sitting by the bride and groom figures to represent a beloved pet? If both of you have a keen interest in common, you might create a quirky reference to it in the decoration. If you like scuba diving or dancing, for example, think tiny shoes or diving fins rather than traditional roses.

Is tradition important?

This is really up to each couple. If tradition is important to you, you might ask a designer to copy the look of the cake your parents or grandparents had at their wedding. Or, you might want a cake that reflects your cultural background, such as a French croquembouche tower, or a Danish cornucopia cake.

Some couples like to keep a tier of the wedding cake for the first anniversary. Let your cake designer know if you want to do this, as you’ll need a fruitcake. (Just remember to store it according to the baker’s instructions, so you have the best chance of having something edible one year on!)

Tiers and cupcakes

A wedding cake doesn’t have to be round, nor does it have to be tiered. A tower of individual cupcakes is a modern alternative, which allows for a number of different combinations in the flavour and presentation. This can be particularly helpful if you like several different cake samples, and you’re finding it hard to make up your mind!

Savour the flavour

Remember that the really fun part of finding your perfect wedding cake is the sampling! Make sure you taste examples from prospective bakers before you commit to an order. It’s also a good idea to discuss the full reception menu with your cake designer, to avoid clashing or competing tastes.

Is it time to taste?

If we’ve whetted your appetite to start looking for bakers, click through to our listings for spectacular wedding cakes in Newcastle. The good news is that you are heading for some fabulous taste sensations. The bad news is you might need to fit in an extra trip to the gym after all that sampling!


Perfect Wedding Bouquets: Newcastle NSW Florists Can Help

Posted in Newcastle Weddings, Wedding Flowers by HUNTER BRIDE

Jade McIntosh Wedding Flowers

Jade McIntosh Wedding Flowers

Choosing your wedding flowers is a wonderful part of the wedding arrangements. Who doesn’t love looking at – and smelling – gorgeous flowers? Perhaps you have a firm idea of what you want, or maybe you just have a general colour theme in mind, and you’re in need of inspiration on style. Wherever you’re up to when it comes to deciding on wedding bouquets, Newcastle NSW florists can help you make the final decision. Here are five quick tips to get you thinking about the possibilities, before you head off to find a florist.

Think about your favourites

A good place to start is to make a list of flowers you love. Images are worth a thousand words. Cut out, or print, pictures of flower arrangements you admire.

Consider a colour theme

While a colour theme is by no means mandatory, it’s the perfect way to create a cohesive ‘look’ for your special day. Unless you already have a firm opinion on the colour theme, most follow fashion. Look at the colours of your bridal party for inspiration. Your theme might be the hue of a bridesmaid’s dress, or an accent such as a sash or tie. A colour theme might be comprised of two or even three colours.

While white, pink and red roses are firm favourites when it comes to wedding flowers, florists are able to create bouquets in a wide range of colours and varietals. How about vibrant orange or purple, for example? You might opt for a traditional favourite, or something more exotic.

Look to what’s in season

While it may be possible to create any type of wedding bouquets, Newcastle NSW florists are going to find it easier to work with what’s in season. These flowers will be more easily accessible, may last longer and in general, will be a better price.

Think about styling

A traditional wedding bouquet often has flowers framed with leaves; however there really is a whole world of flower designs available. You might opt for a traditional small circular bouquet, or flowing waterfall style. One popular look in recent times is to have longer stems tied with a single ribbon, or even string for a natural country look. It’s really up to you.

Look for inspiration

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to wedding bouquets. A good florist will certainly be able to assist with your plans, and offer advice on the best flowers for your needs.

You might take a look at the Hunter Bride listings for florists in Newcastle, and browse wedding magazines to look at bouquets and see if there’s anything that catches your eye. This is also a good idea if you’re not too clear on flower names, and will help you learn just what’s what when it comes to wedding flowers.

And after the flowers

So you’ve found the perfect florist and finalised the flowers. You no doubt have a few more things to organise before the big day. The Hunter Bride listings cover all sorts of wedding categories, and will help you find every service and provider you need to find the dress, ceremony location, reception venue and more. If you’re not a local, you might also take a look at the Visit Newcastle website for practical information on the town and surrounding areas.


Wedding Reception Venues: Newcastle Highlights

Posted in Newcastle Weddings, Wedding Reception Venues by HUNTER BRIDE

Waterfront Venues Newcastle

Waterfront Venues Newcastle

Choosing a reception venue is one of the biggest decisions you make when planning your wedding, and research is vital. The first step is to come up with some likely options, and contact them to find out what they offer. Do a quick visit, to get a general sense of the property. You can then narrow down your choices to a shortlist, ready for more in-depth research, or meetings.

When it comes to wedding reception venues, Newcastle has plenty of possibilities. A reception by the water is always a popular option. Or you might take advantage of Newcastle’s thriving culinary credentials, and enjoy a reception at one of the city’s newest fine dining establishments.

Style of reception

In choosing your reception venue, you’ll no doubt take into account the style of reception – formal meal, cocktail affair, perhaps dinner and dancing. You may be guided by the style of venue when you find somewhere you love, or you may have a full reception planned in your head before you even start your venue search.

Another option is to hold your reception at a restaurant, rather than at a dedicated reception venue. In either case, you’ll need to ensure the venue is suitable. Will the room size fit the anticipated number of guests? Is there a dance floor or space for dancing? Does the venue provide entertainment – or will you be able to bring along the string quartet or swing band you had in mind? Before phoning or visiting possible venues, create a list of all the relevant details – date, time, number of guests et cetera.

A meal to remember

Newcastle is a buzzing city with a laidback atmosphere, and a reputation for being welcoming. Newcastle has had something of a resurgence in popularity in recent years, which has seen an influx of fine dining restaurants – so there’s plenty of opportunity to discover wonderful cuisine.

Whether it’s a sit-down affair, or a casual cocktail function, food is part and parcel of most weddings. If you’ve found a venue that looks right, discuss the menu options. In most cases, you’ll be able to choose from a few suggested menus to tailor something for the occasion. When you send out your invitations, query if any of your guests are vegetarian, or if they have any food intolerances. Most restaurants and reception venues will be able to assist with a meal to suit. Do make a point to sample the food before booking.

Location, location, location

The location of your ceremony will obviously impact where you hold the reception. It makes sense to choose something in close proximity, with parking and good transport options (certainly easy to find in Newcastle).

Some reception venues may permit you to marry on site. If you’re interested, be sure to discuss this option early. It’s also a good idea to get in early for venues with ocean views, as they tend to book up quickly at peak times.

Other considerations

In deciding on a reception venue, there are other considerations, apart from location, style and menu options, that factor into your decision. As a guide, you’ll want to be very clear on:

– Total price and inclusions. Check if the venue is licenced only, or if you may bring alcohol.

– The start and finish time.

– If you have exclusive use of the space, particularly if the venue is a restaurant.

– Decorations – are any provided? Can you bring your own?

– Access times and options for you to deliver cake, and to decorate.

– Entertainment – can you bring entertainers? What equipment is provided; when can they have access to set up?

– Is there a microphone for speeches?

– Is there dimmable lighting?

Where to begin

The internet is a wonderful resource for wedding planning, and it can save you valuable time – and energy! If the reception is the next item on your wedding to-do list, Hunter Bride can help. Our directory listings of wedding reception venues, Newcastle, are an excellent place to start your search for the perfect wedding venue.


Two Play Strings

Posted in DJs, Music & Entertainment, Hunter Valley Weddings, Newcastle Weddings, Wedding Suppliers by HUNTER BRIDE

Two Play StringsMusic and songs play a big part of your wedding day. Whether it is background music while your guests mingle or a song for walking down the aisle, you will find you are accompanied by music throughout the day.

It is because of this that it is so important to find the right band or DJ to help you, as what service they provide can help make your amazing day all that more special.

It is a tough decision for some brides and grooms on whether to have live music or use a DJ. A lot of people will get around this by having both, but at different times of the day.

Live music for the ceremony lends a very romantic, fairytale feel to the wedding, while a DJ can get the guests up and dancing at the reception after all the official parts of the day are over. Live music can also be great for when guests are having canapés and waiting for the bride and groom to arrive at the reception.

If you are considering having live music for your ceremony, you should speak to the amazing duo Two Play Strings. Dave and Catherine are both tertiary qualified musicians and their experience is evident through their performance.

Dave and Catherine play a violin and cello duo, which means their combined sound make for a romantic atmosphere for the start of your wedding day.

Through the playing of the strings, they will invoke feelings in the guests at each significant part of the ceremony. There will be expectation and calmness as the guests arrive, excitement as the ceremony is about to commence and suspense as the bride is arriving and everyone is trying to catch their first glimpse of her. Of course at the end of it, there will be joy as the bride and groom complete their vows and become husband and wife.

Two Play Strings have a large repertoire of music so you will be sure to find something you like. They can play popular wedding music such as Pachelbel’s Canon and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons but of course their talent doesn’t stop there. They can also play classical, romantic and modern periods as well as jazzy numbers. Every song they play will enhance the emotions of the day.

Two Play Strings cater specifically to Newcastle and the Hunter Valley, so they are very familiar with all of the locations of the area already. They can also travel further if need be so make sure you ask about packages outside of these areas.

Imagine a gorgeous church wedding in Newcastle or a romantic vineyard wedding in the Hunter Valley with the strings playing softly as your guests arrive. Being accompanied down the aisle by this beautiful music will heighten the mood of the moment, helping to ensure it is one you will never forget.


Waterfront Venues Newcastle

Posted in Lake Macquarie Weddings, Newcastle Weddings, Wedding Reception Venues, Wedding Suppliers by HUNTER BRIDE

North of Sydney, New South Wales has some amazing places for brides and grooms looking for a special waterfront wedding.

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are among those places and both offer some breath-taking areas that will help make your wedding day even more perfect than you imagined.

Newcastle is the second largest city in New South Wales so it’s no surprise that there are so many gorgeous places for you to choose from when searching for that right wedding venue.

Once known as primarily an industrial area, Newcastle has grown into a city of art and culture. The local artists, and there are many, have plenty of places to draw inspiration from. Surrounded by eye-catching surf beaches and dense bushwalking tracks, Newcastle can be a visual delight. A wedding on one of these beaches is very romantic and always impresses bridal parties and guests on the day.

Lake Macquarie offers a different type of waterfront. As the lake spans over 170kms, there is plenty of space along the foreshore to find the perfect location for your day. If you don’t want to hold your ceremony at the same place as your reception, you can find ample amounts of parkland and scenic areas along the waters edge to have a wedding with unparalleled views of the water. The photo opportunities are endless.

As they are both by the water, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie are perfect locations for a wedding with sparkling views. So if it is waterfront you desire for your wedding, then you should check out Waterfront Venues Newcastle.

Waterfront Venues Newcastle is a collection of some of the best wedding venues Newcastle has to offer. All of the venues can host not only the reception but the ceremony too. As they have more than 30-years experience in the restaurant, banquet and catering business, you can relax knowing your wedding is in good hands.

No matter which place you choose, you will have a coordinator dedicated to that venue that will help you. With assistance on the food and wine selection, as well as flowers, lighting and music, you will be able to just relax and enjoy the moment!

Choose from one of three gorgeous locations and venues:

Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club

Dixon Park Beach is the perfect place for a beachfront ceremony, followed shortly after by a reception that is just a stone’s throw away. Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club is the ultimate waterfront destination in Newcastle with its uninterrupted views of the sand and the surf. Treat your guests to a spectacular view up the coastline to Port Stephens and down south to Redhead Beach on the large verandah. Inside, there is room for dinner and drinks and of course space to dance the night away.

Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club

Dixon Park Surf Lifesaving Club

Awaba House

If you are looking for a wedding venue that is nothing but pure class and elegance, then look no further than Awaba House. This amazing venue is set amongst 15 acres of parkland that is right on the waterfront of Lake Macquarie. No two weddings at Awaba House are the same as you get to choose where to hold the ceremony from several locations on the grounds. The reception will be held in the Awaba House function room where there is a glass conservatory with a silk lined ceiling, giving it a stunning and romantic marquee feel. Even your arrival will be impressive if you choose to make use of the deep-water jetty and arrive by boat.

Awaba House

Awaba House

Caves Beachside

Just 30 minutes south of Newcastle, the new Caves Beachside Resort is positioned to look over the unspoiled shoreline of Caves Beach in Lake Macquarie. With three function areas within the resort, Caves Beachside can accommodate large weddings, or more intimate ones. Wedding guests can stay in the same location as the wedding meaning you will get an entire weekend of quality time with your guests instead of trying to see them all just on the wedding night. With the amazing view and the new facilities, your wedding will be the talk of the town for months after the event.

Caves Beachside

Caves Beachside


Beautiful Backdrops for Wonderful Wedding Photos

Posted in Hunter Valley Weddings, Lake Macquarie Weddings, Newcastle Weddings, Wedding Photography by HUNTER BRIDE

One of the many fabulous things about the Hunter region is not only the beautiful natural scenery that abounds, but the variety of settings. From sweeping valleys to sparkling lakes and stunning beaches, the area is blessed with sights to take your breath away. So if you are looking to marry in the region, you’ll be spoiled for choice for the perfect backdrop for your wedding day photos.

With sweeping panoramas of valleys and vines, the Hunter Valley is a gorgeous spot that will always provide a stunning backdrop for your perfect day. It’s packed with character accommodation, wonderful wineries and lush rolling hills. Many reception venues here have beautiful gardens and wonderful views, so you may not need to travel far at all for your photos – and that can be a good idea on a day when there’s so much going on.

In Newcastle, the options are extensive. You might choose the iconic landmark, Nobbies as a backdrop, the harbour foreshore, any of a variety of beautiful parks (King Edward and Civic Park have been wedding party favourites for many years) or the historic East End of town with its character terraces. Or you might decide on a spot overlooking any of the beautiful beaches for which the town is known.

For a beautiful bush setting or gorgeous lakeside photo opportunity, nothing quite beats the sparkling and tranquil Lake Macquarie – and there are numerous potential locations around the Lake.

It’s your day, and your day to shine. So whether you choose lake or beach, valley or hill, wild bush or English cottage garden, there are natural photographic backdrops to suit any wedding in the beautiful Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter Valley region.

Beautiful Vineyard Weddings

Beautiful Backdrops for Wonderful Wedding Photos

Lakeside Weddings

Natural Photographic Backdrops


Hen’s Nights in Newcastle

Posted in Hens & Bucks Parties, Newcastle Weddings by HUNTER BRIDE

Girls Night Out Newcastle

Hen’s Nights in Newcastle

So your good friends wedding is approaching and you’ve been put in charge of the fun part … the hen’s night! The best part about organising a hen’s night is the many options available these days. And lets face it, as long as you have the girls together you are pretty much guaranteed a good night no matter what the venue!

A good destination for a girl’s night out is Newcastle. There are bars, pubs and restaurants, or if you want something a bit quieter it is easy to find a place to be pampered. Enjoy a relaxing weekend with the girls at the beach or take in the nightlife in the city centre.

If you have been given the job of organising the night, try to keep in mind these two important points before you begin planning.

1 – Make sure you organise something the hen will enjoy. Remember the night is for her so if she really hates something – strippers for example – don’t hire strippers just because you think it would be funny.

2 – Keep your guests budget/financial situation in mind. It might not be feasible to organise something extravagant without first checking if your guests can afford it. It is also worth keeping in mind if the guests will be paying for accommodation at the actual wedding within the next week or two, as they may not want to spend too much in the lead up to the big day.

Now, where to start? It is always a fun idea to have a theme for a hen’s night. Maybe try something that is meaningful to the hen. For example, if her fiancé is a police officer get your friends to turn up in cops and robbers outfits. If she is an avid tennis player, have everyone bring a racquet and sweatbands. You could also choose a theme that is relevant to the venue for the night.

A great place in Newcastle for themed hen’s nights is the comedy/music restaurant called Kavon. The restaurant itself is full of vampires, demons and ghouls and is a great night for a laugh. They encourage hens nights and even have deals where if you get a group of 11 or more people you not only get a discount on the set meal, but the hen dines for free! And to make life easy, there is a section on the website to create your own invitations which Kavon’s will automatically fill in with details of the restaurant and what time the show starts.

If this kind of restaurant isn’t your thing, choose a venue of your choice and decorate the table with fun stuff that you can find at any party store or $2 shop. Just check with the restaurant first that they don’t mind if you decorate the place. Also give them a heads up you are booking for a hen’s night so they can place your table in an appropriate spot within the restaurant. The last thing a couple want while they are trying to have a romantic dinner is a rowdy table of ten hens next to them!

Newcastle has some lovely beaches on offer, so if it is something you think your hen would enjoy, why don’t you look into a holiday house on the beach for the ultimate girls weekend away. You could have something that is nearby the city for the nightlife or just create the party with your friends in the house. There are at home pamper businesses that service the Newcastle area, and you could spice things up by organising a topless waiter to serve your dinner or even have a tarot card reader to give the girls a laugh.

Of course not all hen’s nights have to include glasses of bubbly. If the hen you are organising for is more interested in relaxing, try one of the many day spas around Newcastle. Book in for a group pedicure and then take your group to a movie in the evening.

As long as the girls are together having a fun, stress free evening, your hen will be happy with whatever you organise. Have fun!


The Perfect Wedding Photography Shoot in Newcastle

Posted in Newcastle Weddings, Wedding Photography by HUNTER BRIDE

Wedding Photography Newcastle

The Perfect Wedding Photography Shoot in Newcastle

Whether you are on your first pre-wedding shoot, or you are planning your very own wedding photography theme, there is no doubt the excitement is building – especially if you’re considering Newcastle as your photo shoot location.

Most professional wedding photographers are well-trained in calming the nerves of the soon-to-be-married. All you need is confidence, some research about the region, and a little creativity to pull off the perfect wedding photography session!

If you are aiming to head to Newcastle for a destination photo shoot, you may find these tips handy:

Do your research of the picturesque locations in Newcastle for some inspiration.

Newcastle is rich in splendid places for activities and wedding events. It boasts of pristine beaches and fine coastline. If you’re planning a wedding in the Hunter region, Newcastle is a place to consider for your wedding pictorials. You can choose a beach-themed wedding, or a modern theme with a taste of city life. Newcastle overlooks the spectacular harbour formed by the Hunter River.

Decide on your wedding photography theme.

Everything starts with a theme. Since Newcastle is known for its beautiful waters, you can go for a water sport-theme or something in harmony with the beach.

Beach Photography Tip:

As with any theme, it’s time to prepare the props! If it’s the beach, two to three beach attires are safe. Don’t forget your flip flops and sea shells to add drama to the photos. Fresh looking colour make-up is all you need. Play with aqua, and green, and white!

Newcastle is also a melting pot of historical significance. It is one of the most prosperous towns in the Hunter region (and the largest). You can opt for the vintage-look of its historic buildings, or a good collection of Australian art as your wedding photography backdrop.

Check all necessary permits to acquire ahead of time.

Historic buildings and museums may ask for permits. Make sure you settle these before your wedding pictorial date to avoid any hassle.

Communicate your preferences to your wedding photographer. Build a good working relationship.

Having a professional wedding photographer is essential. Of course, you want to feel comfortable in front of the camera. So start early in building a good working relationship with your wedding photography supplier.

Don’t forget to relax and enjoy the moment with your partner.

Weddings are bliss. Pictures are love. Show these in your wedding photos. Just relax and enjoy the moments of togetherness and you’ll definitely have great prints to keep! With the region’s top wedding destinations to capture in lens – you and your partner will fall in love even more. Let the wedding pictures say it all!

Newcastle has a lineup of professional and creative photographers offering fantastic wedding photography services and packages for any theme you like. Check them out at Hunter Bride!


Wedding Sunset by MMG Photo & Cinema

Posted in Newcastle Weddings, Photos, Wedding Photography by HUNTER BRIDE

MMG Photo + Cinema

Wedding Sunset by MMG Photo & Cinema

View further photos on the MMG Photo + Cinema profile page.