Photo by MMG Photo + Cinema

The Hunter Valley region is rich in beautiful scenery. Whatever season you plan to get married in – whether in winter, summer, autumn or spring, you can be assured that the Hunter Valley is a delightful location for any chosen wedding date.

Because of its natural charm, Wine Country offers unique Hunter Valley weddings depending on the season. The Hunter Valley is blessed with a variety of atmospheres fit for a romantic celebration. Sometimes, the air that surrounds the place is your key in deciding on which season to hold your wedding.

Autumn Weddings from March to May are filled with warmth because of richness in colour of the surroundings and bountiful vineyard harvests.

Winter Weddings from June to August can be likened to waking up on a beautiful morning with mild sunny days, and at night the air has the right coolness for open fires and romantic evenings.

Spring Weddings abound in September to November. This season brings forth a boost of energy and life as the environment turns green and fresh! The vineyards are simply beyond beautiful.

Summer Weddings from December to January is the perfect example of the fullness and splendour of love. The region has its grapes in their ripeness under the loving warmth of the sun. It is like the culmination of a relationship ready for the excitement of marriage.

Hunter Valley weddings are special in their own right. Whatever season you choose to tie the knot, engaged couples will be happy to know that the place not only offers a countryside romantic feel, but also rich in breathtaking views of mountains, vineyards, and lovely garden parks.

Where else must one go for a bridal affair? It’s simply, the Hunter Valley.

Hunter Bride features recommended wedding suppliers ready to service all types of Hunter Valley Weddings.

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!

A Christmas Themed Beach Wedding

You have decided on a beach theme for your wedding day, but you don’t wish to have the regular beach wedding. You want something with a Christmas holiday theme!

Let’s do it the DIY-Christmas way!

Put on some Christmas lights

You plan for an evening beach wedding. There is nothing more romantic than the display of warm lights. You can have them in one colour or opt for a variety to achieve a more Christmassy-feel. Wrap the back of each steel chair, or place along the path where the bride will walk, or decorate the altar piece/arch with some lights.

Decorate table centre pieces with DIY Christmas decors

Choose scented candles based on your colour theme. Place them inside clear, old jars which you can use as candle holders. Decorate the middle area of the jar by wrapping it with garland and put a poinsettia flower in the middle. A red and gold ribbon with some Christmas balls also makes an attractive table décor.

Wedding Favours and Guests wishes on sand

As you celebrate a beach-themed wedding, you can definitely make use of the white sand asset! Place a handful or more of sand inside a fish bowl for each table. Place wrapped Christmas candies or holiday chocolates inside it and mix in randomly for a more natural effect. You can also add some gold glitter to spruce it up! This serves as a fun and delightful wedding favour for your guests.

For the wedding wishes, you can have some sheets of Christmas-themed paper pieces on each table. Then ask your guests to drop their wedding wishes inside the same bowl.

Your wedding is definitely one out of the ordinary as you incorporate Christmas in a beach setting. Speak to your Hunter wedding decorations & hire supplier to get more ideas on holiday wedding themes – beach-style.

Enjoy the romance of a December wedding celebration!

Introducing MMG Photo + Cinema

Finding the right photographer can be one of the most important things you plan for your wedding. Long after the day is over, you will have the photographs to remember all of the little details and to show children and grandchildren your special moment.

The best place to start evaluating a photographer is by taking a visit to their website. They should have samples on the site that showcase the style and the skills they have.

Take a look at the MMG Photo + Cinema profile page and you will know immediately what I mean. These guys just ooze professionalism but also have an artistic flair that makes their photos so distinct.

They do an amazing job of capturing the scene surrounding the bride and groom, so much so that you almost feel like you are standing right there in the photo with them.

The bride and groom themselves are caught in the most precious and intimate moments that encapsulate how they are feeling on the day more than any words can.

With offices in the Hunter Valley, Sydney and Brisbane it is easy for brides to pop in and chat to the team if they live nearby those areas.  Because MMG Photo + Cinema tailor each package specifically to their clients needs, it is best to make a time to talk to them personally about what you are after. It also gives you a good chance to view more photographs and albums and of course to meet with the potential photographer themselves. You will be spending as much time with the photographer on the wedding day as with anyone else, so it definitely helps if you get along together.

Once you have chosen a photographer, make sure you discuss the important points such as the location of where you want to take your photos, and any essential shots you have your heart set on. If you are visiting MMG Photo + Cinema, ask them to tell you the benefits of using a videographer as well, as it may not be something you have fully considered before.

Another way of finding out if a photographer is right for you is simply to ask around. Jump onto our forum and chat directly to other brides about the photographers they have chosen and why. Ask your friends and family or check to see if there is a facebook page and see what people have written on the wall. MMG Photo + Cinema also has a blog you can follow which gives more of a glimpse into their style and personality.

Whoever you choose to go with in the end, make sure you are comfortable and happy with them. And if you have an experience with any photographers you would like to share, please let us know about it on the forum!

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!