Exquisite Jewels For Hire

Once you have selected a wedding dress, you’re probably going to find yourself on the hunt for the right bridal accessories. Newcastle has lots of specialist jewellery suppliers, and you’re sure to find the perfect pieces with just a couple of clicks on the Hunter Bride directory. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right bridal accessories to complement your gown.

Your day – your way

You’ll want to choose jewellery pieces that enhance the overall effect of your hair and dress, but it’s also vital that you feel comfortable with the style. If dangly earrings go with your dress, for example, but you can’t stand the feel of them, don’t be swayed. They may look gorgeous, but chances are you will end up finding them an unwanted distraction on the day. You may also need to consider any family expectations about heirloom pieces. If you don’t want to wear a family heirloom because it doesn’t go with your dress, be clear about it very early on.

Gather ideas

You might have pored over wedding magazines and websites to find the right style of dress before you physically tried anything on. Do the same with bridal jewellery. Look at all those pictures again, and focus on the how jewellery has been chosen to complement the gown. Have a look for suppliers on our website, then head to a few showrooms and see what’s on offer for yourself. Even if you have an idea of what you want, be open to suggestions from the experts.

Less is more

Generally, less is more when it comes to accessories. When you are gathering ideas, notice that very few brides are shown in magazines wearing a full suite of jewellery. Too much glitter tends to create clutter, although if you are wearing a very plain or classic dress you may be able to carry off a flashy statement piece.

Exquisite jewels at affordable prices

If you do want a statement piece, or something that is just financially beyond your reach with all the other expenses of the day, remember that you can hire bridal jewellery for the day instead of buying it. If you’ve always hankered for a princess-style tiara but thought it was beyond your budget, check out our bridal accessories page for everything from diamonds to Swarovski crystal.

Using pieces to best effect

Plain but beautifully cut dresses can be made simply stunning with the use of statement pieces, such as a highly unusual, designer necklace, or a chunky bracelet and matching earrings.

Alternatively you might want the dress to make its own statement, in which case think about a more streamlined look for your jewellery – discreet earrings, a simple pendant, or a tiara (a tiara is a great idea as it can add sparkle, without being too close to the detail of your dress).

Bridal jewellery and your skin tone

Be realistic about what you can carry. Some ornate, highly-coloured pieces look exquisite against darker skin tones, but may not suit paler brides.

Chunky gold looks stunning against darker or tanned skin and pearls, platinum or silver settings tend to suit lighter skin tones.

Elegant accessories

Choose Hunter Bride to help you find stylish bridal accessories in Newcastle.  Affordable designer jewellery and more is just a click away!

Jade McIntosh Flowers

Finding the right wedding flowers can be tricky, and if you’re wondering where to start, Hunter Bride is here to help. Sometimes, starting to plan a wedding can feel like you have to do everything all at once and you’ll think you need to grow eight arms like an octopus to manage all the different strands!

Not so! The trick is to know what to do first, and we’d suggest that, for many weddings, organising flowers can safely wait until mid-way through the timeline. We say this because you’ll find that sourcing wedding flowers in Newcastle is typically much easier when you can discuss your chosen colour scheme and venue with your florist.

Familiarity saves time

Local florists who specialise in wedding flowers are likely to be familiar with your chosen venue, which means they probably have a good idea what floral styles are likely to produce the effect you’re after. The bonus for you is that you’ll spend less time and energy trying to visualise end results. The florist may also be able to give you an idea of typical costs for flowers at that venue before you ask for a detailed quote.

Colours, textures and symbols

It’s also easier for both you and your florist when you are able to explain your colour scheme at the outset. The florist can then steer you towards the matching colour palette of plants and flowers that are going to be in season at the time of your wedding.

Rather than focusing entirely on colour, think about including textural effects in your floral arrangements for added interest. Texture can be achieved by using plants with interesting leaves, weaving grasses into the background, or even incorporating eye-catching branches and stones into standing arrangements.

If you are interested in creating some talking points, the language and meaning of flowers may be worth taking into consideration when planning your wedding flowers.

Flowers in season or out

What about if you want roses, but you’re getting married in winter? If you have your heart set on particular flowers that are out of season, you should generally expect to pay more and you’ll probably have to order well in advance. That said, Australian brides are fortunate in that our climate tends to encourage long growing seasons. But it’s still wise to alert your florist as soon as possible to make sure you get what you want.

Abundance or simplicity?

A heady mass of blooms, a carpet of rose petals or flower arches can create a spectacular display at your ceremony and reception. The overall effect is one of joy and sunshine, two very positive and happy energies to surround yourself with on your wedding day. If this kind of floral background is part of your dream wedding day, then you’ll need to budget accordingly, which may mean trimming other expenses. Remember that creating your perfect wedding is all about deciding what’s most important to you and spending accordingly.

On the other hand not every bride wants a full-on floral spectacular and simplicity can work extremely well. In this case you might want to go for a couple of beautiful standing arrangements at the ceremony – perhaps framing the altar or marriage table. At the reception you might have one more standing display to create a link between ceremony and reception, and simple but striking flowers in the centre of the buffet or dining tables.

Ready to find floral heaven?

When you’re planning a wedding it can feel a bit like spinning plates. Many brides find they have to keep dashing from one thing to another to keep their plans going with never a moment to rest. Thank goodness for Hunter Bride! Our directory is stuffed full of useful wedding information as well as contacts for local florists who specialise in wedding flowers in Newcastle.

Searching online means you can curl up with a cuppa and rest your aching feet. Once you’ve found a likely florist, a few phone calls and you can put a firm tick through yet another item on your wedding to-do list!

Hunter Valley Images

Located in the heart of the Hunter Valley, Hunter Valley Images is run by Andrea and Gary Haberl. Between them, they have over 17 years of experience working as professional wedding photographers in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley region.

Award-winning photographers

Andrea and Gary have won a number of awards for their work. Their accolades include:

– NSW Wedding Album of the Year

– The Wedding Industry Excellence Award (as voted by bridal couples)

– Twice winners of Front Cover of Newcastle & Central Coast Wedding Magazine

– Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) gold and silver awards

In addition, Gary is the only Master Photographer accredited by the AIPP working in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley.

Stylish creative and modern

Andrea and Gary understand you want wedding photographs that capture all those special, fleeting moments and emotions. With Hunter Valley Images’ tried and tested talent on call, you can be sure the result will be stunning wedding photos that are full of atmosphere and personality.

It’s up to you when you want the photographers to enter the frame on the day (if you’ll pardon the pun!). Some brides want to be able to look back on shots of their pre-wedding preparations, and others prefer to draw a veil over the mysteries of make-up and hair, with the first photos showing their arrival at the ceremony.

We suggest you take the time for a detailed discussion with Andrea or Gary, as they may come up with ideas and options you might not have thought of. They will also work with you to plan the day’s photography so you know exactly what to expect in advance. You’ll also agree back-up plans in case of adverse weather.

Care and attention to detail

Andrea and Gary work seamlessly together after so many years, and with two photographers there’s never a need to pause. They have an eye for the unusual details that make for unique shots. Andrea might be working with the bride, capturing her mother’s emotions as she sees her little girl all grown up and about to walk down the aisle. Gary could be snapping the groom’s mates, looking unusually smart and teasing the nervous groom mercilessly!

Unobtrusive and natural

Gary and Andrea’s relaxed, easy going personalities and low-key style all help tense couples to relax. They know most couples are not used to posing for photos, and with their ability to build a rapport, before you know it, they’ll have you laughing and talking to each other and you’ll be amazed at just how gorgeous you look in the finished photos.

Stunning and elegant wedding albums

Known for their natural flair and artistic vision, Andrea and Gary also know how to make wedding photos fun, while providing you with photos that are also works of art.

You can look forward to a wedding album full of intimate scenes, from a mother’s tears, to a small girl’s tiredness, to spectacular sunset silhouettes. From a small boy wondering when he’ll be let out to get muddy, to excited flower girls and special furry friends, your wedding photos will be treasures for a lifetime.

Stunning photos are just a click away!

Sought after wedding photographers get booked up early and although your wedding day may be months away, it’s worth capturing your preferred wedding photographer as early as possible. Find Andrea and Gary through Hunter Bride under Hunter Valley Images. We know you’ll be delighted with their work!

Margan Restaurant Winery

A small wedding is ideal for couples that prefer to celebrate their formal union with just a few special people. Brides who are not professional event planners (i.e. most of us!) often find that organising a small wedding is fun and much less stressful than the complicated logistics involved in an event for 300. Here are a few tips for planning a small wedding in the Hunter Valley to help you pull together the core elements of a fabulously intimate and highly personalised event.

You still need to set a budget

No matter the size of your wedding, setting a budget is still the key to having a successful event, without a financial hangover. Deciding to have a small wedding doesn’t mean missing out, either. In comparative terms, a small wedding budget can stretch farther than a budget for a big wedding, because you have so many more options. For instance, when you need a reception venue for hundreds of guests, the venue cost typically gulps half your budget in one hit!

Location, location, location

Planning for an intimate event opens up so many choices, as you’re not limited to venues which can handle big parties. Another advantage is that you might not need to book quite so far ahead. An expensive venue that you have been sighing over, but can’t afford, might also be a possibility if you’re not paying for quite so many people.

Do you have a favourite beachside café for example? Why not look into the cost of hiring the whole place? If a beach wedding suits your style, there may be little better than an intimate sunset ceremony followed by a boho evening at a small venue just metres away. Or, imagine a small marquee overlooking rolling hills of grape vines, or a classy waterside restaurant.

The Hunter Valley is a gorgeous setting in which to get married, and options in our directory range from beachside venues or lush garden settings to vineyards and restaurants.

Personal touches

Planning a small wedding may mean you have more opportunity (and time!) to get involved in creating personal design touches with flowers, place settings and even the entertainment. It’s likely that with fewer people, you’ll have more to spend, and you can do more with less. For example, entertainment might be able to be whittled down to one or two musicians, or simply something like a roving cartoonist or magician. If you need fewer place settings, you might be able to really go all out on bomboniere.

And it’s not just about stretching your budget further either. Having a smaller, more intimate wedding can be a lovely experience. There’s something wonderful about being surrounded by just the people who love you best as you take your vows!

Catering

You might think it’s possible to do the catering yourself for a small wedding. But unless you have friends or family who are caterers, it’s typically less stressful to leave the preparation and service of food in the hands of dedicated professionals.

If you choose a venue that doesn’t provide catering packages, check out some of the catering options in our directory. Just because your wedding is small doesn’t mean it shouldn’t still be planned and executed with a little help.

Easy planning

To make your small wedding in the Hunter Valley extra special, we’re here to help. Our directory brings together everything you’ll need in order to create a very special intimate wedding, from caterers, to venues specialising in small weddings, to florists and dress designers. May we be the first to toast the happy couple?

Princess Classic Cars

On your wedding day, the wedding car is not just a means of transport. Your wedding car can add a unique touch to your photographs, and also lends a little glamour to the proceedings. After all, who doesn’t want to feel like a rock star or princess on their special day? If you have a particular yen for being treated like royalty for your wedding, look no further than Princess Classic Cars and their Austin Vanden Plas Princesses.

Traditional vintage wedding cars

When it comes to planning your wedding day transport, Princess Classic Cars might be just the ticket. Their fully RTA accredited and stunning off-white Austin Vanden Plas Princess limousines are stylish and highly photogenic as well as extremely comfortable. Literally fit for a princess, as they were a favourite of Queen Elizabeth’s, these limousines service the Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Central Coast, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie areas.

Royal service

When you choose the Princess experience, you will benefit from the services of one or two highly experienced chauffeurs in formal uniform, depending on how many cars you book.

There will be no need to worry about getting to your wedding on time! Gary and Andrea know all the venues, and will pick you up in plenty of time. They typically check likely traffic conditions a couple of days in advance too, and will let you know if more travel time needs to be allowed.

They can also help you in and out of the vehicle, making sure your entrance is dramatic for the right reasons!

Immaculate finish

The wedding vehicles provided by Princess Classic Cars gleam as if they have just come gliding out of the showroom. Lovingly maintained and serviced, inside you’ll find immaculate interiors without a speck of dust, ensuring your wedding dress arrives in high style.

Style and comfort

Even though these are vintage cars you’ll find they all have modern air-conditioning. You’ll step out of your Princess limousine looking cool and collected, even if the nerves are fluttering on the inside!

Spacious seating

The Princess limousines accommodate up to seven people in each vehicle, so there is plenty of space for the main members of the wedding party.

Gary and Andrea encourage you to view the cars for yourself prior to booking and are happy to show you the vehicles after hours.

Royal extras included

A red carpet, tulle and white satin ribbons are included in the wedding package, and there are umbrellas in case of rain.

In addition, Princess Classic Cars provides complimentary champagne and nibbles for you to enjoy while you are having photographs taken.

Classic style and history

When you want the ultimate traditional vintage wedding car, there may be little better than these elegant Austin Vanden Plas Princess cars.

The brand was born in 1947 when Sir Herbert Austin (known to his workforce as ‘the Governor’) bought the Belgian Vanden Plas luxury car body business in order to expand his empire with a top quality exclusive brand.

He achieved a significant marketing coup when the first two vehicles produced were sold to the Queen (then Princess Elizabeth) in 1952, the year of her marriage. She found them so comfortable that two more were subsequently ordered by the Royal household, ensuring the model’s success.

The Princess brand was extended in 1954 with the creation of a limousine. Longer and wider than the initial saloon version, these vehicles were not made on a production line. In fact each car was hand-built from start to finish by a team allocated to that vehicle alone. The craftsmanship that went into these vehicles and the fact that only 1,500 were built over a 14-year period makes them a real collector’s prize.

Another reason to choose one of these historic cars is that Sir Herbert had a strong association with Australia, having spent 11 years here as a young man, during which time he married an Australian.

Book now

Booking a vehicle from Princess Classic Cars is easy – just check our directory. You’ll soon be gliding towards your wedding ceremony in regal style.

Photo by Michelle-Leigh Photography

We all know how memories can fade, which is why photos and videos are such a vital part of any special event – especially your wedding day. Hiring the right photographer for your wedding day not only helps keep treasured memories sharp, often you’ll be amazed at how many beautiful, magical moments happened that you weren’t fully aware of at the time.

If you’re looking for wedding photography packages, Newcastle is spoilt for choice when it comes to photographers. To make your life easier, we’ve listed them for you in our convenient directory. We’ve also put together a brief guide on what to consider when choosing your wedding photographer.

Passion and commitment

That’s what a wedding is all about isn’t it? Passion and commitment, the commitment you and your partner are making and the passion for excellence your service providers bring to their work. The photographers in the Hunter Bride directory are no exception. They’ll tell the story of your wedding day from start to finish with unique shots that capture your personalities and the atmosphere perfectly.

Award-winning photographers

Several of the photographers listed in our directory have won awards for their work and have been featured in wedding magazines. Some of the others haven’t (yet!) but they are all seriously talented and all provide stunning, artistic results.

How to find your ideal photographer

Even though we’ve brought together a highly talented set of photographers in our directory listings, we can’t choose the perfect one for you! The best way to start narrowing down your choices is to browse each photographer’s portfolio. This should help you come up with a top three or five possibilities.

Find the right wavelength

Many brides, tense with expectations and nerves and unused to posing for photos, find it hard to relax for the photographer. You can make life easier for yourself by selecting a photographer who’s on your wavelength. Find out whether they seem to be your kind of person by chatting to them in their studio. If you’re fortunate enough to have the opportunity to observe them working at a wedding even better. Just don’t distract them with questions!

Ideally you want someone who can capture important but fleeting moments without intrusion as well as help you feel comfortable posing for more formal shots.

Have they worked at your venues?

Discuss your wedding and reception venues and ask to see any shots they’ve taken there. This is a terrific way to get a real feel for their work in your actual wedding setting.

What’s unique about your wedding?

Help your chosen photographer by making sure he or she knows about the important details, such as cultural heritage, family traditions and themes for the day.

If there are any such stories, people or information you want reflected in the photos you should make sure your photographer is prepared to capture them. For instance, is your ring or veil a family heirloom? Perhaps your mother grew the flowers in your bouquet? Is there an elderly relative who is particularly important to you? Being clear about what you want (and anything you might not want!) should help make sure everyone’s on the same page and you get the results you hoped for.

Prepare for your close-up!

Wedding photography packages in Newcastle are many and varied to cater for all sizes and styles of wedding. Check out some of the amazing photographers on our directory today, and we’re sure you’ll be even more eager to star in your own wedding production. Fabulous photos are one of the best ways to ensure your wedding stays as fresh in your memory as if it were yesterday.

Tamburlaine Organic Wines

Many people are choosing to minimise the impact of their lifestyle on the planet, and when it comes to your wedding, it’s perfectly possible to hold a stunning event based on a sustainable philosophy. In this post, we showcase Tambourlaine Organic Wines, and its restaurant venue, the Tambourlaine Lodge. It’s a perfect place for an eco-friendly wedding to remember!

Sustainable credentials

As well as being Australia’s largest organic wine producer, with some award-winning wines under its belt, Tambourlaine is a carbon-neutral winery.

First established in 1966, the winery was bought in 1985 by a small group led by current Managing Director and Chief Winemaker, Mark Davidson, and proudly publishes its environmental policy. Tambourlaine is committed to ensuring its environmental impact is minimised.

The management actively works to prevent pollution, and incorporates sustainable water and energy management, including recycling and minimising waste into the winery’s working practices.

Award-winning Tambourlaine

In 2012, Tambourlaine was a state finalist in three categories in the Australian Bridal Industry Awards, for the sixth consecutive year. The awards are based on bridal couples’ votes on the quality of service, and value for money delivered by venues. Tambourlaine was also the only Hunter Valley wedding venue to reach the top 20 in the 2011 National Designer of Dreams award.

Perfection and attention to detail

With over 10 years of experience planning and delivering award-winning weddings, you can be confident that the people at Tambourlaine know how to turn your wedding ideas into a day perfectly tailored to your wishes. They make a particular point of getting the details exactly right, down to the smallest bow and the fold of every napkin. The aim is that you don’t have to worry about a thing except making sure the photographer gets your best side!

A spectacular lakeside setting

The homestead-style Lodge is designed to be close to nature with wide, shady verandahs supplemented by a delightful deck extending out over the lake. The Lodge provides a blend of indoor comfort with a natural outdoor atmosphere, and enables guests to move in and out freely. There’s no need to worry about other visitors to the winery either, as the private Lodge grounds are reserved for the exclusive use of the wedding guests.

Flexible layout

The main reception room can be decorated in a number of ways, including full or part ceiling drapes for a marquee effect, and tiny lights to simulate stars in the night sky. There is room for plenty of tables as well as a generous polished wood dance floor on which to boogie the night away.

The lake plays its part as night falls, and the central fountain is dramatically lit to heighten the romantic atmosphere. A display of fireworks creates a stunning note with which to herald your departure on honeymoon.

Go green at Tambourlaine Lodge

If you’re looking to hold a wedding with a green heart, Tambourlaine Lodge might be just the place, with its beautiful natural setting, excellent service, and environmental credentials. Making an appointment to visit Tambourlaine Lodge is simple with Hunter Bride, just click on Tambourlaine Organic Wines. Booking a sustainable, environmentally friendly wedding couldn’t be easier.

Why not take along some girlfriends and spend an afternoon sampling the fine food and wines at Tambourlaine? Wedding planning was never so relaxed!