North East Wedding Guide Summer 2022

Photo credit to Beth Hulley

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BIRCHWOOD offers lovingly tendered gardens and beautiful garden structures for your ideal wedding day.

Several archways, sculptures and an ornamental fountain add artistic flair to these lush gardens.

With exclusive access to the whole garden, you will have plenty of options to capture ‘The Shot’ that encapsulates the love and fun of your special day.

Whether you would like just your wedding ceremony and photos to be held at Birchwood, or your reception as well, Julie and Gary have options to suit.

They offer a bride’s room with ensuite and two additional bedrooms and a bathroom which are yours until you leave and there are outside facilities for guests.

The additional bedrooms are isolated from the bride’s room so your wedding attire is kept secret until you and your new partner are ready for the big reveal.

The several locations for your ceremony and reception around the garden suit an intimate event of less than thirty guests, an informal buffet, or a finger food banquet served in style to a hundred guests.

Julie and Gary are happy to recommend caterers and local accommodation.

Tables and chairs are available, or

couples can hire their own to reflect their personal style.

Birchwood has attractive covered areas to shelter from wet weather or harsh sun.

Anytime is the perfect time to get married at Birchwood.

Contact Julie today on (03) 5766 6275, via their website or find them on Facebook to organise a viewing and discuss how Birchwood can help you with your wedding ceremony and reception needs.

SO, you found your dress - how exciting.

Now come the accessories.

The accessories that you pair with your dress aim to complement your style and add the finishing touch to a stunning look.

Versatile and luxurious, wedding hair combs are beautiful paired with a veil, or on their own.

Hair combs look most effective when worn sitting above an updo, or to the side of your head.

They are perfect to keep hair pushed back to show off facial features and your stunning jewellery.

They can be beaded, have a touch of shimmer or a delicate floral.

Light and easy to wear they can be pinned into place when you have your hair done and let you dance into the night.

The pictured piece is called Only One for Me and brings together a stunning beaded detail and sparkle in a feather shape.

It sits hugging the head and can be placed in

different spots depending on your hair style.

Lauren J Ritchie Millinery said it has been wonderful to share her Endless Love Collection, named after classic love songs and she is looking forward to working on her

next bridal collection in 2023.

What shall the inspiration be?

Great loves perhaps?

Contact Lauren at www. laurenjritchie.com to help you find the perfect piece for your special day.

INSPIRING: This headpiece in entitled Only One for Me and is part of the Endless Love Collection by Lauren J Ritchie Millinery. Modelled by Erin Ritchie. PHOTO: James Christie

SUMMER weddings offer the choice of serious glamour, effortless beachy styles or contemporary luxury whether you are the bride or a guest.

gorgeous gowns available to keep you cool as well as creating a sensational talking point during your summer wedding.

can really shine with low-skimming backs and lace-embellished cut-outs while sweeping chiffons and unfinished hemlines breathe for all those dance moves you’re looking forward to.

choosing your wedding attire it’s important to not only ensure you are keeping to the dress-code, whether that’s black-tie, summer casual, or cocktail, but you will also want to keep cool in the Australian heat - so you’ll want to avoid long sleeves.

Cotton and linen are excellent cooling options and silk is a cool, breathable option for evenings.

As with spring styles, brides are opting for pairings of pinks and blues within or alongside their traditional white wedding dress, as well as plunging necklines, sheer dresses and two-piece outfits with

floral designs and stitching on their dresses.

Inspired by balmy breezes and soirees under the stars, let your summer wedding dress embrace and celebrate your beauty in its most natural state.

MUMMA, Mrs, red wine lover and passionate photographer - Beth has been photographing families and lovebirds for 10 years with no end in sight.

Beth is all about documenting real moments, life as it happens, capturing raw emotions, true love and genuine happiness.

Telling stories frame by frame she said she loves her job.

“My wedding and family photography is inspired by a blend of documentary and lifestyle approaches,” Beth said.

“It is candid but intentional, authentic storytelling with purpose, and a romantic fusion of traditional and modern photography.”

Whether you’re planning a two-witness elopement, a 200 person extravaganza or a destination wedding, Beth has the experience, the enthusiasm (and passport) to be there and capture you, your love story, and your day in its every detail.

She’s a pro at pinning boutonnieres, zhooshing veils and dresses, and capturing a modern and romantic visual narrative of your wedding day.

“I love the little intimate and quiet details as much as the nuptials and wild party that follows and being the one to capture all of it is why I do what I do,” Beth said.

“It’s my job to make the process of booking your wedding photographer before, during and after your special day as enjoyable and stress-free for you as possible.”

Beth was a finalist in the Victoria 2022 ABIA Wedding Industry Awards for Wedding Photography and is currently taking bookings for 2023 and 2024.

SUMMER SUNSHINE: There are plenty of traditional and modern styles to choose from for your wedding dress and outfit whether

are the bride, groom or a guest.

NEWLYWEDS: Megan and Daniel Keenan were married on October 11 2022 at Bald Hills House, Stanley. PHOTO: Beth Hulley Photography

THE first thing couples will need to have locked down is the date - without a date, they’re not in a position to book a celebrant, or a venue.

They should consider alternative venues, close by, in case of inclement weather for instance, and some outside venues may require permits.

Couples should take the opportunity to meet and talk with prospective celebrants to ensure that they are the right ‘fit’ for them as a couple.

“The celebrant should make the couple feel comfortable, at ease, because this person will be guiding them along this journey to the next stage in their lives,” Sandra from Dream Believer Celebrancy said.

“The celebrant assists you in the planning of the ceremony, ensuring that it is a true reflection of a couple’s love story, meeting the needs and desires of the couple.

“The celebrant’s role is to ensure that all legal aspects of the ceremony are attended to.”

Firstly, completion of a NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage) must be submitted to the celebrant at least one month in advance of the proposed date.

This notice requires that the couple provide evidence of their place and date of birth; a birth certificate or passport will suffice.

Evidence should also be provided of any change of name, as well as previous relationships, such as death or divorce certificates.

attended to, the celebrant can assist the couple in planning of the ceremony proper.

What kind of ceremony does the couple want?

What elements do they want to share on the day?

Rituals, readings, and musical elements might be considered and incorporated into a ceremony.

The celebrant can provide resources to help in these choices and suddenly, you are on your way to the celebration of your dreams.

ANNAPURNA Estate sits in the shadow of Mount Bogong at Tawonga South and, at an altitude of 600 metres, is one of the highest vineyards in Victoria.

Offering stunning views and fantastic food and wine, Annapurna is the perfect location for your intimate special day whether you want your photos to

incorporate the perfectly maintained vineyard, or the immaculate gardens.

Annapurna Estate has a dedicated wedding coordinator to help you plan every aspect of your day and tailor it to suit your individual needs for a memorable celebration.

They offer personalised options for your reception

a full five course meal, with estate-produced handcrafted sparkling and still wines including fortified dessert wines, liqueurs or local beers.

At Annapurna Estate, you will be in good hands - all you have to do is have enjoy the day and/or night with family and friends and let the professionals take care

Family owned vineyard with panoramic views for a picturesque wedding.

WITH 360 degree views of the Yackandandah Valley, Annie’s Retreat, Vineyard, Orchard & Outdoor Event Centre sits atop a small hillock which offers guests the perfect backdrop for their wedding photos.

Although the property is nestled near the snowfields, they rarely receive snow, instead, you will be treated to gorgeous sunset views, beautiful gardens and a working vineyard.

To take advantage of the best weather, event bookings are between September and March each year.

Husband and wife team Anthony Muhlebach and Anne Taylor are your hosts at Annie’s Retreat and delight in working with couples to organise an affordable and unique wedding day at their venue.

Trained wait staff can be organised to assist your chosen caterer or supplier and there are two areas available - one for ceremonies and one for the reception with

photo opportunities in the vineyard or five acres of landscaped gardens including a beautiful rose arbour.

There are Angus cattle which are fantastic for real ‘country-themed’ wedding parties.

When they are not taking care of guests at weddings and events, Anne and Anthony are hard at work in the vineyard and have produced two vintages so far - a Sparkling Shiraz bottled in 2018 and the Muhlebach Series Shiraz in 2021.

on AirBnB with many visitors choosing to make their base at Annie’s and exploring the nearby snowfields, historic towns and bike trails each day of their stay.

Small wedding parties can also be accommodated at the farmhouse.

So when you are considering where to have your wedding or your next event, make Annie’s Retreat, Vineyard, Orchard & Outdoor Event Centre the top of your list.

To Brie or not to Brie?

CHEESE towers make a wonderful alternative to a traditional wedding cake - just ask the team at Milawa Cheese Company.

They love to help couples design a cheese tower that creates a statement on the day, as well as delicious memories that will leave your guests talking long after the event.

Milawa cheese is available all year round, with a wide selection of cow and goat milk options including Ashed Chevre, Camembert and Brie along with the award winning washed rind King River Gold, Milawa Blue, Milawa White and the David Brown Select Cheddar.

Once the tower is cut, the cheese can be served on a board, for a casual sharing feast or individually plated as a finishing touch to a fine dining menu.

Milawa Cheese Company have a wide range of dried fruits, quince pastes and crackers to accompany your tower.

Floral arrangements can be added as a decorative flourish.

To organise a tasting and a consultation for your celebration tower please email shop@ milawacheese.com.au or phone 5727 3589 and choose option number 1.

Milawa Cheese Co. Cheese Tower is a perfect cake alternative for cheese lovers.

Milawa Cheese Co. Cheese Tower is a perfect cake alternative for cheese lovers.

Milawa Cheese Co. Cheese Tower is a perfect cake alternative for cheese lovers.

VICTORIA AUSTRALIA

VINEYARD ORCHARD & OUTDOOR EVENT CENTRE

DIVINE: Annie’s Retreat offers perfect 360 degree views.

SOMETHING UNIQUE: A cheese tower from Milawa Cheese Company will offer your guests something different.

A magical day for Bree and Daniel

Names of couple: Bree and Daniel Mulrooney

Photographer: elk and willow photography

Date: March 12, 2021

Ceremony location: Sam Miranda King Valley

Reception location: Sam Miranda King Valley

Celebrant: Celebrant Serena

Makeup: Taneia Hill, Gloss Makeup & Beauty Studio

Hair: Laura Bell, Vivyd Hair Salon

Florist: Flowers by Lindy

Wedding Dress: Georgia Young Couture

Bridesmaids dresses: Bec + Bridge

Groom’s suit: Samuel Diamond Tailors

Groomsmen’s suits: Samuel Diamond Tailors

Cake: The Coolabah Kitchen

Catering: Sam Miranda King Valley

Entertainment: Scott Edwards acoustic duo

Wedding stylist: Mel at The Pretty Party Co

“I still can’t stop dreaming about our magical day. It was full of all of the most beautiful details and people, that made it everything we could of ever wished for and more.”

- Bree Mulrooney

WHAT A DAY: Bree and Daniel Mulrooney celebrated their perfect day in March 2021.

Feathertop private estate weddings

FEATHERTOP Private Estate are excited to create the day you have always dreamed.

With 360-degree views of Mount Buffalo and the valleys, plentiful vistas of vineyards and exclusive Tuscan inspired architecture, they will ensure your wedding will be as romantic and memorable as you have always imagined it to be.

The onsite estate accommodation sleeps 18 people and includes spectacular award-winning architecture filled with glamorous interiors, local produce, breakfast hampers, and Hunter Lab bathroom amenities.

They guarantee getting ready on your special day becomes luxurious, easy and stress free with plenty of space for bridal parties and families to relax.

Operating as a private estate allows you and your guests to enjoy the property exclusively for the duration of your events.

This extends beyond your ceremony and reception and can also include any pre or post wedding celebrations you may want to organise (eg; welcome

pampering or stay for a few extra days to kick start your honeymoon).

Their regional collaborations with local businesses ensure they have a range of services and bespoke food and beverage

casual canapes or grazing tables, to formal seated degustation’s and decadent dessert bars, Feathertop can work with you to design anything you have on your wedding vision board. Feathertop has been

relationships with local likeminded professionals.

They have a list of preferred partners from celebrants, to hair and make up, photographers, videographers and florals.

Having your events with

dedicated wedding planner and stylist to assist with all your coordination and planning in the lead up and on the day, so you can enjoy the day stress free knowing you have professional care.

All events are individually

or email functions@ feathertopwinery.com.au to arrange your special day.

They can assist as much or as little as you need.

Let Feathertop Private Estate help you create your next memories.

Private Estate

Breathtaking Scenery - Unforgettable Events

WHAT A DAY: Jade and Adrian Pali were married at Feathertop Private Estate in April this year.

PHOTO: Nick Skinner Photography

Tips for a successful summer wedding

IF we ever start to get some warm weather, we’ll be able to celebrate our Australian summer; the warm nights, the beautiful sunsets and the sound of cicadas and crickets calling to each other ... and maybe a few outdoor weddings as well.

Summer in general gives us a fun, festive atmosphere, however with that, the mercury has a tendency to climb and it’s important to look after your wedding guests if your special day happens to have a high number on the temperature gauge.

The first thing to make sure is that you’re looking after yourself by drinking plenty of water throughout the day - champagne doesn’t help with hydration so moderate how much you have.

Prepare lots of cold drinks that your guests can partake of on arrival - you could always decorate some eskies in the theme of your wedding and place them in easy reach of everyone.

If you are having elderly guests, try and organise for them to be driven between any venue changes so they don’t have to walk in the heat.

Talk to your ceremony

and/or reception venue about how your guests can keep cool - you will probably want to choose somewhere with air conditioning - and ensure your vendors (if not being

supplied by the venue) can access cold water and cool areas to take their breaks.

If your four-legged friend is to be part of your big day, arrange someone to help get them into the

shade to cool down straight after they’ve had their big moment, or have someone look after them and keep them hydrated at home.

Make sure you have a plan B in case the day is just too

hot to hold your wedding outside or you find yourself facing a sudden downpour.

Late afternoon or early evening weddings are the order of the day in summer, with the extra bonus of

‘golden hour’ for your photos. When it comes to food, be aware that people tend to eat smaller meals when it’s hot, so you might not want to offer large or heavy main courses.

Photo courtesy