For Chris and Kate, there was no awkward first date, in fact, what was supposed to be a breakfast date turned into lunch, ice-cream, walking the Newcastle foreshore, dinner and then a movie. Some things it seems are just meant to be.
Fast-forward two years and the couple’s Hunter Valley wedding day was to run as seamlessly as their first date.
Choosing their reception and venue with their guests in mind, the couple wanted to celebrate their day with friends and family without losing a moment of the fun.
“We wanted something that was a little rustic and that also had various locations on site that we could use for the entire wedding, without people having to travel between locations,” Chris explains of their wedding venue, Tocal Homestead.
“I loved seeing everyone dressed up and enjoying themselves.”
Adding to the magic of the day, the couple chose The Wedding Designers “Lucky Dip” package for their styling and florals, which meant all the little details were as much a surprise to the couple as it was to their guests.
“In preparation we had a joint Pinterest board for ideas, however we didn’t actually know what we were getting until the event happened… we had no expectations and it meant we didn’t have to plan every little detail, it was all taken care of, from bouquets to seating cards, ceremony styling and event coordination,” Kate says.
“All vendors used were amazing, which made the event seamless and a more relaxed vibe for us. It was great to see our family and friends enjoying the day we’d planned.”
With so many special memories of the day, for Chris one of the standouts was seeing the girls walk down the aisle and for Kate, it was the excited energy of the car ride with her flower girls and Paige boy.
“It was an exciting moment getting out of the car, hearing the string quartet playing and getting a glimpse of my soon-to-be husband.”
Chris wore Studio Italia Icon Marine suit and vest, Brooksfield Cream French Cuff shirt with James A’delin Blue Vespa cuff links and James Harper bow tie and pocket square set.
Chris’s son wore Studio Italia Icon Marine trousers and vest with a cream shirt.
Rundle Wedding tip: Always try your outfit on a couple of days prior to your wedding day to make sure everything is there and fitting correctly.
CREDITS: Bryce Noone Photography // Flowers: The Wedding Designers Florals Department // Ceremony and Reception: Tocal Homestead Lawn/Garden // Catering: Sprout Catering // Bride gown: Avignon, French by Wendy Makin from Atelier Rose, The Junction // Brides shoes: Betts // Rings: Mrs: Leonard’s, Darby St. Mr: Uniform Black, Melbourne // Hair and Makeup: Your Hair Studio + Emma Wakeley makeup artistry // Music: Quartet: Sydney ensemble string quartet Band: uptown (duo for canapes, 5pc reception) // Celebrant: Gwendalyn Burt // Transport: Elegant Metal Bridal and Formal car hire