Suckling Wedding | Weddings in Hunter Valley

The Day I met Dan & Chris I knew we’d get along so well I had so much fun working with such a beautiful couple it’s an honour to share their wedding story, we met around October 2018 at a wedding expo. I remember both Chris and I had the same earrings and most of our planning journey every time we met; we were both still wearing the same set of earrings; it’s the little things that matter of course. From the moment we met I could feel Chris and Dan needed a helping hand, some support, guidance and advise and shortly after our first consultation it was all systems go to create a dusty blue rustic inspired wedding. Their venue at the majestic Peppers Creek Barrel Room and Chapel was already booked in but we made a few tweaks and adjustments to their booking, the couple had also decided on a Sydney based photographer and we loved working with the team from Celebrate Photography, we locked in our photographer along with all our other major suppliers including Jason Thomas Celebrant, Hunter Valley Video, Newcastle Flower Market for Florals and Styling supplies, Two play strings for ceremony music, Mark Wells Trio as our reception entertainment, Cake by dragonfly cakes and Bombonerri by Cupcake Espresso, the months of planning and tweaking our styling and bookings were over in a flash and the big day awaits us. The morning of the wedding the ladies were up early with Hair and Makeup at Crown Plaza’s Ubika spa as they beautified themselves, whilst the boys enjoyed a game of golf. They all headed back to their Accommodation at Peppers Creek to get dressed our bridesmaids were dressed by Oleg Cassini, Chris’s stunning gown from Maison Mangala and the boys looking smart all thanks to Rambrandt; at this point Ronaldo was on site and in action capturing those magical moments as the girls and boys added their final touches and attire. As time progressed the wedding reception was in full set up production with Hunter Events NSW staff, and Emmah from NFM plus added help from the lovely venue staff, I attended to our boys and directed them to head up to our ceremony and sadly our dear groom, Dan, had developed a bleeding nose, thankfully we had 30min till the ceremony and had time to get this at bay the beautiful Chris being none the wiser. As Dan worked on himself with the added assistance of ice and tissues he finally got it under control I give him HUGE credit for not getting a spec of blood on his perfect attire, and he was able to join his guests in awaiting his bride at the end of aisle. The girls were ready and Renato captured the last couple of pre-wedding photos and we were lined and ready for our grand entry and Cory from HHV was armed and ready to begin capturing the video footage, at this point the cutest ever sweet little flower girl joined her mum as part of the bridal party and one by one each stunning bridesmaid made their grand entrance. Jason performed a beautiful ceremony with added Hand Tying ritual, and they sealed their marriage with the exchange of wedding rings by Tiffany and Co, beautifully fitting symphony from Two play strings added to the ambiance of this romantic ceremony. During the ceremony a gentle gust of wind lifted Chris’s veil at the pinnacle moment in the ceremony and was later determined in speeches that this was Chris’ late fathers’ way of not missing her daughter’s wedding and being included in her beautiful day. Post ceremony we gathered the guest for a massive group photo and the bridal party progressed to capture many more stunning photos and footage to create those priceless memories and the final touches were added to the reception, the cake, tables and styling the candles were lit and the bridal party had their first look at the styled barrel room and they were in awe after seeing all our work and planning completely come to life. At this point Mark and his trio were setting up their equipment the guests began to return for drinks and canapes while our bridal party attended to their accommodation to freshen up and enjoyed some much-needed canapes also. We were lucky enough to taste a couple of canapes and by golly they were tasty by the talented team at Wine Country Catering. As we opened the grand elephant doors of the Barrel Room, our guests settled in and began finding their places and warming up from the outside chill, with the grand fireplace lit and crackling the room was perfectly comfortable. As the weddings MC it felt like the night was over before it began. I formally introduced our bridal party and our guest enjoyed some light music and their entrees shortly after entrees our guests MC Max introduced our first three speeches and Dominique, Sal & Mark, with heart felt emotion and equally entertaining you could feel the love in the room from near and far, we progressed in to mains being served and our guest were treated with an alternate choice of a gourmet chicken or beef course and guests were well and truly satisfied, as was I. Next up was my MC address and I shared a few words about Dan & Chris, their journey and what now as they embark on life as a married couple. This led me to introduce Dan the man of the hour and he delivered a very touching and heartfelt speech and one part that hit home for me was the news he best man Mark travelled from Singapore while his father is currently batting terminal cancer and his wife expecting their first baby, you could see the raw authentic emotions from grown man and for Dan to have his presence on his wedding day you could clearly see and feel this meant the world to Dan, this proves true solid and an unbreakable friendship. Of course, Dan never failed to compliment and express his love for his stunning wife and there is absolutely no doubt this marriage is destined for a long long journey. Dan then for the last time had the upper hand and led his beautiful wife to the cutting of the cake with more cheers it progressed to our couples first dance as they beautifully enjoyed their first dance soon after the rest of the bridal party joined in and we followed this with the garter and bouquet toss once all formalities were completed it was time to party and the Mark Wells Trio got the green light to ramp up the volume and gosh they were entertaining in due time the night was sadly drawn to an end and guests all left as did we, I believe however the bridal party kicked on for a few more hours and why not, you only get married once. Dan & Chris are perfect for one another and a blessed with a beautiful group of amazing friends and family to support and guide them through their married life and we can’t wish them well enough for the further that lies ahead of them it was such an honour to plan, style, design, create, produce, coordinate and MC for Mr & Mrs Suckling.

Vendors:

Wedding Planning, Styling & Design, On Day Coordination and Master of Ceremonies: @huntereventsnsw | Hunter Events NSW

Venue, Chapel, Catering & Beverage: @pepperscreek_barrelroom | Peppers Creek

Photographer: @celebrate_photography_sydney | Celebrate Photography

Videographer: @huntervalleyvideo | Hunter Valley Video

Celebrant: Jason Thomas

Hair & Makeup: @ubikaspahuntervalley | Ubika Spa Hunter Valley

Cake: @dragonflycakes | Dragonfly Cakes

Florist: @newcastleflowermarkets | Newcastle Flower Markets

Ceremony Entertainment: @twoplaystrings | Two Play Strings

Reception Entertainment: @markwells_music | Mark Wells Music

Favours: @cupcakeespresso | Cupcake Espresso