If you&rsquo;ve looked at five different winery venues this week and they are all starting to blur into one, let me stop you right here.
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As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer, I see a lot of vines and a lot of barrels. But Stanley Park in Fullerton Cove offers a texture and a mood that you simply cannot find in Pokolbin. It is the rare venue that successfully straddles two worlds - the relaxed, waterfront vibe of the coast and the deep, cinematic drama of the Victorian era.
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If you are a couple who prioritises photography and wants an aesthetic that feels editorial rather than "rustic", this is your guide to maximising this venue.

Category: Venue Spotlights | Location: Port Stephens (near Newcastle &amp; Hunter Valley)

The Homestead - Mastering the Art of Moody Light

The 8-bedroom homestead isn't just a place to put your bags; it is a light modifier.
Most venues are obsessed with being "light and airy". Stanley Park is confident enough to be dark. The interiors feature heavy cedar joinery, high pressed-metal ceilings and deep hallways.
From my lens: The light inside the house is directional and dramatic (what we call chiaroscuro). It doesn&rsquo;t flood the room; it carves it. This allows me to create portraits that feel like oil paintings&mdash;rich shadows, glowing skin tones and incredible depth.

The Piano | Your Editorial Centrepiece

Let&rsquo;s talk about the specific feature that anchors the main sitting room: the grand piano.
A generic approach is to just stand next to it and smile. But we can do better. Because the room is darker, the piano&rsquo;s polished black surface acts as a mirror, reflecting the window light and the lace of a bridal gown.
How we shoot it:
<ul data-path-to-node="15">
<li>
The Silhouette: I love exposing for the window to create a silhouette of you leaning on the piano lid.
</li>
<li>
The Reflection: Using the piano lid to catch the reflection of the bouquet or your veil creates a dreamy, double-exposure look in camera.
</li>
<li>
The Mood: We treat this like a Vogue set. No cheesy poses&mdash;just stillness and atmosphere.
</li>
</ul>

Florals by <a href="https://www.houseofhydrangeas.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House of Hydrangeas</a>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/houseofhydrangeas.au/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@houseofhydrangeas</a>

Styling Advice - Pairing Dark Wood with Lush Modern Florals

This is the most critical piece of advice I can give you for this venue.
Because the homestead is dominated by dark warm wood and heritage colours, traditional vintage flowers will disappear here. If you use dried flowers or deep reds, the room will swallow them.
To make your photos pop, you need contrast. You need Lush Modern.
My recommendation for your florist:
<ul data-path-to-node="21">
<li>
Go Architectural: Instead of tight posies, ask for structural stems. Think long-stemmed reflexed roses or Phalaenopsis orchids that drape and extend.
</li>
<li>
The Piano Installation: Ask your florist to treat the piano as a stage. A modern, asymmetrical floral "cloud" sitting on the piano creates a stunning clash between the 1890s architecture and 2025 modern styling.
</li>
<li>
Colour Palette: Bright whites, electric blues or soft lilacs reflect the light and separate clearly from the dark background, ensuring your details are visible in the photos.
</li>
</ul>

The Transition From Deep Mood to Golden Hour

The reason Stanley Park weddings flow so well for photography is the drastic change in environment.
We spend the prep hours in the moody, controlled light of the house. Then, for the ceremony under the giant Moreton Bay Fig, the light becomes dappled and soft. Finally, because we are at Fullerton Cove, the sunset hits the water and gives us that wide, open-sky golden hour that makes for joyous, energetic portraits.
You get the brooding, sexy editorial shots and the happy, sun-drenched candid shots&mdash;all without leaving the property.

Final Thoughts for the Aesthetic Couple

Stanley Park is for the couple who wants a barn wedding but doesn't want to sacrifice elegance. It&rsquo;s for the couple who understands that a little bit of shadow makes the light look even better.
If you are planning to bring a modern, high-fashion edge to this historic estate, I want to be the one to capture it.
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<a href="https://www.timelessbynate.com/page/investment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Check my packages here.</a>

Florals by <a href="https://www.houseofhydrangeas.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House of Hydrangeas</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/houseofhydrangeas.au/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> @houseofhydrangeas</a>

Why I Love Shooting Weddings at Stanley Park Fullerton Cove

<h4 style="text-align: left;">Want to learn more?</h4>
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So, you're getting married in the Hunter Valley. You've picked a stunning venue, you're tasting the wine and now you have to find a photographer.
&nbsp;
You're probably scrolling through Instagram and you love the work of a particular photographer. Now, the real challenge begins! The real challenge is finding a true professional who you actually want to hang out with for 8-10 hours. You spend more of your wedding with your photographer than anybody else (I feel blessed by this, but it's still an important thing to acknowledge!)
&nbsp;
As a photographer who is also a project manager and a recovering class clown, I am obsessed with both the artistic product and the human experience. This is my gets the little things right cheat sheet to help you find your perfect fit and, more importantly, avoid a disaster.
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These are the questions that will reveal if a photographer is a pro... or a problem.

<h3 data-pm-slice="1 3 []">The Vibe Check (The Personality &amp; Philosophy)</h3>
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This is about the feel. Does this person's personality and philosophy actually match what you want your day to feel like?
&nbsp;
1. "My partner and I are super awkward in photos. How do you actually handle that?" This is the #1 fear. A great photographer knows this and has a plan.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag - A vague, unhelpful answer like, "Oh, don't worry, I'm just candid." That's not a plan... that's an abdication of responsibility.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for -&nbsp;A process. Do they talk about building rapport? Do they mention using prompts instead of stiff posing? Do they sound like someone who can hold a conversation? I suggest looking for an answer that sounds less like posing and more like some yaps and some low-key hangs.</li>
</ul>
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2. "What's your philosophy on 'posed' vs. 'candid'?" You're looking for a blend at a bare minimum. You need those classic, timeless portraits for the wall but you also need the real, unscripted moments.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;A photographer who is 100% one or the other. A pure "documentarian" might miss the essential portrait and a pure editorial poser will miss the real story.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for - Someone who is an unobtrusive "fly on the wall" for 90% of the day, but can also be an efficient, confident director for portraits! You want to be getting the shot beautifully so you can get back to your&nbsp;canap&eacute;s.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
3. "What does 'full day coverage' really mean? Do you stay for the party?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;"I leave after the first dance." This is a huge problem. You are paying for full day coverage, but they're leaving before the real party even starts.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for -&nbsp;A photographer who understands that the "real stuff" happens after the formalities. The unhinged, "shoes-off, tie-around-the-head" chaos on the dance floor is where the most authentic, joyful memories are made.</li>
</ul>
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4. "What's your approach to family photos?" This is a non-negotiable.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;A groan. A sigh. Any sign they see family photos as a "boring shot list" to be rushed. This is a photographer who doesn't understand legacy.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for -&nbsp;A photographer who respects the "why" while also able to get through group shots at a speed that is not overbearing.&nbsp;Are they asking who is most important to you? Do they have a plan to make it efficient and fun? Do they understand that these are the heartfelt keepsakes of the people you love most and will likely be the most valuable photos from the entire day?</li>
</ul>
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5. "What's your philosophy on engagement sessions? Are they necessary?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag - "They're okay" or "I don't like to shoot them".</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for - An answer that focuses on the experience. An engagement session is the ultimate vibe check after all! It's the practice run. It's where you really solve the awkward before the wedding day, so by the time your photographer shows up, they're a trusted friend.</li>
</ul>
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6. "What's your editing style and will it look dated in 10 years?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag - "I use my custom preset" or any mention of a super-trendy filter (like "dark and moody" or "orange" or "green") or most/all of their portfolio and instagram&nbsp;photos are trends.&nbsp;</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for -&nbsp;You're listening for "timeless," "true-to-life colour," "clean, artistic black and whites." You want an artist, not just a trend-follower. A few photos of the latest trend for Instagram are fun, but you have to ask yourself "do I really want to waste my wedding day with a big list of trends shots instead of enjoying the day?". Top tip - if you do want a few trends, make sure you sort out the timeless shots first and then since you've got what was needed&nbsp;you can have fun with whatever trend photos your timeline allows!</li>
</ul>
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7. "How do you handle 'enthusiastic' guests (like my Uncle Bob with his iPad) during the ceremony?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;"I'll just tell them to move," (too aggressive) or "I just shoot around them" (too passive).</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for -&nbsp;A photographer with social intelligence. You want someone who can handle it with a smile and a quiet, professional word, all while unapologetically getting the crucial shot.</li>
</ul>

<h3 data-pm-slice="1 3 []">The Professionalism Check (The Process &amp; Guarantees)</h3>
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This is the gets the little things right check. This is where you separate the professional from the flaky artist.
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8. "How will you help us with our wedding timeline?" This is a huge one. A bad timeline is the #1 killer of a good wedding experience.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -"You just send it to me." This is a "flaky artist" move. They are being reactive, not proactive.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for -&nbsp;A proactive partner. You want a photographer with a project manager's brain. Do they offer to review your timeline? Will they help you optimise for golden hour and, most importantly, build in a&nbsp;space to breathe so you can actually enjoy your day? Do they tell the planner where to add extra time to allow for lights set up?</li>
</ul>
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9. "Will it be you shooting our wedding, or an associate?" This is a terrifyingly common "bait and switch."
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;Any hesitation. "We'll assign a shooter..." or "Our lead photographers are all..."</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for -&nbsp;A non-negotiable guarantee. You are hiring an artist, not a company. The person you have a Vibe Check with, the person you build rapport with, must be the person who shows up. Ask for it in the contract. Why should you pay a company just as much (if not more) than a local photographer and not even know who you are getting? I cannot imagine a bride spending their entire wedding day with a complete stranger!</li>
</ul>
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10. "Do you shoot more than one wedding on a weekend?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;"Yes, I often do a Saturday and Sunday."</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Risk (and why you should care) - This is a content factory, not a high-touch service. You risk getting a burnt-out, exhausted photographer who is not 100% focused on your day.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for - A one wedding per weekend policy so that you get your previews ASAP and you aren't receiving a photographer in a double header (or triple header). This is the guarantee of quality over quantity.</li>
</ul>
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11. "What is your backup process on the day?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;"I just have lots of cards."</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Only Right Answer: "I shoot on professional cameras with dual card slots." This means every photo is instantly backed up as it's created. A single-slot camera is a catastrophic failure waiting to happen. This is the baseline of professionalism.</li>
</ul>
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12. "What is your curation process after the wedding?" This is a question about quality and artistry, not just turnaround time.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag -&nbsp;"We just run them through a filter and send them."</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for - Do they "cull" (the process of selecting the best images) and edit and check every single image one by one? You're paying for an artist's eye, not a batch-process.</li>
</ul>
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13. "What's your philosophy on albums vs. digital files?" This question reveals a lot about what the photographer truly values.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag: A photographer who only wants to sell you a USB stick and only thinks about Instagram photos. Digital files get lost on old hard drives.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">What to listen for: A Legacy and a scale focus. You want a photographer who believes your memories deserve to live on-screen and off-screen. Do they offer high-quality, tangible heirlooms like a Signature Family Legacy Album? Does their portfolio include images that will look good blown up or are they all close ups filling the entire frame? This shows they are thinking about your family in 50 years, not just your Instagram feed tomorrow.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
14. "Are you fully insured?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Red Flag: "Don't worry about it."</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Only Right Answer: "Yes. Here is my certificate of Public Liability Insurance." All premier Hunter Valley venues require it. This is the absolute bare minimum of a professional.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
15. You mentioned dual card slots, but what's your equipment backup plan? What if your main camera dies?"
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;" data-path-to-node="18,0,0">The Red Flag: "Oh, it won't." (Famous last words). Camera shutters break, lenses smash and cameras die!</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;" data-path-to-node="18,1,0">The Only Right Answer: Somebody who has redundancy for their redundancy.&nbsp; "I carry a minimum of two (or three) professional camera bodies, multiple lenses and extra lighting, all on-site. If one camera fails, I pick up the next one and keep shooting. You won't even notice." I shudder so hard at the thought of a photographer running one camera AND especially cameras with only one SD card slot...</li>
</ul>

15 Questions to Really Ask Your Hunter Valley Photographer

<h2>Married by Dom -&nbsp;The Ultimate Hype-Woman (Who Married Me!)</h2>
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Okay, so I might be a little biased on this one, but for a very good reason... <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://marriedbydom.com.au/&amp;authuser=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dom</a> was the celebrant for my own wedding.
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When you&rsquo;re in the wedding industry, you see everyone. So when it came time for my wife and me to tie the knot, we knew exactly who we wanted. Dom is, without a doubt, the ultimate hype-woman.
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Her energy is absolutely infectious. She is funny, she is bold and, let's just say it, because it's a huge part of her amazing vibe, she is fabulously and proudly gay.
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She took the time to know us, she guided us through our vows and she set the most amazing party vibe that kicked off the rest of our day. I can&rsquo;t recommend her enough.
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Dom is perfect for the couple that wants their ceremony to feel like the true start of the celebration&mdash;a big, vibrant and unforgettable party.
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Self described as "super gay", Dom is very LBQTI friendly championing efforts for

<h2>Sweet Basil Celebrant &amp; Styling - For Chill Vibes and Seamless Styling</h2>
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If your dream vibe is less big party-starter and more relaxed, warm and down-to-earth, then you need to meet Emily from <a href="https://www.sweetbasilcelebrant.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sweet Basil Celebrant &amp; Styling</a>.
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Emily is just one of those genuinely lovely and soulful people. She brings a wonderful, calm energy to the day, making everything feel easy and stress-free. Her ceremonies are always so heartfelt, drawing everyone in to focus purely on the connection you two share.
&nbsp;
But here's what makes her offering truly unique, and an amazing option for so many couples... Emily is also a professional stylist.
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This is a total game-changer for streamlining your planning. She crafts your ceremony AND she can style it, too. This means your arbour, your signing table and your aisle details all work in perfect harmony with the story she is telling. You get one person and one vision for the whole ceremony.
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As a photographer, this is incredible, it creates a truly immersive, beautiful and cohesive scene that is an absolute joy to capture.
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Emily is perfect for the couple that wants a relaxed, heartfelt and beautifully styled ceremony, and loves the simplicity and incredible value of having their celebrant and stylist all in one.

<h2>CC Celebrant - For a Ceremony That&rsquo;s Modern, Fun and Genuinely You</h2>
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Introducing the wonderful Claire Considine, the heart and soul behind <a href="https://www.cccelebrancy.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CC Celebrant</a>.
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Where do I even start with Claire? Every time you see her name on a run sheet, you know it's going to be a brilliant ceremony. Her superpower is her ability to make a ceremony feel incredibly personal, totally modern and just... fun.
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She&rsquo;s a storyteller at heart, and she has this amazing way of weaving your personal story into the ceremony in a way that is authentic to you. She&rsquo;s one of those people who is just so effortlessly warm and organised that you can&rsquo;t help but feel relaxed in her presence. And, importantly (and just like me), she is a very proud LGBTQI+ ally, dedicated to making every single couple feel celebrated, safe and seen.
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Claire is perfect for the couple that wants their ceremony to be packed with laughter, happy tears and heartfelt moments that feel 100% authentic to who they are.

<h2>Married by Case - For Bright Bubbly Vibes and a Calm, Steady Hand</h2>
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Let's add the wonderful Casey from <a href="https://www.marriedbycase.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Married by Case</a> to this must-have list.
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Casey is just one of those people who is pure positive energy. She&rsquo;s bright, she&rsquo;s bubbly and she has this incredible talent for making a ceremony feel full of smiles and just... easy.
&nbsp;
What I appreciate from a photographer's perspective is how she mixes that fun energy with a truly calm and steady hand. She knows exactly how to keep you both present and in the moment, handling all the legal bits and logistics so you can just focus on each other. There's no stress, just pure good vibes.
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Plus, as a visual person, I love that she's super conscious of your aesthetic, she&rsquo;s a total pro at blending in (or standing out, if you want!) and making sure the whole scene looks perfect.
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Casey is perfect for the couple who wants a ceremony that feels bright, happy and personal, led by someone who is both your hype-woman and your calming influence.

My job is to capture authentic moments. I'm obsessed with the vibe of a wedding day... what it feels like to be there (and then what the photos will feel like!). And I've learned very quickly that the entire tone of a wedding is set in the first 20 minutes.
&nbsp;
Who sets that tone? Your celebrant! The celebrant is the person who sets the foundation for the entire day. Fortunately, you don't have to fly anybody in because we are blessed with the best marriage officiants right here in the Hunter Valley!
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They have to handle the legal bits, but they also bring the vibes! As a photographer, I&rsquo;m watching everything. I see the behind-the-scenes moments, the nervous energy and the exact second that energy shifts from anxious to pure joy. That shift, that magic, is almost always led by an amazing celebrant.
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A great celebrant creates a moment so full of energy, laughter and real emotion that, selfishly, it makes my job of capturing those moments an absolute dream. When your ceremony is electric, your photos and film are electric. It&rsquo;s that simple.
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Finding the right person is everything. To help you out, I&rsquo;ve put together a list of four of the best celebrants I&rsquo;ve been lucky enough to work with in the Hunter Valley&mdash;people who have genuinely impressed me and in one case, someone I hired for my own wedding.
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<h3>So, Who Will You Choose?</h3>
&nbsp;
Your celebrant is the person who will stand with you in one of the biggest moments of your life. Whether you click with Claire&rsquo;s modern fun, Dom&rsquo;s infectious energy, Casey's bubbly vibes or Emily&rsquo;s heartfelt romance, you truly can&rsquo;t go wrong with any of these incredible Hunter Valley celebrants.

Finding your perfect match - my top 4 Hunter Valley Wedding Celebrant recommendations

I recently photographed Aimee &amp; Gary&rsquo;s beautiful wedding at Peterson House. It&rsquo;s such a classic Hunter Valley location for a reason. The day was perfect, right down to the stunning floral arrangements by <a href="https://www.houseofhydrangeas.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">House of Hydrangeas</a>.
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<h2>Why Peterson House is a Classic Hunter Valley Venue</h2>
You can't talk about Hunter Valley weddings without mentioning Peterson House. It&rsquo;s famous for that beautiful sandstone chapel sitting right among the vineyards. It&rsquo;s a stunning backdrop for a ceremony. It's right in the heart of Pokolbin so it's easy for guests to get to.
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<h2>Peterson House Wedding Photo Locations</h2>
For a photographer, this place is a gift. You get so much variety in one spot. We don't have to waste time driving to different locations.
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Chapel - The sandstone and big windows look amazing in photos. We got some beautiful shots of A &amp; G just outside the chapel doors.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Vineyards - It's the Hunter Valley so you need vineyard photos. Peterson House has rows and rows of them. They are perfect for those sunset shots.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Main Building - The restaurant and cellar door have a great rustic and elegant feel. The long verandah is also perfect for relaxed portraits.</li>
<li style="font-size: 16px;">The Marquee - The long marquee makes for some lovely reception shots</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Your Ceremony and Reception in One Place</h2>
One of the best things about Peterson House is that you can have your whole day here. The ceremony and reception are on the same property.
Guests can go from the chapel to the reception at Restaurant Cuv&eacute;e or the on-site marquee. It makes the day flow so easily. And of course, the famous Peterson House sparkling wine is right there.
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<h2>Planning Your Peterson House Wedding?</h2>
If you're planning your own Peterson House wedding, you'll want a Hunter Valley wedding photographer who knows these grounds well. Knowing where the sun will set and how to use the light around the chapel is key.
&nbsp;
Aimee &amp; Gary&rsquo;s wedding was a beautiful day. If you&rsquo;re getting married at Peterson House and like this style, I'd love to chat.

Venue Spotlight - Peterson House

Welcome to another tale of love, a story that will make you believe in the magic of moments, the power of gazes, and the beauty of union. Today, we're talking about Daniel and Lucy. There's something incredibly endearing about the way they look at each other that is sure to captivate hearts. It's not just a look, it's an exchange of silent vows, of adoration, of promises that stretch beyond the horizon.
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The venue was Heaven Gardens, a place that's as heavenly as it sounds. It's the kind of place that adds to the grandeur of the occasion, the kind of place that becomes the perfect canvas for a love story to unfold. As a photographer, it's always a joy to capture such stunning settings alongside the couples who choose them.
&nbsp;
The celebrant, Nikki of Sapphire Love Weddings, was the key to seal this love story. With their guidance, Daniel and Lucy embarked on a journey of togetherness, of unity, of love. And as a silent observer, I was there to capture every exchange, every smile, every tear of joy.
&nbsp;
The art of photography is not just about taking pictures. It's about capturing moments, freezing emotions and creating memories. It's about immortalizing that look of love between two souls. To me, photography is an act of love, of commitment, of dedication. It's about capturing joy and adding joy to people's lives. It's about being a part of their tribe, their story, their journey.
&nbsp;
In the end, it's not just about the photos. It's about the moments they capture, the stories they tell, the emotions they evoke. Because these photos are are heirlooms, they are memories, they are reminders of a day filled with love, laughter, and joy.
&nbsp;
So, here's to Daniel and Lucy, their love, their journey, their story. And here's to the magic of moments, the power of gazes, the beauty of union. Because in the end, that's what it's all about. It's about love, it's about moments, it's about memories. And I am just here to capture it all, one frame at a time.

The Magic of Moments - A Tale of Daniel and Lucy's Wedding

Lachie waiting for his first look...

Caitlin and Lachlan are high school sweethearts, and their entire day was a testament to a love that is both deeply romantic and wonderfully real. They chose to share private vows before the ceremony, an intimate moment of pure, classic emotion that I was privileged to capture. This was their time for the profound, legacy-defining promises.
But the ceremony? That&rsquo;s where the witty, fun side of their love story shone through. Instead of reading their own vows, they presented vows written for each other. It was genius. Amidst the tears and cheers, we heard promises like:
&nbsp;
"I promise not to get mad when car parts arrive and to not ask what they are or how much they cost."
"I promise to always hop into bed first on a cold evening to warm it up for you."

Caitlin and Lachlan getting to the reception after a very short drive down the drive way in the vintage car!

You want those elegant, Vogue-worthy wedding photos, the kind that become family heirlooms. But you dread the thought of a stiff, serious photographer who makes you feel awkward and posed all day. What if you could have the fine-dining meal, but the Michelin-star chef comes out, tells a great joke and makes you feel like family?
That&rsquo;s the magic. That&rsquo;s what I live for. And Caitlin and Lachlan&rsquo;s wedding at The Cooks Shed in Sackville was the perfect embodiment of this philosophy, timeless elegance delivered with a process that felt like an absolute blast.
&nbsp;
As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer, I&rsquo;m always excited to travel for a venue that offers something special. The Cooks Shed, with its breathtaking views of the Hawkesbury River, is exactly that kind of place.

Vows with a Perfect Mix of Heart and Humour

The ceremony took place on the lawn, with the vast, winding Hawkesbury River as the ultimate backdrop. Here&rsquo;s a little secret: on this day, I was working as a second shooter. This unique position gave me the freedom to hunt for extraordinary angles. While the main photographer captured the essential front-on shots, I was able to find a higher vantage point.
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The result? An epic, sweeping photograph of Caitlin and Lachlan&rsquo;s first kiss, encapsulating them, their guests and the majestic landscape in a single, timeless frame.

Let's not forget about how special Lachie's grandad's car is to him!
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This wasn't just a cool vintage prop for a photo op, it was a piece of Lachie's story, a tangible link to his family and his history. You could see the pride on his face as he stood beside it with Caitlin. The brief was simple - "get heaps of pics with the car." For me, that translates to capturing the feeling behind the request... the nostalgia, the legacy and the sheer joy of having a piece of his grandfather's spirit there on the most important day of his life.
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This is what it&rsquo;s all about. It&rsquo;s blending the classic, elegant aesthetic of a beautiful old car with the real, human emotion that makes it priceless. It's another one of those "gets the little things right" details that creates a true "fuck yeah" moment they'll treasure forever.

How do you make an already divine garden cocktail hour even better? You get your dog involved. Guests mingled with incredible mix-and-match snacks, but the highlight was the party favours from the couple&rsquo;s beloved dog, Hades. Each guest received a bag containing his favourite treat and a tennis ball. It was quirky, personal and a perfect nod to their life together. It&rsquo;s these unexpected, joyful details that tell the real story.

A Low-Lit Shed and a High-Energy Entrance

As evening fell, everyone moved into the beautifully rustic Cooks Shed for the reception. The low, warm lighting created an intimate and incredibly lovely atmosphere. But intimate doesn't mean quiet. The entrance of the bridal party, followed by Caitlin and Lachlan, was an explosion of music, joy and dancing. The energy was electric, and you better believe I was right there in the middle of it, capturing the laughter and the hugs.

Why This Hunter Valley Photographer Loves a Cooks Shed Wedding

Shooting at The Cooks Shed in Sackville was an absolute dream. It offers the best of both worlds: stunning natural beauty for those grand, classicist portraits and intimate, soulful spaces for capturing candid, human moments. The flow from the ceremony lawn to the garden to the reception shed is seamless, allowing for a relaxed and joyful experience for everyone involved.
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If you&rsquo;re planning a wedding at The Cooks Shed and are looking for a photographer who will deliver those stunning, timeless images while making the entire process feel like you&rsquo;re just hanging out with a friend, then I might be your guy. I&rsquo;m here to get the little things right and chase those "fuck yeah" moments with you.

Heirloom Wheels and Personal History

A Cooks Shed Wedding Overlooking the Hawkesbury - Caitlin & Lachlan

Cannot recommend highly enough. We had such an amazing time with our shoot. Nate created such a fun and comfortable atmosphere - the whole experience was more like a fun outing with an old friend than a photo shoot. The results are beautiful, we couldn't be happier!

Georgia D

We couldn't have asked for a better someone to capture our special moments. We are so grateful ❤️

Stacey P

We had an amazing shoot with Nate, he made us feel very relaxed, comfortable and confident. We had a lot of fun and the photos were stunning! Would definitely recommend 🩷

Sam C

10/10 recommend!!! Nate was so communicative and so speedy with getting our photos/videos back. His work is such high quality and is such a fun person to work with, bringing great vibes throughout our wedding / reception! Can not recommend highly enough!

Madison R

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Elegant without the awkward (or hoity-toity)

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I would like to find people like me with the same values. I spent 15 years working in corporate honing my project management skills and am well versed at problem solving. I shoot in a true to life style and black and white with a focus on capturing the best of people. Write in this style with no oxford commas: my values lay in fun, communication and collaboration. I love capturing joy and adding joy to people's lives, which is why I love photography! It's great being able to add to peoples' special day and fit in with your tribe. It's sad to think about but you never know when a photo will be the last photo taken of somebody and so I take capturing the moment seriously and I know how important these photos are because they are heirlooms.

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A Cooks Shed Wedding Overlooking the Hawkesbury - Caitlin & Lachlan