<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.
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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.
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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.
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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>
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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

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As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer, I'm always looking for stunning locations. While I'm often shooting in Hunter Valley wineries and estates, I also travel for couples.
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I recently photographed an engagement shoot at a great venue, the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club. It's a dream spot for any couple who loves water and incredible sunsets.
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<h2>Why the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club Works</h2>
I've shot at many locations. The charm of this place is special. The club sits on the lake's east side. This gives you a perfect view of the sunset to the west over the water. The sunsets here are amazing. The sky becomes a mix of oranges pinks and purples. It creates a romantic setting for an engagement shoot.
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<h2>Great Photo Backdrops in One Location</h2>
The yacht club itself is great for photos. It blends modern looks with a rustic feel. This adds unique character to every shot. You get plenty of options. We can shoot with a backdrop of yachts on the water or use the sleek modern interiors of the club or the wharf (and boats) for some more artistic photos.
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<h2>Using Water for Beautiful Engagement Photos</h2>
There's something calming about water. Lake Macquarie is massive and serene. It provides a stunning backdrop for engagement photos. Capturing the love between two people with such a beautiful setting makes the photos feel powerful.
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<h2>Choosing Your Perfect Location (Hunter Valley and Beyond)</h2>
The location of your engagement shoot should reflect you. For people who feel a connection with nature water and sunsets, the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club is a perfect venue. The beauty of the surroundings helps you feel relaxed during the shoot.
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Whether it's a field in the Hunter Valley or a club by the lake, the right spot matters.
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<h2>Plan Your Hunter Valley Wedding or Engagement Shoot</h2>
I'll wrap it up here. I hope this gives you an idea of why the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club is a great location for an engagement shoot. If you love sunsets water or natural beauty, you should consider it.
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Remember these photos are more than just images. They capture a moment you'll cherish. Choose a venue that feels right for you and you'll feel the magic in every shot. If you're planning your wedding in the Hunter Valley or anywhere else, let's talk.

Why This Hunter Valley Photographer Loves the Lake Macquarie Yacht Club

The Surprise Wedding Reception at Peregrin Mereweather

The happy couple backlit in the stunning Hunter Valley

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I cannot resist sharing an extraordinary story that unfolded this week. Maddy and Luke, a delightful couple, decided to elope at the picturesque Black Angus Ranch in the Hunter Valley. Their love story is unique and heartwarming, which is why I felt the need to share it with you all.
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The lovebirds planned a surprise for their family and friends as their 'engagement party' was actually their wedding reception. It was a clever twist, and I must admit that it was such a fun way to get married! The surprise on everyone's faces as they revealed the truth was nothing short of priceless. The joy, the laughter, the tears &ndash; it was a whirlpool of emotions that I was lucky to witness.
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I had the privilege of putting together a video of their journey to share at the reception. The video encapsulated the essence of their love, the beauty of the ceremony and the joy in the air. It was a beautiful narrative of their love story that I was thrilled to be a part of.

The Elopement Story of Maddy and Luke - An Unforgettable Celebration of Love at Black Angus Ranch, Hunter Valley

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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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.