Michael & Grace’s Ben Ean Wedding - Hunter Valley

Michael and Grace's wedding was all about family and connection. This beautiful couple got ready at Oaks Cypress Lakes' onsite accommodation. Oaks Cypress Lakes is a versatile resort that overlooks the Broken Back mountain range. There are so many beautiful options for photos at this place: the golf greens, the vineyards, the accommodation and, of course, that stunning view. This variety allowed us to create something to suit the couple perfectly. The couple's strong bond with each other and their families was apparent throughout the day, with the couple's parents joining them both in wedding preparations. Cypress Lakes resort is beautiful to photograph, but it was also very convenient for Michael and Grace's wedding as it was only a two-minute drive to their ceremony location, Ben Ean.

Ben Ean is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley & is one of the best-known venues in the Hunter Valley. Formerly known as Lindeman's Estate, Ben Ean is one of the most sought-after spots for weddings & other events in the Valley. It has a gorgeous rustic charm & warmth to it. This venue suits a couple who wants a more relaxed, informal wedding. In saying that, it is a venue that could be easily styled into a more formal, rather polished space, making it perfect for Michael and Grace. We were able to create some dark and moody images- with the not necessarily wanted help from the weather!

Ben Ean has so many very contrasting spots to hold a wedding ceremony. First is the Figtree, situated on the hill towards the top of the property. The exceptional views sell this spot to most couples who have stood atop the hill and envisioned their wedding ceremony taking place there. Another is The Garden Terrace, which is a bit closer to the main building & is also often used for canapes post-ceremony. The third notable location is the Heritage-listed Courtyard: a warm, rustic, unique enclosed ceremony & or reception option. It has a roof that can be opened on clear days & closed if the weather takes a turn; this spot is fantastic for those rainy wedding ceremonies. Finally, another gorgeous location onsite is just behind the garden terrace, where Michael and Grace exchanged their vows.

Michael and Grace made their way over to their ceremony to join their loved ones, and a Family friend sang the bride down the aisle. The ceremony was decorated so perfectly with florals and styling by the Morpeth Flower Gallery, with the gorgeous arbour standing out. Unfortunately, it was apparent early on in the day that the weather would not be kind to us. It was challenging, but we got some kick-ass images with those clouds! I always love going through the photos after a stormy wedding day and seeing the impressive progression of the sky; this wedding's sky was epic. After the ceremony, we took many family photos, followed by some shots under the giant fig tree, in the vines, and the long grass at the top of the hill. I love when venues make capturing a variety of different photos possible.

After some shots with the newlyweds, we made our way to the gorgeous Heritage-listed Courtyard for the reception. The Courtyard at Ben Ean has the perfect amount of rustic charm and genuine warmth and is a unique space, unlike any other venue within the Hunter Valley. This space comfortably seats 400 people, so it is very spacious. The reception was catered by the Award-winning onsite restaurant Baume.

A huge storm front moved in as speeches were about to start, so we had to put a hold on them and quickly grab the couple and run outside for some more shots. Sometimes the weather throws a curve ball, and we don't get a sunset, but having a powerful, beautiful storm barrelling towards us and almost engulfing us was a happy trade-off; the clouds were dark and rolling like waves. Michael and Grace were glad to go with the flow, and the weather wasn't going to impact their day negatively. We got back inside just as the rain hit - a torrential downpour.

Well into the evening, we caught a break in the weather and snuck outside for a few night portraits in The Garden Terrace. The festoons strung across old reclaimed timber beams and Sandstone lined garden beds, the perfect setting. Grace and Michael shared a dance while I lurked in the bushes, as always, capturing this candid moment. This couple was so flexible and willing to adapt to anything the day threw at them, and it allowed for some really stunning images and a beautiful day.