Port Macquarie Weddings 2023

RING Perfect The

ith over 60 years of experience, Matthews Jewellers are a local, family run business offering a selection of luxurious jewellery. In a world full of pop-up businesses, reputable experience matters more than ever now. They work with leading diamond merchants and jewellery manufacturers to offer the best products for every budget and style. Furthermore, they hand-select your diamond to provide an expert assessment before it is set into your jewellery to ensure you receive a product that you can enjoy for generations.

Unparalleled Options

Matthews has the widest range of ready-towear engagement and wedding rings on the coast, including a huge selection of men’s rings ranging from classic gold bands to more technical materials like tantalum. They also have the widest range of diamonds to guarantee that your diamond is the finest in its price range for the Four C’s. Their primary diamond collections are:-

Signature Collection: Hand-selected diamonds. The Signature Collection represents high quality

Wand excellent value in every price range. Certified Collection: Only high performance, certified diamonds are included in this collection, independently assessed by a diamond grading organisation.

Australian Argyle Diamonds: Iconic Australian heritage pieces that are perfect heirloom gifts or investment diamonds. Choose from traditional white diamonds, the coveted pink and champagne colours or ask to see blue, yellow, even orange diamonds!

Created Diamond Collection: Offering incredible value for money, these diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to a mined diamond. You can buy a bigger created diamond for less money than you could a mined diamond. Dream design, here I come!

Full Custom Design Service

Matthews Jewellers knows every couple is different. So, if you can’t find that perfect style in store, the Matthews design team is ready to help. In collaboration with you, they guide you through the design process to bring your dream jewellery to life. Bring your ring inspo, your own stones, or even heirloom jewellery that you would like to remodel, or one of our

team can hand sketch the piece as you describe it to them. Our jewellery is also handset, as opposed to mass produced cast set, so you are assured a truly bespoke and one-of-a-kind item. Within 6-8 weeks, you’ll be slipping on the ring of your dreams!

Matthews Lifetime Care Commitment

Finally, enjoy complimentary Lifetime Care as part of any jewellery purchase over $1,499. They believe your jewellery should look as good as it did on day one! The Matthews Commitment to you doesn’t expire and includes the following complimentary services:

•20% off both Wedding Rings – when purchasing your engagement ring from Matthews Jewellers

•Lifetime Diamond Guarantee

•Lifetime Free Rhodium Plating on White Gold

•Lifetime Free Resizing

•Lifetime Free Clean and Polish

•10% of your purchase in Matthews Money to spend on your next visit!

That’s the Matthews Jewellers promise. So, do you?

It is the season of love! Here are four reasons to say yes to a Matthews Jewellers diamond ring.

Where did you first meet?

Adam and I first ran into each other at the Seabreeze Tavern at South West Rocks. Adam was in town working and we happened to cross paths.

Tell us about the proposal?

The proposal was a HUGE surprise and very romantic. Adam had organised a local helicopter ride with Affinity Helicopters, followed by wine tasting and lunch at Cassegrains. The weather was terrible so our scenic ride was cut short. Little did I know that he had plans to propose in the chopper. During lunch, he dropped down on one knee and popped the question.

Where were you married and why did you choose this location?

We were lucky to have our special day at Banks Cafe. It was the perfect location for both our ceremony and the party which followed. The venue has the best outlook over the river but also has a beautiful vibe inside. Who were some of the businesses you worked with to help create your special day?

We honestly worked with some of the most amazing, professional people who made our day effortless. Hodgey, Bourkey and the crew at Banks were amazing. They pulled the whole day together and served up delicious food and cocktails from lunch ‘til late. The boys at Thistle Flowers went above and beyond to shower our venue with blooms in every corner. They were easy to deal with and it was so nice to work with people who love what they do and are passionate about every part of it.  Our photographer, Mel from Seed & Salt Photography was a true gem. Not only has she captured our day beautifully, she got amongst the crew on the dance floor to get every shot of our family and friends possible. Looking back, is there anything that you would do differently?

chopper. During lunch, he dropped down on to one knee and popped the question.

has given us a lovely backdrop in our photos.  What advice do you have for couples who are getting married in 2023?

If you get the right businesses involved, your day will be stress free. We are so lucky with the passionate businesses that we have in this town. Everyone was easy to work with and just wanted to help make our wedding day extra special.

What was your favourite part/moment of the day?

If I could have changed the weather to a beautifully sunny day I would have but we rolled with what Mother Nature handed us. The overcast weather and afternoon drizzle

Having all of our family and friends together for a day was our favourite part. We laughed, cried, danced and had the best day together. We felt extremely blessed to be in a room with all of our favourite people.

Little did I know that he had plans to propose in the

here did you first meet? Karl and I met at high school. We played touch football together at Beechwood and he was on the opposite team. I stepped him silly and scored a try and ran back and roughed his hair up. The rest is history and we have been inseparable ever since.

Tell us about the proposal.

Saturday 7th June in the middle of winter and Karl suggested a walk on our favourite beach. Late and dark with the only light coming from the moon and some street lights we walked along a very deserted beach. Karl said that he had a video to show me. We stopped and he played the video. He had hand written signs that had key moments from our love story. The last sign said turn around and so I turned around and there he was on one knee asking me to marry him.

Where were you married?

We got married at the beautiful Mansfield Estate. Karl’s family have been delivering fuel to Mansfield for some years now and Karl would always return back from there telling me how amazing it was. He would tell me that the view is something that you simply cannot explain and you have to go and see

KARL AND GEORGIA

Wit for yourself. When we both organised to go and check it out, the view and feel of the venue was absolutely breathtaking. Mansfield has it all - accommodation for our guests, spectacular ceremony locations, gorgeous reception area and spectacular backdrops for the perfect photos which means less running around on your very special day.

Who were some of the businesses you worked with to help create your special day?

We tried to keep it very low key and do a lot of the work ourselves with help from our family. It was very important for us to support small local businesses, Ellen at EA Botanical (bouquet and arbour flowers), Brooke from Brooke Hudson Beauty Collective (makeup), Karina Hair and Makeup (hair) and Seed and Salt photography. Looking back, is there anything that you would do differently?

He would tell me that the view is something that you simply cannot explain and you have to go and see it for yourself. When we both organised to go and check it out the view and feel of the venue was absolutely breathtaking.

feel like a blur and a food truck/catering.

What advice do you have for couples who are getting married in 2023?

Talk to each other and figure out what is most important to each of you and invest your money into those things. Slow down and take your time, you will never live in this moment again.

What was the favourite part of the day and why?

Nothing major, just small things like a videographer to capture some moments that

It sounds so cliche but seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony was a moment that I will never forget. We also loved that it felt like one big family dinner and most of our guests got to stay and share the very special experience with us.

MARRY ME MINDY

Please introduce yourself and tell us how long you have been a marriage celebrant for.

Hi, Mindy here from Marry Me Mindy. I have been a celebrant on the Mid North Coast for 12 magical months. So stoked to share the same vibe with over 100 lovers who have chosen to share their special day with me!

How did this career come about for you?

Having been in the industry for over 15 years it was just a total no brainer, it was the final piece of the puzzle. I was a wedding coordinator, planner, and MC for a multi award winning venue. This is where I found my love for styling and flowers (I mean who doesn’t love flowers). From there I went on to become a qualified florist, but by far my favourite part of any wedding day was the ceremony

I thought I could have some fun with this by putting a modern spin on things and making

it the highlight of a couple’s wedding day. So, becoming a celebrant was the next step and Marry Me Mindy was born.

I would never have anticipated the number of enquiries and bookings I received and am so happy I made the decision to re-enter the industry as a celebrant. I have shared the most amazing experiences with couples, helping them create their dream ceremony and making it an unforgettable fun experience.

You have 15 years’ experience in wedding planning and styling, are these services something you still offer?

As a celebrant I have combined my skill set and offer ceremony hire items which include

a wedding arbour, dried flower arrangements, and welcome signage on easels and seating. I also offer my couples an MC/Coordination service where I basically assist them through the planning process all the way from the ‘I do’s to the D Floor’.

What can our brides and grooms expect when they first meet you?

‘Oh my gosh, well let’s just say get excited! I love encouraging my couples to stick all their ideas of traditional boring ceremonies in the bin and get to work with me, breaking the rules and making it so damn fun!’

Can you tell us about the services and packages you offer and what is involved?

My most popular by far is my ‘I do’s to the D

I have shared the most amazing experiences with couples, helping them create their dream ceremony and making it an unforgettable fun experience.

to working with a new couple?

Floor Package’ which is basically where I do all the ceremony stuff and be your party starting reception MC ninja!

This is a combo of my Full Wedding Package and MC/Coordination Package so, it’s basically a triple threat! Couples love it because they don’t have to worry about a thing because I’m right by their side the whole time from start to finish.

For those couples that literally just want to get hitched without the fuss and are after something low key I offer a Legals Only Package where they choose 2 of their BFF’s, we head down to the headland, pop a bottle of champa’s and witness them saying their I do’s. What are your 5 top tips when choosing a marriage celebrant?

Ensure you gel with your celebrant. They are about to share one of the most important days of your life with you and will set the vibe for the rest of your wedding day.

Ask about different packages that would best suit your needs and budget.

Choose a celebrant that can provide you with hot tips and recommendations of local vendors that they regularly work with, as this helps a wedding day run like clockwork.

Ask your celebrant if they can offer you a range

of ceremony ideas and inclusions to ensure your ceremony is exactly the way YOU want it to be. Don’t leave booking your celebrant too late in your planning process, as we have bookings and enquiries generally a year in advance.

Can you let us in on some of your favourite weddings you have done in the past?

I absolutely love doing crazy, out of the box weddings that are a bit quirky or different! It’s so much fun!

-I worked at a wedding that won the reality TV series “4 Weddings”.

-I have recently held ceremonies for 2 themed weddings - A Viking theme and a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party theme. They were epic!

-But a standout wedding was on an island where the groomsmen all rocked up on jet ski’s and the bride water skied in, and yes the inevitable happened, she face planted it during her grand entrance (disclaimer - no one was injured).

What is important to you when it comes

ride.

I think it’s really important to just be myself. Couples that enquire with me generally share the same attitude and vibe. I pride myself on taking the stress out of the planning process for them, ensuring that they enjoy every moment as I’m just as excited to be joining them for the ride.

How can our readers get in contact with you?

Fill out my contact form on my website www.marrymemindy.com.au or email ido@ marrymemindy.com.au from there we can arrange a time to catch up and get the wedding ball rolling! Don’t forget to follow me on my socials.

Instagram – @marryme.mindy

Facebook – Marry Me Mindy- Port Macquarie Authorised Marriage Celebrant

I pride myself on taking the stress out of the planning process for them, ensuring that they enjoy every moment as I’m just as excited to be joining them for the

PA YOURWAY

Peta Alexopoulos has immersed herself within the local community of the Mid North Coast for over 15 years, bringing together her corporate background and business experience with her passion for the community and helping others with their planning ideas to launch PA YourWay.

PA YourWay can manage your important events, assist your fundraising objectives, help plan and manage your projects, assist you with your communication strategies and help manage other types of small business needs that require extra support in planning or assisting.

If you are planning an event, let PA YourWay liaise and manage all third parties for your event; stylists, designers, florists, caterers, equipment

hire companies, entertainment options, photographers and video production, etc... From private parties, to social events, charity and fundraising initiatives, corporate functions and product launches, look no further than Peta from PA YourWay, who will guide you passionately with a personal service for your event. Contact Peta today to discuss your needs on 0419 826 876 or via email at peta@pa-yourway. com.au or visit the website at pa-yourway.com.au

Hi Rebecca, many of our readers would recognise you as the amazing face behind your business Soul Sister Grazing, tell us a bit about yourself and where you grew up?

Hi guys, I have been in Port Mac now for almost 9 years, I grew up in Sydney. I had enough of the hustle and bustle and having three children it just made more sense to come and have a seaside change.Port Macquarie was always a place that I loved. Not only the beautiful beaches but the people, something about our community that always interests me now being in business, I’m in love with Port.

How long have you owned and operated Soul Sister Grazing? What were you doing prior to this?

I’ve owned and operated Soul Sister Grazing now for 4 1/2 years. Prior to this I had a tourism business in town and I am a fulltime mum to 3 beautiful amazing children. What inspired you to start Soul Sister.

In my previous business I did a lot of catering and platters and when I closed that business down I still loved to do platters, so it just started one day when I was in the shower, funny enough (true story). I decided that Soul Sister Grazing was going to come to life and boy oh boy it sure has come to life; a dream is now a beautiful reality. It was only ever started as a little hobby and now Soul Sister grazing is my full-time job which I absolutely love.

I decided that Soul Sister Grazing was going to come to life and boy oh boy it sure has come to life; a dream is now a beautiful reality. It was only ever started as a little hobby and now Soul Sister grazing is my full-time job.

Grazing tables and platters have become a huge want with people holding events and even smaller parties, why do you think this is, and what makes them so popular?

I think grazing tables are so much fun for parties and functions. When you walk into a room and you have an amazing grazing table in front of you filled with so many options it really sets a tone to your event,

weddings especially. Grazing tables are easy, people can help themselves and you can just keep grazing and socialise around the table which is the point of a grazing table. People often think it’s an all you can eat buffet and have to fill your plate up all at once (that’s wrong). Have a little bit at a time and enjoy. Grazing and wine, beer etc etc just go hand in hand. Who doesn’t love a good cheese platter and a cold beverage.

We want easy in life and I think grazing platters are just a perfect option to your function. So that’s why someone like me can make your life easy with your catering needs.

Continued over...

Tell us about one of the biggest grazing boards you have ever done and what was involved?

Recently I have been doing a lot of corporate events. I can cater from one person up to 1000 people.

My biggest event was for 800 people, lots of prepping for that table, I had something like 32kg of cheese on the table.

So much is involved with platters and tables I get told all the time “OMG how do you do it and make it look so good? I try and it

never looks as good as yours” - this makes me smile.

It’s in the preparation, you have to be organised.

creating new options for my customers. You have to be always forward thinking and change with the seasons as I always use fresh ingredients.

I offer grazing boxes as well as tables and platter boards. Boxes are perfect gifts to send to anyone for any occasion. Soul Sister Grazing has grown so much in the last two years.

I offer grazing boxes as well as tables and platter boards. Boxes are perfect gifts to send to anyone for any occasion. Soul Sister Grazing has grown so much in the last two years.

Do you have set boards and packs available? What can customers expect from you?

2023 is going to be big! With Valentine’s Day and Easter coming up new ranges and packages are always coming out. I love

I want to offer more with the catering side as well. Fresh salads sandwiches wraps etc, moving with the times and evolving is key to a great successful business. How long does it take you to put the boards together? Can you tell us about the set up and display process?

Well the prep is the time consuming part. That can take a few hours then it just depends on the size of a platter board. If I have a one metre board that could take

SOUL SISTER GRAZING

about an hour to put together.

It’s so much fun creating boards, I just love it. Grazing boards have also become super popular for weddings, tell us about the wedding packages you offer?

I love weddings, they always make you smile and the excitement in the air on the day is great.

I offer bridal boxes for the bride and groom which is perfect for when they are getting ready (specifically the bridal party with hairdressers and makeup),they are easy to have food there for everyone to pick at.

budget. It makes my life easy knowing they are paying for what they want and like on the tables. How do you keep your passion alive for creating these amazing boards? I love talking to my customers as people will see that no table or platter are the same.

Prawns, oysters, leg of ham and bruschetta. This was followed with a second table full of hot food and it was truly amazing. The food flowed throughout a four hour period, and everyone just loved the options.

How can our readers get in touch with you?

You can find me on Facebook and Instagram. Email soulsistergrazing@gmail.com or call me 0455 106 370

You can also order online at soulsistergrazing.com.au

Thanks Bec.

I offer bridal boxes for the bride and groom, which is perfect for when they are getting ready (specifically the bridal party with hairdressers and makeup). They are easy to have food there for everyone to pick at. Most of the times brides forget to eat so a grazing box is perfect.

I create packages to suit the client and

I like to know what the customer likes and dislikes. Once we talk I just get the idea and it comes alive on the day.

I just recently did a beautiful wedding at my client’s house and the table was amazing, it was one of my favourites. It had everything, and I mean everything on it.

The Port Macquarie RaceClub

The Port Macquarie Race Club offers the perfect space for hosting all kinds of functions, conferences, and events. Our facilities offer a range of features suitable for a variety of event types Organising your Event - Our team of professionals are communicative and ready to help provide you with the information and support you need when it comes to planning your event or function.

We can provide catering for anywhere up to 900 attendees, including a variety of menu

packages and consideration for special dietary restrictions.

Space - With a number of function areas and event rooms, you can select the perfect space for events. We are able to host a wide range of events from trade shows, seminars and conferences to weddings, birthdays, award nights or dinner parties.

Amenities - Our amenities include essentials like air-conditioned spaces and wireless broadband access. We also provide the option for extended services like data projectors for hire.

CASSIE AND LUKE

22

Where did you first meet?

We first met at the Gold Coast. My best friend and I went there for the weekend and her partner was friends with Luke. We ended up at his, what we thought 21st birthday party, turns out it was his 27th!

Tell us about the proposal?

Nothing romantic about it. I was sitting on the lounge on the morning of New Year’s Eve in my pjs. He did get down on one knee though so I’ll give him points for that.

Where were you married and why did you choose this location?

We got married at Rancho Relaxo. After 4 postponed weddings due to COVID we scrapped our original plan of getting married at our farm and went with a more relaxed approach of not having to worry about getting

the property ready.

Who were some of the businesses you worked with to help create your special day?

Handi Hire, Boho Styling, Tru Blue Catering, Trish Jackson Cakes and my Aunty Ally who made our whole wedding come together.

Looking back, is there anything that you would do differently and why?

I wouldn’t change a thing about our day, but if we were to ever do it again, we would elope - it’s a lot of stress and money for one day!

What advice do you have for couples who are getting married in 2023?

Don’t stress about the little things. Your day will be perfect anyway, and try to slow down and enjoy the day, as it will fly by.

What was your favourite part/ moment of the day and why?

It’s finally happening after COVID!

GET MARRIED AT LA COSTA

La Costa Cantina at The Med Motel Crescent Head is the perfect destination for your wedding. Our recently refurbished, stunning white arched property has everything you need with onsite ceremony location, restaurant and large luxe courtyard and 15 beautifully modern refurbished hotel rooms. Our restaurant has been beautifully renovated with highquality finishes, rattan accents, tropical laid backed vibes, bar and doors that open up on to the all weather covered courtyard. The space is the ideal backdrop for your ceremony and reception.

The area can comfortably seat up to 120 guests. Our passionate team will ensure your special day is a seamless event.

With cost effective 4 course food packages starting from $71pp* we have options for the mild and the wild. Bring a little Mexican flavour to your special day. Email hola@lacostacantina.com.au to discuss your upcoming wedding and receive our full T&C's

CAMP JORDAN. FOR ALL OCCASIONS.

Camp Jordan is one of Port Macquarie’s exclusive waterfront venues. Offering a variety of accommodation styles created with relaxation in mind with the feel of luxe comfort. Embracing the charm of the natural environment with unique touches

throughout the open space, creates the perfect space for your next event or special occasion. Whether you hire a space or the whole venue our passionate team specialises in offering its guests a unique experience no matter the occasion.

themedch.com.au

Daliyah Brightfeeld bought Crestwood Park in 2014, after falling in love with the beautiful natural features of the property and it’s unique history. She has dedicated the last 9 years to bringing the property to it’s full potential, creating beautiful gardens and unique spaces so she can now open the park to others as a wedding or function venue with accommodation.

DALIYAH BRIGHTFEELD PARK

Hey Daliyah, Tell us how you came to be at Crestwood Park?

My daughter Gladiah and I moved to Port Macquarie from Sydney in 2014.

It was my dream to find a property like this around Port Macquarie in terms of accessible land features and a place to plant and grow wonderful trees, plants and palms, creating an oasis of beauty and tranquility. I also wanted to include decorative landscaping features, relaxation areas and walking paths. Tell us about the history of Crestwood Park.

The property was originally owned by Edward Reid in the 1880’s sometime.

The property was originally called “Clovelly”. Somewhere about the mid 1920’s Allen Reid purchased another property from Percy Battle. The two properties became what is now called “Crestwood”.

“Crestwood” was owned by 3 generations of Reid’s. Later it was owned by Dr. John Hammett and his wife and then Dr. Michele Fulton bought “Crestwood” in 1975.

At the invitation of Dr. John Hammett, the then Prime Minister of Australia Gough Whitlam and his wife Margaret came from Sydney to spend the Easter long weekend in Crestwood.

The pr0perty is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with magnificent hundredyear-old trees, and private access to the Wilson River.

In 2004 the property was sold to Chris and Jean McGeoch, from whom I bought the property in 2014.

More information is posted on the website: weddingincrestwoodpark.com

What work have you done to bring the property to it’s present condition?

It took almost 9 years of total commitment, very hard work and a large investment to bring the property to what it looks like now.

You are quite a gardener. When did you first fall in love with plants and how much does this play a role in your vision of Crestwood Park. Beautiful nature and plants have always fascinated me. When we first saw Crestwood Park we immediately fell in love with this incredible place.

The property is surrounded by mountains on all sides, with magnificent hundred-year-old trees, and private access to the Wilson River. I have enjoyed being able to connect with nature while creating Crestwood Park, and hearing so many times from visitors that they are delighted with the beauty and

harmony of the park. They are inspired by the magnificent trees and palms, sculptures and fountains. Seeing delighted and grateful guests gives me great satisfaction.

You recently opened as a wedding venue at Crestwood?

Yes, Crestwood Park is now open as a wedding venue providing a location for the ceremony, reception, and accommodation. We can also host any other important celebrations in our lives and those of our loved ones. I enjoy helping create plans for people’s special events. The epitome of elegance, Crestwood Park provides a wedding venue with garden ceremony options which allows couples to retreat to a venue that has a secluded ‘worlds-awayfeeling’.

destination but also functions in other ways. What are those?

The 110 acres of Crestwood Park includes not only gardens, but also a horse retreat and we also have a large area to produce bales of hay. During the good growing season, we can supply up to 800 bales from one cut.

What makes Crestwood Park unique as a wedding venue?

It also offers luxurious accommodation for

Located on a large property featuring abundant blossoms, rambling paths, manicured lawns and striking green spaces. The park is not only a wedding

Crestwood Park gives couples exclusive access to the grounds for their ceremony, reception and photo shoot all in one stunning location. It’s an absolutely private venue only 25 minutes from Port Macquarie. Our range of different function spaces can be styled to suit your wedding day dreams. It also offers luxurious accommodation for couples.

On your wedding day, if there is a possibility of rain, we offer an exclusive area undercover. Guests will be able to appreciate the beauty

of nature around them, as well as offering many different locations for photo shoots.

What are your future plans for Crestwood Park?

My plan is to make Crestwood Park a wonderfully unique place where the beautiful Australian nature meets with elegant European design.

The garden will be open to visitors from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, March 11 and Saturday March 25. Entry is free of charge. More information on the website.

Thanks Daliyah

Our range of different function spaces can be styled to suit your wedding day dreams.

couples

focus contributor.

FROM MISS MOTIVATOR with RACHEL LEMAN UPDATE

GETTING MARRIED CAN BE ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING TIMES IN OUR LIVES, IT IS ALSO A TIME THAT WE WANT TO LOOK OUR ABSOLUTE BEST.

This can often come with added stress and pressure so let me share with you my 5 top tips to have you feeling and looking amazing on your wedding day.

1.Don’t cram

One of the most important things to consider is time.  It is important to take things gradually, particularly if you are starting to exercise after a break. Talk to a fitness professional to help you plan. The key to a healthy exercise and nutrition program is consistency over timecramming with exercise or fad dieting will only leave you feeling sore, hungry and possibly injured. Plan for a good combination of strength, cardiovascular and rest or recovery days. Remember - give yourself time, set some realistic weekly goals and make a plan that is sustainable.

2. Fill up on nutrient rich foods

One of the best things you can do for your body and mind during this exciting and busy time is

to make sure you are getting all of the vitamins and minerals your body needs to be functioning at its very best. Have you ever considered if the nutritional intake that you are eating each day is truly supporting you? Mix it up, enjoy all the food groups, and all of the colours that natural foods offer us.  Challenge yourself each day to eat most colours of the rainbow. As they say good food = good mood and who doesn’t need that when planning a wedding!

3.Lift weights

Trust me, lifting weights 3 times a week won’t have you “bulking up”.  Put simply a woman doesn’t have the balance of hormones to do this, however lifting weights has amazing benefits for woman. Resistance training will help you to build leaner muscle mass, and this helps to boost your metabolism and tone and shape your body.

4.Hydrate

One of the easiest things you can do to start feeling great is to be hydrated. This looks different for everyone and will be determined

by your body size, bladder capacity, energy output and the weather. A general rule of thumb is around 2L per day. Have a play, your body might need more or less than this.  There is no doubt though that increasing your hydration will have you thinking clearer, feeling more energised and having you look brighter.

5.Get some

rest

Now this one is really important. Our bodies need rest as much as they need exercise and good nutrition. Aim for around 8 hours of sleep each night. This gives your body time to recover and helps you to be more productive, improves memory, boosts your immune system, increases your workout performance and boosts your mood! Set yourself a get ready for bed alarm if you need to!

At Miss Motivator we help for woman of all ages and stages to feel great.

Pop in or give us a call for chat on 6581 5199 or visit our website for more info missmotivator.com.au

Mix it up, enjoy all the food groups, and all of the colours that natural foods offer us. Challenge yourself each day to eat most colours of the rainbow.

YOUR COASTAL WEDDING DESTINATION

MANSFIELD ESTATE

ith an impressive 600 acres, Mansfield Estate has endless options for perfect places to say ‘I do’. Offering a ceremony space for every theme including classic white wedding styles set amongst the fields, a fairytale wedding on the tranquil water's edge, or a rustic hillside ceremony for an earthy natural wedding vibe. Themed marquees can be specially set up at Mansfield Estate, or have a bohemian style wedding under the trees, salty air and sand between your toes at Grants Beach and an indoor botanical balcony overlooking forest views.

Do you want to get married with a small number of guests in a strikingly beautiful location, where the ceremony and celebration is all about the two of you? Mansfield Estate is a mesmerising destination and coastal getaway for micro weddings, elopements and intimate celebrations in New South Wales. You're welcome to choose your own celebrant, vendors, caterers, styling and props to make your day as unique as you are. Capture all the special moments with photos overlooking the gorgeous valley. At Mansfield Estate, you're spoilt for choice

A luxury eco-wedding venue and accommodation located on the beautiful Mid North Coast, Mansfield Estate is a stunning blank canvas for you to create your dream wedding.

Wwith multiple function spaces and outdoor zones including seated dining for up to 95 guests in the main reception hall, stand up cocktail style wedding reception for up to 115 guests in the main reception hall or up to 150 guests in the Grand Hall, cocktail style or seated.

The gorgeous main reception space opens out to an alfresco area and outdoor bar overlooking the expansive vista and is perfect for small intimate secluded events, cocktail and canapes on the lawn, a casual outdoor bar or alfresco entertaining space for a poolside summer party.

friends and relatives on-site at Mansfield Estate.

Mansfield Estate is a mesmerising destination and coastal getaway for micro weddings, elopements and intimate celebrations in New South Wales.

The venue is the perfect holiday escape for you and your guests to enjoy the Mansfield Estate facilities, including a fully equipped commercial kitchen, alfresco dining area and fire pit area, an expansive lounge area with ocean views, swimming pool and recreation zone with half-court basketball, games room and audiovisual facilities. The 13 guest rooms capture ocean breezes with treescape views and the accommodation connects to the function venues with covered accessible pathways.

The reception spaces can easily seat an intimate or large gathering. There are two bars and relaxed areas which make the venue a unique space for you and your guests to celebrate. Food and beverage packages are available on request.

As well as the wedding venue available for your use, you can also include accommodation for up to 30 of your closest

Finally - our gift to you. We plant a tree for every couple who gets married at Mansfield Estate. The tree-planting ceremony honours the commitment you make to each other and supports our promise to protect the environment for future generations.

Contact our weddings and events team to discuss your needs today via reservations@mansfieldestate.com.au

Hi Bonnie. Thanks so much for speaking with Focus. You describe yourself as a photographer who captures love in all it’s glorious forms with a passion for weddings, lovers, elopements and families. Tell us a little about yourself and your work as a photographer?

Hey, thanks for the opportunity to chat with you and your readers. I grew up in the country, and I adored growing up on the farm, surrounded by nature and animals. This was also a time of extreme drought and hardship, and now living on the coast and enjoying a very coastal lifestyle. I love the contrast and beauty in both worlds and I find my work reflects this.

When I started my business I dabbled in everything. I soon found I preferred to work

with only portraiture. At this stage most photographers tend to niche down into subcategories such as weddings, newborns etc but I just couldn’t. I found myself as a photographer making such strong connections with my clients and wanting to continue a journey with them to continue to tell their story. Instead of niching down, I chose to work within my style and approach and apply this across the board to all the genres I work in. It’s such a special thing that I am able to photograph a couple's journey from engagement to wedding, to maternity, newborn and numerous family shoots (or all the other non linear life events, no matter what order they happen in). It’s a beautiful thing and it’s never lost on me what a privilege it is to do what I do.

My work endeavors to not only capture connection, but to promote it. I think living a

real authentic existence is sometimes hard to come by. A lot of the things we do are dictated by society, social media, our work and the fast pace of living in 2023.

My shoots, no matter what they are, wedding, family, couples etc. are always an invitation to slow down and focus on the gift we have in front of us, to connect with the ones we love. My work tends to always be highly emotive, light hearted, down to earth and client centric. And in terms of style, it’s warm, a little moody, ethereal, cinematic and intimate. I work really closely with clients, to tell their story, rather than only ‘taking great photos’.

To be a great photographer these days I think you have to offer much more than just be able to take a photo. Photography is one of the most saturated markets at the moment due to its low entry level, and the fact that it’s

BONNIE SEVIL

Weddings and all forms of love photographer Bonnie Sevil speaks with Focus magazine about her unique approach to capturing couples on their wedding day, telling their stories and producing beautiful moments in time.

unregulated. The thing is we all carry around a camera in our back pocket these days, so in some way we’re all photographers which is incredible. But in other ways, we all have a hammer in our garages but we don’t call ourselves builders. In this sense I feel the photography world can get a bad wrap as there’s a lot of inexperience out there and a lack of education.

When did you first develop a love of the art form that is photography and what is it you enjoy so much about the craft?

Photography was something that always came pretty naturally to me, I was always artistic and enjoyed all forms of art. It wasn’t until my later years of High School when I took on photography as a subject to support my dream of becoming a fashion designer, where I was introduced to the darkroom, alternate photographic techniques and styles and I was pretty darn hooked.

I went on to study Visual Arts and Education at Southern Cross University, Lismore, majoring in Printmaking and Photography. My work at this time explored conceptual themes and experimented with expired Polaroid films and alternate processes. It was really beautiful aesthetic work, lots of experimentation,

engagement in the environment and water. I do miss this side of my work a lot and would love to get back into it. Personally, photography opens a lot of doors for me. I’m invited to witness and experience things I otherwise would never, I also get to hear people speak about their loved ones in a way sometimes they would never themselves. I really enjoy the emotive side of the work I do. But I also really love the challenges it brings, especially weddings. There’s a lot to capture, the weather is always going to do its thing and at the end of the day it’s all on you. You hold the power of how someone’s most special life altering moments will be preserved. It’s high pressure, high fun, incredible vibes and very rewarding. What type of equipment do you predominantly use?

Currently I’ve got a pretty simple system, I don’t get too bogged down in gear.

My one must is weather sealed because at shoots there’s always a 90% chance I’ll be getting wet, trekking through sand or enduring dust. And the second is dual shots, so I can shoot two cards at once, I never want to be in the position where someone's files get corrupted or go missing.

When I rock up to a shoot I’ll be wearing a holster so I’m always hands free (can help direct, style, tie bow ties on wedding days etc), strapped with 2 Canon cameras (5D MarkIV & R5), and I predominately shoot with a 35 and 50 all day long, with a few changes throughout the day. I like to keep things as light as possible, I’m on the move a lot and in all kinds of awkward positions.

Continued over...

You hold the power of how someone’s most special life altering moments will be preserved. It’s high pressure, high fun, incredible vibes and very rewarding.

You have already had an extremely busy 2022 capturing weddings throughout the Mid North Coast and beyond. Tell us a little about your unique approach in engaging with your subject matter?

I think it’s really important to remember that photography, especially portraiture, isn’t only about the final photo. The larger part of this equation is the experience. This starts way before the photoshoot, from the first contact your clients have with you from social media/ websites, communication, down to the shoot and the delivery of photos and/or prints, and

well beyond.

I decided pretty early on that I wouldn’t be a “shoot and deliver” kind of photographer. Having an intimate connection with the people I work with is far more important to me and enriching for my life and I feel this is a pretty mutual feeling among my clients. Having this connection is how we create the art we do, it’s a total collaborative work, I couldn’t create work the way I do without

the trust my clients have. I do just have the best clients!

I think you also have to have the ability to read a room. Not all shoots I do are the highly emotive kind, you have to really vibe the experience your clients want to have, and provide this for them. Family sessions are always just about the fun, kids just want to play, they don’t want to be photographed, so it’s easy, we literally just play games, laugh and hang out with mums and dads. Your style of photography seems effortless: natural, organic, warm, artistic and authentic, yet I know you are a perfectionist and your work certainly speaks for itself. You also love to tell people stories by spending time getting to know your clients. Why is this an important attribute for you before a shoot?

If I’m speaking honestly, I’m a total introvert. My camera has always been my connection to people and the wider world. It pushes my boundaries and has been my greatest teacher. I find it incredibly empowering to have the gift to capture people in a way they

Having an intimate connection with the people I work with is far more important to me and enriching for my life and I feel this is a pretty mutual feeling among my clients.

haven’t seen before. Being photographed puts you in such a vulnerable state, it’s up there with shark diving and public speaking. Therefore getting to know someone before being photographed is pretty vital. Any shoot I do, I will at least have a questionnaire and/or phone and we dive into some pretty deep topics. When someone already feels “seen”, there’s so much more possibility to capture them in a truer sense. Their guards have already been let down and they know you are going to hold them and take care of their memories.

How do you see your business developing and what is on the horizon for you for the new year ahead?

This year I’m hoping to get a little more balance in my life. As with many in the wedding industry, 2022 was an insane year with so many postponements from COVID still being squeezed in, it made life pretty insane.

I’m wanting to improve my client experience

even more, revamp a few things, and take on a few more employees to create what I’m envisioning. What have been some of your highlights of your work looking back?

I think when I really hit my stride and found my people, there was a lot of snowball effect from there. I fell in love with the people I was working with, which brought more richness to my work, and allowed me to take bigger risks as they trusted me.

Also being a photographer who travels all over, it was unreal for me when clients started to hit the road just to be photographed by me in my hometown. That felt huge.

A highlight was definitely shooting a wedding in Uluru at the start of 2021, there was so much uncertainty with COVID still shutting borders etc. so it was just wild to have such a huge beautiful party in the middle of Australia.

Away from the camera where would we find you spending your own time?

Tending to my 100’s of house plants (I thought they were cool before the COVID popularity hit haha), or in my garden trying to rescue it from the last 18 months of neglect due to having severe morning sickness and the arrival of my daughter last year.

A lot of my time off is family time. After the arrival of my daughter last April, it’s been a whirlwind. It wasn’t a smooth birth and we spent the first few weeks in hospital with her. I took very little time off after her arrival and I hit the road working with her fairly early. So when I’m not working, it’s definitely a lot of quality family time, heading to our local river, beach or cafe. I know how fast this first year goes, so I’m just soaking all our firsts up. For people wanting to find out more about your work or engage your services, how can they best connect with you?

Instagram is always an easy connection, I’m there a lot @lillyatdawn or my website www.lillyatdawn.com.

Thanks Bonnie. Interview: Sarah Baker.

I fell in love with the people I was working with, which brought more richness to my work, and allowed me to take bigger risks as they trusted me.