Welcome

Love Wins

After a particularly tumultuous year for the world, it was uplifting to end 2017 with two signifi cant wins. Firstly, we were thrilled to be named ‘Start Up Superstar’ at the Regional Business Awards, held in October. And, of course, fi nally having Marriage Equality granted across the land was the icing on the cake!

At long last we can all just get on with the business of celebrating love, much like the fi ve couples featured in this issue – all of whom chose to exchange their vows in the beautiful Blue Mountains. Our cover stars, Anita and Brett, were married in autumn at Bilpin Resort. Fulfi lling their desire to refl ect the environment, the pair opted for a rustic theme highlighted by magnifi cent Australian native fl owers (see their True Love story on page 18).

All the couples we interviewed made sure nature played a leading role in their wedding celebrations. From the Megalong Valley and Mount Tomah to Rydal and Kurrajong, we think you’ll agree that the venue options in our corner of the globe are breathtaking.

For our Inspiration story (page 72), we collaborated with a team of talented locals to evoke a sense of old Hollywood glamour, using the magnifi cent Lilianfels Resort & Spa in Katoomba as the backdrop.

We also explored Lithgow, enjoyed a high tea or two, took a tour with Blue Mountains Vintage Cadillacs and talked to innovative locals Celine Watz of Floral by Nature, couturier Daniel Learmont and Amy Christie of Wedding Paws.

On a fi nal note, we will be hosting our second expo –The Love Aff air – at The Carrington Hotel on Sunday 19 August 2018. It’s a great opportunity to meet the clever folk behind the fl ourishing Blue Mountains wedding industry. In the meantime, keep the love fl owing!

Lisa & Jacqueline xx Illustration: Melanie Vugich.

18 26

CONTENTS

34 40

46 62

ON THE COVER

Anita and Brett chose the ‘Secret Circle’ at Bilpin Resort for their woodland nuptials. Photo: Mark Nolan of Two Creeks Photography. Story: Page 18.

TRUE LOVE

18 Anita and Brett Misty mountain woodland wedding 26 Rebecca and Rachel Garden ceremony for two beautiful brides 34 Sarah and Gene Head over hills romance 56 94

40 Jilan and Omar Reflections of love in Kurrajong 46 Kristie and Benjamin Handmade and heartfelt among the vines

PROFILES

62 Unconditional love Feature your fur baby on your big day 66 Timeless style Q&A with our own designer to the stars

HOMEGROWN

14 Gifted Mountain-made beer, wine, cider and spirits 16 Beauty Perfecting an aisle-ready smile 52 High Five Top high teas 56 Flowers Organic blooms grown with love

68 One enchanted evening Vintage fashion from a local icon 94 Hen Party Pop-up picnic crafternoon

REGULARS

8 Welcome Editor’s letter 12 Map Find your way around the region 72 Inspiration High times and cinematic glamour 82 Escape Our pick of pampering places 86 Fashion Weathering a winter wedding 96 Village People Getting to know Lithgow 100 History Arrive in style in your vintage ride 112 Wedding planner Expertly plan your big day 114 Last word Marriage equality… at last

WIN, SHOP & STOCKISTS

102 All in the detail A directory of fabulous local suppliers 107 Next issue Spring/Summer 2018 108 Competition Win your wedding video! 110 Stockists

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