bridalbliss A special guide to your perfect day - presented by The Western Weekender
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BY MATTHEW ELY - YORK JEWELLERS
Rings with a personal touch
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here are countless advantages to having a piece of jewellery designed and made especially for you, using traditional methods perfected over many years. Especially if you’re planning on wearing this piece for years to come! Advantages include such things as a higher level of strength in the metal, more weight to the piece, and often a more luxurious feel about it. Apart from the quality of the actual item of jewellery itself, there is something special about being involved in the experience of having a jewellery designer sit down with you and sketch your engagement and wedding rings. One of our award winning jewellers will then craft your unique piece specially for you. These are such special pieces of jewellery, something you will treasure forever and we want our customers to have great memories about their jewellery from the
conception of the design, right through to the finished product and for many years to come. Quality, service and trust are everything when making your decision about what to buy and where to buy from. Be sure to make a decision not only based on
price alone but including service, aftercare service, quality of the piece and trust. Our team get a great sense of satisfaction when a client of York Jewellers takes home their new, hand crafted piece of jewellery. We can’t wait to welcome them
back into the store and continue servicing their needs and cementing important moments in time. Your wedding rings are an important part of not only your big day, but the rest of your life so it’s important that you get them right and to your liking.
Cornwallis House Luxury Wedding AccommodaƟon A special occasion deserves a special place to stay
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Cornwallis House can provide a luxury relaxing holiday for you and your bridal party or close family and friends while aƩending the many nearby outstanding wedding venues in the Hills, Hawkesbury and Lower Blue Mountains area. Enjoy the space and privacy of this large house with 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, massive wraparound verandahs, amazing views and acres of absolute riverfront lawns and orchards. This unique self-catering venue is conveniently located only a four minute drive from Windsor. Stay the night before the wedding, get yourselves ready in the morning, and when the wedding is over you can come back to Cornwallis House to relax and wind down. Sharing a “morning aŌer” champagne brunch the next day without the need to leave the property is a lovely way to extend your celebraƟons. Late check out on Sundays is available at no extra cost.
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To Book: Phone: 4577 6535 or 0423 623 916 Email: enquiries@cornwallishouse.com.au Web: www.cornwallishouse.com.au or www.stayz.com.au/77005
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ADVERTORIAL
A Scenic wedding like no other
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ay ‘I do’ surrounded by sheer cliffs and a romantic rainforest. Scenic World is growing as an unlikely wedding venue. With sheer cliffs that glow gold and burnt orange at sunset and overlook an nonintoxicating romantic rainforest, Scenic World in the Blue Mountains brings together a wedding venue like no other. Divinely picturesque, more and more couples are tying the knot in Scenic World’s open air rainforest room and are taking advantage of the tranquility of the forest and breathtaking escarpment to create extraordinary memories. As a destination wedding, Scenic World’s uninhibited access to the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains and the unique transport in and out of the venue is setting hearts racing both locally and further afield. Scenic World’s Event Manager, Alana Silk, said the attraction’s placement in the Blue Mountains
makes it an ideal destination for a wedding, as it’s surrounded by a wide range of accommodation options including boutique resorts. “A wedding in the Blue Mountains at an extraordinary site like Scenic World allows family and friends to enjoy a memorable short break or holiday while attending your special day,” she said. “Use our intimate rainforest room to exchange your vows and then use the temperate rainforest, golden escarpments and boundless views as perfect backdrops for your photos.” With unique ceremony and reception packages crafted to meet individual requirements, guests can celebrate their nuptials in a beautiful reception venue with floor to ceiling windows. “Watch the sun set on the cliffs from the only venue with uninterrupted views of the Three Sisters,” Ms Silk said. “Then at night, the floodlit
beauty of the famous rock formations provide the perfect backdrop to celebrations.” Depending on the number of guests, Scenic World can also revolve the function venue floor throughout the night so everyone can enjoy the view.
More information about weddings at Scenic World can be found at www.scenicworld.com. au/weddings-functions/weddings or you can contact Functions Coordinator, Christie Mantzouridis, on 4780 0238 to discuss your specific requirements.
PHOTOGRAPHY: ANNA TURNER | ANNATURNERWEDDINGS.COM.AU
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ȫ̺іͷ ȡʍɾɽ˨̩ʰɺ
Ѯ̺іͷ ɽȹѮɺ Ѯ̺іͷ ѧȹѮʚ St Marys Rugby League Club is the perfect venue for your Wedding. From an intimate affair to the most extravagant celebration, Saints is the perfect venue. Contact our Events Manager Jennifer on 9677 7703 for all your function enquiries.
www.stmarysleagues.com.au
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Spectacular
Mountain Weddings at Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains Mention WESTERNWEEKENDER to receive a complimentary room upgrade for the Bride and Groom. ENQUIRE NOW: 02 4785 0000
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1 Sublime Point Rd, Leura Tel: 02 4785 0000 Email: conference@fairmontresort.com.au www.fairmontresort.com.au www.mgallery.com #fairmontresortleura
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Where Memories Are Made... Contact Our Friendly Coordinators Today For Package Details or To Book a Viewing.
www.eventsatfifty5.com.au | events@fifty5.com.au 55 Campbell Street, Blacktown 2148 | (02) 9830 0673
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Saying “I do” ISN’T THE HARD PART… CHOOSING A VENUE IS! Visit The Event Centre at Panthers and let us make the decision as effortless as saying “yes”. With eight unique venues to cater to your vision, including our stylish outdoor Gazebo, we can customise our elegant function areas to perfectly capture your vision of your big day. Wedding packages start from $95pp.
Book your wedding for June or July 2016 to receive The Gazebo complimentary when you book for a minimum of 80 guests on The Elegance Package! CONTACT THE VENUE CENTRE TEAM NOW ON 4720 5511 or email
eventscentre@panthers.com.au *Conditions apply. Weddings must be held within the months of June or July 2016. Not available for existing bookings.
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ADVERTORIAL
The perfect wedding destination
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t’s not just the stunning backdrop of the Hawkesbury River that makes the Retreat at Wisemans your premier wedding destination. It’s the great staff, the award winning cuisine, and the beautifully landscaped gardens that provides the perfect location for both your ceremony and reception. Wisemans wedding coordinator, Kath Roberts, said there’s no need to travel on your wedding day, when you can stay and celebrate at the Retreat at Wisemans. “You don’t need to go overseas to have your destination wedding, you can come to the Hawkesbury and have an amazing day by the beautiful river,” she said. “It’s not just a venue, it’s accommodation. It’s a holiday in itself.” With 54 well appointed rooms, and two bridal suites, everyone can stay in four star comfort at Wisemans and have an unforgettable weekend away.
“Guests can enjoy the wedding without worrying about the drive home, and there’s plenty more time for celebrations,” she said. Wisemans hosts just one wedding a day, meaning you can have the whole grounds to
yourself, with the full attention of Ms Roberts and her team of helpers. “We have a swimming pool, tennis courts, and overlooking a beautiful garden with a water feature, is the award winning
Riverbend Restaurant that can seat up to 100 guests,” she said. “We have attentive staff, and as I am the dedicated wedding coordinator, I will be with the bride and groom from start to finish.” You can exchange your vows in the picturesque Riverside Wedding Gazebo, nestled in the enchanted setting of the special Riverside Wedding Garden. “You can hold your reception with 150 guests in a silk-lined marquee in the wedding garden,” she said. “It’s a photographer’s dream location, with 50 acres of natural surrounding beauty to take those special images to last a lifetime.” Just an hour and a half from Sydney, you can have an unforgettable wedding, with a range of packages to suit. For more information or to organise a sit visit, contact the Retreat at Wisemans on 4566 4422, email events@wisemans. com.au or visit www.wisemans. com.au.
The Ceremony Accommodation
With 54 well appointed accommodation rooms guests can share your special day without the need to drive home.
Marry on the banks of the Hawkesbury River in our Wedding Gazebo or beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the delightful photographic opportunities.
The Reception
Choose from our restaurant or a marquee in the gardens to celebrate the occasion with up to 150 family and friends.
Weddings
at Wisemans The perfect venue for the perfect day
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5565 Old Northern Road, Wisemans Ferry, NSW • P: (02) 45 66 44 22 F: (02) 45 66 46 13 Visit www.wisemans.com.au to download our Wedding Brochure! January 2016
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ADVERTORIAL
Your celebrant
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Janice Bradley Your Family Celebrant Phone: 0428 289 919
www.janicecelebrant.com.au Weddings / Renewals Commitment Ceremonies Baby Namings WW20046
our special day is the most important day of your life, and one way to make sure it’s perfect is by finding the best civil celebrant for you. Janice Bradley is a local celebrant who understands that everyone has a different dream for their wedding, and works closely with you to make those dreams come true and ensure your day is a success. “It can be as formal or casual as you want, themed if it’s your dream, or simply two people and their witnesses,” she said. “After all it’s your special day, your ceremony has to be the way you want it to be. “I take care to understand who you are and give to you that creativity, passion and energy that is unique to you.” Janice ensures every wedding, no matter the size, carries the same sacred meaning – a meaning of joy, love and family. “I will work with you to create
that special ceremony for you and your family and friends. It will be a ceremony that speaks about you, your love and your relationship,” she said. To experience Janice Bradley’s exceptional services, visit her website at www.janicecelebrant. com.au or phone 0428 289 919.
From decadent lace detailing, dazzling beadwork and premium finishings, Roskosh Couture is famed for its ostentatious yet unpretentious approach to modern glamour andsimplistic wearability. Roskosh Couture produces the perfect gown for beauty pageants, school formals, wedding guests and social events. Roskosh Couture is available only in exclusive retailers in Australia and internationally.
8608 5047
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203 Queen St, St Marys, Sydney NSW, Australia 2790 (02) Trading hours: Tuesday - Saturday from 10am - 4pm Closed on Sunday and Monday. VIEW OUR COLLECTIONS ON INSTAGRAM 8
www.instagram.com/roskoshcouture BridalBliss
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Wedding Checklist Sixteen to Nine Months Before 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Start a wedding folder or binder. Work out your budget. Pick your wedding party. Start the guest list. Hire a planner, if desired.
6. 7. 8. 9.
Reserve your date and venues. Book your celebrant. Research photographers, bands, florists, and caterers. Throw an engagement party, if you wish.
Eight Months Before 1. 2. 3. 4.
Hire the photographer and the videographer. Book the entertainment. Meet caterers. Purchase a dress.
5. 6. 7.
Reserve a block of hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. Start your bridal gift register. Launch a wedding website.
Seven to Six Months Before 1. 2. 3. 4.
Select and purchase invitations. Start planning a honeymoon. Shop for bridesmaids’ dresses. Meet with the celebrant.
5. 6. 7. 8.
Send save-the-date cards. Book a florist. Arrange transportation. Start composing a run sheet for the day.
Five to Four Months Before 1. 2. 3. 4.
Book the rehearsal and rehearsal-dinner venues. Check on the wedding invitations. Select and order the cake. Send your guest list to the host of your shower.
5. 6. 7.
Purchase wedding shoes and start dress fittings. Schedule hair and makeup artists. Choose your music.
6. 7. 8.
reception. Print menu cards, if you like, as well as programs. Purchase the rings. Send your event schedule to the vendors.
Three Months Before 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Finalize the menu and flowers. Order guest gifts, if desired. Make a list of the people giving toasts. Finalize the readings. Finalize the order of the ceremony and the
Two Months Before 1. 2. 3. 4.
Touch base again with all the vendors. Meet with the photographer. Review the playlist with the band or DJ. Send out the invitations.
5. 6.
Submit a newspaper wedding announcement (in the Weekender of course). Enjoy a Hen’s party
One Month Before 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Enter RSVPs into your guest-list database. Get your marriage license. Mail the rehearsal-dinner invitations. Visit the dressmaker for (with luck!) your last dress fitting. Send out as many final payments as you can. Confirm times for hair and makeup and all
vendors. E-mail and print directions for drivers of transport vehicles. 8. Assign seating. 9. Purchase bridesmaids’ gifts. 10. Write vows, if necessary. 11. Get your hair cut and coloured, if desired. 7.
Week of the Wedding 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. January 2016
Reconfirm arrival times with vendors. Delegate small wedding-day tasks. Send a timeline to the bridal party. Pick up your dress. Check in one last time with the photographer. Set aside checks for the vendors.
7. 8.
Book a spa treatment. Send the final guest list to the caterer and all venues hosting your wedding-related events. 9. Break in your shoes. 10. Assemble and distribute the welcome baskets. 11. Pack for your honeymoon.
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ADVERTORIAL
Capture your happiest memories
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t’s not very often you find a wedding photographer who can also style your big day. Megan Dunn from Megan Dunn Photography has not only won awards for her wedding and portrait photography, but can make your special day hassle free, while she captures your happiest moments. “We can photograph and style your wedding, with a full range of props and décor available to hire,” she said. Megan is passionate about her clients, making sure she is there for you from the very first moment to the last. “I enjoy the first meeting with clients, finding out what their vision for the day is and bringing that to life,” she said. Megan ensures the bride and groom can relax and enjoy their wedding day, which brings out the happiest candid photos for their wedding album. “The thing with weddings in general, is that other vendors such
as hair and make up artists and the celebrant are only there for short periods of time,” she said. “Your photographer is there from beginning to end, so it’s really important you feel comfortable. We ensure everything runs smoothly, and that timelines are stuck to.” With four years in the business, Megan brings a fun, fresh approach to wedding photography. “We focus on really relaxed, casual images, and we get creative to make sure that fun is a big part of it. I want couples to remember the photos as being a happy experience,” she said. “We want to make sure we capture the moments as they happen, we don’t create it for you, we don’t manufacture the day.” Megan Dunn Photography has different packages available to suit everyone’s special day. For more information, phone 0433 241 737 or visit www. megandunnphotography.com.
We want to ensure your wedding day is awesome! Megan Dunn Photography is all about love, fun & celebration. We will capture all the excitement of your day without having to force smiles or fake poses. Your wedding day should be all about you and we want you to look back at the fun you had through beautifully created images that you can treasure for a lifetime. ‘‘I can’t even put into words how amazing you were on our wedding day. I have just had a look through the images and I feel like I have just relived the day again… WOWWW!!! Your eye for detail and creative flare! The photos are just amazing!!!! I cannot thank you enough and cannot recommend you more highly to anyone.’’ – CHARLIE & EVELYN DAOUD - DOLTONE HOUSE
Phone: 0433 241 737 Email: info@megandunnphotography.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/megandunnphoto
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Finalists in the 2015 Small Business Awards
Skye’s THE LIMIT FOR HAIR
Skye’s The Limit For Hair provides services to men, women & children. Seniors specials on Mondays & Tuesdays.
149 Queen St, St Marys
9673 0090
is coming of age in 2016 with 21 years’ of service with “ A Ceremony by Design” … true to your relationship
THERE IS NO QUALITY LIKE EXPERIENCE
BRIDAL UPSTYLES FROM
• Weddings • Namings • Vow Renewals • Commitments
$65
“… the wonderful ceremony was truly a reflection of us, a few tears, a few laughs and lots of love … we were absolutely 100% happy.” Helen and Steve, Winmalee, 2014
BOOK YOUR WEDDING HAIR IN TODAY WW20703
0408 826 743 www.ceremonybydesign.com.au enquiries@ceremonybydesign.com.au www.facebook.com/ceremonybydesign WW20575
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Moments to Cherish R
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Make your special day an unforgettable one!
R From Sydney to the Blue Mountains we can R work together to make the perfect day just for you So, you’re getting married - and entering into one of the most special moments of your life. You’ve probably already thought about where and when, and now you need to find a celebrant to help you create your perfect ceremony. Your wedding ceremony should evolve around you and your partner. This day is all about YOU - and as your celebrant, I will work together with you to plan a ceremony that you will remember for the rest of your lives. Whilst wedding ceremonies often follow a set pattern, you can vary things as much as you like. I will give you suggestions and ideas to help you write your own meaningful wedding vows, create your personal ceremony plan, prepare all legal paperwork, perform an on-site rehearsal with you plus as many pre-ceremony consultations as you feel you need. As your marriage celebrant, I will help you create your personalised ceremony including: R Up to 5 consultations R On-site rehearsals R Certificate of Marriage as issued R Ceremony plan by the Registrar of Births, R Preparation of all paperwork Deaths and Marriages R Signing table and cloth Other ceremonies I can perform for you include: R Renewal of Marriage Vows R Baby Namings R Commitment Ceremonies
Kendra Herron 54 Fletcher Street, Wentworth Falls NSW 2782 P: 0414 775 112 | E: herronkendra@yahoo.com.au | W: momentstocherishonline.com January 2016
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Christine’s Millinery Hats and Fascinators Beautifully handcrafted by Christine Thompson in her studio Original, one-of-a-kind, designer hats for women and men • Race hats and fascinators • Wedding • Mother of the Bride • Street wear hats • For women and men
Christine Thompson Australian made, Blue Mountains Website: www.christinesmillinery.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/Millinery.Christines Email: christinesmillinery@gmail.com Mobile: 0430 197 600 WW20170
FEATURE
Unique ideas
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eddings are very often about tradition, but they don’t have to be that way. In fact, you can stick with certain traditions but throw some unique ideas in to give your big day a perfect mix. Remember, you want your wedding day to be about you – so don’t compromise just because tradition dictates a particular thing has to be done. Here’s three ways you can make your wedding unique: Don’t cut the cake: Cutting the cake is such a big part of a wedding but often, it’s an expensive exercise and not everyone likes cake! Consider having another option, like cupcakes or even donuts. A lolly bar will suffice as well – the cake cutting is more about the symbol of that moment, and not so much about the cake. Will people really notice if you skip the cake cutting but have other awesome dessert options?
Photo booths: If you can’t afford to pay your photographer to stay for the whole night, then something that encourages guests to take photos themselves is a great idea. Perhaps a few Polaroid cameras, or a photo booth. The latter can be hired from a range of places and isn’t overly expensive. You can also bring your own props along. For example, if you’re an NRL fan or basketball supporter, you might have a few team jerseys in there just to personalise the experience. Dump the arch: After a big night of fun and dancing, it’s sometimes not the most ideal way to say goodbye.
YOUR SPECIAL DAY SHOULD BEGIN WITH US. WE OFFER HAIR SERVICES IN SALON OR ON LOCATION
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BOOK NOW AND RECEIVE A COMPLIMENTARY 45MIN HAIR TRIAL VALUED AT $95.00
P: 4701 9448 | A: 44 LEMONGROVE ROAD, PENRITH 12
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Penrith’s only
Waterfront Wedding Venue on an island The Lakeside restaurant also provides the perfect surroundings for a wedding. The venue can accommodate quite a large number of guests for cocktail style or banquet style receptions. We are confident that we can tailor a wedding package to suit your needs.
LAKESIDE RESTAURANT
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Great Place For Families & Friends
Opening Times Thursday for Dinner Friday for Dinner Saturday for Brunch, Lunch-Dinner Sunday for Brunch
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P:4729 3222
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Fine Wine Lists Available For Specials Functions
International Regatta Centre Gate A, Old Castlereagh Rd, Penrith Lakes www.lakesiderestaurant.com.au
Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler Penrith, NSW
Celebrate Your Wedding, Your Way
on the Water!
Intimate, Elegant & Unique Unforgettable Photo Opportunities 50 - 170 guests Cocktail to Multi-Course Competitive Rates Fully Licensed Venue Planning Service at no extra charge!
02 4733 1274
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Sydney’s Premier Bridal Boutiques
Parramatta L 1, 85-93 Victoria Road P 9683 6446 Sydney 259 Clarence Street P 9264 6562
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BRIDAL t #3*%"- t '03."- t DEBUTANTE t SUIT HIRE t SUIT SALES
Ferrari Formalwear & Bridal Shop 1-2, 565 High Street Penrith P 4731 4806
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What’s your
concept? As Western Sydney’s leading wedding experts, Concept33 has a range of packages to choose from and our experienced team can tailor your special day to suit your requirements and budget. Contact our team today and
start making your dream wedding a reality! (02) 9677 4924 www.concept33.com.au 33 Railway St, Rooty Hill NSW 2766
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