Meet My (Vendor) Mates

What I love most about Adams Peak is… set amongst the hills in Broke – just 15 minutes from Pokolbin but it feels like you’re a world away hence it’s one of the most private Hunter Valley venues you will find, family run by Karyn and her team who are so experienced and passionate about what they do, their venue is constantly improving with new additions and changes, they have (many) Highland Cows, onsite accommodation for you and your guests.

What I love most about BoxGrove Bathurst is… it’s set on a working farm and being such a huge property they offer so many options – a number of ceremony spaces, onsite hair salon, custom built reception Barn and new luxe onsite accommodation, family run by Kayla, Melissa and Ben, they offer the perfect combo of luxury meets rural charm, onsite accommodation for you and your guests.

What I love most about Headlands Austinmer is… panoramic ocean views, stunning beachfront ceremony options including my fave Tuckerman Park (where you feel like you’re on the beach but are in fact on the grass just in front of the beach = sand and high heels are never a fun combination!), Austinmer is just north of Wollongong and is such a cute little coastal town to visit yet it’s also so close to Sydney if your guests decide not to stay overnight at the adjoining hotel.

What I love most about Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat is… breathtaking scenery in every direction including their Rock Cathedral ceremony space that is like no other, how KVBR rose from the ashes and returned with a venue that was better than ever after the devastation caused by the 2020 bushfires, so many beautiful spaces for your guests to explore and enjoy on the property, Madi + Niall onsite managers = legends, onsite accommodation for you and your guests.

There are some weeks where I see Chris from Red Berry more than my own family! I’ve been lucky enough to regularly work alongside Chris for years now (often at KVBR) and I’m always struck by his vibrant, bold and fun images. He brings a real sense of adventure when capturing his couples and has a knack for bringing out their personalities in his shots.

My first time working alongside Sam was at my own cousins wedding many many many years ago, and I’ve been lucky enough to have worked alongside her again many times since. A little ray of sunshine, Sam brings pure joy to your big day and her beautiful, warm and whimsical images speak for themselves.

Engaging, emotive and intimate, Scott is one of my favourite photographers to work alongside as aside from his beautiful work, he’s also a great guy. His personality naturally helps everyone around him feel comfortable (which only helps create natural, candid shots) – in my experience that doesn’t always happen with photographers.

I can immediately recognise a Salty Shutter image before I even know it’s one of Dane’s! Dane has a real knack for capturing the raw emotion of events as significant as weddings. His cinematic style and passion to tell a couples story via his shots always shines through.

Dion’s films beautifully capture the emotion of these big moments, and he does this in such a fun and heartfelt way. Always a delight to work alongside.

Mitch is so passionate about his work and brings a candid, creative and fun approach to the films he creates. Super professional, Mitch is always a pleasure to work with.

(Formerly Life By Luke) Luke was one of the first videographers I worked alongside (he actually did the ‘Meet Nicky’ video on my website a few years back) and is always a delight to cross paths with. I would describe his style as cinematic, high energy and fun, and his couples are always over the moon with his work.

Two Folk (formerly Two Folk Films but now also offering photography) never miss a moment and bring an authentic and cinematic approach to their storytelling. They also bring a wealth of experience that they are more than open to sharing – their Instagram page is one of my favourites to follow.

Steph and her team are next level when it comes to bringing your floral and styling visions to life. NuNu, like me, are based in the Shire and have built up a wonderful reputation through years of delivering exceptional weddings and events. Professional, up for a laugh and creating exceptional blooms, I always look forward to when I have the chance to work alongside Steph and her team.

Dan is the natives queen, full stop! Perhaps this is in part due to the fact that where she lives she is surrounded by nature. Anytime I’ve worked alongside Dan I’m always blown away by her unique designs and ability to only enhance the environment around her.

Offering planners, stylists, on-the-day set-up and coordination, as well as equipment and furniture hire (they also have the Gelato Bike as an add-on service), Vanessa and her team from The Wedding Creators are always so professional and a delight to deal with. Servicing the South Coast, Shoalhaven, Southern Highlands and Illawarra, if you’re looking for support and experience to plan your big day TWC are worth their weight in gold.

South Coast based and offering everything from elegant blooms to dramatic pops of colour, Elyza and her team at Ivy Lane Collective offer creations that are always exceptional and leave guests saying “wow!” Providing florals, styling, stationery and linen, I love that when I’m working alongside ILC I know that we’re in for something special.

Josie + Tim are the legends behind Event Entertainers and amazing performers themselves (I’m looking at you, Duke Music!) Over the years they have expanded into offering a team of amazing musicians for you to choose from, from soloists through to full bands, Event Entertainers always bring professionalism and such a fun vibe to your big day.

Formerly the voice of the shire (but now the voice of the south coast as he moved but is still performing anywhere and everywhere!), Anthony is the ultimate professional and brings so much joy and energy to your wedding day. He’ll often play an acoustic set at your ceremony and canapes, and then move into a DJ set for your reception. An all-round top bloke and superstar!

Tillee Music, headed up by OG’s Nat and Bob, have been singing couples down the aisle for as long as I can remember. One of the first vendors I remember working alongside and stepping back from saying “wow”, Tillee Music have a number of musicians on their books, all offering a unique sound and style.

The Zancs, Luke + Tannah, bring such a fun vibe and energy to your wedding tunes. From vocals and guitar, through to a cracking DJ set, this husband and wife duo offer loads of package options and are always a pure delight to work alongside. I hear it a lot but they also do my fave version of “Signed, Sealed and Delivered (I’m Yours!)”

Jervis Bay Brewing Co Low Vis Hazy Pale Ale // I’m lucky enough to split my time between Sydney and Huskisson on the South Coast these days, and this lovely drop from Jervis Bay Brewing Co is my absolute fave. JBBC also has a wonderful brewery to visit with a smashing permanent on-site food truck from 5 Little Pigs – if you’re down the coast pop in for a cheeky bevvie (or three!), you won’t be disappointed.

Philter XPA // When visiting the mecca of craft beers in Sydney (all hail Marrickville), I make sure I drop into Philter. Offering so many different styles of beers, I’m always drawn to their OG, their XPA, which has been on rotation in my beer fridge at home for as long as I can remember. A perfect beer for those warmer months, another fruity sensation.

Mountain Culture Status Quo Pale Ale // Since Mountain Culture burst onto the scene in 2019 their Status Quo has been everywhere and won everything! And for a very good reason, it’s an exceptional beer! Be sure to visit their beautiful Katoomba Brewpub if you have a chance to try all of their beers on tap *insert chef kiss*

Balter XPA // Another Extra Pale Ale (clearly I’m a fan of Pales), and sure, while purists won’t call Balter a craft beer anymore, I still think it’s a great beer and love that given they’re now owned by CUB you can pretty much find a Balter anywhere on tap these days. Beats having to settle for a Carlton Draught or 150 Lashes any day!