Every weekend, I have the pleasure of capturing the magic of weddings at a different venue, each one more unique and captivating than the last. It’s such a thrilling experience for me as a photographer. 

When I had the opportunity to photograph at Peterson House, my excitement knew no bounds. I just knew deep down that it would be an absolutely stunning venue, filled with beauty and elegance.

The drive to the Hunter Valley is always a delight for me. The scenic drive, accompanied by the food and the wine, never fails to make my heart sing with joy. 

The Hunter Valley holds a special place in my heart, as it is where my husband and I got married. 

TELL ME HOW THE PROPOSAL WENT DOWN

Tez & I got engaged right in the middle of COVID lockdown, you know when Kahoot trivia was the only way to catch up & connect with friends!

I was 38 weeks pregnant at the time. It was Tez’s turn to host our “friendly” monthly game of Kahoot! Trivia with a bunch of friends. I was sitting in the nursery and I’d just finished decorating whilst Tez sat in another room. Tez hosted a brilliant trivia game & competition was fierce as the leaderboard was close, but at question 27, which read, “If Terry was to drop down on one knee, pull out a ring & day “will you marry me?” What would Tara say? The host disappeared from the screen. I looked up, and Tez was down on one knee proposing in our son’s nursery! It was the best game of trivia we ever played!

THE VENUE

Peterson’s Champagne House
Hunter Valley NSW

THE DRESS

Tara’s dress was a Mariana Hardwick design.

THE SUIT

Tez suit was MJ Bale tuxedo

WE’RE GLAD WE DID

A destination wedding to an area we both loved. It was neutral ground and the Hunter Valley is a place where we shared so many magical moments as a couple. We are so glad we had a venue where the whole wedding was in one place from Vermonter to reception, no guests had to leave or travel to a different spot for the reception.

FAVE DEETS

A laid-back ceremony, with love, laughter & yahoos – made fun by an awesome celebrant in Ben.

Involving our families in the day – Our witnesses being our mums was super special.

Tara Walking down the aisle to the same song her mum did.

The gifts to our guests reflected us – honey & jam (to keep spreading the love) made locally in Young, where Tara grew up & donations made to two charities close to our hearts on behalf of each guest – were a favourite detail.

A band (with a sax) WOW, to hear live music again! But the vibe a band brings to the day is something else & makes a personal touch when guests can request a tune!

Tez involving Tara in his speech.

Just bringing a touch of us as a couple to everything about the day – staying authentic to who we are

MOMENT OF THE DAY

We are taking one moment each here!

Tez – holding Donnie, our son, at the end of the aisle & being greeted by Tara – that was something else like our family truly coming together

Tara – When Tez asked me up during his speech to recite Donnie’s favourite bedtime book together, as it was the first night we hadn’t been there with him to read his bedtime book & it was about the same time Donnie would have been going to bed with his sitter – that was a moment!

The whole day was made of “moments.”
All special, all significant!

STANDOUT VENDOR

Ohhh too hard…!! Everyone was amazing. They all did their job with passion, patience & kindness. We loved every vendor & would recommend them all! A huge shout out to Rosy Posy Co. for their beautiful florals & styling & Ben Ager, our celebrant, for his unique style!

To Emma, though – we knew well before we got engaged that Emma would be our photographer. We had been to weddings she had done & her style, approach, unique talent & laid back friendly manner was everything we wanted for our wedding; her photos take us back to the special moments of our day, time & time again – truly creating magic memories & we have received so many comments & questions about who shot our wedding!
We will forever be grateful for the moments in time Em captured for us.

CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Emma Hampton Photography Florist Rosy Posy Co Ceremony & reception venue Peterson House Cake Sammie Cremor Entertainment Baker Boys Band Celebrant Ben Ager Bridal Gown Designer Mariana Hardwick Shoes Harlo Shoes Hair & Makeup Toscani Blow Bar Transport Rovers Coaches Suits MJ Bale Stylist Floral Affects Hire Jewellery Stones of Atlantis

Tags: Emma Hampton Photography, Rosy Posy Co, Peterson House, Sammie Cremor, Baker Boys Band, Ben Ager, Mariana Hardwick, Harlo Shoes, Toscani Blow Bar, Rovers Coaches, MJ Bale, Floral Affects Hire, Stones of Atlantis,