#forever-in-wandin-valley

[wardencommanderdita]

Hi. How are you? What do you think of a shopping mall Santa Claus that called my little daughter "beautiful"? I'm thinking of submitting an article to the Age or the Sydney Morning Herald about it.

You have an ABC icon and reference the sydney morning herald, but call a shopping centre a mall? Send the bot back, it needs work.

[gezxaviermansfield]

Chantelle + Luke - Engagement. Love. And taking on natural elements!

A hunter valley wedding photographer that so into their work, is a good thing right? Just have to remember to pull myself away from the computer from time to time. Oh, how the time fly's! This year, it's weddings and their engagements have come up so quick, I kinda have to pinch myself each day to check the date! Ha!

The awesome thing is that we got this e-shoot locked in about 3 weeks to a month ago, with hair and makeup trials booked on the same day - enough time to edit, sit back and reflect, and prep for their day.

Rocking up to the backstreets of Newy to photograph couples now is becoming more and more popular, with this afternoon being the perfect time and location - the windiest day I've seen in Carrington for a long time. I knew if these guys could crack the 1st 15mins and find their groove considering the weather, then nothing was going to stop them on this shoot or their wedding day. 

Planning for Chantelle and Luke's wedding has been quite seamless, with their added decision to see each other before their ceremony in a 1st sighting. Something that adds to their relaxed nature, and fun, contemporary side as a couple. 

And with Wandin Valley playing host to their wedding this week, the use of open spaces, gorgeous architecture and fresh tones, all that these two will need to do is turn up, have a ball and party on into the night.

 Enough from me... Enjoy

GXM

  Chantelle and Like....tell me a bit about yourselves. How did you two met? 

Luke and I met through friends who were dating. We met on the foreshore (pit lane back in those days)

What was it like on your 1st date out?

For our first date we went to the old movies in Newcastle.  I remember it was the middle of winter and freezing but Luke insisted on walking through the mall.

Whats the reason you both fell in love with each other?

We have so much fun together and we are always laughing. We both care about each others aspirations and support one another to get to our goals. 

What have been the most exciting parts of planning your wedding?

Seeing everything come together and realising that we have the same ideas for what we wanted from our day. As it gets closer the more surreal it feels, that so much planning for one day will come together and we get to hare our love for each other with all our friends and family.

How do you think marriage will change your relationship?

We hope that it doesnt change our relationship, we hope that it stays the same as it is now; just that we will share the same name. 

What do you most look forward to about your wedding?

Getting to see each other and the party!

What are the most important things that will create a long lasting and loving marriage?

Compassion. Communication. Staying true to ourselves. Laughter. Honesty and Trust

What special ways do you express your love to each other?

Luke makes me coffee every weekend before I get out of bed, he will leave the front light on for me when im working late and always greets me at the door with one of our dogs in his arms and the other beside him.

I like to buy him little treats while im out, Luke loves dessert so I try to be creative in getting him something different if I see it. I'm forever holding his hand while were driving or cuddling up to him on the lounge

What made you choose this location for your engagement shoot?

We were really guided by our photographer. Good thing the location helped protect us from the wind. Except the beach! 

What are your favourite ways to spend time together? 

Watching movies, going out for breakfast/ dinner.

What’s your relationship advice for couples planning their big day?

Talk about what you want your day to look like and work your way back. Don’t do something just because of other pressure, stay true to what you want as a couple from your day.

 What’s the best relationship advice anyone has given you?

Talk to each other about everything, the good, the bad and celebrate all the good things no matter how small they may seem at the time.

Who are the vendors that you are working with for your wedding day?

Photographer: Gez Xavier Mansfield

Hair and Makeup: Chic Artistry

Venue: Wandin Valley Estate

Florist: Little Willow

Cake: Abs-olutely Yum Cakes

Photo booth: Booth Boy

Entertainment: Kylie Jane

[strategicproperty]

Inside the Oakville property made famous by `A Country Practice’

Inside the Oakville property made famous by `A Country Practice’

Clare House at Oakville was made famous in A Country Practice

THIS historic Oakville residence is known as `Clare House’ but to most Australians it will forever be Wandin Valley Hospital. Built in 1828, the property which featured in the television series A Country Practice, is set to auctioned later this month. Vendor Sharon Palmer admits she had never seen an episode of iconic ‘80s show when she…