The Hunter Valley located about two hours north of Sydney in New South Wales is brimming with incredible Australian wineries and beautiful scenery which makes this a classic Australian destination wedding location.  Today we’re lucky to have the talented Lee Cass of Lenore K wedding planning answering our Destination Wedding Australia planning, theming and decorating questions about the amazing Hunter Valley.

Q. Please tell us a little about yourself, your company and your experience in the wedding industry.

In early 2004, I was an executive administrator of corporate events at Sydney boutique publishing group Time Inc. Magazines (In Style, Bride to Be, TIME, WHO Weekly) and I left corporate life to start Lenore K., my own event management business.  With proven success, I was invited to help organise corporate hospitality for the 2004 Athens Olympics. Also previously a venue wedding coordinator in QLD, WA and NZ I consulted and assisted friends planning their weddings.

Pearl S. Buck sums up how I feels about what I do: “The secret of joy in work is contained in one word – excellence. To know how to do something well is to enjoy it.”Lenore K. is the first Hunter Valley Wedding Planner to include environmentally-friendly green choices in the wedding planning process. I am delighted that Lenore K. is located in the Hunter Valley.

Image: James Day Photography

Q. You organise weddings all over the Hunter Valley. Can you tell us a little about the location and why it’s so beautiful for weddings?

The Hunter Valley is situated two and a half hours drive north of Sydney and it is no wonder it is one of Australia’s most sought after wedding destinations. The Mediterranean climate, historical churches, rustic cottages, picture perfect vineyards and five star hospitality guarantees wedding couples a country style culture with city chic.

Q. What are your favourite Hunter Valley wedding destinations and why?

Chic definitely is Robert’s Restaurant and chapel located at Pokolbin. Robert’s is a romantic wooden cottage surrounded by lush grounds, its chefs indulge in seasonal diversity to offer five star gastronomic creations for their wedding packages. You’ll need to book early to avoid disappointment.

A progressive and innovative leader in The Hunter is privately owned Tamburlaine Winery, also located in Pokolbin. Australian Certified Organic, Tamburlaine offers premium organic wines with their Lodge wedding packages and the surrounding grounds making it an ideal photographic backdrop to capture memories of the special day.

In a different direction near Branxton, Wyndham Estate is nestled on top of a hill and is the grand daddy in winery history with Dalwood House and vineyards originating in 1830. With a long gravel road winding its way through the vineyards, you reach your destination to find a ranch style building overlooking a low slung valley. With interior of high ceilings, exposed wooden beams and spaciousness, the atmosphere is natural and welcoming.

If wanting to be married in a church by a celebrant, Saint Patrick’s at Nulkaba (above) is the perfect destination. 15 minutes drive from Pokolbin; Saint Patrick’s is a non denominational church from yesteryear with stained glass windows, wooden pews and immaculate gardens. Expect to book well in advance.

And for extravagance stay at Tower Lodge, the passion of the late winemaker Len Evans OBE OA. Surrounded by antiques and opulence enjoy the exclusivity. With their catchphrase … “A place dedicated to the enjoyment of the finer things in life!” you know your time will be special.

Contemplating a Hunter wedding?  Embrace the local culture and stay for a couple of days visiting historical village, Morpeth or, have a picnic on the banks of the Hunter River. There’s so much to do and see for you and your guests.

Image:  James Day Photography

Q. For 2009 and 2010, what are the trends on the horizon for Hunter Valley weddings?

Thinking Green is certainly an upward trend with wedding venues and wedding couples understanding the impact of event wastage.  Wedding guests Thank-You-Gifts will be organic, recyclable or money to charities. Larger wedding companies will offer carbon offsetting calculators on their websites to show and offset wedding carbon footprints.

Carbon neutral websites will become a burgeoning business. Overseas honeymoons will decline dramatically with the bride and groom enjoying the next day with family and friends, then travelling locally. The reception will become more of a party moving away from traditional head table seating arrangements and table placement will be in-the-round. More dollars will be spent at the reception for catering and beverages and less on the wedding dress.

Q. Anything else you’d like to add?

The Hunter Valley is an all season Australian wedding destination, where the locals are friendly, the wine is world renowned and the ambience is peaceful and romantic. Horse drawn carriages, five star accommodation or B & Bs… Getting married in The Hunter is the perfect dream.

To assist planning your perfect destination, Hunter Valley wedding specialist Lenore K. offers tiered ‘mix and match’ wedding planning packages, including a combined Special Package for the Mother of the Bride and Bride.

Welcome to the Hunter Valley.

Thanks Lee!

Happy Celebrating!

Kathryn