Following my first article on the gorgeous day we had at Love on the Lawn in the Hunter Valley on the Sunday afternoon, we retreated back to the beautiful Sebel at Kirkton Park before the rest of our weekend commenced.
Arriving at the Sebel in the late afternoon, I immediately fell in love with the perfectly manicured grounds that are a picture perfect backdrop for both wedding ceremonies and receptions. Currently undergoing a multimillion dollar refurbishment, this space is soon going to be even more beautiful than it is already!
Images by Vibe Photography via Sebel at Kirkton Park
During Sunday evening and throughout the following day we had the pleasure of being treated to some of the best cuisines and venues that the Hunter Valley has to offer.
What a day for incredible cuisine! After a relaxing afternoon enjoying the grounds of the Sebel Kirkton Park, it was time for a delicious three course dinner at the Mill Restaurant. With undoubtedly one of the best views over the Hunter Valley vineyards, the Mill Restaurant is nestled into the luxurious award-winning Tuscany Wine Estate Resort.
This venue is a unique space with multiple options for your special day. Whether it is a formal sit down reception, a cocktail event, a beautiful ceremony or onsite accommodation you are looking for, this venue will tirelessly work with you to ensure your every dream comes to life! Add your own everlasting touch to the venue by securing a personalised lock of love to their windmill – the first place in the Hunter Valley to offer a permanent lock of your union.
Images via Tuscany Wine Estate Resort
Sacred Spaces – The Convent of Mercy
Starting our day on the Monday morning was a visit to the Convent of Mercy with the awe-inspiring chapel. As you walk through the grounds of the convent and arrive at the doors to the chapel, you know that once those doors open you will be wowed by beauty, however I don’t think any of us were truly aware of just how magical the inside would be. As the doors opened, breaths of excitement and awe were audible from the guests as white marble, “Michelangelo-esque” wall paintings and rich tones of red and mahogany appeared before our eyes. This space was absolutely beautiful and with the open space of the aisle, it gave every guest an ideal view of the bride’s entrance and the whole ceremony – no stretching or tiptoes to try and catch a glimpse!
Along with the stunning imagery your photographer will be able to capture inside the chapel, the grounds around the convent are also available for photography which will create the ultimate background. If it’s a chapel you’re after for your ceremony, a visit to the Convent of Mercy is a must!
If you’re a couple who appreciates delicious (and award-winning) cuisine, Margan Valley is the venue for you. With a one acre kitchen garden and orchard including unfiltered honey and olive groves, 90% of all the fruit and vegetables used throughout the seasonal menus are grown just outside! For your special day, Margan Valley offers picturesque views of the Broke Fordwich sub-region for your ceremony and their working barrel room for receptions. These spaces are striking when reflecting the raw beauty of the surroundings and provide the perfect canvas for your wedding day styling!
Images via Margan Valley
Spicers is a boutique estate with luxury accommodation and the ultra romantic Botanica Restaurant which will have you never wanting to leave! Named the Number 1 resort for romance in 2015, weddings at Spicers are fairy tales brought to life. With a beautiful eight acres of vineyards and views of the Brokenback Mountain range, ceremonies are perfect underneath the canopy of old gumtrees or amongst the vineyards. Catering for intimate affairs of 20 guest through to parties for 150 , Spicers also offers the opportunity for the complete property to be booked exclusively for your special day. Paradise all to yourself and your loved ones – what more could you want!
Images via Spicers Vineyards Estate
Twine Restaurant – Wynwood Estate
After a morning of visiting these breathtaking venues, it was time for lunch and Twine Restaurant was our next destination. Seated in their private dining room for a two course lunch, this contemporary space is a luxe venue for an intimate reception. If it’s a larger reception space you’re after, the Twine Restaurant works well too for your special day as does the Wynwood Barrel Room. Coupled with a garden ceremony amongst the blossoming grounds of the estate, the Wynwood and Twine Restaurant teams are there to ensure every moment of your special day is flawless.
In the heart of Pokolbin and the Hunter Valley, the Barrel Room is nestled between the Tempus Two Cellar Door, the Goldfish Cocktail room and a number of the Hunter Valley’s finest culinary delights. The Barrel Room, which extends out onto a balcony overlooking the vast property, is an architectural delight with two solid pewter doors and rows of oak barrels lining the space. Finished off with drapes along the ceiling and gold Italian chandeliers, this space is perfect for the modern yet elegant reception.
Image via Roche Estate
The final stop on this glorious weekend was the Bimbadgen Estate which is perched high in the Hunter Valley and overlooks their famous amphitheatre. With an architectural statement bell tower and manicured gardens, the Bimbadgen Estate adds a Mediterranean touch to the Hunter Valley. Throughout our tour of the estate, we were spoilt with the finest High Tea which was complete with mouth-watering sweets and savoury delights; definitely something to try on your visit to the Hunter Valley. The Esca Bimbadgen restaurant seats up to 110 guests but larger parties can also be accommodated in a marquee throughout the estate grounds. A space to suit everyone.
The Hunter Valley, just a hop and a skip away from Sydney, is a whole other world with something to suit every couple. This completes our weekend in paradise but we could have stayed for days – enjoy!
Ms Chinoiserie Says: The Hunter Valley provides an “A List” selection of venues; a wonderful wedding destination dream!
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