Sophie & Morgan - Chapel Mon Coeur Wedding, Lovedale
Sophie & Morgan were married at the unique open-air chapel, Chapel Mon Coeur in Lovedale. Chapel Mon Coeur is a breathtaking Hunter Valley wedding venue nestled in the heart of the Hunter Valley wine region, surrounded by picturesque vineyards and rolling hills. The natural backdrop provides a dreamy setting for weddings, with ample opportunities for captivating moments and photos.
As the day woke up, Morgan and his crew gathered at his parents' place, soaking in the easy vibe of home. All set in their jackets and ties, his mates were buzzing with excitement. And then there was Cherry, Morgan's dog, adding a playful touch to the morning chaos.
Amid laughs and last-minute fixes, the whole scene was surprisingly chill. These guys were the definition of "ready but relaxed," sharing jokes and getting into the groove. With her tail wagging, Cherry brought this happy, carefree energy that made everyone grin.
Morgan looked pretty calm and collected in this cozy setup, with ties being sorted and jackets straightened. Surrounded by his crew, both two-legged and four-legged, he was all set to dive into the fantastic day ahead.
Sophie and her friends prepared for the day at a beautiful homestead-style Air BnB in Lovedale, only 10 minutes from the ceremony location. Sophie had the brilliant idea for herself and her bridesmaids to wear different-coloured linen pyjamas – a fun and clever choice for those prep photos. Plus, these PJs weren't just for show; they were re-wearable and comfortable; practical thinking at its finest!
Now I must mention Sophie's dress..... it was absolutely stunning! The Newcastle Bridal gown was a 100% showstopper, fitting her like it was made for her. The gown was elegance personified, adding an extra touch of magic to Sophie's natural beauty.
The morning was filled with excitement, with this sense of closeness and anticipation, making the morning feel like a cherished memory in the making.
With that contagious smile, Sophie was ready for whatever the day had in store. Surrounded by her besties, she was all set to step into the beginning of forever, looking every bit the stunning bride-to-be.
The breathtaking ceremony was staged at Chapel Mon Coeur, at the captivating open-air chapel. As a seasoned wedding photographer in Newcastle, I've seen my fair share of weather dilemmas, and this day was no exception. The looming threat of rain cast uncertainty over the couple's decision: should they risk the outdoor ceremony? In the end, they took the leap, and boy, it paid off!
Rather than dampening the day, the moody skies added a touch of drama, creating a stunning contrast against the chapel's pristine white beams. Despite the weather's unpredictability, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and love as Pastor Rod led the heartfelt ceremony. The couple's friends' musical performances infused the air with emotion, turning prayers into soulful melodies.
We wrapped up the ceremony just in time, capturing that cherished group photo before the rain appeared. However, the rain was short-lived, and a mere sprinkle would not steal the day's joy. We capitalised on the break in the weather, seizing the opportunity to snap those precious family photos amidst the lush greenery that adorned the surroundings.
Sophie and Morgan had prepared canapes and drinks for the bridal party photos, which is always a great idea for couples missing out on cocktail hour. We enjoyed the stunning space around the chapel and the vineyard's lush vines. The afternoon light? Pure magic—it painted every corner with a glow that begged to be captured in photos.
Working with Sophie and Morgan was an absolute joy. They were all about those affectionate smiles and warm hugs, making every shot a breeze.
As we strolled back, the reception space was a sight—a chic Indian-style marquee beside the cellar door. The guests? They were well-entertained with lawn games and a spread of delicious canapes and wines. Thanks to the incredible team at Paela Chef, dinner was a knockout, serving up three mouthwatering Paela meals to suit every taste.
The evening flowed seamlessly with speeches, cake cutting (Sophie's masterpiece!), and desserts that were pure bliss.
Despite a sprinkle of rain, Sophie and Morgan's wedding at Chapel Mon Coeur was nothing short of heartfelt and beautiful. The guests were raving about these two lovebirds, soaking in every moment of the celebration, just like me.
