Merewether Surfhouse Wedding

Groom dipping his bride while dancing at Hickson Street Lookout Merewether

Hayleigh and Luke's Merewether Surfhouse wedding in Newcastle was a dream come true - it was just like a magical blend of Christmas cheer, the nostalgic joy of fairy bread at a kids' party, and the blissful relaxation of a holiday getaway. Trust me; it was amazing! Not only did Hayleigh and Luke plan one of the most remarkable weddings I've ever had the pleasure of attending, but they also teamed up with some of the finest wedding vendors in Newcastle to bring their vision to life.

Let me set the scene for you. I started the day by joining Luke and his groomsmen at an awesome Airbnb overlooking the picturesque Newcastle Beach. The sun was shining gloriously, and the boys had even managed to catch some waves and go for a swim beforehand. Talk about a perfect start to the morning, right? While they were getting ready, I snapped some fantastic shots of the lads, as well as the quirky flamingo socks Luke had gifted his groomsmen. Luke was remarkably calm and collected, brimming with excitement to finally lay eyes on his beautiful bride.

Grooms prep photos at Newcastle beach apartment

Next, it was off to the bride's prep, where I couldn't wait to catch a glimpse of Hayleigh and, of course, their adorable daughter Lucy. Lucy stole the show during their engagement session with her enchanting blue eyes and mischievous smile. I had a hunch she would do the same on their wedding day, and both Luke and Hayleigh seemed perfectly okay with that.

Hayleigh, her bridesmaids, and her parents were getting ready at another charming Airbnb in Merewether, conveniently close to their ceremony venue at Hickson Street Lookout. Hayleigh had a stroke of genius and hired a vintage dress stand to showcase her gorgeous gown—a great idea that captured all its stunning details in style. With glasses of champagne in hand, the girls shared laughs and created a relaxed and enjoyable morning atmosphere. When the time came to slip into their dresses, Hayleigh had a special first-look moment with her bridesmaids. It's always a favourite photo op of mine, as we get to capture their genuine reactions, beaming smiles, and even a few tears. And let's not forget about the heartwarming first look between Hayleigh and her father—a cherished moment that never fails to tug at my heartstrings. After an emotional yet beautiful exchange, we all headed to the ceremony.

The chosen spot for Hayleigh and Luke's wedding ceremony was the stunning Hickson Street Lookout in Merewether. Monty from Holymatrimonty officiated their special day and also doubled as the MC for the reception—let me tell you, they couldn't have made a better choice. Monty perfectly matched the vibe of their celebration, entertaining guests and spreading positivity throughout the day. After the ceremony, we took some family photos at the Lookout before diving into the bridal party photos.

Wedding ceremony at Hickson Street Lookout in Merewether and photos of bride and groom at sunset

At this point in the day, any stress of the ceremony started melting away, making room for infectious party vibes. A few drinks, delectable canapés, and an epic bridal party—that's the secret recipe, and Hayleigh and Luke absolutely nailed it. With music filling the air and laughter echoing all around, we captured some truly incredible shots at Hickson Street Lookout as the sun began its descent. Our next stop was Merewether Baths, where we caught the breathtaking colours of the sky during sunset—pure magic!

For their wedding reception, Hayleigh and Luke chose the fabulous Merewether Surfhouse, renowned for its unbeatable location overlooking the magnificent Merewether Beach and its uninterrupted coastal vista. It was the ideal venue for this beach-loving couple to celebrate their love. As soon as everyone was settled, Hayleigh and Luke made their grand entrance and gracefully stepped into their first dance; such a brilliant way to kick off the reception! The Tre Soul Band took the stage, delivering a mind-blowing performance that set the perfect tone for the night. They brought an incredible atmosphere to the venue, ensuring the dance floor was alive with energy throughout the evening. Even little Lucy couldn't resist the lure of the dance floor—she was an absolute star!

Hayleigh and Luke's wedding at Merewether Surfhouse was an absolute triumph, with a laid-back couple, glorious sunshine, and a dream team of wedding vendors. I felt incredibly honoured to be part of their special day, witnessing the union of such a beautiful couple.

VENDORS

Photographer: Wild Wattle Photography

Venue: Hickson Street Lookout and Merewether Surfhouse

Florist: Jedda & Ro

Celebrant: Holymatrimonty

Musician: Tre Soul Band

Hair Stylist: Alicias Personal Hair Design

Makeup Artist: Zay Beauty

Styling: Creative Events Hire & Weddings

Cake: Natalies Cakes