Every once in a while I have the pleasure of photographing a Newcastle wedding that really honours and celebrates the beauty of this totally underrated coastal town. This particular wedding was genuine and understated, unique and comfortable, simple and beautiful just like the couple it was designed to celebrate. As far as this Newcastle wedding photographer is concerned, it doesn’t get much better than this. Everything just worked… the weather played nice, the couple were effortlessly stylish and Newcastle really turned it on with that magical light at sunset it’s so loved for by locals and international travelers alike (not to mention every Newcastle wedding photographer in the business).
At sometime before midnight on Christmas eve in 2013, Eddie proposed to Steph. They were slumped on their couch after visiting family all evening. Steph wasn’t sure if Eddie was joking as they’d been together for 10 years. Eddie assured her it was the real deal, and after a bit of laughter, Steph said yes.
Steph and Eddie represent a new breed of Novacastrains. Since BHP closed down Newcastle has been evolving into a different city – there are now more artists per capita in this city than anywhere else in Australia. Steph and Eddie were originally in a band called the Sea Bellies – then Eddie had a bunch of songs he wanted to develop with a different approach so he formed a five piece folk/pop band called Twin Lakes – described as “infectiously melodic with tangled simplicity”.
Being such creative individuals, this wedding was always going to be a DIY affair. Steph said the goal was to make this a very family/community oriented wedding. Originally the ceremony was planned for their backyard but with numbers and logistics making this a challenge, Steph and Eddie opted to have the ceremony across the road from their home in the neighborhood park. Having lived in Cooks Hill (Newcastle) for over 8 years, it just felt right. Keeping to the family/friends theme Eddie and Steph were married by Steph’s Auntie who had previously been the celebrant for Stephs sister. Catering was looked after entirely by family too! Hair was done by Steph’s friend Lana Tilar, and makeup was also done by a friend – Amber Mooney.
Steph went to the Sydney Flower Markets the day before the wedding and loaded her car to the brim. Guests were encouraged to take flowers home with them as a keepsake for the special day. The day before the wedding a small army was mobilised and everyone helped set up the hall. A local company called the Wedding Designer supplied chairs, lounges, the bar and a bunch of other things. Steph looted her doily collection to decorate the tables and all in all everything came together to create a fresh, country theme that included as many friends and family as possible.
