I’ve been trawling through the ‘to be blogged’ archives searching for weddings that I’d like to share. One of the memorable weddings from 2019 was Steph and Corey’s Ben Ean wedding, Hunter Valley.
Formerly known as Lindeman’s Estate, Ben Ean is a vineyard in Pokolbin, within the Hunter Valley wine region. Ben Ean is located around 2 hours from Sydney, and about 50 minutes west of Newcastle. Ben Ean is a lovely estate that sits atop rolling hills with both easterly and western outlooks, which is great from a photographers perspective (because you can maximise the morning, midday and afternoon light).
Steph and Corey’s Ben Ean Wedding Day
Steph and Corey got ready nearby. I visited Corey and his groomsmen at The Crown Plaza Hunter Valley, whilst Steph and her bridesmaids were getting ready at Cyprus Lakes Resort. From Steph’s room, you could see Ben Ean in the distance, also the large fig tree under which their ceremony would be held.
We arrived for the wedding ceremony at Ben Ean at about 2 pm. From the fig, guests had a beautiful 360 view of the vineyard and the surrounding landscape. Steph and Corey’s ceremony was lovely, filled with heartfelt messages and vows. Guests enjoyed canapes under the fig with the couple, until it was time for them to return to Ben Ean for drinks.
A Beautiful Ben Ean Wedding
Ben Ean (Formerly Lindeman’s Estate) was acquired by the McGuigan and Peterson families, returning the property to its historical roots of the Hunter Valley. Starting in 1843, the Lindeman family started growing vines at their “Cawarra” property and started exporting internationally in 1858.
Today, the cellar door hosts many types of events, and the venue is perfect for larger numbers (Steph and Corey had around 200 people!).
The Places We Went
Whilst guests traversed to the reception venue, we captured some portraits with their bridal party under the fig, and also along the ridgeline that separated Ben Ean from the neighbouring estate grounds. We shot amongst pine trees, the estate tracks and the cottage. We also strolled down the hill shooting in the grapevines, captured some frames at dusk with some of the industrial equipment at the back of the cellar door.
One great thing about having a Ben Ean wedding is that the whole day can occur at one venue. There is plenty of variety at Ben Ean that you needn’t travel anywhere for portraits.
Some Favourite Ben Ean Wedding Moments
One of the most memorable aspects for me from Steph and Corey’s wedding at Ben Ean is that the reception venue is essentially a blank canvas. Steph and Corey’s florist arrived earlier in the morning to dress the hall for the reception. I have never before seen so many flowers get unpacked from a delivery van. The process was so involved, that I turned up before bride prep to capture the florist and staff in action dressing the room, and then captures frames before the ceremony once the task was complete. As you can see in the photos below – a massive transformation.
Steph and Corey also ordered a beautiful Queensberry Album to accompany their wedding photos. I delivered the album a couple of months after their wedding. Dressed in a royal blue leather cover, the album will be treasured by their new family for years to come.
If you’d like more information about wedding photography in the Hunter Valley, or for your own Ben Ean wedding, feel free to contact us here.
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