Jess and Ruby run the weddings at Longview Vineyard like a well-oiled machine. They are responsive yet measured and always very organised. But this is not to say they take a 'one size fits all' approach. To the contrary; the celebrations that I have been a part of at Longview are among the most unique and creative I've seen.So I was happy to have the chance to sit down with the girls over a hot chocolate at Chocolateria San Churro to chat about how they translate their couple's ideas into reality and how your wedding planning needn't be a stressful or overwhelming experience.
DIY love - Elyce and Patrick
Elyce and Patrick are one of those warm and immediately friendly couples that, after meeting them for the first time, make you feel like you have known them for years. When I chatted with them in 2013 about their vision for their Golding Wines wedding, they described it as vintage/rustic with a relaxed atmosphere and the end result did not disappoint. It was, in fact, a DIY extravaganza which I would try to deter other couples from even attempting (DIY vs Delegation; a cautionary tale). But true to their tenancious yet caring natures, Patrick and Elyce pulled it off with aplomb.
Shots courtesy of Emma Sharkey Photography. Enjoy!
Sarina Jenkins of Golding Wines
With sweeping vineyard views from the paved terrace bordered by landscaped gardens and the character sandstone barn, family owned and run Golding Wines boasts a wonderfully distinctive and rustic setting for celebrations or just a lazy Sunday afternoon sipping wine at the cellar door (accompanied by a slice or two of their crusty wood oven pizza, of course).
And even though every wedding that I have been a part of there looks like it's been ripped from the pages of a magazine, they also run incredibly smoothly. Their Events Manager, Sarina Jenkins, is in the business of making dreams come true. Sarina and her team's attention to detail (like having a staff member ask the groomsmen to empty their pockets just before the ceremony starts so their mobile phones or keys are not unsightly distractions in the photos) and professionalism week after week is what really sets Golding Wines apart.
Go your own way - Steph and Chris
Chris and Steph live and breathe an authentic, genuine life and their wedding day was simply a concentrated dose of that. Almost everything was DIY and they decorated, crafted, created, and baked their way through around 16 months' worth of planning to make the lovely Barristers Block in Woodside their own particular brand of heaven for a day. The result was awesome, as you can see from these beautiful shots from Photography by Michelle Harkness. Enjoy!