Dancing in the Rain – Brittany and Edward’s Hunter Valley Wedding Story
Location: Bimbadgen Palmers Lane, Hunter Valley Photos: The Beginning Studio Guests: 132
While Brittany and Edward may have envisioned blue skies for their big day, their happily ever after unfolded in unforgettable style — complete with an epic dance floor and a viral cake-cutting moment!
These Sydney-based sweethearts had a clear idea of their wedding locale before landing on Bimbadgen in the scenic Hunter Valley region of Polkobin. “We wanted a mini destination wedding: far enough away but not too far,” says Brittany. “Bimbadgen was stunning. We loved the mountain view and the barn vibes. The staff were incredible, and the moment we inspected it we knew it was our venue.”
With the venue locked, this pair of music-lovers also programmed a very untraditional wedding soundtrack, as Brittany explains. “We walked down the aisle to 50 Cent, sang Sweet Caroline with a microphone for our first dance, and rapped to Eminem during our cake cut (which went viral on TikTok)” she says. Love it.
The ceremony also took an unconventional turn when a storm rolled in, the wind picked up, and umbrellas (which flipped inside out mid-ceremony!) were called for to shelter the vows. But raindrops were no match for this wedding vibe. The newlyweds laughed off the drama for their photocall — their just-married glow shining through every frame and Brittany lighting up the misty backdrop in her gorgeous Karen Willis Holmes gown.
Because their ceremony and reception were both held at Bimbadgen, the couple could then kick-start festivities with their cherished guests, starting with dinner! “The food was phenomenal and was complimented by everyone,” says Brittany. “The serving sizes were huge. I remember sitting down for the entree and thinking it was the main. I love the prawns but also our cheeseburger slides — it is so hard to pick a favourite as everything was delicious.”
Brittany’s change into a glittering Chosen by KHYA two-piece signalled an uptick in the party mood (helped along by a cheeky shot or two). “It was like we were on holiday,” says Brittany. Everyone let loose and had an unreal time — the dancefloor was never empty.”
Although working without a wedding planner (“in hindsight, I would have loved one” Brittany admits), the couple pulled off this dreamy day by drawing on their personal style and putting trust in their team. “Our venue was a few hours away, so we couldn’t meet our vendors in person,” Brittany says. “We would do it over Skype or Zoom calls — we just had to put trust in the vendor team and remember they are the experts in this space, and they all over-delivered.”
The couple says they wouldn’t change a thing, and have no hesitation in recommending a destination wedding. “My advice would be to go for it! Have no regrets and do it your way,” says Brittany, who also puts in a good word for their honeymoon destination. “We travelled to Bali and loved it,” she says.
Creating memories in the Hunter Valley has also inspired plans for a return, with the bride noting “Now Bimbadgen will always be our special place to visit.”
The dream team
Date: 06.12.23. Photography: The Beginning Studio // Location & catering: Bimbadgen Palmers Lane, Pokolbin, Hunter Valley // Gown: Karen Willis Holmes // Veil: Mariana Hardwick // Florals: The Flower Alley // Reception outfit: Chosen by KYHA // Groom’s outfit: MJ Bale // Cake: Project Cake