JESS AND TONE’S TOCAL HOMESTEAD WEDDING - HUNTER VALLEY

“Just like Logan and Veronica, Alex and Piper and Hamish and Zoe. You and I were made for each other” - Tone

There was something extra special about this day. Maybe it was the overwhelming anticipation of FINALLY being legally recognised to marry after so many years together.

Tocal Homestead was the perfect choice for Jess & Tone’s day. Away from the hustle of Sydney where they live and work. A place to be relaxed with guests surrounded by the beauty of the countryside. Jess's dad pointed out that the theme of Tocal Homestead was all Tone. And that if Jess had her way it would have been at the Blacktown RSL ha!

Jess & Tone's bridesmaids (yes, all 10 of them!) were given a colour brief to choose from for their gowns. The wedding day was the first time they had put them all on together and DAMN! Don't they look incredible!

Tone told a story in her speech about a friend who once commented that they look at each other like their relationship is still new. Like they are as obsessed with each other as though they have just started dating. I could see how much love and respect they have for each other by the way they looked at each other when no one else was looking. They are each other's number one, best friends and ultimate cheer squads in life.

One thing I could pick up from Jess and Tone was that they love to make each other feel special and always go the extra mile. As Jess and Tone moved towards the dance floor for their first dance a voice played over the speakers "Ladies and Gentlemen, here's a message from Delta Goodrem"... Jess had organised a special message from the one and only Delta, before they danced to her cover of "I Believe In A Thing Called Love". Everyone was so surprised and blown away!!

Tone had a little surprise up her sleeve too! A few months before the wedding day, I received an email from Tone (strategically being sent from her work email) the subject was "a surprise!" I knew this was going to be good! Tone wanted to organise a wedding album for Jess. Together we designed the album, matching the colours to their style and making sure every image was the perfect recap of their day. I am happy to report that the surprise was a total success, and they both loved how it turned out! I had the best day capturing this wedding.

Days like this make me ask myself "how is this my job!?"

Mel x

Venue: Tocal Homestead
Video: Morelife Films
Second Photographer: Marianne Folwer
Flowers & Styling: Whimsical Fox
Catering & Cake: Sprout Catering
Tone’s Dress: Nicole Spose
Jess’s Dress: Wendy Makin
Celebrant: Richard Curtain
Neon Sign: Love Glows
DJ: Newcastle and Lake Macquarie DJ’s
Hair: Coco Collective
Makeup: Taylor Beck
Fine Art Album: Vision Art

Jess and Tone’s personalised message from Delta Goodrem!

Kind words from Jess and Tone:

“There are not enough positive words in this world to adequately review our experience with Stories With Mel. Where do I start? Mel has an incredible talent for capturing your wedding day in the most beautiful photos imaginable. Not a moment goes unmissed with Mel. She sees it all and captures it all. Her passion for natural light is overwhelmingly evident in her stunning photos and you will get the perfect blend of candid and posed photos - removing all elements of cheesy you can find with some photographers.

Not only is she talented, be she is also one of the loveliest people you will ever meet. She has so much energy and will make you, your bridal party and guests feel so comfortable and at ease. We honestly had so many people tell us so genuinely how great she was on the day.

If you are looking for absolutely top quality wedding photos that will make you tear up every single time you look at them, and take you back to that moment in time, Mel is your girl.”