Every love story has its own rhythm, sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s slow, but for Danielle and Lewis, it unfolded with a mix of spontaneity, laughter, and heartfelt moments that led to the most beautiful wedding day at @pepperscreek_barrelroom in the Hunter Valley.

Lewis was born in Gympie, QLD, but moved to Newcastle as a toddler, while Danielle grew up in Newcastle. Their worlds collided in the most modern of ways, on Tinder! At the time, Danielle was wrapping up her nursing degree at Newcastle Uni, and Lewis was working FIFO in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

It wasn’t long before Danielle noticed something special about him. “Lewis was very kind and I could tell it was just in his nature to be a genuine nice guy. He always makes sure I’m okay and looked after, and just wants the best for me,” she shares.

Together, they discovered a love for the beach, fishing, wineries (especially red wine), and little WA getaways. Laid-back and easygoing, they bonded over evenings by the fire, chatting about life and enjoying the simple things.

The proposal came during a holiday in Bali over Christmas and New Year 2022/23. As fireworks lit up the sky on New Year’s Eve, Lewis asked the big question on the beach. “I was very happy, of course — I could finally wear my ring that was three months in the making!” Danielle laughs.

Although the proposal was incredibly romantic, it wasn’t without its quirks. Lewis had been battling “Bali belly” for days, but still pushed through to make the night unforgettable.

From the beginning, Danielle envisioned a wedding at a winery — simple, low-key, but beautiful. After some indecision over colour palettes (a familiar challenge for many brides!), she landed on sage green and white. “It’s my favourite colour and it worked so well with the venue. I’m still in awe when I see the pictures.”

Finding her dress was serendipitous. Just months after the proposal, Danielle came across a lace, long-sleeved, fitted gown online from a Perth boutique. A last-minute appointment meant she tried it on alone, without family or friends. “It was the last one in stock, on sale, and even though it was a size 12, I had it altered to fit me perfectly as a size 8. I knew it was the one.”

Lewis, meanwhile, originally imagined himself in a patterned jacket but changed his mind after seeing one in person. Instead, he went for a sharp velvet jacket, found at a Perth suit shop. “The boys there were great and made Lewis more excited to get his suit,” Danielle shares.

To bring their vision to life, Danielle and Lewis leaned on a dream team of vendors recommended by us as their wedding planners, @weddingroad. From Nicole Butler Photography to Isn’t It Lovely Events, every detail came together seamlessly.

The ceremony was planned outdoors, but due to rain the night before, the couple opted for their Plan B — a charming veranda overlooking the vineyards. The shift in plans didn’t dampen the magic. “Walking down the aisle, seeing Lewis, and having our closest family and friends there was perfect.”

The reception inside @pepperscreek_barrelroom was a highlight. “It was so beautiful inside, we didn’t want it to end. And the DJ made it so fun!” Danielle remembers.

Looking back, Danielle wouldn’t change a thing. Her advice for couples? “Don’t be a bridezilla — there’s no need for it. The day will flow and it will turn out amazing. Trust your vendors. Get a wedding planner. Don’t let family decide things for your wedding. At the end of the day, it’s your wedding and your time to shine.”

Wedding Day Credits

Planning & Coordination: @weddingroad

Venue: @pepperscreek_barrelroom

Wedding Venue Management: @weddingroad

Styling: @isntitlovelyevents

Photography: @nicolebutlerphotography

Videography: @huntervalleyvideo

Content Creation: @weddingroad

Hair & Makeup: @ivorystatehairandmakeup (Amanda, Jess & team)

Music: @stevielee_music

DJ: @silentshoutentertainment (Sam)