Lovedale Wedding Chapel & La Pera Estate Wedding – Hunter Valley Wedding Photographer
Daniel and Rhiannon planned a simple, heartfelt celebration surrounded by their closest family, and I was grateful to document it as their photographer. Their Lovedale Wedding Chapel & La Pera Estate Wedding – Hunter Valley Wedding Photographer story began with a quiet ceremony inside the little chapel tucked among vineyard rows in Lovedale. It’s a space that feels warm the moment you walk in—peaceful, honest, and perfect for the intimate day they imagined.
After the ceremony, we travelled to La Pera Estate to capture relaxed portraits and family photos while everyone was still together. As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer, days like this remind me how meaningful small celebrations can be. With no pressure or distractions, the focus stays on connection, family, and the real moments that make a wedding day memorable.
Getting Ready – The Calm Before the Celebration
Daniel and Rhiannon kept their morning incredibly low-key. No big preparations or complicated timelines—just a relaxed start surrounded by family members gathering slowly throughout the morning. These simple, unhurried moments often show the true feeling of the day more than anything staged.
I focused on documenting natural expressions, small interactions, and the atmosphere before leaving for the chapel. When a wedding begins without stress, it sets the tone for genuine photos later on. The Hunter Valley’s quiet, open surroundings also help keep the whole day grounded, especially for intimate celebrations like theirs.
Ceremony at Lovedale Wedding Chapel
Lovedale Wedding Chapel is a charming spot set within vineyard scenery, and it perfectly matched Daniel and Rhiannon’s vision for a simple family ceremony. The warm timber interior and soft natural light created a calm backdrop for their vows.
With only their closest family present, the ceremony felt personal and meaningful. As I photographed each moment—from walking in, to exchanging vows, to the smiles from their families—it felt clear that the day wasn’t about decoration or formality. It was about being together in a place that felt right for them.
Guests arriving at Lovedale Wedding Chapel, setting the tone for a simple and intimate family ceremony in the Hunter Valley.
Golden Hour Portraits at La Pera Estate
After the ceremony, we headed to La Pera Estate for portraits. The estate’s open vineyard layout offered plenty of quiet corners for family photos and couple portraits. Daniel and Rhiannon really wanted to take advantage of everyone being in one place, so we captured different family combinations and some relaxed group moments.
The vineyard backdrop and soft late-afternoon light worked beautifully for their portraits. I guided them just enough to feel comfortable, focusing mainly on natural interactions and simple movements. As the sun dipped lower, the golden tones across the vines added the perfect finishing look to their gallery.
Group portrait with family and friends at La Pera Estate.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings at Lovedale Wedding Chapel
Lovedale Wedding Chapel is one of those Hunter Valley venues that suits couples who want something intimate and sincere. The vineyard surroundings, the quiet interior, and the easy access to nearby estates like La Pera make it ideal for small weddings that focus on connection.
As a Hunter Valley wedding photographer based in Maitland, I often work around Lovedale, Pokolbin, and the surrounding areas. The region offers endless variety—chapels, vineyards, estates, and open fields—all within short distances.
If you’re planning a similar celebration, you can explore my How It Works page to understand my process from booking to gallery delivery. You can also browse other vineyard weddings I’ve photographed at Ben Ean, Estate Tuscany, and Willow Tree Estate for more ideas and inspiration.
Portrait of Daniel and Rhiannon at the Lovedale Wedding Chapel entrance.
Final Thoughts
Daniel and Rhiannon’s wedding was a reminder that meaningful celebrations don’t need to be elaborate. When the focus is on family and connection, the day unfolds naturally—and the photos reflect that. It was an honour to document their story.
Photographer | FirstLook Stills | www.firstlookstills.com.au
Venue | Lovedale Chapel | La Pera Estate
Celebrant | Rach Michael
FirstLook Stills – Where my passion meets your story.
Wedding Photography | Hunter Valley | Maitland | NSW
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