Chelsea & Ben | Grand Junction Hotel Maitland Wedding

Chelsea & Ben’s wedding was the kind of day that felt completely their own — relaxed, quirky, vintage in all the right ways, and built around celebrating with the people (and places) they love most.

Their ceremony took place at Windermere House, a private property just outside Maitland in the Hunter Valley, before the celebrations moved into town for a reception at Grand Junction Hotel — known locally, and affectionately, as The Junkyard.

A Ceremony with Personal Meaning

Chelsea and Ben got ready at Windermere House, a property they’d spent months helping renovate in the lead-up to the wedding. That time and care showed — the space was filled with natural light, thoughtful details, and a calm, lived-in feel that suited them perfectly.

Chelsea wore her grandmother’s wedding dress — originally worn in 1955 — lovingly redesigned using the original materials to preserve its character and history. It was one of those details that instantly grounded the day in meaning, linking past and present in a way that felt incredibly special.

Spring Colour & Thoughtful Details

With an October date, Chelsea and Ben leaned fully into spring. Locally sourced florals created a soft pastel palette with pops of pinks, yellows, whites, peaches, and greenery — fresh, light, and perfectly suited to the setting.

The ceremony was held outdoors on the lawn, surrounded by friends, family, and more than a few smiles. One standout member of the bridal party was Baloo — a German Shepherd groomsman in a tux, who not only stole the show but also delivered the rings with absolute professionalism.

From Ceremony to Celebration

Following the ceremony, guests were welcomed with a grazing table by Curwen & Co., setting the tone for a day that celebrated good food just as much as good company.

Then came one of the many surprises — Ben grabbing a shovel and digging up a bottle of Kentucky straight bourbon whisky he’d buried a month earlier. It didn’t take long for it to be shared, and for the party atmosphere to truly kick in.

Portraits Around the Property

We spent some time wandering the gardens, stables, and hay shed, playing with light and texture while keeping things relaxed and unforced. Chelsea and Ben are the kind of people who seem to know everyone — the type who can’t walk down the street without running into a familiar face — which made the entire afternoon feel effortless.

Reception at The Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland

The reception took place back in town at Grand Junction Hotel, where the courtyard was transformed into a laid-back wedding reception space.

Music was handled by Advantage DJs, keeping the energy high throughout the night. There were plenty of frothies on tap, burgers, fried chicken, and all the pub classics — exactly what Chelsea and Ben wanted.

Chelsea, who owns Honey Belle Cakery, created the entire dessert spread herself. The table was stacked with cakes, cookies, and sweets of every kind — so good I’m still hearing about the fact I didn’t bring any home.

A Wedding That Felt Exactly Right

From the sentimental details to the relaxed pub reception, Chelsea & Ben’s wedding was unapologetically them — fun, unpretentious, and full of personality.

Being part of a day like this — one that’s carefully thought out but never over-styled — is always a privilege. Their wedding was everything they planned it to be, and documenting it was an absolute joy.