Morning, afternoon, night and in between we could not have asked for more. The G.O. and I spent a series of flawless days around Port Stephens highlighted by my sister’s simple, stunning wedding day at Nelson Head Inner Lighthouse and a relaxed, fun, beautifully personalized & crafted reception at the ibis Styles Port Stephens Salamander Shores Hotel at Soldiers Point.
Practically, unusually warm May weather enhanced the celebrations. We, and more importantly the bride, were graced with 14-15 to 22-23 degrees C (57-59 to 71-73 F) clear sunny days and fresh, full moon lit nights.
Before, during and after the big day we caught up with family, friends and as happens on these occasions made the acquaintance of a few more.
But while the wedding party et al had a go-carting post-wedding day recovery session we took some time out. The G.O. and I, just because, shouted Dad an excellent seafood lunch at The Deck at Soldiers Point Marina, afterwards wandering around the shiny nautical vessels dreaming of the boating life. Although, I think Dad would have liked to be able to drop a line and catch a fish or two amongst the tauntingly visible shoals safe in the clear waters of the no-fishing marina zone.
Any free time we had the G.O. and I sat on the balcony absorbing the views over the garden and bay, or walked on the beach.
I could not ask for more, Ed McCain
“…These are the moments I thank God that I’m alive
These are the moments I’ll remember all my life
I’ve got all I’ve waited for
And I could not ask for more…”
daleleelife101.blog 
The pictures are stunning and I’m sure they’ll raise many a smile in the future when you look at them. No cheeky animals today though, shame.
I’ll bet your dad enjoyed catching up with you and especially the seafood lunch. Most of all I’m delighted it went so well for your sister and that you had such a good time.
xxx Hugs Galore xxx
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Thank you 🙂 The occasion had so much to offer I thought it best to look at it over a few posts. All done now.
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Beautiful photos. That eggplant, artichoke and asparagus meal at the deck sounded good. I’m glad you enjoyed the whole shebang. Have I missed wed pix? I prob need to back read.
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Thank you. Great selection at The Deck. Only wedding pics are the 2 on this post. A couple of related earlier posts though – Port Stephens too much to cram into a single post.
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The links you’ve posted to Port Stephens, the hotel etc looks wonderful, and what amazing weather for what must be almost your winter. I’d be very happy with temperatures in the 20’s in our winter.
Your pics are beautiful, I love the one of the GO on the beach, and the sunsets….wow!
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Thank you. That it’s a beautiful place helps my photography! We still can’t believe it’s almost winter. We had one cold snap early May when it snowed around the ranges. I think it’s the warmest May on record.
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Some beautiful photos there EllaDee! Looks like my kind of place. Happy for you and for your sister! xx
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Oh, I think you’d love it. I could imagine you and D finding the best of it, and you snapping pics.
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Those quotes sum it up. It looks and sounds like a lovely, serene weekend. Your sister must be so happy that everything went well. It is difficult to choose, but I think my fav photo is the full moon over the water.
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Sorry, you commented to an earlier post asking how was the wedding. I split the occasion over a few posts, knowing I’d get to it. The full moon is my favourite too… taken using the timer, camera sitting on the hotel room bible balanced on the balcony rail!
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I like the idea of the Bible being used to create a wonderful picture! I guess now you are back in the humdrum of everyday life…..
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Yes, those mysterious ways…
And yes, but there’s no place like home, and the sun is shining 🙂
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We truly do live in the Lucky Country. 🙂 Thanks for the gorgeous pics, and for satisfying our curiosity. lol
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I thought how lucky are we each time I gazed into the water and could see the bottom, water so clean and clear. I can’t offer much in way of actual wedding pics but it was a happy day and had a great vibe.
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That came through loud and clear. -hugs-
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Port Stephens is an absolutely beautiful place and I’ve really enjoyed this series of posts of your visit. I understand how your dad felt because after reading this I’ve got the urge to go fishing! (I LOVE fishing) 😀
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Thank you 🙂 Although it’s oversubscribed during peak season, off-season Port Stephens has a lot to offer. The weather is still gorgeous coming into this weekend. A spot of fishing and camping by the bay would just the ticket.
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Sounds wonderful and makes me smile. Walking on the beach was once a fairly regular event for me. But it’s been years since I’ve done it. Your post makes me miss the feel of sand between my toes. 🙂
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The beauty of vicarious travel is we all get to experience places [well] outside our everyday reach. I don’t get to the beach as much as I’d like, that would be every day. Sometimes I take myself off in spirit to just across the bay from the location of these photos, to Hawks Nest or Jimmy’s Beach.
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Looks fabulous…very envious:)
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Thank you. When I look at the photos, I’m envious too. My sister is still on her honeymoon but for the rest of us it was all over too soon.
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such a blast to be whisked back home with you EllaDee, I must confess to a wave of nostalgia even though we have only been OS for ten days …. sublime pics and a happy story!
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There you go… I’m loving vicariously spending time with you in Andalucia 🙂
Oh yes, a wave of nostalgia for the beach!
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Hi there, I nominate you for Liebster Award. Check this post http://demaodyssey.com/2014/05/23/liebster-award/
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Hi Dema, Thank you. For the first two years of my blogging journey I embraced blogging awards.
I believe awards are a wonderful gesture, and as a novice blogger appreciated the encouragement from the WordPress community garden. My time for awards has passed but for thinking of me, I thank you.
🙂 EllaDee
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Thank you for stopping by and let me know Ella 🙂
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What a beautiful place, lovely photos throughout the day. SD
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A mix of smartphone snaps, point and click photos and a few where I, unusually, made the effort of using the camera’s capabilities to capture the wonderful light and views of the location.
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You sound like me, I take pics with whatever is to hand but cannot call myself a photographer. There are dials on my [simple] camera I have no idea what they do! I wish I was better. I always enjoy your travel photographs, it is so nice to see a different country. SD
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What a great time! And what awesome memories you’ll have forever. The day after, I would’ve done the same: forwent the go-carting for the marina outing, especially for a good dose of dreaming about the boating life : )
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The day and location really lent itself to a nice lunch and wandering around in the sun… but the go-carters had a good time so everyone was happy 🙂 And it was nice to spend some quiet time with Dad – family weddings are hectic.
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