Dena & Joe’s Intimate Elopement at Leaves and Fishes
22 November 2025 | 20 Guests
Dena and Joe’s wedding at Leaves and Fishes was a beautiful reminder that sometimes less really is more. With just 20 of their closest friends and family, their day felt incredibly personal, relaxed and full of genuine connection.
Set within the lush, tropical surrounds of Leaves and Fishes in the Hunter Valley, the venue created the perfect backdrop for an intimate elopement. Surrounded by greenery, gardens and its signature rustic charm, it’s a space that naturally lends itself to slower, more considered celebrations.
With a smaller guest list, the focus of the day was all about spending quality time together. There was no rush, just a calm and easy flow that allowed everyone to be present and enjoy each moment as it unfolded.
We began the dining experience with a selection of canapés, giving guests the chance to mingle, settle in and enjoy the setting. It created a relaxed and social start to the evening, with food naturally bringing people together.
Canapés:
Portobello Mushroom Arancini, leek, thyme, parmesan & truffle aioli
Smoked Salmon Rilette, tartare, pickled cucumber, puffed rice crisp & aleppo
Tandoori Chicken Tikka, roti bread, fennel, sweet chilli crunch & mint raita
Following canapés, guests moved into a banquet-style main course. This style of dining worked perfectly for the occasion, encouraging a sense of connection as dishes were shared around the table.
For smaller weddings like Dena and Joe’s, banquet dining adds to that intimate feeling. It creates a space for conversation, interaction and a more personal experience, where everyone feels part of the moment.
Sourdough bread & butter for the tables
Banquet Proteins:
Lebanese Charred Chicken, pickled onions, chives & buttermilk ranch
Roasted Porchetta, braised sicilian caponata & kale crisps
Braised Beef Cheek, jus, thyme, radish & sourdough pangritatta
Banquet Sides: OPTION 1
Layered Potato Gratin, creamed leek, marjoram, parmesan & crispy onions
Dutch Carrots, roasted eshallot, tahini, shallots & spiced almonds
Perino Tomato, grilled zucchini & white bean salad, zaatar, mint, sumac seeds & feta
Leaves and Fishes continues to be one of the most unique venues in the Hunter Valley. Its combination of tropical gardens, water views and rustic details creates an atmosphere that feels both relaxed and elevated at the same time.
For Dena and Joe, it was the ideal setting to host a celebration that felt true to them. Simple, meaningful and centred around the people who matter most.
It was a pleasure to be part of such a thoughtful and intimate celebration. Dena and Joe created a day that felt effortless and genuine, where good food, great company and a beautiful setting came together in the best possible way.
