{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2018} A memorable Christmas with Jen Stocks

Posted in The Nest giveaways by centralwestnest

Jennifer Stocks is one of the kindest, talented, friendliest person I know. She is an artist who takes an immense amount of pride in her work and someone who manages to capture your family’s love in a moment in time.

Jen is one of Australia’s most sought after and celebrated photographers and has won more awards than she can poke a stick at!

She prides herself on fresh, contemporary images that are honest and often breathtaking.

She captures moments in time so you can keep them for always.

Jen is a professional newborn, baby, child & family photographer servicing the Central West and surrounding areas.

Our family has had the pleasure of working with Jen on numerous occasions and she captures those pivotal moments between moments – you know the ones that I will want to relive as we all grow.

Jen offers a wide range of photography sessions to suit your needs. My favourite are the Sunset Sessions. These are casual afternoons spent capturing your family. They don’t take nearly as long as a full session but help update photos of growing children and families. Plus it’s WAY easier keeping a toddler in check for a shorter period of time!

If you want to capture memories, then you need to contact Jennifer Stocks Photography today.

| Phone: 0400 858 071 |

| Facebook: @jenniferstocksphotography |

| Email: hello@jenniferstocksphotography.com |

| Website: www.jenniferstocksphotography.com.au

Jen is super keen to make sure everyone has the best Christmas ever so is offering one very lucky winner a Sunset Session*. This comes with 30 high res digital images!

To be in the running all you have to do is be a ‘liker’ of Jennifer Stocks Photography’s Facebook Page as well as The Central Nest’s facebook page and like the ORIGINAL competition post on our facebook page.

Remember to ‘tag’ a friend and ‘share’ the post for an additional entry.

Winner will be drawn 5pm (AEST) Thursday 20 December 2018.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> Christmas Prizeapolooza 2018 Rules

*Condition: Travel charges may apply for sunset session outside the Forbes area*

30Apr2018

{Mother’s Day} Gift guide 2018

Posted in Great pieces, The Nest Directory by centralwestnest

It’s only a couple of weeks away until the best day of the year… that is YOU-HAVE-TO-BE-MUMS-SLAVE-DAY otherwise known by Hallmark as Mother’s Day!

I have taken the time to find some goodies so that all you have to do is share this post with your nearest and dearest so they know what to get you.

If you’re like me – I am more likely to just buy what you want then wrap it and tell the bambinos to pass it to me mother’s day morning.

Here are our top Mother’s Day ideas:

Gift Voucher from Pop-Up Succulent Shop

Renelle from Pop-Up Succulent Shop is an absolute delight and any mum who loves a little gardening would love a voucher (or gift) for some succulent goodies! I have recently been to a Kokedama workshop class and it was amazing (you can read about it here -> The Central Nest Succulent Workshop).

How To Cook Everything A3 Print from Hard To Find.

This is a great print for a mama in your life who likes to cook (or eat). It would also be a great gift for someone who you might not know quite as well, such as the mother-in-law.

It’s funky, informative and pretty as a picture!

Spa Voucher from Macquarie Medi Spa

My absolute favourite indulgence is to have a facial. It’s not only relaxing but also you can literally see results straight away.

Good skin care really do care!

Robert Gordon Hug Me Mug & Saucer from Bake, Table & Tea

These gorgeous mugs are exactly what an sleep deprived mamabear desperately needs. What’s more to love than a cuppa who you can hug?

We will take one if each colour please!

A Photography voucher from Jennifer Stocks Photography or Aimee Cook Photography

There is nothing truer than the fact that photos steal moments in time and paying for a professional photographer to capture your special moments is the most wonderful thing you can do.

A pic on the Iphone does not even compare to the moments captured through the lens of a talented photographer.

If you’re interested in outdoor, fun, fresh photography then look no further than Jennifer Stocks Photography. She has an eye for detail that is unparalleled.

For studio shots we cannot recommend Aimee Cook Photography highly enough, she is fantastic at seeking out those moments-between-the-moments.

IMAGE: Jennifer Stocks Photography

IMAGE: Aimee Cook Photography

Earrings from Plastic Cactus

If the mum in your life likes a pop of colour you need to have a look at Plastic Cactus! Funky, show stopping fun. I personally love the ‘rad’ ones and the wooden fruit varieties! SO bloody cute.

A bunch of glorious blooms from Ivory Rose Botanicals

If all else fails I don’t know a mama that doesn’t love flowers. Ivory Rose is next level and will help build you that something special to show your mum just how much you adore her.

Whatever your gift, make sure you add a handwritten note and your mama’s heart will be filled. At the end of the day – just let your mama know she is loved.

Happy mother’s day to all the mamas xx

30Nov2016

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016} Win the gift of pure memories with Jennifer Stocks Photography

Posted in The Nest giveaways by centralwestnest

Jennifer Stocks is one of kind; talented, fun and friendly. She is an artist who takes an immense amount of pride in her work and someone who manages to capture your family’s love in a moment in time.

Jen is one of Australia’s most sought after and celebrated photographers and is a fully accredited member of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP). As evidence of her wonderful skills and talent she has won numerous awards for her work both at a state level and nationally.

She prides herself on fresh, contemporary images that are honest and often breathtaking.

She captures moments in time so you can keep them for always.

Jen is a professional newborn, baby, child & family photographer servicing the Central West and surrounding areas.

Our family has had the pleasure of working with Jen on numerous occasions and she captures those pivotal moments between moments – you know the ones that I will want to relive as we all grow.

One of my favourites sessions I have ever had with my little ones was the Pure Baby Session. The Pure Baby sessions are studio portrait shoots designed specifically for babies aged 5-15 months of age (or pre-walking).

The sessions run for approximately 60-90 minutes and are the perfect way to capture your little one’s gorgeous smiles, expressions, and quirky characteristics. That age is perfect because it’s the time when a baby’s personality really starts to emerge.

Below is my Audrey – tongue out, weird hair, chubs for days. Purely how she was.

If you want to capture memories, then you need to contact Jennifer Stocks Photography today.

To celebrate all that is wonderful about the Christmas season Jen is offering a very special prize to one lucky Nester. She is giving away one Pure Baby Session! How wonderful – imagine being able to capture your little one’s chubby thighs or long eyelashes in a comfortable and supportive environment so you can remember it for always.

Remember to ‘tag’ a friend and ‘share’ the post for an additional entry.

Winner will be drawn 5pm (AEST) Thursday 22 December 2016.

To see the full terms and conditions go here -> Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016 Rules

30Nov2016

{Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016} Yule be happy to win this year

Posted in The Nest giveaways by centralwestnest

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and that can only mean one thing! The Central Nest annual Christmas Prizeapolooza is back!

This year it is SO big we had to start it early to allow us time to fit in ALL the wonderful prizes.

First though, there are some rules, terms and conditions that we need to talk about.

These rules apply to the Central Nest Christmas Prizeapolooza 2016

1. All winners will be announced at 5pm (AEDT) Thursday 22 December 2016

2. You must ‘like’ the original competition post on The Central Nest Facebook page

3. You must be a ‘liker’ of The Central Nest Facebook page as well as the Facebook (or Instagram) page of the business giving away the prize (as specified in the competition post).

4. If you ‘tag’ a friend you are given an additional entry to the competition.

5. If you ‘share’ the post you will receive another entry (Please just comment on the original post to let us know you have shared it, and make sure your post is public so we can see it on your page!)

6. We won’t support unsavoury behaviour or language. You will be removed from the competition immediately.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us on:

| Email: centralwestnest@outlook.com |

| Phone: 0409 318 687 |

Good luck beautiful Nesters!

6Feb2015

{Love Birds} Mr & Mrs Barnes. A family forever.

Posted in Love birds by centralwestnest

“Love is a force more formidable than any other.

It is invisible – it cannot be seen or measured,

yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment,

and offer you more joy than any material possession could.”

– Barbara de Angelis

Be still my beating heart.

This wedding is one of the most magnificent weddings that has ever come across my desk.

I love the warmth, the love, the happiness of this stunning couple. A beautiful country wedding with touches of glamour, elegance and fun.

Thanks to the gorgeous Mr & Mrs Barnes for sharing their special day with The Central Nest. We wish you (and your growing baby bump) all the best for your futures together xo

The Love birds: Tess & Martin Barnes, married 18 January 2014.

Ceremony & reception: Waldara, Oberon. The bridal party enjoyed staying at Waldara for the whole weekend.

The property has two houses- a homestead, where the ladies got ready and a barn house, where the men got dressed. The ceremony was on an island, in the shade of some big old trees (as it was forecast to be in 38 degrees that afternoon!) The bridal party and the guests then had drinks and canapés in the garden of the homestead which overlooked the property. The reception was in a specifically designed barn (which was completed just in time-the day before!!)

The dress: The bride says the dress was the first one she tried on! It was a Maggie Sottero gown which had a couple of alterations including changing the back from lace up to lace covered buttons. She also chose to wear capped sleeves for the ceremony and then look them off for the reception.

Groom & wedding party attire: Suits from Jack Holman’s Menswear.

The bridesmaid dresses were originally found on Pinterest! After extensive searching online the bride was able to locate them locally in Orange!

The Flower girls wore dresses from Myer.

Hair/makeup: Kayla and Melissa from Luxe Hair and Body did an amazing job on hair and makeup.

The bride wanted an elegant and soft look and was extremely happy with the result. The luxe girls travelled to Waldara and the bride says their relaxed personalities added to a beautiful morning preparing!

In the weeks leading up to the wedding the girls were pampered by the lovely ladies at Beauty 4U.

Food: Felicity Thompson and her team created a delicious menu using fresh local produce.

Canapés –
Chicken, dill and rocket mini sandwiches.
Corn blinis with avocado and cherry tomato salsa.
Crispy pork belly with caramelised dressing.
Coconut prawns with mango mayonnaise.
Homemade sausage rolls with char grilled tomato chutney.
Chicken balls with roasted red capsicum relish.

Main course –shared platters in the middle of each table
Whole fillet of beef, with mini potato galette and roasted truss tomatoes.
Salad of mixed leaves with avocado, caramelised walnuts, nashi pear and shaved Parmesan.

Dessert– An extensive dessert table prepared by Legall Patisserie
Date and crème brulee tart
Crème brulee
Lemon tart
Coffee choux
Raspberry almond tart chocolate choux
Macaroons
Japonais
Fruit flan
Toffee Choux
Wedding cake

Midnight Snack – Narromine smoked ham, with crusty bread rolls and chutney.

Cake: Cakes by Katrina.

Photographer: Jennifer Stocks Photography and Katie McKay Photography.

The bride says she was over the moon with the photos captured. She says the photographers were so much fun. Tess didn’t want to miss out on any of the party so the photographers managed to take photos during canapés! It was perfect!

The bride and groom say that the photos were a perfect reflection of the day. There was so much fun- no standing in a line posing! They really show the happiness of the day, everyone is smiling and laughing the whole time.

Cars: They had golf carts to take the girls to the Island. Family members were the drivers.

Stationary: The groom’s mother designed all the stationary. This was particularly lovely as she designed a logo with the bride and groom’s names on it with an olive tree in the background (Martin’s grandmother’s name was Olive). This logo was used on the invitations, menus, the order of service fan, kids colouring in book and the thank you cards. They bride and groom also has stubby holders and etched wine glasses made for the guests using the logo.

Music: Kyle Manning, a family friend sung and played the key board as the bride walked down the aisle and signed the registry. His band arrived later that night and had everyone up dancing for the entire night!

Special moments: The bride and groom say “the best thing about our wedding was of course the outcome, being married! However, our favourite thing on the day was having all of our favourite people in the same place, at the same time! That is a once in a lifetime occurrence and we are so grateful that all our friends and family could be there to share in the best day of our lives!”

Guests: 125

3Jun2014

{Girl Crush Tuesday} Local superstar Jennifer Stocks

Posted in Girl Power, Locally found, The Nest Beauty, This is life by centralwestnest

We have some pretty hard girl crushes. These are the types of ladies that stamp their style on the world. They are the type of people that will always be remembered and little girls grow up wanting to be. They are women of substance. Women that make the world a better place.

Happy Girl Crush Tuesday everybody.Today’s girl crush is a very special one, she is someone who I not only professionally admire, but more than that, I personally love.

Local superstar Jennifer Stocks is quite possibly the Central West’s most admired photographer. She is undoubtedly stamping her authority over the photography landscape of Australia. She is talented, innovative and quite simply a creative genius.

Last week she was named the 2014 Australian Institute of Professional Photography NSW Professional Photographer Year. That is MASSIVE!

Jennifer is an absolute star. She is energetic and clever, smart and enthusiastic – she really epitomises girl power at its finest.

Plus, not only is she professionally successful but on a personal level she is an absolute champion. She is a wife and mother to four children. She has three growing and busy boys and one deliciously perfect daughter.

We salute you Jen, you really give all little girls someone to aspire to. Have a dream, work hard and you will be rewarded.

Images: Katie McKay Photography, Kisschasey Photography

20Jan2014

{Love Birds} Leigh & Stuart and their happily ever after

Posted in Love birds by centralwestnest

“For you see, each day I love you more. Today more than yesterday and less than tomorrow. “ Rosemonde Gerard

There are some weddings that simply show true love. This wedding is one such example. A combination of impeccable taste, exquisite attention to detail and handmade touches make this honestly one of the most beautiful weddings I have seen. Leigh and Stuart show what love is and how simply beautiful a wedding can be. Happily ever after is not a term to be used lightly but sometimes it is just right. Here are Mr & Mrs McLean – Happily Ever After.

The Love birds: Stuart McLean, 27 year old diesel mechanic & Leigh Stapleton, 29 year old Teacher

Ceremony: In Carcoar at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception. We wanted an intimate church with lots of character and beautiful light for our photographs.

Reception: Athol Gardens, Blayney. We looked at every venue in the district but when we walked in to Athol Gardens we both knew it was perfect for us. Stunning gardens and an outdoor terrace that suited our taste to a tee.

Theme: Just a mixture of our favourite things- black, white, beige with a touch of lace and a splash of electric blue

The Dress: Ivory, strapless, silk gown with a ruched bodice and flowing skirt from Wendy Makin Couture Leigh says she tried on so many dresses and loved them all! She made a top 5 and chose this one mainly for the gorgeous silk fabric. She added a flower from another dress she loved. Leigh says ‘I wore electric blue shoes for my something blue, my grandmother’s pearls for my something old and wore my sister’s veil as something borrowed’.

Groom & wedding party attire: The bridesmaids wore dresses floor length chiffon dresses from Seduce in a soft dusty pink.

Groom & Groomsmen wore light grey suits with white shirts and white silk ties.

Hair: Wavelength Bathurst

Makeup: Macquarie Skin & Day Spa

Decorations: Table centres- large 3 wick candles wrapped in black lace & ribbon

Bonbonnieres – Little jars of Rhubarb jam (made by the bride) & White violas in beige ceramic pots with custom labels made by the bride

Food:

Canapés: Prawns with chilli & lime salt; Arancini balls with spinach and buffalo mozzarella; Duck in crisp wonton cups; Chilli feta and crispy pancetta crostini

Mains: Herb crusted rack of lamb on a bed of creamy potato mash with roast vegetable salad or Spanish chicken breast with quince sauce, green beans, potato gallette and baked butternut pumpkin

Dessert: Vanilla Pannacotta and slow roasted rhubarb with a vanilla tuile or Chocolate Hazelnut praline with chocolate sauce

Cake: One tier tall round carrot cake with layers of cream cheese, covered in butter cream icing and topped with fresh roses the same as the bouquets. The Bride says she made the cake herself (even though everyone thought she was crazy – but really she says she is just too picky to trust anyone else) and the cake topper and bouquets were by Florabundance.

Drinks: Local Wines from Cumulus and Angullong and a selection of beers and spirits.

Photographer: Jennifer Stocks from Jennifer Stocks Photography– the most amazing photographer! Jen usually only photographs babies and families but we twisted her arm as an old friend to capture our day. We could be happier with our photos taken around beautiful Carcoar.

Rings: The wedding bands are Quorra purchased at WJ Coote and Sons. Leigh has a white gold diamond wedder and a plain band either side of my engagement ring and Stuart chose a thick white gold plain band.

Stationary: All stationary was handmade by the bride including the invitations, service booklets, escort cards and table numbers. The stationary supplies were purchased at Fantasia in Bathurst.

Music: The couple chose country music singer Kaylee Bell to perform at the church and she further entertained the guests in the garden at Athol afterwards during drinks and canapés.

Special moments: The bride says she started crying before she even pulled up at the church! Then she walked in and saw that half the church was crying including the groom & groomsmen! – She says as soon as she saw Stuart standing there she couldn’t help but smile.

Our beautiful guest book was a wedding gift from a very special friend. She drew a tree and our guests put their finger prints as the leaves and signed it. We have it hanging on the wall in our house as a reminder of our special day.

Our amazing honeymoon in France and Italy was definitely a highlight too – an experience we will never forget. The most special thing for us was having our favourite people together to help us celebrate!

Guests: 100

Cost: Approximately $27,000.00