In early October I was contacted by DJ Richard Mills, one of New Zealand’s finest wedding DJs, informing me that he was coming to Sydney to entertain at a wedding of an old friend. DJ Richard and I have had many trans Tasman conversations over the years about weddings, equipment, and all things DJ. I was very pleased when DJ Richard asked if I was willing to ride along, assist and provide some feedback – I of course jumped at this opportunity and also helped out with the audio requirements.
Alonya and Richard (the groom) were married at the Archibald Fountain in Hyde Park earlier in the afternoon, following which, as it was also Remembrance Day, Alonya decided to lay her bouquet at the ANZAC Memorial in Hyde Park.
The intimate Reception for 40 guests, was held in the Dinosaur Room of the Australian Museum with the theme being Steampunk. It was a very lovely, relaxed wedding reception and a delight to meet Alonya and Richard who are both happy go lucky and warm people..that are so in love and just perfect for one another.
It was great to be at a wedding where there really was no pressure on me, I could take everything in, witness the love between two lovely people, who I might add really made me feel like I was an invited guest and observe another professional work their magic.
Enjoy the pictorial record of Alonya and Richard’s Wedding.
I was very pleasantly surprised to accidentally stumble upon 27 wonderful photographs of Audris and Lorne earlier today. There are some beautiful pre-wedding, wedding and after wedding shots all taken by Jonathan Ho.
I had the great pleasure of performing at their wedding in Sydney in April of last year – as it happens this coming Sunday will be their 1st anniversary, so Happy Anniversary Audris and Lorne!!!!
Audris and Lorne currently live and work in London. This delightful couple decided to have their reception at the Australian Museum which was transformed into a very stylish venue and provided the perfect setting for their celebration. 82 local and international guests helped make it a very elegant, fun and highly memorable evening that Audris and Lorne will always treasure.
Prior to the wedding party entering, guests were treated to a visual presentation recounting the Audris and Lorne love story, setting the scene for what was a high energy entry into the reception.
Following a beautiful meal, it was time for the speeches – these speeches added both heartfelt and humorous moments to the proceedings. First we heard from Audris’ father, Francis, followed by Lorne’s dad Wayne, Audris & Lorne’s “adoptive” father/Godfather Mike, Maid of Honour Leigha, Best Man Andrew and finally Lorne. During Audris’ dad’s speech he did offer Lorne some wise advice should they run into any unresolvable personal situation in the future, he said ” …if all else fails, take her shopping” this was greeting with much laughter. He then added, “buy her lots of jewelry” – certainly very wise advice indeed!! :). Wayne told of Lorne growing up in Western Australia and also mentioned how he had at one time been a singer.
A special moment during the speeches was when Mike presented Audris & Lorne with Lorne’s grandfather’s spade which Lorne used to always talk about. It had been framed and inscribed with something along the lines of (to the best of my memory), “This spade has been used to dig many holes, may it help dig you out of any holes that you both get into in the future”. Leigha and Andrew told of how they had met Audris and Lorne – their and the prior speeches were full of emotion and funny stories which gave a great insight to to what absolutely lovely people Audris and Lorne are.
Below: Audris’ Dad, Francis and Lorne’s Dad, Wayne
Below: Godfather, Mike and presentation of Lorne’s grandfather’s spade.
Below: Maid of Honour Leigha and Best Man, Andrew
When Lorne finally took the microphone and made a lovely speech, he ended by singing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” for Audris and to the delight of the guests.
Whilst Audris changed into alternative attire for the first dance, Lorne took the opportunity to entertain the guests with a few numbers.
Lorne then met Audris at the top of the Museum staircase and escorted her to the dancefloor for their first dance. Following this dance the wedding party and guests joined them and a fantastic time was had by all. Once again, it was a great honour to have been given the opportunity of working with and providing the entertainment for their wedding reception. Another beautiful couple who complement and enhance each other in so many special ways – It was a sheer joy to have met them and help create their wedding day memories.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
First Couple Entry Song: “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake
Second Couple Entry Song: “Boom Shake The Room” by Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince
Bride & Groom Entry Song: “Be Faithful” by Fatman Scoop Feat. The Crooklyn Clan
Cake Cutting Song: “Greatest Day” by Take That
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project & ” I Just Wanna Make Love To You” by Etta James
Farewell Circle/Circle Of Love: “Love Is In The Air” by John Paul Young, “Love & Marriage” by Frank Sinatra<
Final Farewell Song: “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen