Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 14 February 2015 | Adrienne & Patrick | Bendooley Estate, Berrima, Southern Highlands
From the very first moments of my initial telephone conversation with Adrienne and Patrick, I felt a real connection with them. They must have felt the same! For a few days later on a Monday morning I received a telephone call from Patrick asking whether I would be able to see them later that morning for an Entertainment Design Consultation. I asked did they both have a day off from work and the response was, “No, but Adrienne and I have been talking about our wedding and based on our conversation the other evening, we both decided to take a sickie and were hoping you could see us today.” Well that normal two hour Consultation extended into something like five hours. To say that we immediately hit it off, is a massive understatement.
During that meeting they detailed how they had met on 12 February 2012 on Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand. Adrienne was in Phuket with her girlfriend Alice and they were walking along the beach when Patrick happened to be walking past – little did they know that this would be the beginning of their beautiful love story. Adrienne immediately caught Patrick’s eye, but he initially kept walking. Adrienne obviously had made quite an impression on Patrick as millions of thoughts were suddenly flooding through his mind. Something told him he should go back and talk to her. A little while after he caught up with them and some small talk, Alice headed into the water, Patrick followed and started talking to Alice. Adrienne joined them in the water and the conversation. Whilst in the water, Patrick found out it was Adrienne’s birthday and suggested they all go to dinner. All three enjoyed a relaxing afternoon and evening together. Adrienne felt there was something special about Patrick even though at one point she had briefly considered he might be a stalker, as he was never too far away for the next few days.
Once they returned to Australia, they kept in contact, regularly chatting on the phone and Skype – the fact that Adrienne lived in Melbourne and Patrick lived in Sydney was only a minor obstacle. A few months later Patrick went to visit Adrienne in Melbourne and being together again confirmed to the both of them, that ‘them’ was something really special. This long distance relationship continued for around 18 months, and whilst difficult, they made the most of each of their telephone calls, Skype dates and occasional plane trips. Eventually, Adrienne made the decision to move to Sydney to be with Patrick.
Their relationship blossomed and they enjoyed many adventures. In June 2014, whilst on a holiday to Thailand, Patrick surprised Adrienne by proposing, a special moment where it had all begun for them both, the place they had first cast eyes on one another, a place that was now even more special.
Fast forward to Valentine’s Day 2015 and the skies did not look very promising. Adrienne & Patrick selected to have their wedding ceremony and reception at Bendooley Estate, located in Berrima, near Bowral in the Southern Highlands of NSW. Even though there was the random drop of rain in the lead up, thankfully, it held off until the very end of the ceremony. It was a beautiful ceremony in a picturesque, serene and idyllic location, officiated by Fiona Dacombe, it included heartfelt personal vows and was such a joy to witness Patrick & Adrienne finally become husband and wife.
The wedding reception, held in the Book Barn, was full of lots of fun, laughter, love and dancing. A beautiful moment for me, was during Patrick’s speech when he paid tribute to Adrienne’s late father, Russell. He did so by writing a letter to Russell and reading this letter out to everyone. It had many in the room wiping tears from their eyes and laughing out loud, and if anybody had any doubt as to Patrick’s love for and complete devotion to Adrienne, the reading of this letter would have certainly dispelled these thoughts.
Guests were treated to scrumptious canapés and a delicious table buffet, consisting of an array of South American inspired cuisine, a dessert station and later in the evening, whilst guests were dancing their little ‘tushies’ off, a Slider Station.
It was a beautiful wedding day in a fantastic location. Adrienne & Patrick had told me that they wanted their reception to be natural, authentic and warm – I believe it was all these things and more! The love of their family and friends was evident, everybody made everybody feel welcome, everybody was authentic, there certainly were no pretentious airs and graces – even to the extent of the odd ‘naughty word’ slipping into some of the speeches. These were real people, being themselves, enjoying themselves and united in the happiness they felt and love they shared for Adrienne & Patrick.
Adrienne and Patrick, thank you so much for gracing me with the honour and privilege of being a part of your amazing wedding day as your Southern Highlands Wedding DJ & MC. I enjoyed every moment of it and also truly value the wonderful time we spent together planning all the details. I hope to share more wonderful times with you both in the future. You are a very special couple who will continue to inspire others with your unwavering circle of love and your infectious zest for life. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!
Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaid Processional: “Follow The Sun” by Xavier Rudd
Brides Processional: “Follow the Sun” by Xavier Rudd
Register Signing: “Here Comes The Sun” by The Beatles
Recessional: “Is This Love” by Bob Marley
Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Entry: “Mi Swing Es Tropical” by Quantic & Nickodemus
Bride & Groom Entry: “Home Naje Al Beny” by Gente De Zona
Cake Cutting: “I Like It Like That” by Pete Rodriguez
First Dance: “Magic” by Coldplay
Bouquet Toss: “Young Hearts Run Free” by Kim Mazelle
Garter Toss: “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye
Farewell Dance: “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Final Farewell Song: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Other Wedding Professionals
Celebrant: Fiona Dacombe
Photographer & Videographer: Kate Disher – Quill Photography
Florist: Emily Cooper Floral Decorator
Cake Designer: Alison Lawson Cakes