Carrington Hotel

For the second time in a week, I made my way to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains and The Carrington Hotel, this time for Charlotte and Jason’s wedding celebration. It was an absolutely picture perfect day for their planned outdoor ceremony in Leura. From all reports it was a beautiful ceremony and was followed by drinks and cake at the location, before guests adjourned to The Lounge in The Carrington for pre-dinner drinks and canapés.

Charlotte and Jason met at a birthday party of one of Jason’s friends around November 2010. Charlotte was there because a friend of a friend of a friend was invited and did not particularly want to attend on their own. At the party besides striking up an in depth intelligent conversation, Charlotte, while getting a drink in the kitchen, went to tickle Jason’s stomach and was noticeably impressed that he had a very flat stomach. During that evening Jason also realised that there were many things that impressed him about Charlotte, not only was she also intelligent and smart, but funny and very pretty. Needless to say, they ended up being the last to leave the party. Destiny had played its card and the seeds of a beautiful relationship had now been planted.

A week or so later they went on their first date, Charlotte was meeting Jason for a drink before they headed to the Gaelic Club in Surry Hills, which was having an Irish night, where she was also meeting the two friends she went to the birthday party with. The friends, bailed at the last minute so Charlotte and Jason were on their own for the night. But it was obviously meant to be as not only did they win the door prize on the evening, but later on, a bottle of wine was up for grabs for the first person to dance for two minutes. Charlotte was the first on the dance floor and within 30 seconds or so was joined by Jason who did an Irish jig. So they also won the bottle of wine! The evening was also significant in that, Jason and Charlotte, whilst slow dancing, kissed for the very first time. About three months later they realised that they were very much in love and a little after that, as they would be apart for some time, there were some discussions about the relationship and marriage.

Fast forward to September 2014, and with the excuse of Charlotte’s upcoming birthday, Jason organised a getaway to Tasmania. On 13 September 2014 on top of Mt. Wellington, Jason proposed to Charlotte. Based on discussions, they had in the past when talking about marriage, Jason expected Charlotte to respond with, “Its about time!”, because this is what she had always said she would say when he finally proposed. But being caught completely unawares, Charlotte’s immediate reaction was to burst into tears of happiness before giving a resounding “Yes” response!

So here we were, Charlotte and Jason surrounded by their guests and celebrating the beginning of the rest of their lives. It was a wonderful evening that was interspersed with a great first dance, even though Charlotte may not think so (there were a couple of technical difficulties which appeared to have been caused by Charlotte’s dress getting in the way), wonderful speeches and LOTS of dancing right through to end the evening! I don’t think Charlotte or Jason left the dance floor except to re-hydrate once in a while. They were there amongst their family and friends having the absolute time of their lives!

As with any event where everyone is having such a wonderful time, it felt like it was over all too soon. Charlotte and Jason, thank you for the great honour and privilege you granted me the day you decided to place your trust in me. It was such a pleasure getting to know you a little, helping you plan certain aspects of your reception, witnessing the great love, fantastic relationship and meeting the beautiful families you share. It was such fun being your Blue Mountains Wedding DJ and seeing everybody truly enjoying themselves and so happy for the both of you. You both have a unique relationship and your love is so obvious (I saw a few of those sneaky little kisses and the way you looked at each other throughout the evening). This love will continue to grow and make your marriage stronger with every passing day. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!

“No person really decides before they grow up who they are going to marry. God decides it all the way before and later on, you find out who you are stuck with.” ~ Kirsten Age 10

Cassie and Ben first met at an 18th birthday party of a mutual friend in 2008 and whilst they can’t recall the exact circumstances of the meeting, this was to be the beginning of their wonderful love story. A few months later they realised they were falling in love. Within twelve months following this, they knew they could not live without the other, but it took some time despite constant hints from family and friends for Ben to pop the question.

In May 2015 Ben arranged a trip up to the Gold Coast as part of Cassie’s Birthday celebration. He had organised a Hot Air Balloon ride on which he was intending to propose, but decided against it at the last minute and proposed before going out to dinner that evening. A surprised Cassie of course said yes and here we were celebrating this beautiful couples wedding!

Cassie and Ben exchanged vows at Our Lady of the Nativity in Lawson. Family and friends then made their way to The Carrington in Katoomba for the reception. They were greeted with canapés and drinks in the Lounge before settling into the Grand Dining Room for the evenings festivities. A short time later everybody enthusiastically welcomed the members of their wedding party but saved the biggest welcome for Cassie and Ben; who were surprised with everybody cheering and twirling napkins in the air as they entered the room!

After the entrees, we heard from Cassie’s brother Eric, Ben’s Godfather Bill and the Chaplain from Ben’s school Chris, who is affectionately known as “Chappy”. During this time we heard some wonderful heartfelt stories about Cassie and Ben, how their relationship developed and how perfect they truly are for each other. A little bit of fun then followed with the Newlywed Game.

The main meal was then enjoyed. It was then time to hear beautiful words from Matron of Honour, Abby and a humourous story or two from Best Man, Sam. Last but not least it was Ben’s turn and with Cassie standing by his side, he thanked everybody for attending, a special thank you to Cassie’s mum, Deborah and to those that had travelled before ending by thanking Cassie for being his wife and expressing how happy she had made him in doing so. The speech ended with a loving kiss for his stunning bride.

Dessert was then served, Cassie & Ben cut their wedding cake and a special first dance before being joined by the wedding party and guests on the dance floor. All too soon it was time for the bouquet and garter toss, farewell circle and a journey through a tunnel of love as Cassie and Ben departed to commence their married life together and this beautiful, intimate, loving reception came to an end.

Cassie and Ben you are both beautiful individuals and together make a very special couple. I can tell how much you are loved by your family and friends and how happy they are that you both have decided to take this next step in your relationship. I know you are both very excited about the future, your new home and the many new adventures that lie ahead. Thank you for allowing me to play some part in your very special day as your Blue Mountains Wedding DJ & MC, it was nothing but a total pleasure getting to know you both and witnessing the happiness and deep love you both have for each other. I know this love will continue to grow throughout your together forever and to reference Kristen Age 10 above, I am so glad that God decided you two should be stuck with each other! May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!