Milton Park

  • Wedding Reception | 7 April 2018 | Joyce & Joshua | The Orangerie, Milton Park, Bowral, Southern Highlands

    Joyce (Dana) and Joshua first met through work in the later months of 2012. Despite Joyce initially thinking that Joshua was a lot younger than herself – until an opportunity arose at work where she asked him for his ID so that she could verify his age, they became friends and over the next eighteen months the relationship slowly developed into something more than friendship. On the Friday of a group weekend with friends, Joshua officially asked Joyce to be his girlfriend. After Joyce said yes, their first kiss spontaneously ‘just happened’ and the following week they went on their first official date.

    Six months later, Joyce went to the United States with her family on a trip that had been booked a year or so earlier – it was during this time of separation that they both realised that they were in love with each other. On 9 September 2016, Josh had arranged to pick Joyce up from her work (they now no longer worked together) for a night out for a movie and dinner. Joshua took the day off and arranged for a bouquet of tulips and lilies. After picking her up, he had the song “Passenger Seat” by Stephen Speaks playing…a song that they would play in the car which contains the lyrics “And I’ve got all that I need, Right here in the passenger seat”. As they drove, Joyce noticed that the route that Joshua was taking was not the way to the cinema.

    Joshua took Joyce to the Japanese Gardens in the Auburn Botanical Gardens (they had always wanted to go to Japan in Cherry Blossom season), and made their way to the Cherry Blossom, they found a spot under the Cherry Blossoms, sat down on a rock and Joshua proceeded to tell Joyce how much he loved her and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He then got down on one knee and asked Joyce to marry him……there was a pause…….but the answer was a YES! Joshua then sang John Legend’s “All Of Me” to Joyce. They then went to that movie and dinner.

    Fast forward to April 2018 and Joyce and Joshua were married in a beautiful church ceremony. They selected The Orangerie Restaurant within the beautiful grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel in which to celebrate their marriage. It was an intimate gathering with 50 of their closet friends and family. Guests arrived following the ceremony for canapes and refreshments in the Pool House area of the grounds.

    A little later, it was time for guests to make their way into The Orangerie Restaurant, which had been stunningly decorated by Jewel Phon Flowers & Styling to reflect Joyce and Joshua’s ‘Enchanted Forest” theme. Joshua welcomed everybody, thanked those that had traveled to be a part of their day and encouraged everybody to have a wonderful time.

    Following the entree, it was time for the first set of speeches. First up there was some beautiful words from best man Steven. Next up was something that had been in the planning for many months. Joyce was aware that there would be a surprise around the time of the father daughter dance, but was unaware of any of the details including the song. This is how it all played out. After introducing Joyce’s Dad, Norgene for his wonderful speech, he invited Joyce’s little brother Jared to the microphone (the surprise). Jared’s speech had Joyce overcome with emotion and the happy tears flowed as Jared recounted his beautiful relationship with his older sister including how she would occasionally sing the Carpenters song, “Close To You” to him since birth and this song had become his personal lullaby – the song would soothe him when he cried and helped him get to sleep. He also said that the song was dear to his heart and anytime he heard it, it would never fail to make him happy, feel peaceful and very much loved. Jared finished with these following words; “It is my wish that you feel the same tonight and may all the happiness, peace and love stay with you forever…..(At this point music commenced to play)..Dana, please always be a Big Sister to me as I will be the not-so-little brother that will always look up to..YOU”. The music was from the Carpenter’s song “YOU” which was then performed by Joyce’s friend, Tmara and Jared (bonus surprise). As this was happening Joyce and her Dad with tears of happiness flowing and holding each other very tightly shared a very meaningful father daughter dance – a truly beautiful and emotional moment which I am certain they will always remember!

    Next, guests enjoyed a delicious main meal before we had a little fun with a game whilst Joyce, Joshua and the professional photographic and videographic team from MTW Production wandered around the Milton Park grounds for some night shots. In keeping with the enchanted forest theme, Joyce and Joshua had selected “I See The Light” from the Disney Movie, Tangled as their first dance song. Guests were also each given a lantern which contained a LED candle as a gift and doubled as a place card holder. The Guests were asked to turn the candles on in the lanterns and surround the dance floor. Joyce and Joshua entered and commenced their beautiful dance under the fairy lights and surrounding lantern candlelight, whilst the floor of this “forest’ filled with low lying fog. Add a special DJ:Plus! touch to their song and it truly was a magical moment.

    Dessert followed, heartfelt speeches from Joshua’s Dad, Tony and Joshua himself. The cutting of the wedding cake and it was now time to party! And party they did…..even Joyce’s grandmother was on the dance floor! Time goes quickly when you are having fun and before we knew it it was time for the bouquet toss, the honeymoon dance, one last farewell dance where everybody naturally formed a conga line of sorts and we then bid farewell to Joyce and Joshua as they departed to begin the rest of their lives together!

    It was my utmost pleasure, a great honour and a true privilege to have been given the opportunity to play a small part in this wonderful celebration as your Southern Highlands Wedding MC and Southern Highlands Wedding DJ. The love that Joyce and Joshua share is obvious. Joshua is absolutely devoted in every way to Joyce and the constant attention he gives, demonstrates how much love he has for her. In return Joyce loves Joshua with all her heart. Our meetings in the lead up to the wedding only reaffirmed everything I sensed when I first met them both, they are a very special couple and I know that their future will not only take them both on many adventures, but their future will be filled with lots of love!

    Joyce and Joshua thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding journey, it is something which I will always treasure. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.

    A special thank you to Emerson from MTW Production who so very kindly provided the three stunning professional photographs throughout the text of this post (above) – Emerson and his team were an absolute pleasure to work with.

    YouTube Video

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment except three images at beginning of post courtesy of MTW Production


    Songs selected by Bride & Groom;

    Wedding Party Entry: “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Can’t Keep My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

    Cake Cutting: “L.O.V.E” by Nat King Cole

    First Dance: “I See The Light” by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi

    Father Daughter Dance: “You” sung live by Tmara & Jared

    Bouquet Toss: “Love Is A Battlefield” by Pat Benetar

    Honeymoon Dance: “Grow Old With You” by Adam Sandler, “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran & Beyonce, “All Of Me” by John Legend

    Farewell Dance: “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

    Final Farewell Song: “We Go Together” by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer & Videographer: MTW Production

    Floral Design: Jewel Phon Flowers & Styling

    Cake Design: Cake Arcade

    Photo Booth: Style Photo Booths

    Dancing On A Cloud Effect: DJ Direct


  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 4 November 2017 | Jazel & Luke | Milton Park, Bowral, Southern Highlands

    I remember receiving a telephone call from Jazel back in November 2016 enquiring about my services for her forthcoming wedding. I remember the excitement in her voice as, when asked, she proceeded to tell me all about how she and Luke met, the proposal in the Maldives and what they were wanting for their wedding. Over a lengthy conversation, we explored some ideas on how to make the wedding not only very entertaining, but also how to have it reflect them both and their beautiful love.

    Fast forward to 4 November 2017 and here we were at Milton Park Country House Hotel and Spa for Jazel and Luke’s wedding day. With rain in the air, there was a chance that we would need to relocate the ceremony from the Tulip Lawn on the magnificient grounds of the property to the indoor backup option. A check of the weather map and the call was made to proceed outdoors!

    With love songs filling the air, Jazel and Luke’s family and friends gathered in the Tulip Lawn area for the ceremony. An excited Luke waited with his groomsmen for Jazel’s arrival. As the opening guitar strains of Train’s “Marry Me” began, all eyes turned to watch Jazel and Luke’s adorable little flowergirl daughter Mabel, assisted by Jazel’s mum Ella, walk down the aisle. The bridesmaids followed and then Jazel and her dad, Joey. What followed was a beautiful and fun ceremony officiated wonderfully by Eres Akugner.

    Eres commenced the ceremony with Jazel and Luke’s love story, which was as follows;

    “So many of you here no doubt have been a part of Jazel and Luke’s journey together and will continue to be for a long time to come. Given the more modern forms of dating like Tinder, Snapchat and Instagram, it could be said that Jazel and Luke found each other the old fashioned way… RSVP.com. So their love story began like many of the 21st Century, little did they both know they were just a few clicks of the mouse away from meeting each other. When Luke came across Jazel’s profile on RSVP.com he was immediately drawn to her as she ticked all the boxes. It was now a matter of how to grab Jazel’s attention…So as one does he sent her a short introductory message. A message from Luke30 (who was actually 31 at the time really) to Bubblegum! A message that had no response for three months and 4 days. Luke30 waited patiently, constantly checking to see if she had finally responded… and there it was. In all its glory… Bubblegum’s response was finally in Luke30’s inbox.  You can only send a certain amount of messages on RSVP. Once Luke reached his quota he had to make a big decision…Should he pay $4.95 to upgrade his account so he could chat more with Jazel? Luke tells me he was so worried to give his credit card details as he was petrified his sister would find out he’s on dating sites! Well all I can say ladies and gents it is certainly the best 5 bucks Luke30 has ever spent and if he hadn’t have done so none of us would be standing here right now!

    Their first date was at Public Bar in Manuka. Jazel tells me she had an emergency exit plan with her friend Kristina who was waiting for Jazel just around the corner. Just in case Luke was not what she expected… Luke… had not exit plan.

    They both found an instant connection with one another. Over time they encountered various obstacles. Jazel moved to Sydney for work. Luke was working out of state but they managed to keep in contact and they made it work. Jazel met and absolutely fell in love with Xavier. Luke met and fell in love with Jazel’s family. After a year of long distance, Jazel decided to take a leap with Luke and moved back to Canberra.

    Jazel turned Luke’s man cave into a liveable home that was suitable for a woman. Three years on, Luke took Jazel on a surprise holiday to the Maldives where him and Xavier proposed to Jazel to be in their lives forever. They were also blessed with a beautiful baby girl that wanted to make sure she witnessed this wedding, gorgeous Mabel Ella. Jazel still gives Luke butterflies, she makes him feel complete and he is obsessed with her cooking. There isn’t a day in Jazel’s life that Luke doesn’t make her laugh. She finds him entertaining, unpredictable, thoughtful and genuine. She is absolutely head over heels in love…even when he is playing FIFA on the PS4.” [Copyright Eres Akugner]

    Before we knew it Eres pronounced Jazel and Luke as husband and wife. YAY they were finally married!!!

    The Ballieu Ballroom for the reception looked AMAZING! From the spectacular florals by Little Bird Bloom, the detailed wedding cake and sweets by Applemire Cakery, lighting by Luminous Entertainment and the finer details looked after by Jessica Binks Weddings & Events all came together to create a beautiful and elegant feel in the room which provided a fantastic backdrop for photography and videography by SugarLove Weddings and Prolive Productions respectively. In addition, In An Instant Photography entertained the guests with a photobooth in the foyer!

    The reception was just so much FUN! Humourous Video love story re-enactment of Jazel and Luke’s first meeting, personalised fun introductions, witty and meaningful speeches, modern and traditional dancing displays, a surprise twist to the father daughter dance, Jazel’s brother Christian singing the first song for open dancing and a dance floor that was never empty!! Jazel and Luke’s family and friends were so happy for them and were determined to celebrate every moment of their reception – you need only take a look at the photographs and videos below to see this.

    Jazel and Luke are genuinely lovely and thoughtful people and it was so wonderful to witness them celebrating their marriage surrounded by so many close family and friends. So much attention to detail and love went into making it the amazing day it was.  Jazel and Luke’s wedding day reflected who they are in everything they did.. relaxed, fun and completely perfect for each other! I had such a great time with them and it was an absolute honour to have been able to play a small part in creating their wedding day as their Southern Highlands Wedding MC and Southern Highlands Wedding DJ! Married life is like a young rose bud waiting to burst open. When it blossoms into a beautiful flower it will fill your lives with the everlasting fragrance of love and the beauty of lifelong togetherness. May, love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!

    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment


    Songs selected by Bride & Groom;

    Flowergirl Processional: “Marry Me” by Train

    Bridesmaid Processional: “Kissing You” by Stan Walker

    Bride Processional: “Kissing You” by Stan Walker

    Register Signing: “Amazed” by Lonestar, “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur

    Recessional: “People Everyday” by Arrested Development

    Wedding Party Entry: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson Feat. Bruno Mars

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson Feat. Bruno Mars

    First Dance: “This I Promise You” by Richard Marx & N’Sync

    Father Daughter Dance: “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5, “Single Ladies” by Beyonce (DJ:Plus! Special Mix)

    Cake Cutting: “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin

    Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies” by Beyonce

    Farewell Dance: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell

    Final Farewell Song: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer: SugarLove Weddings

    Videography: Prolive Productions

    Floral Design: Little Bird Bloom

    Cake Design: Applemire Cakery

    Day Of Coordinator: Jessica Binks Weddings & Events

    Lighting: Luminous Entertainment

    Photo Booth: In An Instant Photography


  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 18 October 2014 | Cobie & Neil | Baillieu Ballroom, Milton Park Country House Hotel, Bowral, Southern Highlands

    Cobie and Neil are a truly beautiful couple and what an amazing wedding day it was! It was full of much love, laughter, family and their favourite things! Both the ceremony and reception was held at the picturesque Milton Park – Country House & Spa, in Bowral, in the Southern Highlands.

    Cobie and Neil met on the 15th May 2010 after exchanging smiles across the dance floor. Cobie thought that he was tall enough for her friend, but Neil only had eyes for Cobie and by the end of the evening Neil had provided her with his telephone number. The next morning Cobie did not hesitate to text Neil resulting in their very first date on that same day – little did they know that this was to be the start of the rest of their lives together! As time passed, and they spent more and more time together, eventually meeting each others respective families and their feelings for each other growing stronger and stronger with each passing day – they were in love!; sweet, giddy, love!

    On 8 December 2012 – Cobie’s birthday, Neil had organised a special lunch at Berowra Waters. Cobie was led to believe that the lunch would be at Rose Bay, but when they got there, she found that Neil had arranged for a seaplane to take them to the real destination. After lunch, Neil took Cobie outside, dropped to one knee, produced the engagement ring and asked Cobie to spend the rest of her life with him as his wife. With the ring sparkling brightly in the afternoon sun, Cobie caught by surprise, initially laughed, but she did say yes and here we now were witnessing and celebrating their marriage.

    It was the most perfect day for the most perfect couple, the sun shone brightly and the slight breeze keeping everyone comfortable – they could not have wished for better weather. Following a beautiful ceremony, officiated by Celebrant Craig Moran, there were cheers as Cobie & Neil were finally pronounced husband and wife. A group photograph and a few family shots prior to Cobie, Neil and their wedding party heading off for photographs around the idyllic Milton Park grounds. Guests made their way up to the upper lawn where an array of lounges and games were available whilst being served canapes and refreshments.

    A little while later everybody made their way to the Baillieu Ballroom to celebrate Cobie and Neil’s love and the coming together of two amazing families. So much laughter, fun and happiness in one room was such a joy to behold. Lovely speeches, mingling, fun activities and dancing was the perfect recipe for a fantastic celebration. The bouquet toss, garter toss, a farewell circle, a final dance and it was time to bid farewell to our beautiful couple.

    Cobie and Neil are so deeply in love that it literally radiates off them and touches all those around them…I was no exception and these two certainly touched my heart with the love they share for each other. Cobie & Neil, it was such an honour and privilege to not only witness you become husband & wife, but also to be your Southern Highlands Wedding MC and Wedding DJ Bowral and it is certainly something I will always cherish and hold dear. You have a special love and I know that with each passing day, you will both fall more and more in love with each other. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!.

    YouTube Video

    Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment


    Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

    Bridesmaid Processional:  “All Of Me” by Greg Weir

    Brides Processional:  “All Of Me” by Greg Weir

    Register Signing: “Guitar Instrumental” by Greg Weir

    Recessional: “I’m A Believer” by Smash Mouth

    Parents Of The Bride Entry: “Living In The 70’s” by Skyhooks

    Parents Of The Groom Entry: “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins

    Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Entry: “My Sharona” by The Knack, “I’m A Believer” by Smash Mouth, “It’s Tricky” by Run DMC, “Let’s Get It Started” by Black Eyed Peas

    Bride & Groom Entry: “We Go Together” by Olivia Newton John & John Travolta

    Cake Cutting: “(This Will Be) Everlasting Love” by Natalie Cole

    First Dance: “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

    Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce

    Garter Toss: “Oh Yeah” by Yello

    Farewell Circle/Circle Of Love: “Time Of Our Life” by Green Day, “I’m All Yours” by Jay Sean Feat. Pitbull

    Farewell Dance: “I’ve Had The Time of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warne

    Final Farewell Song: “I’m On My Way” by The Proclaimers


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Celebrant: Craig Moran

    Photographer & Videographer:A2Z Weddings

    Cake Designer: Imaginarium Cakes

    Floral Designer: Woodcroft Florist & Art

    Silhouette Man: Geoff Pearce – Silhouette Man