Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 15 September 2018 | Belinda & Frank | Seclusions, Rydal, Blue Mountains
Belinda & Frank are a truly gorgeous couple, inside and out! They have a beautiful nature about them with gentle and caring souls.They also have an adorable blended family which consists of Belinda’s three children, Frank’s two and another which is the result of the great love these two share for each other!
With almost perfect weather, bar the exception of some wind, Belinda & Frank just took it in their stride, made some slight allowances and let the day unfold without any fuss or stress. Belinda and Frank selected the stunning Seclusions, which is located in Rydal on the western edge of the Blue Mountains and the gateway to the central west, as the location for their ceremony and reception.
As the processional music started, the bridesmaids, Belinda’s daughters and Frank’s daughter) commenced their walk to the custom built ceremony area overlooking the majestic view of the lake and mountains. Belinda then commenced her walk escorted by her and Frank’s son. Waiting with celebrant, Louisa O’Brien of Lulu Celebrations, was Frank and his son. What followed was a very beautiful ceremony which commenced with Louisa recounting Belinda & Franks story, which I would like to share with you (the following is the extract from the ceremony as compiled and presented by Louisa of Lulu Celebrations):
“Frank & Belinda met through work. Belinda says that she thinks Frank thought of himself as the big time boss and that he had no time for a pleb like her. She apparently set herself a challenge of trying to get him to notice her. She thought it wasn’t working, but little did she know that he was keeping an eye on her. He immediately liked the fact that she is small, petite, cute and very feminine with a beautiful smile and laugh.
Neither of them realised that they were falling in love with each other. In their early days they would spend many hours on the phone just talking about everything and anything. Belinda describes it as a ‘slow burn’ and now can’t imagine living without him.
Belinda loves that Frank is always trying, but let’s her be the boss. She says he has an amazing heart and that he always has the family in mind. He would do anything for the kids or herself. He provides support and love to all of the family.
Frank says that Belinda helps him be a better father, son, friend and partner. She helps him find that balance between all those roles.
Once they are married, Belinda cannot wait for their honeymoon, to spend some time on their own. Frank is definitely looking forward to calling Belinda his ‘wife’ after all their years together.”
This was followed by the exchange of vows and rings, the signing of the register and Belinda & Frank were pronounced husband and wife!!! Their first kiss as newlyweds and they ventured back down the aisle to loud cheers and applause. Congratulations all round before a photograph with all the invited guests and photographs around the picturesque venue with Rachel from Rachel H Photography and Sonia the videographer.
Guests availed themselves to canapes, drinks, lawn games and enjoying the surrounds whilst the kids had a little play area set up for them inside the Barn area at Seclusion’s. As the sun started to set a little chill started to fill the air and guests were invited to take their seats inside the warm Pavilion. The Pavilion had been exquisitely decorated and styled by the lovely team from Wild Blue Studio with an amazing hanging arrangement, fresh flowers, gold cutlery – just so much detail had gone into the look of the room! Also taking pride and place in the Pavilion was the beautiful wedding cake by Josophans.
With cheers and twirling napkins, we all welcomed the wedding party before Frank thanked everybody for being a part of their day and encouraged everyone to have a wonderful time. Guests were then served a delicious selection of dishes that was expertly prepared by Mountain Wide Event Catering before it was time for the speeches. First up was Belinda’s dad, Chris who spoke with great affection for both Belinda & Frank. Chris was followed by Belinda’s eldest daughter, Breanna ,who decided at the eleventh hour to make a speech and was supported by her sisters, step sister and step brothers. Breanna made a beautiful speech! Whilst trying hard to hold back her emotions, but it was of no use, those emotions came to the fore embracing Belinda, Frank, her support team and many in the room – it was so beautiful to see how much love there is in this blended family and it made my heart so very happy. Last but not least, Frank also spoke with much love for those celebrating with Belinda and himself, but also for those that are no longer with us. Beautiful and considered words all round!!
It was then time for a little fun before a short dance set to help everybody digest a little. By the end of the dance set dessert was being served and the coffee truck from Coffeenova had arrived to prepare cappuccinos, lattes, short blacks and the like, to order for anybody who desired a coffee hit or warm beverage! More fun ensued with another party game and then more dancing until the conclusion of the evening.
Guests were then invited to grab their favours and hot chips snack before heading off to the bus to take them back to their accommodation, but not before they were given glow sticks and forming a guard of honour for Belinda & Frank to leave through, united as one in love!
Belinda & Frank’s wedding day was filled with the warmth and love of their family and friends and reflected who they are in everything they did – it was relaxed and fun! They light each other up and everyone around them. They are gentle, genuine, sweet, funny, totally in love and completely perfect for each other. Their reception was a celebration of their two families coming together and everyone was full of joy and excitement for them. I am very blessed to have amazing couples like them who not only put their trust in me to help create some wonderful memories, but trust me enough to be themselves with me….which puts the biggest smile on my heart! Thank you Belinda & Frank for trusting me and allowing me to be there to witness your magical and unforgettable day! May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!
Songs selected by Bride & Groom;
Bridesmaids Processional: “All I Want Is You” by Vitamin String Quartet
Bride Processional: “All I Want Is You” by Vitamin String Quartet
Register Signing: “Next To Me” by Imagine Dragons, “Until The End Of Time” by Justin Timberlake & Beyonce
Recessional: “Tonight” by Secret Nation
Wedding Party Entry: “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor, “Bootylicious” by Destiny’s Child Feat: Breanna, Bethany, Ivana & Brooke (Custom DJ:Plus! Edit)
Bride & Groom Entry: “Adventure Of A Lifetime” by Coldplay
Cake Cutting: “Sugar” by Robin Schulz Feat. Francesco Yates
Farewell Dance: “Paradise” by George Erza
Final Farewell Song: “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher” by Jimmy Barnes
Other Wedding Professionals
Photographer: Rachel H Photography
Floral Design & Styling: Wild Blue Studio
Catering: Mountain Wide Event Catering
Cake Design: Josophan’s
Coffee Van: Coffeenova