Seclusions

  • 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!!!

    Photography by DJ:Plus! Entertainment

    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


  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 14 October 2017 | Eliza & Duncan | Seclusions, Rydal, Blue Mountains

    Eliza and Duncan met whilst on a course in Sydney in 2011. Duncan’s first impression of Eliza was that she was attractive and sophisticated plus she had this ever so infectious laugh. Eliza on the other hand thought that Duncan was a bit of a clown, laid back and easy going. On their first date, a very nervous Duncan pulled out all the stops to impress Eliza and treated her to takeaway, a case of beer and a “really crap movie”. But despite the movie, within weeks they knew they were in love.

    Eliza and Duncan are opposites in many ways but at the same time complement each other. Eliza is a vegetarian whilst Duncan is a meat eater, Eliza can’t swim and Duncan is a sports lover and the list goes on. They both share a similar sense of humor, find it very easy to talk to each other, they calm each other down and are totally in love.

    On 19 February 2016 Duncan proposed to Eliza and here we were today at Seclusions in the Blue Mountains where they would exchange vows and become one. Although there was a constant drizzle throughout the day, it did ease off for a little while and provided enough time for the ceremony, officiated by Carl Scully CMC, to proceed in the stunning amphitheatre ceremony area and photographs & video to be taken around the property by Natalie Bailey Photography and Puzzleman Productions.

    Guests enjoyed games, drinks and canapes in the rustic barn on the property and were later joined by Eliza, Duncan and their wedding party. Shortly afterwards we welcomed our newlyweds and their wedding party into the Pavilion for the reception. On entry Eliza and Duncan made their way to the dance floor for their first dance. This was followed by Eliza sharing a dance with her uncle. Next up was the first segment of speeches, the cake cutting before guests where presented with a delicious banquet of delicacies, prepared by RedPepper Catering. A fun game involving our bride & groom, the second set of speeches, a video clip from Eliza’s hens night, another fun game which engaged the guests, dessert and the centrepiece giveaway before speeches from Eliza and Duncan. From there on in it was dancing time!

    It was a really fun wedding, everybody was relaxed, easy going and there to help Eliza and Duncan celebrate their wedding day. There were so many highlights, from the roasting that Duncan received to the sentimental heartfelt moments, I am sure those in attendance will always look back on this day with very fond memories. Eliza and Duncan are genuine, down to earth and totally adore each other – you need only look at the photographs below to see how their faces light up whenever they are together. They have FUN in everything they do.

    Thank you so much for giving me the great honour and privilege. It was a great pleasure – all of it! I enjoyed our periodic chats, hearing about those little hiccups that were encountered in regards to the wedding, about your card playing, overseas trip, all of it, but being able to witness you become one as you both exchanged vows in typical Eliza & Duncan style, truly brought a smile to my heart. This love will continue to grow over the years and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity given to me to act as your Blue Mountains Wedding MC & DJ. Have a wonderful time in Broome! May, love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!

    Photography by DJ:Plus! Entertainment



    <p=”text-align: left;”>Songs selected by Bride & Groom;

    Bridesmaid Processional: “Gift Of A Friend” by Demi Lovato

    Bride Processional: “You Got Me” by Colbie Cailat

    Register Signing: “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds Five, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours” by Stevie Wonder

    Recessional: “Sugar” by Maroon 5

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

    Bride & Groom Entry: “L8 Cmmr” by Lily Allen

    First Dance: “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding

    Cake Cutting: “Cut Da Ting” by Loxen Morre

    Farewell Dance: “Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again” by The Angels

    Final Farewell Song: “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift



    <p=”text-align: left;”>Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer: Natalie Bailey Photography

    Videography: Puzzleman Productions

    Floral Design: True Love Wedding Florist

    Caterer: RedPepper Catering


  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 12 November 2016 | Stacey & Kerryn | Seclusions, Rydal, Blue Mountains

    Wow! What an amazing day it was for Stacey & Kerryn’s wedding! It had been raining most of the night and when I left Sydney it was overcast and looked like a downpour was imminent. But as I got closer and closer to Seclusions, located in Rydal in the Blue Mountains near Lithgow, the clouds began to clear and a beautiful blue sky was starting to appear. By the time Kerryn and Stacey commenced their walk down the aisle, it was a picture perfect day for this life long commitment that they were making. The only thing which caused a little bit of an annoyance was the intermittent wind, but it did have the advantage of keeping everyone cool.

    It was a truly beautiful ceremony conducted by Kerryn and Stacey’s friend Nicole. Now I could go on a get all descriptive about this very special commitment, but I feel that the best way for you all to get an appreciation of what it was like, is to provide the vows that Kerryn and Stacey wrote for each other;

    Kerryn’s vows:
    “I, Kerryn, choose you Stacey, to be my wife, knowing that you will be my constant friend, my faithful partner and my one true love.

    On this day I give to you, in front of our friends and family, my promise to stay by your side and to love you without reservation.

    I vow to always be a true and loyal friend to you.

    To cherish you, and to share my thoughts, hopes and dreams with you.

    I vow to be your partner in all things; working with you as part of our team.

    I vow never to steal the bed sheets, unless you are hogging them.

    I vow to always respect your choice of music, except when that choice is Nickelback.

    If you promise to kill the spiders and cockroaches that invade our home, I promise to always pick up Snowy’s poo.

    If you promise to cheer loudly for the Bunnies (except of course when they are playing the Tigers), I promise to do the same in return, for you.

    I will never back the Yankees in baseball or the Blues in State of Origin. I’m sorry, I just can’t.

    I want us to grow old and wrinkly together.

    To shake our collective fists at teenagers, and talk endlessly about the old days when things were better, cheaper and generally more wholesome.

    Stacey, I love you more than I ever thought it possible to love anyone.

    I love you more than I love chocolate.

    As we stand here together, I am so excited that this, here and now, is the beginning of the rest of our lives.

    I choose to spend today, and all of my tomorrows, with you.”

    Stacey’s vows:
    “Kerryn from the first moment I saw you smile at me through the gate I knew there was something special about you. At that time I did not know that three and a half years later I would be standing here committing the rest of my life to you and still discovering just how special you are.

    What I know now is that no matter how tough times ahead may be, no distance will ever be too far, no arguments will ever be too bad, no challenges will ever be that difficult that we can’t get through them.

    I promise that despite the physical distance we face ahead there will never be a day where I don’t say I love you and there will never be a night where I don’t wish you sweet dreams. I promise to always remind you of why I love you and what makes you so special.

    I vow to love you unconditionally and support you in all of your endeavours. I will be by your side in whatever adventures life has in store for us. I will be your shining light when times are dark and guide you along while you are finding your light at the end of the tunnel.

    Today becoming your wife is not a choice, it was always an inevitability because you are my best friend, my love, my soul mate.

    Today I stand here before our family and friends and vow to spend the rest of my life with you.”

    The rest of the afternoon and evening was filled with lots of love, fun, laughs and great times. Guests enjoyed lawn games, fantastic speeches, a little bit of insight into how well Kerryn and Stacey actually knew each other (which was a lot of fun), much dancing, some beautiful tender moments and a amazing evening with many memories being created! But in the end it was about love and a lifelong commitment.

    I also had the great pleasure of working with photographer Catherine Rose, Red Pepper Catering and The Little Cart Of Blooms to help create Kerryn and Stacy’s dream wedding.

    Having had the opportunity to have met with Kerryn and Stacey a couple of times in the lead up to their wedding day, I could tell from our first meeting that they light each other up and are so deeply in love, it literally radiates off them. I also remember how Kerryn was the first to try some chocolate cookies I had out that day and it took some convincing from her before Stacey would try one, but she did and loved them. The next time they came for a progress meeting there was no hesitation from Stacey whatsoever :-).

    Kerryn and Stacey, it was such a huge honour to have you both place your trust in me and to be given the opportunity to play a part in your spectacular wedding day. I had an absolutely awesome time as your Blue Mountains Wedding MC and Blue Mountains Wedding DJ – I can’t thank you enough – it was such a pleasure and joy to share in the journey towards your together forever, even when you were stressed and felt like you had no idea what to do next. I loved our meetings, phone calls, the lead up to your wedding and every aspect of your wedding day. I know you will honour your vows and commitment and your future will be extremely happy as your love for each other will continue to grow stronger. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!

    YouTube Video

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment


    Songs selected by Couple;

    Wedding Party Entry: “Get The Party Started” by Pink

    Bride & Bride Entry: “Get The Party Started” by Pink

    Cake Cutting: “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen

    First Dance: “Everything” by Michael Buble

    Father Daughter Dance: “I Loved Her First / Daddy Dance With Me” by Heartland / Krystal Keith [DJ:Plus! Edit]

    Bouquet Toss: “One Way Or Another” by Blondie

    Farewell Circle: “We Are Young” by Fun Feat. Janelle Monae, “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates, “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

    Farewell Dance: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer: Catherine Rose – Wedding & Portrait Photography

    Catering: RedPepper Catering

    Floral Design: The Little Cart Of Blooms