Tea Room QVB

  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 31 October 2023 | Branagh & Max | Tea Room QVB, Sydney

    Love is often full of surprises, and for Branagh and Max, it all began on the campus of their university. Their journey from two strangers with contrasting first impressions to soulmates exchanging vows at the QVB Tea Room on Halloween, is a heart warming tale of true love.

    A Chance Encounter at University

    Branagh and Max crossed paths during their undergraduate psychology days, a fateful encounter that neither of them would ever forget. Branagh, sporting a unique look with her bright red hair, oversized bright yellow T-shirt, and a giant backpack full of textbooks, couldn’t help but notice Max’s initial impression. She thought he was a guest lecturer, and his attire exuded confidence. In contrast, Max thought Branagh was the “biggest nerd” with her quirky appearance.

    From Strangers to Friends

    Although their first impressions were less than flattering, destiny had more in store for them. Their shared interest in psychology brought them together as student reps for their year, all thanks to their favourite lecturer who introduced them via email. Little did they know that this would be the start of a beautiful journey. Over the years, they worked together on assignments, slowly forming a strong friendship. It was a gradual process, with both of them having partners during this time. Yet, something special was blooming, even if they couldn’t see it themselves. Friends for six years, they had no idea that their destinies were intertwined.

    The First Spark

    Their first date was a unique experience, initially starting as two friends attending a casino-themed Christmas party for work. The night was filled with laughter, drinks, and learning to play casino games. As the night unfolded, Max’s arm found its way around Branagh, and by the end of the evening, their first kiss sealed the beginning of their romantic journey.

    The next day, they ventured to Hunter Valley Gardens, where Max gave Branagh a guided tour of all the places he had worked, further deepening their connection.

    Sydney: Their Special Place

    Living in the Hunter Valley, Sydney became Branagh and Max’s go-to holiday destination. They often stayed at the Casino and indulged in high tea at the QVB Tea Room, a place that held a special spot in their hearts. As their love blossomed, they shared dreams of getting married on Halloween.

    Max’s proposal plan was a well-orchestrated puzzle that spanned several months. With clues, codes, and a lockbox, Branagh finally unlocked the box by 2 July, 2022, setting in motion the journey that led them to their wedding day.

    A Magical Day at QVB Tea Room

    Their wedding at the QVB Tea Room was nothing short of magical. The sun’s rays streamed through the grand windows, casting a warm glow on the couple as they exchanged heartfelt vows. Ben Ager, Marriage Celebrant, and Damien Southam created a ceremony filled with quirky, heartfelt moments that perfectly represented Branagh and Max’s unique love story.

    The evening was an enchanting blend of laughter, touching speeches, and the spirit of Halloween. With ceramic pumpkins adorning the tables, the guests enjoyed the festivities, including dancing that lasted well into the night.

    Branagh and Max’s wedding celebration was a testament to the power of love, demonstrating that sometimes, the most unexpected connections lead to the most beautiful destinations. As they embark on this new chapter, one thing is certain: their love story will continue to inspire us all.

    In closing, Branagh and Max, may your life together be a wonderful and joyful journey filled with boundless love, fulfilled dreams, and countless adventures. As you embark on this new chapter as a married couple, may your love grow stronger with each passing day, and may every challenge you face only bring you closer.

    It was truly an honour and privilege to be a part of your special day, not only as your Sydney Wedding MC and Sydney Wedding DJ but also as witness to the beautiful love story you’ve created. Your journey together has already inspired us all, and we can’t wait to see the incredible moments that the future holds for both of you.

    Here’s to Branagh and Max, a couple whose love knows no bounds and whose future is filled with endless possibilities. Congratulations on your Halloween wedding, and may your love story continue to shine bright! ~ Serge

    YouTube video

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment.


    Key Songs

    Groom & Groomsmen Processional: “Halo Theme” by Martin O’Donnell (Mjolnir Mix)

    Bridesmaid Processional: “Adore You” by Miley Cyrus

    Ringbearer Processional: “Concerning Hobbits” by Howard Shore

    Bride’s Processional: “Skydiving” by Lights

    Register Signing: “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by 21 Pilots, “Don’t Go Home Without Me” by Lights

    Recessional: “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Vitamin String Quartet

    Mother Of The Groom: “It’s Not Unusual” by Tom Jones

    Parents Of The Bride Entry: “Somewhere Beyond The Sea” by Bobby Darin

    Ring Bearer Entry: “Invisible” by Twelve Foot Ninja

    Groomsman Entry: “Back In Black” by AC/DC

    Best Man Entry: “Welcome To The Jungle” by Gun’s n Roses

    Botantical Boy Entry: “I’m Good (Blue)” by David Guetta & Bebe Rexha

    Bridesmaid Entry: “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

    Maid Of Honour Entry: “Anti Hero” by Taylor Swift

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Doctor Who Theme” by Ron Grainer & Murray Gold

    Cake Cutting: “But I Do Love You” by LeAnne Rimes

    First Dance: “Darkness At The Heart Of My Love” by Ghost

    Father Daughter Dance: “I Learned From You” by Billy Ray & Miley Cyrus

    Mother Son Dance: “Shake Your Tailfeather” by Ray Charles

    Bouquet Toss: “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Miley Cyrus

    Farewell Dance: “Thriller” by Michael Jackson

    Final Farewell: “Lone Digger” by Caravan Palace


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photography: Azayda Photography

    Cake Design: Black Velvet Cakes


  • Wedding Reception | 17 December 2016 | Cortney & Hil | The Tea Room QVB, Sydney

    Cortney and Hil’s first encounter occurred in 2011, but it was not until 2012 that they started to interact more and a relationship began to develop. Cortney and Hil are a beautiful couple and their wedding celebration was full of family love, warmth and many emotions.

    Following their ceremony earlier in the day at Barker College, Hornsby, they chose to celebrate at the Tea Room in the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney. With the room looking stunning, thanks to the lovely ladies from Decorations By Jelena, the fantastic wedding cake by Pretty Parties and the photographic and videographic skills of the team from Hugo Photography & Film, it was such a great celebration. Surrounded by family and friends, we were so privileged to witness a deep tender love that has grown despite the difficulties that these two have faced due to distance, as one was studying in Townville, Queensland and the other in Melbourne, Victoria over the past four years.

    From our first meeting in the first week of this year, I could see that Hil totally and utterly adores Cortney, the way he always has his arm around her, the way he looks at her with loving eyes, she is his angel and he treats as such. Just as equally Cortney adores Hil. When they are together, they are rarely separated and Cortney just radiates joy. Together they are an awesome couple who are very deeply in love and work hard to ensure it remains that way.

    During the reception there were many emotional moments for both Cortney, Hil, their respective parents, siblings and those nearest and dearest. All the speeches throughout the evening were meaningful as well as entertaining and was enjoyed by all the guests.

    Around five weeks before the wedding I received an email from Hil with the subject of “Secret Song”. As nearly all my dealings in regards to the wedding had been with Cortney and her mum, Jeanie, the fact that I was receiving an email from Hil and that subject line had me more than a little curious. On opening the email, I discovered that Hil was planning to surprise Cortney by singing her a song during the wedding reception. It also asked whether I was able to provide two wireless microphones, patch in a guitar and requesting suggestions as to when would be best to sing the song. I replied with all the information he needed and asked that he confirm certain details. As I subsequently learnt during the best man’s speech, Hil is not one for returning texts and if he does, they tend to be very, very brief. This also appears to apply to emails, or so it seems – as when I did receive a response about five days prior to the wedding, it did not contain enough information for me to ensure that I was up to speed on the finer details of exactly how this was going to executed.

    On the day of the wedding I came prepared with everything I could think I needed to pull this off, but was not even sure if it was going ahead – until minutes before the doors were to open to commence seating the guests, when in strolls a gentleman with a guitar. Quick patch in, tune, determine the levels and we were set. During the evening, in those rare moments when Cortney was not by his side, he was frantically going over the lyrics to the song and then following the cutting of the cake it was time for him to sing. Personally, I thought it was a beautiful moment, there are some photographs below that I managed to capture, but take a listen yourself to Hil singing Ed Sheeran’s “Tenerife Sea” to Cortney, aided by his friend, whose name I unfortunately didn’t get, on guitar and the best man, Gideon on backup vocals. The applause at the end of the song certainly verifies that it was quite a performance and a special moment.

    As mentioned above, it was truly a beautiful wedding and I enjoyed every moment of my involvement in it. Cortney and Hil, thank you so much for the trust you placed in me and the honour and privilege you gave me in allowing me to play a part in this very special day as your Wedding DJ Sydney and for part of the evening, your Wedding MC Sydney. I hope you enjoyed every moment of your amazing wedding day. Based on everything I learnt about the two of you in the lead up to your wedding, you are completely perfect for each other! Your love will continue to grow even stronger with each passing day and I see nothing but a life filled with love for the both of you. Have a fabulous time on your honeymoon in New Zealand!! May, love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!

    YouTube video

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment


    Songs selected by Bride & Groom;

    Wedding Party Entry: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

    Bride & Bride Entry: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams

    Cake Cutting: “Only You Can Love Me This Way” by Keith Urban

    First Dance: “Unchained Melody” by Righteous Brothers

    Parent Dance: “Annie’s Song” by John Denver

    Bouquet Toss: “Dear Future Husband” by Meghan Trainor

    Farewell Dance: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson Feat. Bruno Mars

    Final Farewell: “In Your Arms” by Kina Grannis


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer & Videographer: Hugo Photography & Film

    Floral Design & Stylist: Decorations By Jelena

    Cake Design: Pretty Parties


  • Wedding Reception | 22 May 2015 | Tessa & Ulysses | The Tea Room QVB, Sydney

    “Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words” ~ Plautus

    Sometimes it the most unfortunate of circumstances and when we least expect it, love can find a way of manifesting it’s presence. It all started with Tessa and Ulysses’ dads who were best friends. Uly even played with Tessa and her older sister when they were all kids. Uly was living in London when he received the sad news that his father has passed away suddenly due to heart failure and immediately returned to Australia for the funeral. It was at the funeral that Tessa & Ulysses met again. They only very vaguely remembered each other but it was the start of a beautiful love story that would eventually lead to their wedding day.

    Following the funeral, Tessa looked Uly up on Facebook and following Uly’s return to London, they chatted via Facebook, with a shared love of food, they often cooked a meal together, via Facebook, and posted what they had cooked for each other to see. This eventually led to Skype dates and within five months of the funeral, Tessa felt compelled to go to London. She was met by Uly and welcomed with a “spin, dip & kiss” in front of a terminal full of people. At the end of the three weeks they knew they were in love.

    On 3 May 2013, following numerous fake proposals in the week leading up to this day, Uly asked Tessa to be his wife and share the rest of her life with him. Fast forward to 22 May 2015 and here we were celebrating their marriage at The Tea Room Queen Victoria Building. This stylish venue with it’s custom designed Baccarat crystal chandeliers and beautiful Victorian ceiling, was the perfect choice for this gorgeous couple’s wedding reception.

    It was an evening filled with lots of wonderful emotions – there were tears, there was laughter, there were more tears, there was a heap of fun and there was love; there was lots of LOVE! It was so beautiful to see just how much Tessa and Uly were adored by their family and friends and to see them join in and truly celebrate their marriage. Lots of guests dancing the night away, Tessa & Uly hoisted into the air (which was really so fitting as we had introduced them as Lord Ulysses and Lady Tessa at the beginning of the evening).

    Tessa and Uly are a beautiful fun-loving couple with whom I instantly connected with. I loved meeting with them and hearing some of their stories about their journey which led to their wedding day. Love is not reflected in superficial prettiness. Love is creating
    something together that will last long after you are around to see what it becomes. It was such an immense honour to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this historic moment in your lives. I feel so very privileged to have played a small part as your Wedding DJ Sydney & Sydney Wedding MC in creating some of the memories for your future. I know that your love will leave a legacy bigger than you ever imagined! May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!

    YouTube video

    Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment


    Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

    Wedding Party Entry: “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Zaleilah (Eurovision 2012 Romania)” by Mandinga

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

    First Dance: “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by Robbie Willams Feat. Lily Allen

    Father Daughter Dance: “Daughter” by Loudon Wainwright III

    Bouquet Toss: “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper

    Garter Toss: “Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor

    Farewell Dance: “We Go Together” by Olivia Newton John, John Travolta & Grease Cast

    Final Farewell Song: “Save Tonight” by Eagle Eye Cherry


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer: Swoon Weddings

    Videographer: Swoon Weddings

    Floral Designer: Chiho Kobayashi Flowers