Frank and Nick’s wedding was all about love and acceptance. Whilst I have previously entertained for same sex couples making lifelong commitments, these have been before marriage equality law was passed in Australia. They selected Yester Grange at Wentworth Falls in the Blue Mountains as the location for their ceremony and reception. Yester Grange is nestled amongst 20 acres of totally private parkland and garden at the top of the Wentworth Falls waterfall and National Park which was very fitting as no matter where in the world they are (Frank and Nick are prolific travellers), they always seem to happen across a waterfall.
The ceremony commenced with Frank and Nick walking in separately from either side of the ceremony location and following the ceremony, which was beautifully officiated by Laura Graham of Put A Ring On It, the crowd was split and Frank and Nick walked away together, as husbands with the aisle awash with rainbow ribbons being waved around in celebration of the occasion.
This was followed by a group photograph on the Yester Grange steps before Frank and Nick took part in a German wedding tradition where a log was sawed in half. The log on a sawhorse represented the trials and tribulations that inevitably occur over the years in any marriage. Frank and Nick cut through the log using a double-ended saw. This ritual symbolises their first achievement together as a married couple and reminds them that they can work together to overcome any obstacle! Check out the photos below and the video at the bottom of the post.
What followed was a relaxed celebration with heartfelt moments, wonderful speeches, surprises, lots of fun and heaps of dancing. Some of the guests had travelled from the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, across New South Wales and as far away as Germany. Everybody celebrated this union wholeheartedly. All too soon, it was time to farewell Frank and Nick but not before they both tossed bouquets and left to commence their married life together.
Frank and Nick, thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of looking after the audio and music for your ceremony and giving me the privilege of being your Blue Mountains Wedding DJ. It was a pleasure and honour to play a part in this wonderful milestone moment in your lives. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!
Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Processional: “My Love” by Cher (DJ:Plus! Edit)
Register Signing: “Your Love Is King” by Sade, “Truly, Madly, Deeply” by Cascada (Slow Version)
Recessional: “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz
Log Sawing Song: “Lean On Me” by 2-4 Family
Wedding Party Entry: “I Feel Love” by Donna Summer
First Dance: “Lab Mich Dein Pirat Sein / Let Me Be Your Pirate” by Nena (DJ:Plus! Custom Edit)
Farewell Dance: “Last Dance” by Donna Summer (Masters At Work Remix)
Final Farewell Song: “Love Shack” by B-52’s
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Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 21 March 2015 | Liana & Kris Evans | Yester Grange, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains
by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
The love story of Liana and Kris began at a book store in which they both worked. Liana thought Kris was a nice guy and Kris thought that Liana was cool. It was not until a week after Kris was no longer working at the book store that they went on their first date together, only Kris did not realise it was a date, he thought it was just two good friends who used to work together catching up. They went for a few drinks and a walk around Sydney’s beautiful harbour and the Rocks area before ending up at the Sydney Harbour Bridge where Liana seized the moment and they kissed for the very first time.
Within a month of that first date, they knew that this was love. In the early hours of New Years Day 2014, Kris felt that the moment was right and proposed to Liana, asking her to spend the rest of her life with him, as his wife. Now whilst it had been Kris’s intention to propose to Liana, he certainly had not planned to do it that day and had yet to find the perfect ring – luckily for Kris, he went with his instincts and asked her in that moment, for the ring that Liana chose, was completely different from those that Kris had been looking at. Liana instantly became overcome with joy and happiness when Kris proposed, her eyes filling with happy tears, she cried for almost an hour, but she did say yes!
Liana & Kris selected Yester Grange, a magnificent Victorian mansion nestled in totally private parkland gardens at the top of Wentworth Falls waterfall, as the location for their wedding ceremony and wedding reception. Unfortunately a constant drizzle of rain from the early morning, put an end to plans for an outside wedding ceremony on the lawn overlooking the breathtaking view of the Jamison Valley and the World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains Wilderness. Nonetheless, a beautiful ceremony, officiated by Christine McCormack and witnessed by their closest family and friends, was held in the Lounge Room of the mansion with the doors opening onto the verandah, whilst the mist created a magical backdrop, they professed their love and became husband and wife.
As luck would have it, the drizzle stopped after the ceremony allowing for drinks and canapés to be held outdoors. Whilst guests enjoyed the refreshments and view, it also allowed Kris, Liana & their wedding party to wander the beautiful Yester Grange grounds with photographer, Rachel H Photography for photographs – which I can’t wait to see! A little while later we welcomed them all into the ballroom to commence the reception part of the celebration.
The rest of the evening was full of much fun, beautiful and humorous speeches, exquisite cuisine, wonderful company, beautiful location, dancing and the love that Liana & Kris have for each other ensured that it was a wonderful evening celebrating their marriage. All too soon it was time to farewell Liana & Kris as they begin a new journey.
Liana and Kris’s wedding day reflected who they are in everything they did..relaxed, fun and completely perfect for each other! A fun bridal party, funny and supportive family & friends helped to create the magical day they were dreaming of. I had such a great time with them and it was an honour to be there and to be given the huge privilege of being their Blue Mountains Wedding DJ & MC. Liana and Kris, it was such a pleasure to get to know you and witness the love you share. Enjoy your honeymoon in the USA, riding those roller coasters, visiting the comic stores and whatever else takes your fancy – your life will only be better with each other always by the other’s side! May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!
Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Bridesmaid Processional: “Your Hand In Mine” by Explosions In The Sky
Brides Processional: “Your Hand In Mine” by Explosions In The Sky
Register Signing: “Stand By Me” by Ben E King, “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke
Recessional: “Float On” by Modest Mouse
Wedding Party Entry: “Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran
Bride & Groom Entry: “Hungry Like The Wolf” by Duran Duran
First Dance: “Baby I’m Yours” by Arctic Monkeys
Bouquet Toss: “Open Your Heart” by Human League
Farewell Circle / Circle Of Love: “Heavy Metal Drummer” by Wilco, “Big Me” by Foo Fighters, “Everlasting Arms” by Vampire Weekend
Final Farewell Song: “Stand Up” by The Prodigy
Celebrant: Tina McCormack
Photographer: Rachel H Photography
Floral Designer: All Flowers
Cup Cakes: The Cupcake House
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Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 29 March 2014 | Rochelle & Jason Cox | Yester Grange, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains
by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Rochelle and Jason are both in the Air Force and it is where they both met. A few months later on a night out with a group of friends, they kissed for the very first time. On their 5th Anniversary during a picnic lunch in the Blue Mountains, Jason asked Rochelle to be with him forever. Fast forward to 29 March 2014 and here we were at Yester Grange to witness two beautiful individuals make lifelong commitments and become husband and wife.
It rained in the days leading up to the wedding and whilst the forecast for their wedding day was “possible showers”, the weather gods smiled upon Rochelle & Jason and only the slightest sprinkles fell just as Rochelle was about to arrive and ever so briefly part way through the ceremony. The ceremony, officiated by Tina Marie Sheil, was a perfect reflection of who Rochelle and Jason are. Given that we had avoided the rain, and the ceremony was able to go ahead as planned, the first line of the Apache Wedding Blessing, certainly bought a smile to my face as I felt it was just so appropriate;
“Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter to the other”
Following the ceremony, whilst Rochelle, Jason and their wedding party had photographs both off and on site, guests enjoyed themselves by chatting, mingling or playing a variety of lawn games whilst being served canapes and refreshments. A little while later, guests were invited to make their way into this lovely venue for the reception.
Personalised introductions, a special bouquet presentation to Rochelle’s grandparents who will have been married 56 years this coming October, fun activities, speeches and a very special first dance which had many of the guests, parents and even Rochelle shed a tear or two – created a magical moment and memories which I am certain will be remembered for a long time to come. The rest of the evening guests spent dancing, socialising and celebrating their love.
When I first spoke with Rochelle and Jason, they both expressed that they wished their wedding to be relaxed and stress free – I believe we achieved this with their wedding (plus added a little fun and a few surprises) and they got to experience the wedding of their dreams. Rochelle and Jason, thank you very much for the trust you both placed in me and for allowing me to be a part of your very special day as your Blue Mountains Wedding DJ & MC, it was such a huge honour and privilege. Thank you for sharing your love story with me and thank you for all that you do in the Air Force and protecting our beautiful country. Let me conclude with another quote from the Apache Wedding Blessing, “Now you are two persons, but there is one life before you”. Rochelle and Jason, may love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaid Processional: “A Thousand Years” by Piano Guys
Brides Processional: “A Thousand Years” by Piano Guys
Register Signing: “Moon River” by Jade Leonard, “You’re The One That I Want” by Angus & Julia Stone
Recessional: “All I Want Is You” by Barry Louis Polisar
Wedding Party Entry: “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce Feat. Jay Z
Bride & Groom Entry: “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce Feat. Jay Z
Cake Cutting: “Grow Old With You” by Adam Sandler
First Dance: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by Sleeping At Last
Garter Toss: “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins
Farewell Circle/Circle Of Love: “The Wedding Song” by Angus & Julia Stone, “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding, “Forever” by Boyce Avenue
Final Farewell Song: “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Other Wedding Professionals
Celebrant: Tina Marie Sheil
Photographer: Blue Mountains Wedding Photography
Cake Designer: Candy’s Cakes
Floral Designer: Angels Wedding Flowers
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Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 21 September 2013 | Yester Grange, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains
by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
My what a perfect day it was! The sun shone brightly and Yester Grange was absolutely the ideal location for Kristina and Steven’s Blue Mountains Wedding. Kristina and Steven have requested privacy, so there are no images of this beautiful couple or their family and friends, however they have kindly permitted me to share some location and decor photographs.
When I first spoke with Kristina and Steven, they indicated that they wanted a relaxed, elegant and family orientated reception which ran smoothly, had a romantic feel and was still quite fun! Judging by the comments I received from guests as they were departing, I believe this was achieved.
Kristina and Steven are a beautiful couple, surrounded by awesome family and friends, magical weather and a fantastic location, it was such a great day full of love. Thank you for inviting me to help create this fun and relaxed day and for giving me the great honour of being your Blue Mountains Wedding DJ & MC. May love, laughter and music continue to fill your lives forever!!!
Photography by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Wedding Party Entry: “Beautiful Day” by U2
Bride & Groom Entry: “Beautiful Day” by U2
Cake Cutting Song: “How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You” by Michael Buble
First Dance: “Resolution” by Matt Corby
Father/Daughter Dance: “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder
Farewell Dance: “Better Together” by Jack Johnson
Final Farewell Song: “Only Love” by Ben Howard
Other Wedding Professionals
Celebrant: Joy Allen
Photographer: CandidPro Photo & Video
Floral Designer: Blue Mountains Floral Designs
Mirror Signage: Ooh-Aah Invitations
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Wedding Reception | 5 March 2011 | Amanda and Chris Newell | Yester Grange, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains
by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
It was Christmas Day 2009 when Chris surprised Amanda with a beautiful engagement ring hidden in a necklace box under the Christmas tree and a proposal of marriage at their Central Coast home. They shared their fantastic news and excitement with family at Christmas lunch. The organising began and 5 March 2011 was selected as the wedding day. Very early in their relationship Amanda and Chris were bush walking in the Blue Mountains and they admired from afar “a lovely white house on the hill”. Years later, they discovered that this house was also a function venue, so when it came time to organise the wedding, deciding on Yester Grange in Wentworth Falls as their venue for the reception was relatively easy.
So with the wedding day finally here, mother nature was a little confused and not quite sure what to present to Amanda and Chris. It was a strange old day with intermittent light drizzling rain, a misty valley and the occasional glimpse of sunshine, creating a very unique backdrop for their special day.
The ceremony was held in a little church in the historic village of Hartley, approximately 50kms away. Following the ceremony, Amanda, Chris and the wedding party made their way back to “the white house on the hill” for photographs on the grounds of Yester Grange.
Shortly afterwards, the 65 guests – for which Amanda and Chris had so thoughtfully organised a bus, arrived. They were of course made to feel very welcome by the Yester Grange staff who served refreshments and canapés. To great applause Amanda, Chris and the wedding party soon also joined the guests in The Lounge. With open fireplaces, the warmth of family and friends, Amanda and Chris enjoyed this relaxed time mingling and chatting to those who had come to celebrate the beautiful love they share.
A little time later, guests moved into the Ballroom to share in the wedding breakfast. A lovely, delicious three course meal was served and enjoyed by all.
After the meal, we proceeded with the speeches which commenced with Amanda’s dad Jeff, followed by Best Man and Chris’ twin brother, Matthew, then Chris himself and finally, Amanda. During this time, both Chris and Amanda became very emotional, conveying heartfelt messages of love. Beautiful words, two beautiful people, a very deep love for each other and the reason why everybody had come together to celebrate with them. Glancing around the Ballroom, there were many that were touched by this combination of words and open display of emotion. As can be seen in the photographs below, Chris even needed to grab a drink on a number of occasions in order to regain his composure. Definitely one of the highlights of the evening for me.
Below: Amanda’s Father, Jeff
Below: Best Man & Chris’ Brother, Matthew
Below: Chris
Below: Amanda
The speeches was followed by the cutting of the cake which and a wonderful photo opportunity for the guests – Amanda and Chris were clearly enjoying this moment.
It was now time for Amanda and Chris’ first dance. To the sounds of Michael Buble’s “Everything”, they commenced their first dance as a married couple. The were then joined by the wedding party part way through.
Now that the ice had been broken, the guests did not hesitate to join them on the dance floor and it was party time!! For the next few hours there was not a moment when the dance floor was not full of guests having a wonderful time and….lots of FUN! (only need look at the photos below to see what I mean). The evening ended with a farewell dance which included each and everyone of their guests – another magical moment to end a truly magical day. I believe that their wedding dream came to fruition and they could not be happier – smiles were firmly on their faces until the moment that they left the reception.
Amanda and Chris it was a great pleasure, privilege and honour to be a part of your special day which was full of love and happiness – I know your marriage will bring a deeper love and more happiness into your lives. Thank you Amanda and Chris for entrusting me with your wedding celebration. Also thanks so much for the very lovely thank you conveyed in your speech Amanda – you have no idea how much your appreciation of my efforts means to me.!!! Have a wonderful and enjoyable honeymoon. May love and music fill your lives forever.
Amanda and Chris secured Janine Kaye as their photographer. I have worked with Janine before and admire her work. Janine’s blog contains a selection of professional shots from this lovely wedding. I think they are amazing and capture the love and happiness which was evident on the day. Please take a few minutes to have a look.
Amanda & Chris | Hartley Historic Village & Yester Grange
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Wedding Party Entry Songs: “Burn Your Name” by Powderfinger, “Beautiful Bay” by U2, “Get The Party Started” by Pink
Bride & Groom Entry Song: “Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now” by Starship
Cake Cutting Song: “Hey, Soul Sister” by Train
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Everything” by Michael Buble
Farewell Dance: “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warne
Final Farewell Song: “Time Of Your Life” by Green Day
Other Wedding Professionals
Photographer: Janine Kaye Photography
Floral Design: Erica Blossoms
Fun On The Dancefloor
Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment