In early October, DJ:Plus! Entertainment was approached as to it’s willingness to participate and provide support for the fund raising efforts by two delightful ladies, Kate and Kirsty, in aid of The Cancer Council’s work with women’s cancers. I of course readily agreed by donating the provision of Audio Support and Entertainment services for the Girls Night In which they were hosting.
The Event, Northern Beaches 2011 Girls Night In was held at Dee Why RSL. A capacity crowd of 280 ladies attended and enjoyed, champagne on arrival, finger food, tarot card readings, mini manicures, mini massages, hand massages, style tips, Zumba demonstration and lots of dancing. Not forgetting that the aim was to raise vital funds, raffle tickets were sold (with LOTS of prizes), girls could buy a balloon (which contained a prize guaranteed to be valued at least 40% more than the purchase price) and a silent action which had items from kids toys to bikes to week long holidays in Bryon Bay.
It certainly was a hugely successful night, the girls had an absolute ball and most importantly, just over $13,000 was raised for the Cancer Council. I was very happy that DJ:Plus! Entertainment was able to contribute to this event, add to the enjoyment of all the very generous lovely ladies who attended (yes, even those which tried very hard, but were unsuccessful, to entice me onto the dance floor!). Big thanks must of course go to Kate and Kirsty who put a HUGE amount of effort into organising the event – I am so pleased that your time and effort was rewarded by a result which exceeded your expectations. Well done!!!
First 150 ladies received a Goodie Bag each
The ladies start to arrive
One of the Silent Auction Items created for the Event
The ladies enjoying mini manicures and hand massages
A year ago, Marianne had organised a getaway camping trip in the Blue Mountains with a group of friends for her birthday. As circumstances would have it, it was not the perfect weekend, weather wise, and everybody else decided it was too wet to stay, so decided to leave. With the rain falling and Marianne and Adam left alone, Adam, who had planned the proposal out many times in his head, felt this unplanned situation was the perfect moment to ask Marianne to marry him. He did and an extremely happy Marianne said yes!
So here we were twelve months to the day, on a Monday, in the Blue Mountains celebrating their marriage. The weather today was just perfect, brilliant spring sunshine. The ceremony was held at Evans Lookout it Blackheath before the 85 guests made their way back to The Carrington in Katoomba. The Carrington is a heritage listed hotel and one of the few remaining Australian examples of a Victorian Grand Hotel, The Carrington features a magnificent Grand Dining Room, which was where Marianne and Adam decided to hold their reception.
Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés with Marianne and Adam in The Lounge, before making their way into the Grand Dining Room. Once everyone was comfortable, all the very important people were acknowledged along with the members of the wedding party. This was done in a fun way where interesting facts about each individual person was communicated to the guests. Where appropriate, this was enhanced by the use of sound bites. Finally, everybody whooped it up for Marianne and Adam, before Marianne thanked everyone for being a part of their day.
Following the tantalising entrée, it was time for the speeches. First up we had Adam’s Dad, Michael, then Marianne’s Dad, Hector, the best man Conor, Maid of Honour, Michelle and finally bridesmaid Katrina. The speeches were humorous, heartfelt and really lovely. Of interest to note was that Marianne and Adam’s wedding party also consisted of a Grooms Maid and two Brides Men.
Guests were then served and enjoyed a delectable main meal. We then had some very special messages from near and far. There was the messages from Marianne’s Uncles in Ireland, one of which had a group of people gathered at his home and they left numerous messages throughout that evening – starting with wishing Marianne and Adam all the very best, through to singing songs, playing up and joking around and finally finishing up with a tearful message which was very moving. There was a message from Kentucky in the U.S. and messages from others that wanted to express their best wishes, but unfortunately could not be there. It really was quite a special part of the evening.
The time had arrived for the cutting of the cake, as it was also Marianne’s birthday, the top layer (the huge cupcake) had candles for Marianne to blow out. Ably assisted by Adam, who stabled the cupcake tower, Marianne blew out the candles and cut the cake to great applause.
Marianne and Adam then took to the dance floor for their first dance, they had beautiful personal messages in their song which caused a large number of the guests to shed a tear – it really was a magical moment.
Grooms man Ash, used to work at Club Med, and teach the Club Med Dance, so immediately after the first dance Ash, assisted by Best Man, Conor and Groomsman, Adam took to the floor and proceeded to teach everybody some fantastic moves – whilst many were shy and reluctant at first, they eventually warmed to the idea and it was a hit!
Ash’s segment segued into general dancing and Marianne, Adam and the guests then proceeded to dance the night away. In what appeared to be no time at all it was time for the bouquet and garter toss. Marianne then had a special dance with her Dad, which contained a lovely message from Marianne, this touched him and brought some happy tears – another special moment. A final farewell dance with all the guests joining in and Marianne and Adam left to begin their new life together.
It was a fun reception with lots of surprises. Marianne and Adam wanted a reception which was easy going, yet energetic – I believe they got exactly this. Marianne and Adam, thank you for the trust you ultimately placed in me. I really enjoyed getting to know you both, sharing your day and adding to your memories. I loved the way you two kept sneaking kisses all night long, the way you both find joy in life, the way you like to make each other laugh and the way you both like to have fun! May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Cake Cutting Song: “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver
Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce
Garter Toss: “Girls, Girls, Girls” by Motley Crue
Farewell Dance: “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by Black Eyed Peas
Final Farewell Song: “Home” by Edward Sharpe And The The Magnetic Zeros
Sometimes the best friendships turn into something more….an everlasting love! This sums up Samantha and Martin (Sam and Marty) perfectly. Sam and Marty are a beautiful couple who possess a warm, genuine and caring nature….they absolutely adore each other, are lots of fun and whilst they are in many ways not alike, they complement each other perfectly!!
Sam and Marty selected Peppers Craigieburn for both the ceremony and reception. This stunning rural property nestled on the outskirts of Bowral was an impeccable choice for this wonderful celebration.
Given that Sam had actually not been well and had other bad news in the fortnight leading up to the wedding, it was only just that it was such a perfect day – brilliant location, fantastic weather and the dark clouds that had decided to make an appearance and threaten to ruin Sam and Marty’s ceremony, eventually were swayed by the love that this couple share and resolved to roll on by.
The guests had gathered and at the allotted time, the bridesmaids commenced their walk down the Craigieburn steps to the ceremony area. All eyes were on Sam as she appeared at the top of the steps, with her father, Mark. Looking both beautiful and stunning, Sam made her way to Marty, who was feeling just a little nervous.
It was a beautiful ceremony, officiated by Julie Lawton, it was full of love, fun and sentiment. I loved the way Sam changed the vows by adding the word “absolute/ly” in a couple of significant spots – dare I say it, absolutely beautiful. Before we knew it Sam and Marty were united in marriage. They spent a little time mingling with their guests before setting off around the Peppers Craigieburn grounds for photographs.
“I love you You are my absolute best friend Today I give myself to you in marriage I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle I promise to absolutely love you in good times and bad When life seems easy And when it seems hard, When our love is simple, And when it is an effort I promise to cherish you, And to always hold you in the highest regard These things I give to you today, And all the days of our lives”
Whilst the photographs were being taken, guests adjourned to Montfords Bar and enjoyed pre-dinner drinks.
A short time later the wedding party entered the reception to rapturous applause. A short welcome and thank you from Marty before a delicious entrée was served. A very heartfelt speech by Sam’s dad, also recounted a little story about how Marty was introduced to the family. Next we heard from Marty’s grandfather, Keith, who is affectionately known as “Pop”. Keith went on to speak about how proud he and “Nan” were of Marty and how very pleased they both were to welcome Sam into the family.
Loved the little heart with Martin 4 Sam at Sam’s setting on the Wedding Table – So Sweet!
The Lolly Buffet, which proved to be extremely popular!!!
Following a tantalising main meal, it was time for the cutting of the cake and the rest of the speeches. Bestman Kenny and Maid of Honour, Katie along with Bridesmaid, Mikala have been friends with Sam and Marty since pre-school or kindergarten and their speeches were both heartfelt and amusing. Kenny spoke first and recounted some amusing stories from when he and Marty were growing up. Katie and Mikala spoke of Sam, their close friendship and all her great qualities. Then just before Marty made his speech, there was a special surprise – a message from Mikala’s husband, Shelby in Canada (Shelby was meant to be at the wedding, but due to a change in job was, sadly unable to attend). Marty, is a person of few words, but he thanked everyone for coming and then turned his attention to Sam, and expressed how amazing she had made his life and how more amazing it would be now that they were married.
Sam and Marty then made their way on to the dance floor for the first, of a lifetime of dances, as a married couple. The love between them was beautiful and it was a magical moment. Joined by the wedding party and guests they continued to dance the night away.
There were lots of things to love about Sam and Marty and their wedding day; I loved that they just wanted to get married..to start the next chapter of their lives together surrounded by their close family and friends, I love that they were true to themselves throughout their day and focussed on enjoying the day and having fun together regardless of whatever was thrown their way in the lead up, I loved their ceremony, I loved that they gave me the privilege to be a part of their special day and witness their love first hand. Sam and Marty, Thank you for your trust and faith in me. But most of all, thank you for touching my heart, by being your sweet lovely selves. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaids Processional: “Kissing” by Bliss
Brides Processional: “Kissing” by Bliss
Register Signing: “The Wedding Song by Angus & Julia Stone, “All Is Love” by Karen O & The Kids
Recessional: “If Tonight Was My Last” by Laura Izibor
Wedding Party Entry: “Soul Meets Body” by Death Cab For Cutie
Bride & Groom Entry: “Romeo & Juliet” by The Killers
Cake Cutting Song: “Ice Cream” by Sarah Mclachan
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Paperweight” by Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk
Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce
Garter Toss: “Sharp Dressed Man” by ZZ Top
Final Farewell Song: “Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzalez
Matt Johnson, the photographer at Sam and Marty’s wedding has kindly provided some of his amazing professional images of the wonderful day. These photographs can be found on this blog at: Sam & Marty by Matt Johnson Weddings
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