• Wedding Reception & Ceremony | 25 November 2022 | Kaitlyn & Andrew | Echoes Boutique Hotel, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

    Kaitlyn is sweet, kind, self-less and has an amazing smile that lights up the world. Andrew is soft-spoken, humble and lights up whenever Kaitlyn looks at him. Together they are perfect.

    Kaitlyn and Andrew met as many couples do these days, online, via a dating App. Tinder to be specific. After chatting over text and sending a few photographs to each other for around two weeks, they decided that they should meet in person.

    Fast forward to 25 November 2022 and here we were in the Cliff Top Garden at Echoes Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, which is perched at the very edge of the Jamison Valley at Echo Point in the Blue Mountains. With a perfect day, the spectacular view as a backdrop, in front of family and friends and with David Sutherland CMC conducting proceedings, Kaitlyn and Andrew were about to profess their love for each other…….again.

    At this point, with David’s kind permission, I will share parts of the words he used during the ceremony:

    “My name is David Sutherland and I am a civil marriage celebrant, duly authorised by law to solemnise marriage according to law in Australia.

    But that’s not what’s important here, because as you must all know, this is not a regular marriage ceremony, it is a re-do, because these two couldn’t wait, a post Covid celebration of a beautiful wedding, that some of you were lucky enough to attend, that happened on October 15, 2020, in the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia, USA and now celebrated half a world away in the Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia.”

    Now I have already mentioned that they met on Tinder and after around two weeks went on their first date- now back to David;

    “The first date, At Blue Moon cafe. Where Andrew talked incessantly because of nerves, and Kaitlyn listened, smiling inwardly. Neither wanted the date to end, so a walk to the local park, where they chatted into the early hours of the morning.

    But nothing marks a memorable date like having to explain to your mother, who was incessantly calling, while you were still on that date, that, yes, you were actually on a date! Kaitlyn obviously found that rather endearing because after a few more dates, the next step was meeting the in-laws.

    Most of us know how anxiety producing meeting in-laws, or perspective in-laws can be. Most of us have done it, almost as bad as the first date, but when Kaitlyn met Andrew’s extended family after being surrounded by them for the day, so at ease was she, she texted her mum saying she had met the man she was going to marry. Not quite 2 months into their dating…..

    And now, 2 years, 1 month and 10 days later, with their beautiful, almost 1 year old son, Ryan, with them to complete their family, they are including all of us to share in their joy.”

    It was a beautiful ceremony!! There was a group photo with the Blue Mountains in all it’s splendour in the background, captured by Ben Pearse Photography and Lightheart Films, before Kaitlyn, Andrew and their wedding party went off for photographs. Meanwhile, guests were treated to refreshments and delectable canapes whilst enjoying great conversation, music and the view.

    Soon enough it was time to commence the reception, with personalised introductions for each member of the wedding party, a little fun to break the ice, a wonderful meal, delightful and heart-felt speeches, the cake cutting – which did involve some loving, face cake smashing and then it was time for the first dance.

    The first dance, mother son dance and mother daughter dance were all extremely special and meaningful. It was now time to P A R T A Y!!! and boy did they party!!! The boys even lined up and did a “shoey” (for those that don’t know, this is where some form of alcohol is poured into their shoe and they drink it from the shoe – see photographs towards end of this post). A sore head and tired feet. Definitely signs of a brilliant evening.

    All too soon, it was time to conclude the celebration. It is easy to see why they fell in love. Their affection and love for each other is so wonderful to witness. They make each other laugh so easily, and are so generous of themselves and their warmth with everyone around them. I loved spending the day with them & their family & friends.

    Kaitlyn and Andrew, thank you for allowing me to witness your love and commitment to each other and to provide entertainment and music as your Blue Mountains Wedding MC and Katoomba Wedding DJ. I loved our online catch ups and even more meeting you both in person. Seeing you both looking so happy and in love is a memory I will cherish forever. You have shared so much love and laughter over your years together, and I know there will be many more joyful moments to come. May the years ahead continue to be filled with love and joy!

    YouTube video

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment.


    Key Songs

    Bridesmaid/Bridesmen Processional: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel

    Brides Processional: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel

    Recessional : “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilies

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

    Bride & Groom Entry: “I See Love” by Jonas Blue Feat. Joe Jonas

    Cake Cutting: “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by Human Nature

    First Dance: “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John

    Mother Son Dance: “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel

    Mother Daughter Dance: “Mother” by Michael Buble

    Farewell Dance: “Glad You Came” by The Wanted

    Final Farewell: “Down Under” by Men At Work


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Celebrant: David J Sutherland – Celebrant

    Photography: Ben Pearse Photography

    Videography: LightHeart Films & Photography

    Floral Design: Floral Ink


  • Wedding Reception & Ceremony | 22 October 2022 | Marta & Jarrod | Hawkesbury Country Retreat, Cornwallis, Hawkesbury

    Marta and Jarrod have been together since 2016 and they continue to adore each other so openly and honestly. They are fun to be around. They have a gentle tenderness for each other, I love their light-hearted banter and how easily they make each other laugh, is a joy to behold.

    They created a wedding that was perfectly suited to their fun loving, relaxed and joyful family and friends. The ceremony and reception was held at Hawkesbury Country Retreat which is nestled amongst the Blue Mountains, on the Hawkesbury River, and offers impressive waterfront and mountain views, perfect for Marta and Jarrod.

    The ceremony took place in the tree lined driveway of the property, whilst there were moments leading up to ceremony time that it looked like we may have to opt for the indoor option, following 15 minutes of rain the dark clouds disappeared and it was perfect for the rest of the day.

    A few highlights of the ceremony was the bridesmaids, in their rustic green dresses, walking down the tree lined aisle, Marta and Jarrod’s daughter Kenzii riding a pony led by Maid of Honour, Angela, down the aisle and the pièce de résistance, as Marta walked down the aisle, a very emotional Jarrod, at times choking up, sang “Amazed” by Lonestar. This was such a beautiful and special moment.

    The ceremony itself, beautifully officiated by Darrin Noon, was filled with love, laughter, little witty and fun remarks plus some happy tears. The love these two share and how comfortable they are in each others company was very obvious and heartwarming to witness.

    Following the ceremony, whilst guests enjoyed refreshments and canapes as they relaxed in the picturesque grounds, Marta, Jarrod and their wedding party had photographs around the 20 acre property.

    To rapturous applause we welcomed the wedding party, then Marta and Jarrod into The Shed to commence the reception and celebration of this wonderful marriage. A welcome from Jarrod – delivered in a way that was Jarrod to a tee, followed by a surprise special dance routine for Jarrod by Marta and the bridesmaids to “Dear Future Husband” by Megan Trainor really kicked of the reception in a special way.

    Guests then enjoyed a delicious American style BBQ buffet, wonderfully prepared by Crosdales BBQ. This was followed by the Newlywed Game, the first round of speeches by Maid of Honour, Angela, Marta’s Mum and Best Man, Brent.

    Next Marta and Jarrod were invited to cut their wedding cake. This moment was made more special by their daughter Kenzii, singing along with the Pink, Willow Sage Hart duet of “Cover Me In Sunshine”. Truly a lovely moment, so much so that Marta and Jarrod were, understandably, so mesmerised, that I had to discreetly remind them that they needed to cut the cake, before the song ended.

    Another fun activity involving guests before the second round of speeches plus some surprises from Jarrod’s family which acknowledged the New Zealand heritage and traditions that were important on an occasion such as this. All the speeches were down to earth and hearfelt. There was laughter and more happy tears – the things that make a wedding so special and memorable.

    More fun as we set up Best Man Brent in a dancing competition, which was a lot of fun. Guests then enjoyed Dessert.

    It was now time for our lovely couple to take to the dance floor for their very first dance as a married couple. As the music commenced, the dance floor began to fill with low lying fog (dry ice), at the appropriate time the team from Series Of Events Australia, set off the spark machines and at another point also those from the ceiling creating a waterfall effect of sorts – it was all quite stunning, but what I noticed was that Marta and Jarrod were totally in the moment, savouring each second of this dance, it was if they were the only two in the room and they only had eyes for each other!! For a hopeless romantic like me, this was what made this moment so special.

    For the remainder of the evening guests danced the night away, there was a bouquet and garter toss before we bid our beautiful couple farewell.

    Marta and Jarrod are awesome people..they laugh easily, love openly, cherish each other deeply and are so much fun to be around! They are perfect for each other and they made their wedding day perfectly spectacular (with a little help from their fabulous family & friends and also the weather gods!) Thank you for sharing yourselves and allowing me to play a part in your beautiful day as your Hawkesbury Wedding MC & Hawkesbury Wedding DJ! Fate knew what it was doing when it bonded your lives together. Wishing you love and many more years of happiness to come. May your love for each other continue to flourish and blossom through all of life’s chapters!

    YouTube video
    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment.

    Key Songs

    Bridesmaid Processional: “All My Life” by K-Ci & Jo Jo

    Flower Girl & Maid Of Honour Processional: “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” by Wham

    Brides Processional: “Amazed” by Jarrod (Groom)[Sung Live]

    Register Signing: “Songbird” by Eva Cassidy, “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Ronan Keating

    Recessional : “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder

    Wedding Party Entry: “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake, “Jump Around” by House Of Pain, “Yeah” by Usher, “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, “You Can Do It” by Ice Cube

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Throw Your Hands Up” by Quote Feat. Pitbull

    Cake Cutting: “Cover Me In Sunshine” by Pink, Willow Sage Hart & Kenzii

    First Dance: “You Are The Reason” by Callum Scott & Leona Lewis

    Bouquet Toss: “My Humps” by Black Eyed Peas

    Garter Toss: “WAP” by Cardi B Feat. Megan Thee Stallion (Clean Version)

    Farewell Dance: “You To Me Are Everything” by Real Thing

    Final Farewell: “From Now On” by Hugh Jackman


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Celebrant: Best Man Civil Marriage Celebrant-Darrin Noon

    Caterer: Crosdales BBQ

    Sparkulars Dry Ice: Series Of Events Australia


  • Wedding Reception | 8 October 2022 | Jessie & Ashleigh | Mountain Heritage Hotel, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

    What a cracker of a day! Lots of laughter, tears, love, joy and happiness. Totally my kind of day! Jessie and Ashleigh are perfect for each other. Genuine, thoughtful, confident and just the right amount of silly.

    Jessie and Ashleigh met online five years prior and within a few months not only did they realise that they were falling in love, but that they both love olives!! Fast forward and here we were on their wedding day.

    Unfortunately, the weather forecast for Jessie and Ashleigh’s wedding was not ideal, so much so that with torrential rain predicted over the weekend, they made the call earlier in the week to move the ceremony from the preferred location of Leuralla Gardens, to the wet weather backup location of the Mountain Heritage Hotel, which was also the location for their reception.

    Their fun and personal ceremony, beautifully officiated by Karen Brown, was filled with love, laughter and some tears, but united everyone in the love that Jessie and Ashleigh have for each other and their family and friends.

    Following the ceremony and congratulations, Jessie, Ashleigh, their wedding party and family processed to the Tower Room for photographs, expertly captured by Emanuel of Event Photography & Videography. Meanwhile guests enjoyed canapés and drinks overlooking the somewhat misty, Jamison Valley. A little later, our beautiful couple and their wedding party joined the guests.

    We were now at the point where we got to celebrate this wonderful marriage! The members of the Wedding Party were very warmly welcomed as they were introduced, but the biggest welcome was kept for Jessie and Ashleigh – with Bruno Mars providing the soundtrack to their entry all the guests were standing and there was a sea of twirling white napkins creating much excitement and anticipation for the celebration ahead.

    Commencing with an ice-breaker, we had a little fun by playing the newly-wed game to find out just how well these lovebirds knew each other! It was a lot of fun and enjoyed by all. This segued into the first of three segments of speeches for the evening, this one featuring Ashleigh’s sister Rebecca, mum Catherine and dad, Robert. Following which we witnessed Robert and Ashleigh share a beautiful father daughter dance to the song “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle.

    Guests then enjoyed a delectable entrée after which we had some fun with a dance off including some nominated guests, but really it was about setting up Jessie’s brother, Riley – so much fun!

    Second round of speeches was next up, this time featuring Jessie’s sister Molly, mum Leah and dad, Dane. Another beautiful father daughter dance shared by Dane and Jessie to “When She Grows Up” by Craig Campbell.

    This was followed by a delicious main meal, some group photographs and the final round of speeches which included Ashleigh’s friends, Laura & Julian, Riley and last but not least Ashleigh and Jessie. What Ashleigh did not know however, was that Jessie had a surprise planned. At the end of her thank you speech, Jessie asked Ashleigh to be seated and then sang “Bless The Broken Road” to her now wife. Beautiful moment. There is a short snippet of video amongst my photographs below or you can listen to the entire song on the embedded Soundcloud link.

    The cutting of the wedding cake, dessert and it was now time for the first dance. Jessie and Ashleigh were joined by the Wedding Party and Parents part way through then the guests. It was now PARTY TIME and everybody got involved and were dancing right through to the end. A high bouquet toss which had participants vying for the bouquet with only one ultimately victorious before a final farewell dance and a guard of honour to farewell our gorgeous couple and tie the knot on their tying the knot celebration.

    Jessie and Ashleigh light each other up and everyone around them. They are gentle, genuine, sweet, funny, totally in love and completely perfect for each other. Thank you for your kind hearts, your beautiful smiling faces and for reaching out and placing your trust in me in the two weeks leading up to your wedding and enabling me to witness such a magical and unforgettable day as your Blue Mountains Wedding MC & Blue Mountains Wedding DJ. Wishing you both much happiness and a lifetime of love and laughter together.

    May ‘Olive’ you, love ‘Olive’ each other, always!!! 🙂

    YouTube video

    A little of Jessie singing to Ashleigh

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment.

    Key Songs

    Wedding Party Entry: “Shut Up & Dance” by Walk The Moon

    Newlyweds Entry: “Marry You” by Bruno Mars

    Cake Cutting: “Unconditionally” by Katie Perry

    First Dance: “I Get To Love You” by Ruelle

    Father Daughter Dance: Ashleigh; “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle (DJ:Plus! Edit) & Jessie; “When She Grows Up” by Craig Campbell (DJ:Plus! Edit)

    Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce

    Farewell Dance: “(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes

    Final Farewell: “(This Will Be) Everlasting Love” by Natalie Cole


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Celebrant: Karen Brown – A Timeless Love

    Photographer: Event Photography & Videography

    Cake Design: Picket Fence Cake Design

    Floral Design: Fine Flowers Katoomba