• Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 13 February 2010 | Martine & Marc | Park Hyatt Hotel, Sydney

    Martine is French and she and Marc first met in Cannes, five and a half years ago. They later met up again in London and spent several years together. Last year, on Valentine’s Day, Marc organised a surprise trip to a castle in the beautiful countryside of Devon where Marc proposed to Martine. Here we now were, on the eve to the anniversary of the proposal day, for the weddingMartine and Marc are a beautiful loving couple, and with their little daughter Keira, make a very lovely family. They selected the rooftop of the Park Hyatt Hotel, which is positioned right on Sydney Harbour and commands breathtaking views of both the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as the location of their wedding ceremony and reception. It was the perfect location for their intimate French-Australian fusion wedding.

    Unfortunately with Sydney experiencing one of the wettest February’s for quite some time, it rained on and off throughout the day, but it did not affect the ceremony, reception or diminish the enjoyment of the celebration for any of the 31 invited guests.




    The ceremony began with little Keira cutely making her entrance, followed by junior bridesmaid Brooke, bridesmaid Danielle, bridesmaid Kate and pageboy Dean. Martine, who looked fantastic, accompanied by Marc’s mum Hazel then made their way to the ceremony area where Marc and the groomsmen, Mark and Simon were waiting. The ceremony, officiated by Jacinta Gale was a lovely ceremony with Marc getting a little overwhelmed with the love he has for Martine during his promise to her. This of course caused Martine to also get a little emotional – it was certainly a very beautiful moment.





    Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the ground floor for pre-dinner drinks and canapes in the Hotel’s Club Bar, whilst Martine and Marc, along with their wedding party had photographs around the Hotel and Harbour. As there was a break in the rain, it presented the perfect opportunity to sneak in a group photo.


    When guests returned to the rooftop area, it had been transformed into a beautiful reception area creating a little bit of Paris in Sydney. The Eiffel Tower centrepieces with the Sydney Opera House in the background reflected the French-Australian fusion that Martine and Marc were seeking brilliantly.

    Directly after the wedding party were introduced, guests were treated to a scrumptious entrée and delicious main meal, whilst being entertained by Accordionist, Phillippe Wittwer complimenting and enhancing the French feel.

    In no time at all, it was time for the speeches. First up grooms man Mark, then Marc’s friend, Melanie, Martine and to end, Marc. The speeches were all unique, moving, comical, heartfelt and entertaining and judging by the their reaction and actions, was enjoyed by all. At the conclusion of the speeches we surprised Martine with many messages from family and friends located all around the world (France, London, Scotland & United States). Hearing these messages and best wishes caused Martine, understandably, to become a little emotional. Knowing that each and everyone of their family and friends cared for them both and only wished them great happiness made them both feel very special.

    In keeping with French tradition, a cheese course was then served to complete the meal. It was now time for Martine & Marc’s first dance – another lovely moment to a beautiful French song from Le Roi Soleil. At the conclusion of the dance, guests were surprised when the lovely dancers from Deja Vu Cabaret ran in and performed the Can Can. It was then time to party. A little later in the evening, the dancers performed another routine, Marc danced with his mum and much more partying with nearly all the guests on the dance floor.






    Below: View of Sydney by Night from Park Hyatt Rooftop




    Below: Martine & Marc’s First Dance


    Below: Marc and his Mum, Hazel

    Finally, two songs by The Proclaimers (to acknowledge Marc’s Scottish heritage) to end the evening. Everybody was gathered in a circle, dancing and singing, an excerpt of which can been seen in one of the videos below. As the reception ended, guests were then invited to join Martine and Marc in the Club Bar for a few last drinks to complete the celebration of their very special day.

    Martine and Marc, thank you for allowing me to be a part of the beginning of your life together as husband and wife. I am certain that every one of your guests, like myself, will treasure the memory of being able to share in your wonderful celebration and the hopes and dreams you both hold for a bright and prosperous future – given your commitment to each other, I am certain that this is assured. Mai amour et la musique de remplir votre vie pour toujours!!!


    Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

    Bridesmaids Processional: “PM’s Love Theme” by Craig Armstrong

    Bride Processional: “PM’s Love Theme” by Craig Armstrong

    Register Signing: “You Belong To Me” by Jason Wade, “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder

    Recessional: “Life With You” by The Proclaimers, “Celebration” by Madonna

    Wedding Party Entry: “Hot, Hot, Hot” by Arrow

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Lyric Box” by Le Roi Soleil

    Cake Cutting Song: “Cut da Ting” by Loxen Morre

    Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Je Fais De Toi Mon Essentiel” by Emmanuel Moire

    Last Dances: “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers, “I’m On My Way” by “The Proclaimers”


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Celebrant: Jacinta Gale – 0422 841 185

    Photographer: Jane Allen Photography

    Accordionist: Philippe Wittwer

    Dancers: Déjà vu Cabaret contact Hayley – 0438 259 697

    Cake: Kiss Me Cake

    Florist: Blond Flores


    Fun On The Dancefloor





    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video

    Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment


  • Wedding Reception | 6 February 2010 | Wendy & Eamonn | Dunbar House, Watsons Bay, Sydney

    Unfortunately for Wendy & Eamonn the rain persisted for most of the day, but no amount of rain could dampen the spirit of this lovely couple on their wedding day. The end result – a fabulous celebration with everybody enjoying themselves immensely!

    Wendy and Eamonn selected Dunbar House, a historic mansion built in the 1830’s, with a beautiful view of Watsons Bay, the beach and city skyline, as their venue. Dunbar House is located in a prime position just 30 metres from the shores of Sydney Harbour, in the expansive grounds of Robertson Park.







    The 90 invited guests were made to feel very welcome on arrival with some delicious canapes and refreshments. A short time later the wedding party and Wendy and Eammon entered to rapturous applause. Following a few words of thanks from Eammon, the Dunbar House staff commenced serving entrees.

    Lovely speeches from Wendy’s dad John, Wendy’s mum Shirley and Eamonn’s dad James followed. All conveyed how very happy they were and wished them both a life full of nothing but love and happiness. Each individual speech contained beautiful words which I am sure that they will both always treasure.






    Next, guests enjoyed their main meal before proceeding with the remainder of the speeches. First up we heard from bestman Ivan, then Eamonn who likened their love story to a Hollywood blockbuster, it was nicely expressed and the analogy was appreciated by everybody. Finally Wendy had an opportunity to recount how she and Eamonn had met – Eamonn had had his wallet stolen and Wendy, feeling sorry for anyone in that situation, decided to approach him and offer a kind word. Much to Wendy’s surprise, Eamonn responded with comments that anybody who was that concerned with the loss of a person’s wallet, most likely actually took it! Of course over time it became obvious that this was in fact not the case, the relationship flourished and here we were at their wedding day.

    Cutting of the cake, a delightful dessert, a quick dress change for Wendy and it was time for their first dance. The song which they selected, “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds beautifully expressed their joy, happiness and the love they have for each other. Joined by the wedding party and the guests mid way through, they were able to share in this very special moment. Wendy then took the opportunity to have a special dance with both her dad and then her mum. A big family celebration ensued, with Eamonn being a feature on the dance floor!

    Despite the weather, it was a wonderful evening, another beautiful couple who were an absolute joy to get to know and I, as always, feel very honoured to have been given the opportunity to be a part of their wedding day. Wendy and Eamonn, thank you for the privilege. I know that your life together will always be full of sunshine, a bright coloured rainbow and much happiness at the end of it. May love and music fill your lives forever.






    Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

    Wedding Party Entry Song: “With A Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles

    Bride & Groom Entry Song: “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles

    Cake Cuttingg Son: “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones

    Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds

    Bouquet Toss: “Chariots Of Fire'” by Vangelis

    Farewell Dance: “Haven’t Met You Yet” by Michael Buble

    Final Farewell Song: “Hello Goodbye” by The Beatles


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Cake: Sweet Art

    Photographer: Blumenthal Photography


    Fun On The Dancefloor






    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video


    Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment

  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 2 January 2010 | Louise & Ben | Yester Grange, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains

    As I made my way to the Blue Mountains, I was caught is a a torrential downpour and I held a fear that Louise and Ben’s wedding ceremony on the grounds of Yester Grange would be washed out. But except for a slight drizzle about forty minutes prior to the ceremony it turned out to be a fantastic day with the sun breaking through the clouds and shining as bright as the love this beautiful couple have for each other.

    Louise and Ben live in Singapore, but unfortunately due to the festive season and time constraints after arriving in Sydney, there was no opportunity to meet up with them (as is my preference) before the wedding. Well what a really delightful couple they are and so very very much in love. The constant acts of affection towards each other and the constant smiles on their faces openly displayed their extreme happiness.



    Yester Grange is nestled in 10 acres of totally private parkland and gardens at the top of Wentworth Falls waterfall, the rolling expanse of green lawn reaches from the magnificent Victorian mansion, to touch the thousands of hectares of World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains Wilderness that lies beyond – the perfect backdrop for this ceremony and celebration.

    Preceded by her bridesmaids, Louise, accompanied by her Dad, Ross made their way down the Yester Grange steps and to the ceremony area where Ben and the groomsmen awaited. A very beautiful ceremony, officiated by Susan Artup followed – much to the delight of the 115 guests (some which had traveled from Singapore and the US).






    Showered with rose petals as they made their way back down the aisle, the joy that they felt finally being married filled the entire valley. While Louise, Ben and the wedding party wandered around the grounds for photographs, the guests enjoyed refreshments, the beginning of the cocktail food, music by Simon & Glenn on Violin & acoustic guitar and the breathtaking view.







    Ben’s step-father David Stratton, who was the Master of Ceremonies, asked the guests to gather in the ballroom for the first set of speeches. First up were Louise’s Mum & Dad, Jennifer and Ross who recounted the Louise and Ben Love Story in the form of a fairytale being read from…….a book of fairytales! Next up were Ben’s parents, Susie and Brian – who both expressed the elation they felt for this perfect match. A short recess followed where guests were able to mingle and socialise in the many areas of Yester Grange or even take a silly picture in the photo booth!




    Following a spectacular sunset, David once again gathered the guests in the ballroom for the concluding speeches, first Louise, then grooms men Julian & James, followed by best man Chris and finally Ben. The speeches were heartfelt, humorous, each very special in their own way and enjoyed by all.

    The cutting of the cake followed and then it was time for the first dance. Midway through Louise and Ben were joined by the wedding party. At the conclusion of this song guests were invited to join in and it was certainly party time!!! (as can be witnessed in the video clips at the end of this post).

    As Ben had proposed to Louise in New York, for the last dance they selected New York, New York by Frank Sinatra. As you can see in the portion of video I captured, surround by family and friends they were having the time of their life right up till the very last minute of their special day.

    Louise and Ben, I thank you for giving me the great honour and privilege of allowing me to be a part of one of the most significant days in your entire life. It was an absolute pleasure and joy to meet you and contribute to the memories you will always hold of this day. May love and music fill your lives forever!!!


    Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

    Bridesmaids Processional: “Pachelbels Canon” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar

    Bride Processional: “Time After Time” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar

    Register Signing: “All You Need Is Love” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar

    Recessional: “Stand By Me” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar

    Wedding Party Entry: “Beautiful Day” by Vitamin String Quartet

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Beautiful Day” by U2

    Cake Cutting Song: “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor

    Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Can’t Keep My Eyes Off You” by Andy Williams

    Last Dance: “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Celebrant: Susan Artup A Ceremony By Design

    Florist: Erica Blossoms

    Photographer: Janine Kaye Photography

    Ceremony Musicians: Simon & Glenn Dial A Fiddler


    Fun On The Dancefloor



    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video

    YouTube Video

    Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment