Staff Achievement Awards Night. Held at the Waterview Function Centre Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush. This venue is surrounded by serene parklands, lakes and ponds which creates a more relaxed atmosphere to city venues – plus there is no problem finding parking!
Following the Dinner and presentation of the Achievement Awards, staff let their hair down and partied – as you can see from the photographs and the smiles on faces, a great time was had by all.
Chantelle and Anthony held their Ceremony and Reception at Chapel Hill Retreat which is located on 80 rural acres in the foot hills of Mt Tomah, at the entrance to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area about 90 minutes drive from Sydney. Chapel Hill is unique in that it offers a non-denominational chapel modelled on an early Australian country church which features a floor-to-ceiling stained-glass window, a reception facility with magnificent panoramic views across the Blue Mountains and luxury self-contained cottage accommodation.
Whilst it had been raining overnight, the skies cleared blessing Chantelle and Anthony with a fantastic, but crisp, autumn day. The 75 invited family and friends all crammed into the chapel to witness what was a very beautiful ceremony. Following the ceremony guests were served canapes and refreshments whilst Chantelle, Anthony and their bridal party roamed the property for various photographs. I was lucky to be able to quickly duck out and snapped the following shots;
It was a lovely fun and lively reception filled with some emotional moments. Following the entree, Chantelle and Anthony had the first of a lifetime of dances together. As the photos below show – they are very much in love with each other.
After the first dance Chantelle and Anthony had an opportunity to visit with guests and have photographs taken with each of them. The speeches by Chantelle’s father, Joe, the best man, Jason, Anthony and finally by Chantelle followed the main course. During the speeches there were lots of lovely sentiments expressed by all the speakers, what was very clear was the deep respect and love that everybody has for Chantelle and Anthony, the reciprocal respect and love that they have for everybody that was invited and most importantly….for each other. Speeches were followed by the cake cutting and then another opportunity was taken by our lovely couple to mingle with the guests.
It was soon time to open up the dance floor and wow what can I say, everybody was ready to help make the evening one which Chantelle and Anthony will never forget. The dance floor was full from the moment the dancing started and did not let up until the end. During the dancing we took two very short breaks – the first was so that Chantelle could perform a special presentation of her bridal bouquet to her mum Anna and toss the “throwaway” bouquet to all the single ladies. Anthony then removed the garter and all the single gentlemen eagerly gathered to catch it. The second pause in dancing was so that Chantelle could have a very special dance with her father. Part way through Anthony was invited to escort Chantelle’s mother onto the dance floor and join in to share in this special moment. This was a highly emotional and extremely special time.
Dancing resumed with the crowd going strong right to the very last song. After bidding farewell to the guests, this very lovely couple left to begin their new life together – one which I am extremely certain will bring life long happiness to both of them.
I also had the opportunity to work with photographer Daniel Hatfield again at this wedding. I met Daniel last year at another wedding at Chapel Hill. It was nice to catch up with him again. He is a pleasure to work with, takes a great deal of pride and is very professional in his work.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridal Party Entry Song: “Sunchyme” by Dario G
Bride & Groom Entry Song: “In Love Again” by Rogue Traders (Custom Edit)
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel
Cake Cutting Song: “The Look Of Love” by Tina Arena
Father /Daughter Dance: “Butterfly Kisses” by Bob Carlisle
Bouquet Toss: “Upside Down” by Diana Ross
Garter Toss: “Need You Tonight” by INXS
Farewell Circle: “This Old Love” by Lior, “We’ve Only Just Begun” by The Carpenters, “I’ve Finally Found Someone” by Bryan Adams & Barbra Streisand, “Come Away With Me” by Norah Jones
Final Farewell Song: “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warne
Reception for 350 guests held at the Crystal Palace in Canley Heights . This Vietnamese and Chinese couple were absolutely delightful to work for – they both have a charming, friendly nature that created a deep warmth which radiated throughout the whole venue.
It was a very lovely reception with family and friends helping make the evening very special for Phuong and Oley. Phuong’s uncle officiated over the reception as the Master of Ceremony and later contributed to the atmosphere by playing keyboards and singing a few songs.
As with most Vietnamese/Chinese receptions, guests were treated to a ten course banquet. Between courses the guests were kept entertained by Phuong and Oley performing their bridal waltz and various brackets of open dancing which consisted of a blend of Laos, Chinese and Western music. A highlight of the evening was when Phuong’s uncle asked Oley to kiss his bride – well what can I say, the kissed lasted for nearly three and a half minutes!!! (see photo below)
At the end of the evening it was party time with everybody up and dancing to Phuong and Oley’s retro favourites. On all accounts, a very enjoyable evening was had by all. Phuong and Oley will be having a delayed honeymoon in Europe and New York. A beautiful couple who are very much in love and deserve every happiness the world has to offer.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bride & Groom Entry Song: “Everything” by Michael Buble
Cake Cutting Song: “In The Arms Of An Angel” by Sarah McLaughlin
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Stay With You” by John Legend
That Kiss!!!!
Other Wedding Professionals
Photographer: Beautiful West Photography and Video
