Wedding Reception | 9 September 2022 | Jeremia “Mia” & Michael “Smudge” | Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, Wollongong
When I met Mia and Michael, who prefers to be called “Smudge”, not so long ago, they told me of their plans for a simple, relaxed and fun wedding that involved a beach-front ceremony, a fun reception and including the details to make the day their own. I could tell instantly that they were perfect for each other and I loved hearing about their plans to create a wedding day that was all about them.
Mia and Smudge are a lovely down to earth couple who met through a mutual friend. Smudge thought Mia was sexy and Mia was drawn to Smudge’s sense of humour. On their first date, they went to Wollongong Beach, had coffee and then had fun ten pin bowling.
Not long after, they realised that they were falling in love and within a month, Smudge knew that Mia was the one for him. Whilst there was a plan for a Valentine’s Day proposal, unfortunately delays with the ring postponed that proposal until March 2022.
Fast forward to 9 September 2022 and there was a drizzle of rain throughout the day. Mia and Smudge selected the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, which is located opposite North Wollongong Beach with stunning ocean or mountain views, for the ceremony and reception. We all had our fingers crossed that the rain would hold out so that they would be able to have their ceremony on the deck overlooking the ocean.
It was a simple elegant ceremony, wonderfully officiated by Renee Milthorpe, where Mia and Smudge made lifelong commitments to each other. In attendance were family and friends, some which had travelled from Brisbane, Melbourne and the Philippines to be there. Unfortunately, there was a brief moment whilst Mia & Michael were signing the Marriage Register where there was some rain and some guests needed to take cover until the retractable roof moved into position to shield everybody from getting wet.
Immediately following the ceremony, guests gathered for group photos, organised by Shane from Capture You. There were multiple fun group shots and family photographs taken, before Mia, Smudge, Shane and the wedding party departed for more photographs in the Hotel surrounds.
Before long, guests were seated in the Illawarra Rooms and enthusiastically greeted our newly married couple and their wedding party with great cheers and applause. The entry was made even more fun as each couple paused as they entered to show off some of their signature dance moves.
Before moving on to the meal, Mia’s uncle, who had travelled up from Melbourne, led Grace. This was followed by a delectably delicious meal which was interspersed with some fun and games, that had everyone engaged, entertained and the room filled with laughter. Next were the speeches and two beautiful messages from Mia’s sister and mum, who regrettably were not able to travel from the Philippines to attend the wedding.
The cutting of the cake, lovely first dance and open dancing followed as guests boogied the night away.There were also some traditional Filipino dances which you can see in the photographs and video in this post.
In what seemed no time at all, it was time for the bouquet and garter toss, final farewell dance and for Mia and Smudge to depart to commence their happy ever after.
Mia and Smudge, thank you for granting me the great honour to play a part in your wedding day as your Wedding DJ Wollongong & Wedding MC Wollongong. It was lots of fun and from my observations, everyone was having a fantastic time celebrating your beautiful love. Wishing you both a life filled with love and joy as you begin your new life together and congratulations on finding the perfect person to share all your days with. May love, laughter, joy and music continue to fill your lives forever!!
Key Songs
Bridesmaid Processional: “All Of Me” by Rob Landes and Aubry Anne
Brides Processional: “From This Moment” by Zet & Rusdi
Register Signing: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, “This Will Be” by Natalie Cole
Recessional : “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates
Wedding Party Entry: “All Of Me” by John Legend
Bride & Groom Entry: “All Of Me” by John Legend
Cake Cutting: “How Do I Live” by Leanne Rimes
First Dance: “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion
Bouquet Toss: “Dear Future Husband” by Megan Trainor
Garter Toss: “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
Farewell Dance: “(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Final Farewell: “Ain’t No Mountain High Engouh” by Jimmy Barnes
Other Wedding Professionals
Celebrant: Renee Milthorpe Celebrant
Photographer: Capture You Videography
Floral Design: Splash Occasions
Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 8 February 2015 | Catherine & Marcus | Tumbling Waters Retreat, Stanwell Tops, Wollongong
Catherine and Marcus are a beautiful couple who currently live and work in London. They met through a couple of match-making friends and it was not long after that they realised they were falling in love with each other. They spent the next year traveling Europe and enjoying many adventures, fun times and falling deeper and deeper in love, before moving in together. But it was not until a trip to the United States, whilst visiting New York’s Central Park, that Marcus dropped to one knee and asked Catherine to be his wife.
Fast forward to 8 February 2015, the day Catherine and Marcus selected to exchange vows and become husband and wife. Tumbling Waters Retreat, which is perched on the edge of an escarpment at Stanwell Tops, located just north of Wollongong, was selected as the location for the ceremony and reception. With it’s beautiful private gardens, spectacular views and a glorious sunny day, it was just the ideal location for them to begin their journey as a married couple and to host an intimate celebration with their closest family and friends.
The ceremony, beautifully officiated by Rebecca Ramsay, was full of much love, laughter and smiles. Catherine looked stunning in her lace gown and lovely veil, whilst Marcus looked very suave and handsome in his bluish suit. Supported by longtime school friends and a work colleague, the entire wedding party looked elegant and stylish.
Following the ceremony guests enjoyed some refreshments and canapés before being seated and then welcoming Catherine, Marcus and their wedding party. Everybody enjoyed a delicious meal, great company lovely speeches, the cutting of the cake, Catherine & Marcus’s first dance, dancing and a room which was overflowing with love and happiness. All too soon it was almost time to farewell Catherine & Marcus, but not before a beautiful father daughter dance, a final dance joined by all their guests and a guard of honour as they departed.
Catherine and Marcus are a truly awesome couple who are so deeply in love. With the help of Catherine’s mum Maria, they created a wedding that was a joyous celebration – I look forward to seeing all the amazing professional photographs captured by Anna Blackman. It was such an honour to be granted the privilege of witnessing your life long commitment and to be your Wollongong Wedding DJ & MC. Catherine & Marcus I wish you a marriage, filled with loads of joy, love and care. The love you share, is immense and sweet. May your love never fade away. May your feelings and emotions for each other only grow deeper and stronger with time. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever!!!
Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Bridesmaid Processional: “Spring” by Vivaldi
Brides Processional: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
Register Signing: “Everything” by Michael Buble, “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
Recessional: “You’re The First, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White
Bridesmaids & Groomsmen Entry: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” by Queen
Bride & Groom Entry: “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne
Cake Cutting: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
First Dance: “Real Love” by Regina Spektor
Father/Daughter Dance: “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra
Farewell Dance: “Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker & Jennifer Warnes
Final Farewell Song: “Ho Hey” by Lumineers
Other Wedding Professionals
Celebrant: Rebecca:Celebrant Facebook
Photographer: Anna Blackman Images
Florist: Bunches
Cake Designer: I Want Cake
Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 11 May 2013 | Tumbling Waters Retreat, Stanwell Tops
It did start to rain a little before the ceremony was scheduled to begin, after what was a sunny morning, but the rain could not compete with the force of the great love held for our beautiful couple by all those gathered and by the time the ceremony was scheduled to begin, the rain was just a very fine mist allowing us to proceed in the garden at Tumbling Waters Retreat overlooking the stunning vista as planned.
“G & “M” have requested privacy which I totally respect and honour; so there will be no photographs of this beautiful couple or their guests, but I have included a selection from the day so you may appreciate the care taken with their wedding dream, take inspiration from some of their styling ideas and admire the beauty of this wonderful location.
Following the ceremony, whilst “G” & “M” had photographs taken around the Tumbling Waters Retreat grounds, guests enjoyed canapés and drinks on the deck and availed themselves to Kumar, the caricature artist who on hand to provide a sketch of each guest – what a great memento to have and take home! Soon the wedding party were ready to enter the reception began. A short welcome and thank you from “M” before guests were served their delicious entrée.
“G” & “M” then cut their Pavlova wedding cake before we played the newlywed game, which the guests absolutely loved!! This was followed by another quick game to determine who the lucky guest was at each table who would take home the stunning centrepiece – flowers and vase! Let me tell you there were some very excited guests! The main meal was then served before it was time for the Magic Show. “G” & “M” secured the services of Matt Hollywood, who has worked from everyone from Seinfeld through to Jerry Lewis and Robbie Williams. Matt dazzled and entertained the guests with both his magic and comedy, and was enjoyed by all.
Dessert, lovely speeches from “G”‘s dad, the bestman, “M” & “G” and it was time for the first dance – a special moment which was if they were both encased in a bubble and oblivious to anything around them – it was so beautiful. Joined on the dance floor by the wedding party and guests, everyone proceed to enjoy the rest of the evening. Before long it was time for the farewell dance before departing to start their new married life together.
“G” & “M” it was such a joy meeting you both, hearing you love story and I really love how you complement and bounce of each other, I love your honesty, I love how you make each other laugh and how obvious it is that you are both so very deeply in love with each other – it truly makes my heart happy!. Thank you so much for placing your trust in me, giving me the great honour of sharing some of your wedding journey with you and being your Sydney Wedding DJ & MC Entertainer – it was a magical experience [in more ways than one 🙂 ] . You are beautiful individuals and your love for each other and no nonsense approach to life will ensure an extremely happy future together. May love, laughter and music continue to fill your lives forever!!
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaid Processional: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
Brides Processional: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
Register Signing: “This Old Love” by Lior, “Forever” by Boyce Avenue
Recessional: “Beautiful Day” by U2
Wedding Party Entry: “Now That We’ve Found Love” by Heavy D & The Boyz
Bride & Groom Entry: “Now That We’ve Found Love” by Heavy D & The Boyz
Cake Cutting Song: “Ice Cream” by Sarah McLachlan
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Annie’s Song” by John Denver (Acoustic Version)
Farewell Dance: “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warne
Final Farewell Song: “The Final Countdown” by Europe
Other Wedding Professionals
Celebrant: Hollie-Berri Sleeman CMC
Photographer: Frank Farrugia Photography
Magician: Matt Hollywood