Illawarra

“Once In a While, Right in the Middle of an Ordinary Life, Love Gives Us a Fairy Tale” – Anonymous.

‘S’ did not like ‘T’ much when they first met. But they became friends and that friendship grew into love. Here we now were on an absolutely beautiful February day, at one of my favourite locations, Tumbling Waters Retreat, to witness and celebrate the beginning of S and T’s “happy ever after”.

The ceremony, officiated by T’s father, was held on the lawns overlooking the waters of the Pacific Ocean and the clear blue skies in the horizon. A special song entitled “Loving You”, written especially for S & T’s wedding by groomsman Stephen, was performed during the signing of the Register, adding a lovely touch to this special moment. (A recording of this performance is available below).

Whilst S & T had photographs around the property and off site, the guests enjoyed refreshments, canapes and the amazing view. Shortly afterwards the reception commenced. The wedding party and our ever so happy couple were greeted with great applause. A delicious meal, interspersed with some lovely heartfelt speeches from S’s dad, T’s mum and dad, S’s sister, friends B & F and last but not least, T. The wedding cake was cut and it was time for S & T’s fist dance as a married couple. Part way through they were joined by the members of the wedding party and the parents, followed by the remainder of the guests. Dancing followed before it was time for the bouquet toss – it went straight up and ricocheted off the chandelier. This was followed by a special moment for S and her dad during the father/daughter dance. Back to dancing and before we knew it it was time for the farewell dance and S and T left to begin their new life together.

S and T’s wedding was very special. You could see how happy they were to be married. Whenever you were in their presence, you could feel the love between them. It was the bringing together of two cultures, but more so, it was two beautiful individuals whose love is greater than that in any fairy tale. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of your amazing day. S and T enjoy your “happy ever after”. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.

“Loving You” is a song especially written for S & T by groomsman Stephen. The song was performed during the Signing of the Register. Listen to the actual performance from the wedding ceremony below:

Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

Bridesmaids Processional: “Marry Me” by Train

Brides Processional: “Marry Me” by Train

Register Signing: “Loving You” by groomsmen, Stephen & Tino

Recessional: “Forever” by Ben Harper

Wedding Party Entry: “All Of The Lights” by Kanye West

Bride & Groom Entry: “Fool For You” by Cee-Lo Green

Cake Cutting Song: “Ordinary People” by John Legend

Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Dream A Little Dream Of Me” by The Mamas & The Papas

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

Farewell Dance: “Sea Of Love” by Cat Power

Final Farewell Song: “Moondance” by Michael Buble

Other Wedding Professionals

Photographer: Janine Kaye Photography

Floral Design: Abode Flowers

Wow!!! What a week in Sydney it has been. Dust storms throughout the City and suburbs leaving a film of red dust everywhere and in everything but creating some very spectacular imagery. On Saturday, it looked like the dust and wind might make a return and upset Alison and Kieran’s wedding day. Lucky that they chose to have their ceremony and reception at one of my favourite wedding venues, Tumbling Waters Retreat. Tumbling Waters Retreat which is perched on an escarpment with sweeping ocean and bushland views, offered relative shelter from both the wind and dust and was the ideal location for this beautiful couple to accept each other totally and share their lives together.

The 70 invited guests all arrived early to share in the happiness of their day. Alison, who looked stunning, accompanied by her dad Tony and the bridesmaids made their way through the manicured garden and onto the deck overlooking the ocean and National Park where Kieran and the grooms men awaited. A beautiful ceremony, officiated by Keith Lammond, followed and before we knew it their lives were joined and the two of them had become one.

“I love you, not just for who you are, but for who I am when I am with you.
I love you, not only for what you have done with your life, but for how you’ve made mine so complete.
I love you for the happiness you have brought me and for the greater happiness I know is yet to come.
You are my every thought and my every desire.
You give me strength and fulfil my dreams.
You are my world and from this day forth I will take you, keep you, comfort and cherish you.”

Following the ceremony, the guests were treated to drinks and canapes on the deck whilst Alison, Kieran and the wedding party had photographs taken throughout the Tumbling Waters grounds.

On entering the reception, the wedding party wandered around the room energising the guests for Alison and Kieran’s entry. A quick welcome and thank you from Kieran and then guests were treated to a scrumptious entree. This was followed by lovely speeches from Alison’s dad, Tony and best man, James.

Following a delicious main course, it was time for Alison and Kieran to say a few words. Both expressed deep gratitude to all those who had played a part in their special day, but in particular to their respective parents. They also both spoke about their feelings for each other – this wonderful couple’s relationship has a very deep love as a foundation plus a mutual respect and understanding of each others needs – their happiness is assured and I know that their love will continue to grow. Kieran ended his speech by asking Alison to dance their first dance as husband and wife.

Unbeknown to the guests, Alison & Kieran had a choreographed routine planned, however they would start the dance with a ballad and then part way through segue into the choreographed piece. I have an excerpt below for your enjoyment. Needless to say it was a fantastic moment and the routine ended with a standing ovation and cheering from the guests.

To end the evening, Alison danced with her father Tony – it was an incredible moment for both of them. Sadly it was now time for Alison and Kieran to depart and the reception was over – but their life together had only just begun. A spectacular week in Sydney, a spectacular location, a spectacular wedding, the whole week was a big Wow!!…..but the biggest Wow!! was this spectacular couple!!

I love what I do and one of the benefits of my job is that I get the opportunity to meet and get to know the loveliest of people. All my couples are special to me and it is a real privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to be a part of their special day. Alison and Kieran were no exception, there was a lot of planning and work that went into this day – I enjoyed every second of it immensely and am still on a high from the satisfaction that I feel in having had a hand in helping to create some amazing wedding day memories for them.

Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

Bridesmaids Processional: “I Can Only Imagine” by The O’Neill Brothers

Bride Processional: “Lonely Island” by Ernesto Cortazar

Register Signing: “This Old Love” by Lior, “Lucky” by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat

Recessional: “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Human Nature

Wedding Party Entry: “People Get Ready” by Human Nature, “Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News

Bride & Groom Entry: “Lovin’ Each Day” by Ronan Keating

Cake Cutting Song: “Kisses & Cake” by John Powell

Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “This I Promise You” by Ronan Keating / “How Sweet It Is” by Michael Buble

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

Farewell Circle/Circle Of Love: “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole, “Everything” by Michael Buble, “Happy Together” by The Turtles

Father/Daughter Dance: “I’ll Remember” by Madonna

Final Farewell Song: “Drive Away” by Sundance Kids

Other Wedding Professionals

Celebrant: Keith Lammond

Photographer & Videographer: Collective Studio

Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment