Southern Highlands

  • Wedding Reception & Ceremony | 22 March 2022 | Sandy & Kevin | Melross & Willow Estate, Kangaroo Valley, Southern Highlands

    Sandy and Kevin are a beautiful couple and whilst they are very different, they complement each other perfectly. They met via Tinder in 2015 and whilst both were feeling very nervous in the lead up to their first date, they “clicked”, instantly warmed to each other and the date proceeded involving lots and lots of talking.

    Their ceremony and reception was held at Melross & Willow Estate located in Kangaroo Valley, which is in the Southern Highlands/Shoalhaven/South Coast area of NSW. The area is known for its lovely farm vistas, rugged mountains and the natural beauty of the valley, making it a perfect picturesque location for a wedding.

    Unfortunately, due to recent torrential rain, Sandy and Kevin were unable to have their first choice of ceremony location, at the top of the hill, but really anywhere on this spectacular property is a good choice. In the end, the ceremony was held just outside the reception venue on the property, known as the Barn On Melross.

    When Kevin proposed to Sandy he had organised a scavenger hunt under the pretense of a friend’s birthday party activity. It involved following clues to different locations around Sydney and eventually turning up to a location where there was a bucket on a stool, covered in a blanket which contained champagne and other items. When Sandy looked in the bucket, Kevin went down on one knee behind Sandy and when she turned around asked her to marry him.

    Sandy, not expecting anything, replied “What about the game? Did I win the game?” Kevin replied that there was no real game and asked her to marry him again. But Sandy, still a little confused as to what was happening, asked again, “But what about the game?” Kevin the explained more fully, that there was no other contestants in this game, and asked Sandy once more for her hand in marriage. Third time lucky, Sandy said “Yes”!

    It was a beautiful warm sunny day, with all the recent rain making humid and seeming even hotter, but at the allotted time, the Bridesmaids and Sandy began their processional to the ceremony location where Kevin, the Groomsmen and guests were waiting. Kevin and Sandy put their own touches to the ceremony, which was officiated by Deacon Peter Presdee and even included having their “child”, Gemma as the ring bearer, Sandy having a paw print on her body, Ned Kelly bursting into the reception and collecting the gift envelopes, along with some unique song selections to make it their own.

    Courtesy of Red Berry Photography

     

    Before we knew it, they were a newly married couple, following congratulations from the guests and a few family photographs, Sandy, Kevin and their wedding party were whisked away by Chris of Red Berry Photography for shots around the magnificent property.

    Courtesy of Red Berry Photography
    Courtesy of Red Berry Photography
    Courtesy of Red Berry Photography
    Courtesy of Red Berry Photography

    The reception was lots of fun with great speeches, a delicious meal expertly prepared by Caterina, bride & groom trivia, a dance-off and of course, a scavenger hunt (to give a nod to the proposal – and Sandy knew exactly what was going on this time 🙂 ), which was enjoyed by all. A beautiful and unique first dance, before……..wait for it……..guests joined Sandy and Kevin on the dance floor for the Chicken Dance!

    Guests danced the next couple of hours away, but before long it was time to wrap up the celebration, but not before the bouquet toss, garter toss and a farewell dance with everyone on the dance floor.

    I had such a great time with these two and their super fun bridal party. Their wedding day was filled with laughter, crazy hot humid weather, quick downpours and a whole lot of fun. Sandy and Kevin, Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your Southern Highlands Wedding MC and Southern Highlands Wedding DJ. As you commence your journey as a married couple, may your marriage be filled with all the right ingredients: a heap of love, a dash of humour, a touch of romance, and a spoonful of understanding. May love, laughter, joy and music continue to fill your lives forever!!.


    Photography by DJ:Plus! Entertainment except first five images courtesy of Red Berry Photography

    Key Songs

    Groom & Groomsmen Processional: “Thunderbirds End Theme” by Barry Gray

    Bridesmaid Processional: “You Are The Reason” by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis

    Bride’s Processional: “How Long Will I Love You” by Ellie Goulding

    Register Signing: “The Typewriter” by Leroy Anderson, “Pokemon Rap” by Bill Cosby

    Recessional: “House Of Cards UK Theme” by Original Soundtrack

    Wedding Party Entry: “Dragon Ball Opening Theme Song” by Original Theme, “Back In Black” by AC/DC, “*iggas In Paris” by Jay-Z & Kanye West, “Baby, One More Time” by Britney Spears

    Bride & Groom Entry: “You’re The One That I Want” by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

    Cake Cutting: “Sugar, Sugar” by The Archies

    First Dance: “Beautiful In White” by Westlife

    Bouquet Toss: “Milkshake” by Kelis

    Garter Toss: “Laughing Policeman” by Charles Jolly / Penrose

    Farewell Dance: “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” by Shania Twain

    Final Farewell: “1234” by Feist


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Caterer: Caterina Kangaroo Valley

    Videographer: Red Berry Photography

    Cake Designer: Caterina Kangaroo Valley


  • Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 25 August 2018 | Tania & Shane | Sylvan Glen, Penrose, Southern Highlands

    The weather forecast for Tania and Shane’s wedding day was anything but great, with a 90% chance of rain. Tania had been fretting a little [ or maybe even a lot 😉 ] in the days leading up to today, that her dream, which she had played out in her mind endless times, of walking down the path into the ceremony area of the Sylvan Glen gardens and into the arms of Shane, the love of her life, would be replaced by a much shorter walk in the wet weather indoor option. Whilst not the worst case scenario, it would mean the world to her to have the wedding ceremony in the garden. I will come back to the ceremony in a moment.

    Tania and Shane are genuinely lovely and thoughtful people. They are also caring, gentle, hilarious and fiercely loyal to their family and friends. But most of all, they are perfect together and it was so wonderful to witness them celebrating their marriage surrounded by many of their close family and friends.

    Having met through a mutual friend back in March 2015, they immediately felt a connection and saw something extraordinary in each other. By November of the same year they were a couple and not longer after, started planning their future together. This has seen the bringing together of two families and a shared love for their respective children and now also for their adorable granddaughter, Piper.

    Sylvan Glen is located in Penrose in the southern half of the Southern Highlands of NSW. The Estate sits in a lush valley of over 60 acres and has a rich and varied history, dating back to 1870. Today, it is an award winning wedding venue, offering couples the opportunity to host family and friends for the weekend, get married on site, hold their reception there and also having accommodation available! Tania and Shane took full advantage of the facilities.

    Now, back to the ceremony, as it would happen, the rain eased and stopped, leading up to the ceremony time and the call was made to proceed with the garden location. Everything was going so well, Tania got to walk down the aisle accompanied by her son, Corey. Shane got to witness that wonderful, beautiful moment when you see your bride in her wedding dress walking towards you, there were words of wisdom shared by Tania’s parents, Rob & Jan and Shane’s friends, Dean & Samantha, the guests all gathered witnessing the culmination of one chapter of this love story and the beginning of another.

    Shane was part way through his vows when a few drops started falling. Tania followed with her vows as some umbrella’s were dispensed to the wedding party and guests as the rain increased slightly. Tania finished her vows then the ring ceremony followed. A reading by Juliette before Tania and Shane were declared husband and wife by Civil Marriage Celebrant, Margaret Phillips to loud applause! Their first kiss as a married couple ensued. The rain drops intensified slightly, so a quick relocation for the Register signing and Mr & Mrs Shane & Tania Phillips were now official and ready for their together forever!! Now some may look upon the little rain towards the end of the ceremony as ruining it, but having gotten to know Tania and Shane and how deep their love is for each other, I saw it as a blessing from the powers above that this love will continue to grow and enrich not only their own lives, but also that of all those whom they come into contact with.

    Once in the reception area, guests were provided refreshments and canapes whilst Tania, Shane and their wedding party took advantage of a subsequent break in the weather to have photographs captured around the picturesque Sylvan Glen grounds by the very talented Laura from Elysium Photography and videography by the equally talented Cassie and Craig from Puzzleman Productions.

    It was a wonderful evening with many personal touches as we celebrated this beautiful love in a relaxed and fun way. So much attention to detail and love went into making it the amazing day it was. From the detail in the decorations, the personalised introductions, the games which had everyone laughing and “awww-ing”, the messages from those unable to attend and much more all coming together to create some wonderful memories for Tania, Shane and their guests.

    Following much dancing, the reception ended with a farewell dance and an “endless tunnel of love” for Tania to Shane to exit through and begin their married life together…..but as many were staying on the property, I could hear the celebration kicking on in the Guest House as I was leaving the property an hour later – and why not, they have SO MUCH to celebrate.

    Despite some minor challenges with the elements, it really was perfect, just like their love for each other. These two light each other up and are so deeply in love it literally radiates off them. It was such an honour to have been able to be a part of this celebration. Thank you Tania and Shane for your trust in me as your Southern Highlands Wedding MC and Southern Highlands Wedding DJ, for being all about the FUN and for not letting the crazy weather dampen your amazing day! Enjoy your mini-moon and reflecting on the wedding and your future together. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.

    Photography by DJ:Plus! Entertainment


    Songs selected by Bride & Groom;

    Bridesmaids Processional: “You Are So Beautiful” by Instrumental

    Bride Processional: “I Get To Love You” by Ruelle

    Register Signing: “Feels Like Home” by Chantel Kreviazuk, “Beautiful To Me” by Little Birdy

    Recessional: “Be My Forever” by Christina Perri

    Wedding Party Entry: “Katchi” by Ofenbach & Nick Waterhouse, “Good Feeling” by Flo Rida, “Circle Of Life” (Trap Remix) by LUCiD, “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake

    Cake Cutting: “Better Together” by Jack Johnson

    First Dance: “Sea Of Love” by Honeydrippers Feat. Tania & Shane (DJ:Plus! Custom Audio)

    Garter Toss: “Mmm Yeah” by Austin Malone Feat. Pitbull

    Farewell Dance: “Lookin’ Out My Backdoor” by Creedence Clearwater Revival

    Final Farewell Song: “Brighter Than The Sun” by Colbie Caillat


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer: Elysium Photography

    Videography: Puzzleman Productions

    Floral Design: Knot & Beau

    Cake Design: Bev’s Catering


  • Wedding Reception | 7 April 2018 | Joyce & Joshua | The Orangerie, Milton Park, Bowral, Southern Highlands

    Joyce (Dana) and Joshua first met through work in the later months of 2012. Despite Joyce initially thinking that Joshua was a lot younger than herself – until an opportunity arose at work where she asked him for his ID so that she could verify his age, they became friends and over the next eighteen months the relationship slowly developed into something more than friendship. On the Friday of a group weekend with friends, Joshua officially asked Joyce to be his girlfriend. After Joyce said yes, their first kiss spontaneously ‘just happened’ and the following week they went on their first official date.

    Six months later, Joyce went to the United States with her family on a trip that had been booked a year or so earlier – it was during this time of separation that they both realised that they were in love with each other. On 9 September 2016, Josh had arranged to pick Joyce up from her work (they now no longer worked together) for a night out for a movie and dinner. Joshua took the day off and arranged for a bouquet of tulips and lilies. After picking her up, he had the song “Passenger Seat” by Stephen Speaks playing…a song that they would play in the car which contains the lyrics “And I’ve got all that I need, Right here in the passenger seat”. As they drove, Joyce noticed that the route that Joshua was taking was not the way to the cinema.

    Joshua took Joyce to the Japanese Gardens in the Auburn Botanical Gardens (they had always wanted to go to Japan in Cherry Blossom season), and made their way to the Cherry Blossom, they found a spot under the Cherry Blossoms, sat down on a rock and Joshua proceeded to tell Joyce how much he loved her and that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. He then got down on one knee and asked Joyce to marry him……there was a pause…….but the answer was a YES! Joshua then sang John Legend’s “All Of Me” to Joyce. They then went to that movie and dinner.

    Fast forward to April 2018 and Joyce and Joshua were married in a beautiful church ceremony. They selected The Orangerie Restaurant within the beautiful grounds of Milton Park Country House Hotel in which to celebrate their marriage. It was an intimate gathering with 50 of their closet friends and family. Guests arrived following the ceremony for canapes and refreshments in the Pool House area of the grounds.

    A little later, it was time for guests to make their way into The Orangerie Restaurant, which had been stunningly decorated by Jewel Phon Flowers & Styling to reflect Joyce and Joshua’s ‘Enchanted Forest” theme. Joshua welcomed everybody, thanked those that had traveled to be a part of their day and encouraged everybody to have a wonderful time.

    Following the entree, it was time for the first set of speeches. First up there was some beautiful words from best man Steven. Next up was something that had been in the planning for many months. Joyce was aware that there would be a surprise around the time of the father daughter dance, but was unaware of any of the details including the song. This is how it all played out. After introducing Joyce’s Dad, Norgene for his wonderful speech, he invited Joyce’s little brother Jared to the microphone (the surprise). Jared’s speech had Joyce overcome with emotion and the happy tears flowed as Jared recounted his beautiful relationship with his older sister including how she would occasionally sing the Carpenters song, “Close To You” to him since birth and this song had become his personal lullaby – the song would soothe him when he cried and helped him get to sleep. He also said that the song was dear to his heart and anytime he heard it, it would never fail to make him happy, feel peaceful and very much loved. Jared finished with these following words; “It is my wish that you feel the same tonight and may all the happiness, peace and love stay with you forever…..(At this point music commenced to play)..Dana, please always be a Big Sister to me as I will be the not-so-little brother that will always look up to..YOU”. The music was from the Carpenter’s song “YOU” which was then performed by Joyce’s friend, Tmara and Jared (bonus surprise). As this was happening Joyce and her Dad with tears of happiness flowing and holding each other very tightly shared a very meaningful father daughter dance – a truly beautiful and emotional moment which I am certain they will always remember!

    Next, guests enjoyed a delicious main meal before we had a little fun with a game whilst Joyce, Joshua and the professional photographic and videographic team from MTW Production wandered around the Milton Park grounds for some night shots. In keeping with the enchanted forest theme, Joyce and Joshua had selected “I See The Light” from the Disney Movie, Tangled as their first dance song. Guests were also each given a lantern which contained a LED candle as a gift and doubled as a place card holder. The Guests were asked to turn the candles on in the lanterns and surround the dance floor. Joyce and Joshua entered and commenced their beautiful dance under the fairy lights and surrounding lantern candlelight, whilst the floor of this “forest’ filled with low lying fog. Add a special DJ:Plus! touch to their song and it truly was a magical moment.

    Dessert followed, heartfelt speeches from Joshua’s Dad, Tony and Joshua himself. The cutting of the wedding cake and it was now time to party! And party they did…..even Joyce’s grandmother was on the dance floor! Time goes quickly when you are having fun and before we knew it it was time for the bouquet toss, the honeymoon dance, one last farewell dance where everybody naturally formed a conga line of sorts and we then bid farewell to Joyce and Joshua as they departed to begin the rest of their lives together!

    It was my utmost pleasure, a great honour and a true privilege to have been given the opportunity to play a small part in this wonderful celebration as your Southern Highlands Wedding MC and Southern Highlands Wedding DJ. The love that Joyce and Joshua share is obvious. Joshua is absolutely devoted in every way to Joyce and the constant attention he gives, demonstrates how much love he has for her. In return Joyce loves Joshua with all her heart. Our meetings in the lead up to the wedding only reaffirmed everything I sensed when I first met them both, they are a very special couple and I know that their future will not only take them both on many adventures, but their future will be filled with lots of love!

    Joyce and Joshua thank you for allowing me to be a part of your wedding journey, it is something which I will always treasure. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.

    A special thank you to Emerson from MTW Production who so very kindly provided the three stunning professional photographs throughout the text of this post (above) – Emerson and his team were an absolute pleasure to work with.

    YouTube video

    Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment except three images at beginning of post courtesy of MTW Production


    Songs selected by Bride & Groom;

    Wedding Party Entry: “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas

    Bride & Groom Entry: “Can’t Keep My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli

    Cake Cutting: “L.O.V.E” by Nat King Cole

    First Dance: “I See The Light” by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi

    Father Daughter Dance: “You” sung live by Tmara & Jared

    Bouquet Toss: “Love Is A Battlefield” by Pat Benetar

    Honeymoon Dance: “Grow Old With You” by Adam Sandler, “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran & Beyonce, “All Of Me” by John Legend

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

    Final Farewell Song: “We Go Together” by Olivia Newton-John & John Travolta


    Other Wedding Professionals

    Photographer & Videographer: MTW Production

    Floral Design: Jewel Phon Flowers & Styling

    Cake Design: Cake Arcade

    Photo Booth: Style Photo Booths

    Dancing On A Cloud Effect: DJ Direct