Three months ago today on the 16th March 2013 two beautiful people exchanged vows, professed their undying love for each other and become one ( happy three month anniversary Katie & Scott!!). I was so blessed to have been able to witness their ceremony and also be given the privilege of entertaining at Katie & Scott’s amazing wedding reception, both held at Coast Golf Club, Little Bay, Sydney.
It was also a great pleasure to work alongside Sue Taylor Photography (Global Sanctuary) who share the same ethos, dedication, commitment and attitude in every aspect of their profession and passion as I do – this is no doubt why they were declared the NSW winner for Wedding Photography in 2012 at the prestigious Australian Bridal Industry Academy Awards (ABIA). They were a total joy to work with and when I approached Sue Taylor, Global Sanctuary’s Founder & Managing Director about the possibility of sharing some images from Katie and Scott’s wedding day for this Blog, she did not hesitate for the slightest micro second. On receiving the images I was blown away with how beautifully everything was captured. Katie and Scott, who are an absolutely stunning couple anyway, look like they belong in a fashion magazine!!.(someone really needs to submit this wedding to a wedding magazine).
The essence of Katie & Scott’s wedding day celebration, the inner beauty of this special couple is beautifully represented and their obvious happiness captured perfectly. I was able to relive many beautiful moments from this very special day as their Sydney Wedding DJ & MC. Thank you so much Sue.
Julie and Joe are a lovely couple who had met almost six years earlier. For their first date they went to see Pirates of the Caribbean III and dinner. Love blossomed and here we were on their wedding day. Even the mixed weather could not dampen their spirit and love they share. Just as I arrived, there was a downpour which partially flooded the reception marquee and caused some safety issues around my set up, however with a little ingenuity, Joe and I resolved the issue and we were ready to go – we just hoped that the rain would stop in time for the ceremony.
The ceremony and reception was held at the home of one of Julie’s good friends on the outskirts of Sydney. This beautiful property had stunning views towards the City and it’s surrounds and really was a beautiful location for a wedding. The weather gods in their wisdom ended up giving Julie and Joe the most perfect day.
As the clock struck 4:00 pm, the processional music started and the bridesmaids, which consisted of and Julie & Joe’s daughters, Rheannon, Erinn, Tara and Lily commenced their walk to the ceremony area, followed by Julie, escorted by her mum, Sheila. Waiting was Joe and best man Nicholas. Guests then witnessed a lovely ceremony officiated by Vicky Watson where they both professed their deep love for each other. This was followed by the sand ceremony with each member of this now blended family pouring a layer of coloured sand. The Marriage Register was then signed before Julie and Joe made their way back down the aisle as husband and wife.
Whilst Julie and Joe were having photographs around this magnificent property, guests were served refreshments, finger food and enjoyed the great view. A little while later guests were invited to take their seats inside the marquee before we officially welcomed the entire wedding party. Joe thanked everyone for being a part of their special day and encouraged them to have a good time.
A buffet of delicious Italian food had been prepared and was ready however during one of our planning sessions we decided that in order to avoid a long queue at the buffet, that we would have an activity to determine when a specific table would be released to the buffet line. Whilst the wedding party were helping themselves to the buffet, I explained to the guests that as a table they would need to select a song which contained the word “Love” and when called up, the table needed to serenade Julie and Joe until either of them decided that they had heard enough and only then could they join the buffet line. Guests were discussing songs, googling songs and lyrics and had heaps of FUN singing, dancing (this particular table assured me that Gangnam Style definitely has the word ‘Love’ in it, it is just in Korean), participating and watching the other tables perform. Check out all the smiles in the photo & video further below.
After everyone had finished their meal, we proceeded with the speeches. First up Julie’s mum, Sheila, followed by Best Man, Nicholas, Joe and impromptu speeches from Joe’s daughters, Tara and Lily. The cutting of the wedding cake and time for more fun and games whilst guests waited for their dessert. In the first activity Julie and Joe were seated back to back in the centre of the dance floor, I then had them remove their shoes and swap so that they had one of each shoe. I then asked them a series of questions to see how well they knew each other. To answer each question they would raise the appropriate shoe and being seated back to back, they could not see each others replies, which resulted in some great reactions from the guests. Once again great FUN! This was then followed by a silly dance activity which had 4 random couples doing the chicken dance before dessert was served.
It was now time for the first dance where mid way through Julie & Joe were joined by the wedding party and the guests. We then partied the night away. The bouquet toss and then the farewell dance where guests ended up forming a circle around Julie and Joe and as a group embraced them as the song neared the end.
Julie and Joe, I had lots of fun entertaining at your wedding. I believe we achieved your aim of a relaxed, low key but fun wedding – it was all these things, and more. Thank you for your trust and allowing me to be a part of this special day. You are both genuine, caring people who love each other and your blended family to bits. It was such a joy to witness this and really made my heart happy. May love, laughter and music continue to fill your lives forever!!
Guests ‘Singing For Their Supper’.
Guests participating in the ‘Silly Dance’ activity.
Mother of the Bride, Shiela and Best Man, Nicholas
Joseph
Tara and Lily
Can you pick the odd single lady out? Hint: Looks a lot like Joe!
Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaids Processional: “Sweet Child Of Mine” by Vitamin String Quartet
Bride Processional: “All I Want Is You” by Vitamin String Quartet
Sand Ceremony: “Orinoco Flow” by Enya
Register Signing: “You Shook Me All Night Long” by Vitamin String Quartet, ” I Was Made For Loving You” by Vitamin String Quartet
Recessional: “Crazy Little Thing Called Love/I Feel Good” by Queen/James Brown
Wedding Party Entry: “Firework” by Katy Perry, “Let It Roll” by Flo Rida, “Live While We Are Young” by One Direction, “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz
Bride & Groom Entry: “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
Cake Cutting Song: “I Knew I Loved you Before I Met You” by Savage Garden
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Truly Madly Deeply” by Savage Garden
Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce
Farewell Dance: “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
In the days leading up to Hollie and Zane’s wedding, there had been so much rain that there were fears that not only would the ceremony not be able to be held on the grounds of Riverside Oaks, but worse still, that the roads would be flooded and guests would be unable to access the venue. In the end, all prayers were answered and it was an absolutely gorgeous day – just perfect for this fabulous couple to be united in marriage and to celebrate with family and friends.
At 4:00 pm, the 120 guests gathered for the ceremony at the 19th hole of the golf course. Zane, twin brother, Kurt and younger brother, James, waited for Hollie and the bridesmaids to arrive. Just a touch late, Helicia, Bethany and Hollie made their walk down the aisle. A simple and beautiful ceremony, officiated by Heather Ryman, followed before Hollie and Zane were pronounced the new Mr & Mrs Baker.
With the light beginning to fade, Hollie, Zane and the wedding party jumped on some golf buggies and headed off for photographs around the spectacular Riverside Oaks grounds whilst guests adjourned to the Terrace Bar for refreshments. A short time later, guests made their way up to the function area for more refreshments and canapes. The room looked fabulous, with picturesque views over the golf course. Not only was the room beautifully decorated by Hollie herself, but she also put the Candy Bar together (it was certainly popular) – great job Hollie!!
Guests seated and comfortable, it was time to commence proceedings and welcome the parents, wedding party and our ever so happy couple. A very beautiful welcome and thank you from Hollie and Zane, firstly thanking those that had traveled from New Zealand, Western Australia and Queensland. They then explained to the guests why they had been invited and how special each and everyone of them was to the both of them and ended with, if I may paraphrase, “…when we look around the room, we see memories. Some from before we even knew how to tie our shoelaces and some from just this week. What we would like to ask of you, is to continue to make memories with us. Be a part of our lives not only as individuals, but as a married couple and more importantly, as a family with our beautiful daughter, Alba”.
Everybody was then served a scrumptious entree and main meal, before we proceeded with the cutting of the wedding cake. Dessert was served and then it was time for the speeches. Lovely speeches from Hollie’s Dad Michael, Zane’s Dad Phillip, a song from Zane’s Mum Myrna, sister’s, Serena and Janelle, and Zane’s brother’s girlfriend Jordana, before we heard from bridesmaid Bethany, Best Man Kurt and finally Zane. Zane and Kurt then performed a Haka and this was followed by Hollie and Zane’s first dance. It was now party time and boy did everybody party! A while later, following the bouquet and garter toss, Hollie shared a special dance with her Dad Michael. Guests were then invited to join Hollie and Zane for a farewell dance after which they both departed to start their new married life together.
When I first met Hollie and Zane, they shared the story of how they met, how Zane had proposed, the hopes and dreams they have for their future and what was important to them about their wedding day. Hollie and Zane, I believe that your day was as you dreamed it would be. I believe your future will always be full of love, happiness, family and friends. You are both amazing individuals and along with your beautiful little daughter, Alba, make such an adorable family. Thank you for investing your trust in me and inviting me to be a part of your amazing day. Hollie, Zane and Alba, may love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaids Processional: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
Brides Processional: “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
Register Signing: “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri, “King Tide” by Pete Murray
Recessional: “Gotta Be Somebody” by Nickelback
Bride’s Parents Entry: “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher” by Jimmy Barnes
Groom’s Parents Entry: “Slice Of Heaven” by Dave Dobbyn & Herbs
Wedding Party Entry: “Feeling This” by Blink 182, “Bagg Up” by Chingy, “Escape (Pina Colada Song)” by Rupert Holmes, “Return Of The Mack” by Mark Morrisson
Bride & Groom Entry: “Give Me Everything” by Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
Cake Cutting Song: “Cut The Cake” by Average White Band
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “I’m Kissing You” by Des’ree
Father/Daughter Dance: “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw
Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyonce
Garter Toss: “Fever For The Flava” by Hot Action Cop
Farewell Dance: “I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas
Final Farewell Song: “Tonight Is The Night” by Outasight
