One of the best things about each of the two Sydney Sunday papers is their respective wedding section. Each Sunday I look forward to reading about the featured couples and their wedding day story. This morning I was very pleasantly surprised and excited to see Alison & Kieran as one of the featured couples in the Sunday Telegraph Weddings Section.
Seeing their photograph and reading the summary of their wedding transported me back to their wonderful and highly emotional celebration and it gave me great joy to replay elements of their special and amazing day in my mind. It also reminded me that the key to a fun and successful wedding is the pre-production work. Alison, Kieran and I committed a lot of time to this process and we certainly had a lot of fun along the way, but most importantly, the result was – a wedding day that dreams are made of!
Scan of Feature from Sunday Telegraph Weddings Section, 28 March 2010 (Click on Feature to enlarge) Alison and Kieran’s Wedding
As I made my way to the Blue Mountains, I was caught is a a torrential downpour and I held a fear that Louise and Ben’s wedding ceremony on the grounds of Yester Grange would be washed out. But except for a slight drizzle about forty minutes prior to the ceremony it turned out to be a fantastic day with the sun breaking through the clouds and shining as bright as the love this beautiful couple have for each other.
Louise and Ben live in Singapore, but unfortunately due to the festive season and time constraints after arriving in Sydney, there was no opportunity to meet up with them (as is my preference) before the wedding. Well what a really delightful couple they are and so very very much in love. The constant acts of affection towards each other and the constant smiles on their faces openly displayed their extreme happiness.
Yester Grange is nestled in 10 acres of totally private parkland and gardens at the top of Wentworth Falls waterfall, the rolling expanse of green lawn reaches from the magnificent Victorian mansion, to touch the thousands of hectares of World Heritage Listed Blue Mountains Wilderness that lies beyond – the perfect backdrop for this ceremony and celebration.
Preceded by her bridesmaids, Louise, accompanied by her Dad, Ross made their way down the Yester Grange steps and to the ceremony area where Ben and the groomsmen awaited. A very beautiful ceremony, officiated by Susan Artup followed – much to the delight of the 115 guests (some which had traveled from Singapore and the US).
Showered with rose petals as they made their way back down the aisle, the joy that they felt finally being married filled the entire valley. While Louise, Ben and the wedding party wandered around the grounds for photographs, the guests enjoyed refreshments, the beginning of the cocktail food, music by Simon & Glenn on Violin & acoustic guitar and the breathtaking view.
Ben’s step-father David Stratton, who was the Master of Ceremonies, asked the guests to gather in the ballroom for the first set of speeches. First up were Louise’s Mum & Dad, Jennifer and Ross who recounted the Louise and Ben Love Story in the form of a fairytale being read from…….a book of fairytales! Next up were Ben’s parents, Susie and Brian – who both expressed the elation they felt for this perfect match. A short recess followed where guests were able to mingle and socialise in the many areas of Yester Grange or even take a silly picture in the photo booth!
Following a spectacular sunset, David once again gathered the guests in the ballroom for the concluding speeches, first Louise, then grooms men Julian & James, followed by best man Chris and finally Ben. The speeches were heartfelt, humorous, each very special in their own way and enjoyed by all.
The cutting of the cake followed and then it was time for the first dance. Midway through Louise and Ben were joined by the wedding party. At the conclusion of this song guests were invited to join in and it was certainly party time!!! (as can be witnessed in the video clips at the end of this post).
As Ben had proposed to Louise in New York, for the last dance they selected New York, New York by Frank Sinatra. As you can see in the portion of video I captured, surround by family and friends they were having the time of their life right up till the very last minute of their special day.
Louise and Ben, I thank you for giving me the great honour and privilege of allowing me to be a part of one of the most significant days in your entire life. It was an absolute pleasure and joy to meet you and contribute to the memories you will always hold of this day. May love and music fill your lives forever!!!
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaids Processional: “Pachelbels Canon” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar
Bride Processional: “Time After Time” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar
Register Signing: “All You Need Is Love” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar
Recessional: “Stand By Me” performed by Simon & Glenn on Violin & Guitar
Wedding Party Entry: “Beautiful Day” by Vitamin String Quartet
Bride & Groom Entry: “Beautiful Day” by U2
Cake Cutting Song: “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Can’t Keep My Eyes Off You” by Andy Williams
In what was forecast to be another extremely hot day, Lauren and Michael were fortunate enough to have selected to have their wedding at Chapel Hill Retreat, on the foot hills of Mt Tomah in the Blue Mountains. It was a beautiful day and the location took a few degrees off the temperature, affording some relief for the 90 guests gathered to share their special day.
As the sound of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” filled the air the bridesmaids made their way through the picturesque grounds and to the ceremony area. Escorted by her dad Glenn, Lauren followed. When they reached the ceremony area, Glenn passed Lauren’s hand to Michael and the ceremony began. It was a very personalised and beautiful ceremony officiated by Mark Chapple followed with lovely readings from Alissa, Chris, Kingsley & Kim plus a commitment from both sets of parents to be a shining example of love and devotion and to encourage them to help build a strong and loving marriage.
“Today I take you to be my partner in life and my one true love Together we will create a home, becoming a part of one another I will trust you and respect you, laugh with you and cry with you, loving you faithfully through good times and bad I vow to be honest, caring and truthful, to love you as you are, and to grow old by your side, as your love and best friend.”
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to drinks and canapes in the gazebo where a gentle breeze made sure everybody stayed cool whilst Lauren, Michael and the wedding party had photographs taken throughout the Chapel Hill grounds.
When it was time, the wedding party entered the reception clapping and dancing encouraging the guests to stand and join in prior to Lauren and Michael entering to fantastic applause. Michael quickly welcomed everyone and thanked them for being a part of their day before guests were treated to something a little different from the norm at weddings these days and that was a table buffet. This is where a selection of dishes for each course of the meal are bought to each table and then guests help themselves.
This lovely meal was followed by great speeches from Lauren’s dad Glenn, Bridesmaids Alissa and Jessica, best man Tim and last but not least, Michael who spoke of his love for Lauren and thanking the parents and those who had traveled great distances to witness and celebrate the beginning of his and Lauren’s life together.
Following the cutting of the wedding cake and dessert it was time for Lauren and Michael’s first dance. They had a little bit of a surprise for everyone as they had a choreographed routine which also involved the wedding party. I have a portion below for your enjoyment. The guests all joined in towards the end of the song and from that point on it really was party time!! All too quickly however it was time for this lovely couple to say farewell and the reception was over.
Whenever you looked at either Lauren or Michael throughout the day there was either a big smile on their faces or the look of love glistening in their eyes (you need only look at the random photos posted here to confirm this) it was obvious that this is a union based on deep love, honesty, respect, tenderness and faith. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to get to know them, I know that this love will only continue to grow and blossom. They are a beautiful couple and it was nothing but a joy and a pleasure to have been a part of their wedding day.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridesmaids Processional: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’le
Bride Processional: “Somewhere Over The Rainbow / What A Wonderful World” by Israel Kamakawiwo’le
Register Signing: “Rorate” by Chris Duncan & Catherine Strutt
Recessional: “I’m A Believer” by Smash Mouth, “Beautiful Day” by U2
Wedding Party Entry: “Shout” by Johnny O’Keefe
Bride & Groom Entry: “My Girl” by The Temptations
Cake Cutting Song: “I Wanna Grow Old With You” by Adam Sandler
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Lucky” by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat / “The Boy Does Nothing” by Alesha Dixon
Farewell Circle/Circle Of Love: “All I Want Is You” by Barry Louis Polisar, “LA” by Old Man River
Final Farewell Song: “Wish You Well” by Bernard Fanning
