I was very surprised this morning to see a photograph of Suzy Batkovic and a number of her bridesmaids in the Sunday Telegraph (31 May 2009). Why? Well I had the honour and privilege of being chosen to provide the entertainment for the reception. I hope to complete a detailed blog post on the reception in the next day or so, but wanted to share this newspaper report in the interim.
Scan of item as it appeared in the Sunday Telegraph 31 May 2009 (Click item to read)
It was a great pleasure to be a part of Phillipa and Carwyn’s wedding day. Another beautiful couple who are obviously very much in love and who wanted their reception to be fun and relaxed. I believe this was achieved. The reception for 108 guests was held at Oliveto Ristorante & Bar which is set in the beautiful parklands of Brays Bay Reserve at Rhodes. Oliveto is an elegant yet stylish venue, with tranquil waterviews over the bay and lush green surroundings of the parkland. Mother nature also played her part and delivered a lovely Autumn day.
Following the entree, we heard from Phillipa’s Mum Anne and Carwyn’s Mum Helen. Both made very lovely speeches conveying the great happiness in their heart for this union. Guests were then treated to a beautiful main course and an equally delicious dessert. Next it was speeches from the Bestman Leigh, Groomsman Adam and Matron of Honour Elizabeth. This was followed by one of the guests, Judd whom I believe sings for the Sydney Opera Company, singing a “killer” version of Some Enchanted Evening culminating in rapturous applause. This set the scene for the guests of honour to speak, firstly Carwyn and then Phillipa – both made beautiful speeches which were full of emotion and love. They are quite obviously very happy – the smiles on their faces says it all!!!
Phillipa and Carwyn then made their way to the dance floor for their first dance and were joined part way through by the wedding party and guests. From here on in it was party time, in fact everybody was having so much fun that we went half an hour longer so that they could continue dancing.
I know Phillipa and Carwyn, together with little Sophia will have a wonderful life together. It gave me great joy to be a part of their day and help bring their dream to life. Their love will continue to grow and the memories from their wedding day will live forever.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
Bridal Party Entry Song: “Hello” by The Cat Empire
Bride & Groom Entry Song: “Hello” by The Cat Empire
Cake Cutting Song: “Mr Bojangles” by Robbie Williams
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Never Tear Us Apart” by Natalie Imbruglia & Tom Jones
Farewell Dance: “Closing Time” by Semisonic
Final Farewell Song: “Throw Your Arms Around Me” by Crowded House (Live)
Audris and Lorne currently live and work in London. This delightful couple decided to have their reception at the Australian Museum which was transformed into a very stylish venue and provided the perfect setting for their celebration. 82 local and international guests helped make it a very elegant, fun and highly memorable evening that Audris and Lorne will always treasure.
Prior to the wedding party entering, guests were treated to a visual presentation recounting the Audris and Lorne love story, setting the scene for what was a high energy entry into the reception.
Following a beautiful meal, it was time for the speeches – these speeches added both heartfelt and humorous moments to the proceedings. First we heard from Audris’ father, Francis, followed by Lorne’s dad Wayne, Audris & Lorne’s “adoptive” father/Godfather Mike, Maid of Honour Leigha, Best Man Andrew and finally Lorne. During Audris’ dad’s speech he did offer Lorne some wise advice should they run into any unresolvable personal situation in the future, he said ” …if all else fails, take her shopping” this was greeting with much laughter. He then added, “buy her lots of jewelry” – certainly very wise advice indeed!! :). Wayne told of Lorne growing up in Western Australia and also mentioned how he had at one time been a singer.
A special moment during the speeches was when Mike presented Audris & Lorne with Lorne’s grandfather’s spade which Lorne used to always talk about. It had been framed and inscribed with something along the lines of (to the best of my memory), “This spade has been used to dig many holes, may it help dig you out of any holes that you both get into in the future”. Leigha and Andrew told of how they had met Audris and Lorne – their and the prior speeches were full of emotion and funny stories which gave a great insight to to what absolutely lovely people Audris and Lorne are.
Below: Audris’ Dad, Francis and Lorne’s Dad, Wayne
Below: Godfather, Mike and presentation of Lorne’s grandfather’s spade.
Below: Maid of Honour Leigha and Best Man, Andrew
When Lorne finally took the microphone and made a lovely speech, he ended by singing “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” for Audris and to the delight of the guests.
Whilst Audris changed into alternative attire for the first dance, Lorne took the opportunity to entertain the guests with a few numbers.
Lorne then met Audris at the top of the Museum staircase and escorted her to the dancefloor for their first dance. Following this dance the wedding party and guests joined them and a fantastic time was had by all. Once again, it was a great honour to have been given the opportunity of working with and providing the entertainment for their wedding reception. Another beautiful couple who complement and enhance each other in so many special ways – It was a sheer joy to have met them and help create their wedding day memories.
Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
First Couple Entry Song: “Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake
Second Couple Entry Song: “Boom Shake The Room” by Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince
Bride & Groom Entry Song: “Be Faithful” by Fatman Scoop Feat. The Crooklyn Clan
Cake Cutting Song: “Greatest Day” by Take That
Bridal Waltz/First Dance: “Santa Maria (Del Buen Ayre)” by Gotan Project & ” I Just Wanna Make Love To You” by Etta James
Farewell Circle/Circle Of Love: “Love Is In The Air” by John Paul Young, “Love & Marriage” by Frank Sinatra<
Final Farewell Song: “Another One Bites The Dust” by Queen
