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.