As I headed off for Sarah-Jane and Sam’s wedding celebration, the sun was shining brightly and there did not appear to be a cloud in the sky. By the time I got to Katoomba, which incidentally was where they first met, at the Baroque Nightclub, there was a light drizzle.
This drizzle continued intermittently until I reached my destination of Bindo Creek Cabins and unfortunately, continued periodically throughout the day and into the evening. Add in some wind, a chill factor and in most cases you have a potential recipe to derail a wedding celebration.
The Pavilion at Bindo Creek Cabins, is a relatively new wedding venue and, if I am not mistaken, Sarah-Jane & Sam’s wedding was only the second wedding to be held there. It is in an ideal location, at 1100 metres above sea level, on 200 acres with spectacular views over valleys, mountains and forests, the venue offers a 360 degrees panorama of the Oberon countryside and beyond.
With the Pavilion’s sandstone open stoked fireplace burning, guests were greeted with a roaring fire, drinks and canapés and made to feel extremely welcome in a nice warm environment. Soon we would welcome Sarah-Jane, Sam and their wedding party, but in the interim guests enjoyed the hospitality, views, conversation and love that filled this unique rustic space.
Sarah-Jane and Sam, preceded by their wedding party, were welcomed wildly with cheers and applause as they entered the Pavilion, with their obvious happiness reflected by the big smiles on their faces, they headed straight for the dance floor for their first dance as a married couple.
They then made their way to the wedding cake, and as can be seen in the photographs, they are smiling, enjoying every moment and having lots of fun.
For the next little while, guests availed themselves to a scrumptious buffet, prepared by The Golden Roast, enjoyed their meal and socialised. Sarah-Jane, Sam and their wedding party to the opportunity to mingle with guests and enjoyed catching up with family and friends.
Next we had a little fun with the Newly-wed Game. The Newly-wed Game is a wedding reception activity where Sarah-Jane and Sam have to prove their knowledge of each other. They were asked questions such as who the best cook is or the worst driver, and they have to decide who it applies to – all without being able to see each other’s answers. It was an entertaining game for the guests to watch, especially when the answers didn’t align! or depending on the question, they did align. It was lots of fun for everyone.
Following the Newly-wed Game, it was time for the speeches. First up we heard Sam’s dad, Ian followed by Sarah-Jane’s dad James who ended by asking Sarah-Jane to share a dance with him – such a beautiful and heart-warming moment. This wonderful moment was followed by a speech from the Matron of Honour, Sarah-Jane’s younger sister, Emily, then Best Man, James followed by, last but not least, Sam. All the speeches were heart felt with moments of humour and full of love.
We then transitioned into an idea that I pitched to Sam when we first spoke after telling me he was a mechanic. For the Garter Toss, he bought along a creeper board, torch and angle grinder/rattle gun. Using the creeper board, he slid under Sarah-Jane’s dress and with the torch inspected how to remove the garter. Then with his grooms-men nearby with all the tools, he asked for specific tools at which time I played rattle gun and air tool sounds as he removed the garter. Such a lot of fun and represented Sam to a tee.
This was followed by the bouquet toss as a segue into open dancing. Guests proceeded to dance the night away and before what seemed like no time at all it was time to wrap this amazing celebration up. One last final dance and a glow stick farewell tunnel for Sarah-Jane and Sam to depart. The celebration may have been over, but the love and memories will continue to live on.
One of the highlights of any wedding day for me is watching the connection between my couples (which kind of makes me sound a bit “stalker-ish”, but I just LOVE love! 🙂 ) Sarah-Jane and Sam are two delightful people who have known each other for almost ten years and their affection and love for each other is so wonderful to witness. They make each other laugh so easily, and are so generous of themselves and their warmth with everyone around them. I loved getting to know them, spending the day with them & their family & friends. Yes, the day was filled with some crazy weather..sunshine, rain & rainbows…some handmade touches…and most importantly, it was also filled with an abundance of laughter and joy.
Sarah-Jane and Sam, thank you for your kind hearts, your beautiful smiling faces, for sharing yourselves so openly with me and entrusting me as your Oberon Wedding MC and Oberon Wedding DJ. As you start this new journey in life, may every day hold wonderful shared experiences!. May you always find in each other the love, laughter and happiness that only best friends and partners in life share! May love, laughter, joy and music continue to fill your lives forever!!
Key Songs
Wedding Party Entry: “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta Feat, Kelly Rowland (DJ:Plus! Edit)
Bride & Groom Entry: “High Hopes” by Panic At The Disco
Cake Cutting: “Everything” by Michael Buble
First Dance: “Anyone” by Justin Bieber (DJ:Plus! Edit)
Father Daughter Dance: “Fathers & Daughters” by Michael Bolton (DJ:Plus! Edit)
Bouquet Toss: “Where Them Girls At” by David Guetta Feat. Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj
Garter Toss: “Oh Yeah” by Yello
Farewell Dance: “(I’ve Had The) Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Final Farewell: “Beautiful Day” by U2
Other Wedding Professionals
Caterer: The Golden Roast
Photographer: Tilly Roberts Photo
Cake Design: Jamie’s Cake Decorating