Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 15 January 2011 | Amanda and Luke | The Carrington, Katoomba, Blue Mountains

Amanda and Luke are an amazing couple who I got to know in the lead up to the wedding and I must say that they are absolutely perfect for each other. First meeting at high school through a friend of a friend, Amanda's first impression of Luke most certainly was not love at first sight - however, as they got to know each other better, love blossomed and here we were on their wedding day.

Luke had proposed to Amanda in the Blue Mountains so it was very fitting that the venue they selected for both their ceremony and reception was The Carrington Hotel in Katoomba. This heritage listed hotel is a local landmark eluding the elegance, luxury and charm of yesteryear, offering a beautiful backdrop for this special day in both their lives.

The 60 invited guests, many which had made the journey from Brisbane, Queensland at a time when the capital and other areas of the State had been subjected to some of the worst floods in it's history, is testament to how dear these family and friends hold Amanda and Luke in their hearts.

Whilst rain fell throughout the night and until just before lunch, the skies cleared and it ended up being a lovely afternoon. The ceremony, officiated by Laurel-Anne Kenny-Levick, was held in The Lounge of The Carrington. It was a beautiful ceremony with a lovely reading and personal vows, which really came from their hearts. You could see the sheer happiness in both Amanda and Luke's face. Unfortunately circumstances prevented me from being able to personally capture photographs of the ceremony, however with the kind assistance of John Manners from Above & Beyond Digital, I am able to provide the following photographs from the ceremony which have been extracted from the video.

"I love you. You are my best friend.
Today I give myself to you in marriage.
I promise to encourage and inspire you,
To laugh with you,
And to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.
I promise to love you in good times and bad,
When life seems easy and when it seems hard.
When our life is simple and when it needs effort.
I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in the highest regard.
These things I give you from this day forth."

Following the ceremony, Amanda, Luke and their wedding party proceeded to have photographs taken in and around Katoomba. In the interim, guests were treated to some delectable canapés and refreshments. Guests were then ushered into the Ballroom where the wedding party and Amanda and Luke were greeted by thunderous applause and cheering upon their arrival.

After a delicious meal, it was time for the speeches. First up was Amanda's dad, Peter, who explained how special his "little princess" was to him and Cheryl, plus recounted an amusing story from when Amanda was growing up. Peter then proceeded to speak about Luke and the great qualities that he had and how he knew that his daughter was in the very best of hands. Luke's dad, Bruce was next expressing how proud he was of Luke and wishing both Amanda and Luke the very best for their life together.

A few words from bridesmaid Tiffany who spoke about Amanda, their friendship and the wonderful bond that Amanda and Luke both shared and how this was a great foundation for a happy future together. Amanda's brother Scott then made a brief speech expressing how close he and Amanda were and how he could not have asked for a better sister. Cheyne, the best man then made his way to the microphone. He told of when he first met Amanda and how both Luke and Amanda personally had changed as they matured and the relationship became more serious and detailed some of their achievements.

Below: Luke and Amanda

Below: Amanda socialising with guests

Below: Amanda's Father, Peter

Below: Luke's Father, Bruce

Below: Bridesmaid, Tiffany

Below: Amanda's Brother, Scott

Below: Best Man, Cheyne

It was now finally time for Luke to speak. Luke started by saying that he and Amanda had endured many difficulties, but he felt that because of these difficulties and the fact that Amanda had always stood beside him during these trying times, he had become a better person and he owed it all to Amanda. Luke thanked both his and Amanda's parents for everything they had done for them, then the wedding party for all their support, friendship and being a part of their special day. He concluded by saying that by saying yes, earlier in the day, Amanda had made him the happiest man alive.

Below: Luke

Last, but most certainly not least, Amanda took to the microphone and commenced by saying that she is not an overly emotional person and did not do "happy tears" but had found herself in the situation of after hearing the lovely words from her dad, brother and Luke of not being able to help herself. Amanda also thanked everybody for travelling to their location wedding, the bridesmaids, grooms men and Luke's parents. She then became very emotional when commencing to thank her own parents - this overwhelming emotion resulted in a poor choice of words, which had the whole room in a fit of hysterical laughter. Amanda concluded by thanking Luke for being the person he was and for always being there for her. All the speeches were very lovely and heartfelt - it was not surprising that Amanda had become a little overwhelmed.

Below: Amanda

Amanda and Luke cut their wedding cake and then made their way to the dance floor for the first dance as husband and wife. The first dance was quite a moment for them both (I was very lucky to capture a special moment that they shared during this dance) before being joined by their wedding party part way through the song. Guests were invited to join in and the dancing got under way.

A little later in the evening there was the Garter Toss, a Circle of Love to thank their guests and another special emotional moment as Amanda danced with her dad to a very beautiful song about a father and his daughter, called.......Amanda..

Finally there was the tossing of the bouquet from the balcony overlooking the bar before Amanda and Luke left to begin their new life together as a married couple. It was a perfect day and I believe they had the wedding of their dreams. I had the pleasure and privilege to get to know both Amanda and Luke over the months leading up to this day. I found that they are a very special couple, they are certainly the very best of friends, sharing a deep love and understanding each other's needs. They are individuals, that whilst different in many ways, complement each other perfectly - I know that their love will continue to grow and when they have a family of their own, the children will be blessed to have such loving and caring parents.

Amanda and Luke, thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the honour of contributing to your wedding day, but more so for sharing your story with me and allowing me to get to know you both. You are both very special people and I wish you a long lifetime full of happiness. May love and music fill your lives forever.

Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Bridesmaid Processional: "Beautiful Day" by Vitamin String Quartet

• Bride Processional: "Bridal Chorus" by Mutushiro Nishiwaki
  

• Register Signing: "By Your Side" by Lifehouse, "Your Arms Feel Like Home" by 3 Doors Down
  

• Recessional: "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
  

• Wedding Party Entry Song: "We'll Be Alright" by Travie McCoy
  

• Bride & Groom Entry Song: "Teenage Dream" by Katy Perry
  

• Cake Cutting Song: "Marry You" by Bruno Mars
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "You & Me" by Lifehouse

• Father Daughter Dance: "I Ask (Amanda)" by Richard Frankz
  

• Bouquet Toss: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyonce
  

• Garter Toss: "Your Body Is A Wonderland" by John Mayer
  

• Circle Of Love: "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" by Elton John, "Heaven" (Candlelight Mix) by DJ Sammy, "Higher" by Creed
  

• Final Farewell Song: "Today Was A Fairytale" by Taylor Swift
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Celebrant: Laurel-Anne Kenny-Levick

Florist: Leura Blumes (02) 4784 1072

Cake: Cupids Cup Cakes (02) 6337 5391

Photographer: InLights Photography

Videographer: Above and Beyond Digital

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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment