Wedding Reception | 5 March 2011 | Amanda and Chris | Yester Grange, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains

It was Christmas Day 2009 when Chris surprised Amanda with a beautiful engagement ring hidden in a necklace box under the Christmas tree and a proposal of marriage at their Central Coast home. They shared their fantastic news and excitement with family at Christmas lunch. The organising began and 5 March 2011 was selected as the wedding day. Very early in their relationship Amanda and Chris were bush walking in the Blue Mountains and they admired from afar "a lovely white house on the hill". Years later, they discovered that this house was also a function venue, so when it came time to organise the wedding, deciding on Yester Grange in Wentworth Falls as their venue for the reception was relatively easy.

So with the wedding day finally here, mother nature was a little confused and not quite sure what to present to Amanda and Chris. It was a strange old day with intermittent light drizzling rain, a misty valley and the occasional glimpse of sunshine, creating a very unique backdrop for their special day.

The ceremony was held in a little church in the historic village of Hartley, approximately 50kms away. Following the ceremony, Amanda, Chris and the wedding party made their way back to "the white house on the hill" for photographs on the grounds of Yester Grange.

Shortly afterwards, the 65 guests - for which Amanda and Chris had so thoughtfully organised a bus, arrived. They were of course made to feel very welcome by the Yester Grange staff who served refreshments and canapés. To great applause Amanda, Chris and the wedding party soon also joined the guests in The Lounge. With open fireplaces, the warmth of family and friends, Amanda and Chris enjoyed this relaxed time mingling and chatting to those who had come to celebrate the beautiful love they share.

A little time later, guests moved into the Ballroom to share in the wedding breakfast. A lovely, delicious three course meal was served and enjoyed by all.

After the meal, we proceeded with the speeches which commenced with Amanda's dad Jeff, followed by Best Man and Chris' twin brother, Matthew, then Chris himself and finally, Amanda. During this time, both Chris and Amanda became very emotional, conveying heartfelt messages of love. Beautiful words, two beautiful people, a very deep love for each other and the reason why everybody had come together to celebrate with them. Glancing around the Ballroom, there were many that were touched by this combination of words and open display of emotion. As can be seen in the photographs below, Chris even needed to grab a drink on a number of occasions in order to regain his composure. Definitely one of the highlights of the evening for me.

Below: Amanda's Father, Jeff

Below: Best Man & Chris' Brother, Matthew

Below: Chris


Below: Amanda

The speeches was followed by the cutting of the cake which and a wonderful photo opportunity for the guests - Amanda and Chris were clearly enjoying this moment.

It was now time for Amanda and Chris' first dance. To the sounds of Michael Buble's "Everything", they commenced their first dance as a married couple. The were then joined by the wedding party part way through.

Now that the ice had been broken, the guests did not hesitate to join them on the dance floor and it was party time!! For the next few hours there was not a moment when the dance floor was not full of guests having a wonderful time and....lots of FUN! (only need look at the photos below to see what I mean). The evening ended with a farewell dance which included each and everyone of their guests - another magical moment to end a truly magical day. I believe that their wedding dream came to fruition and they could not be happier - smiles were firmly on their faces until the moment that they left the reception.

Amanda and Chris it was a great pleasure, privilege and honour to be a part of your special day which was full of love and happiness - I know your marriage will bring a deeper love and more happiness into your lives. Thank you Amanda and Chris for entrusting me with your wedding celebration. Also thanks so much for the very lovely thank you conveyed in your speech Amanda - you have no idea how much your appreciation of my efforts means to me.!!! Have a wonderful and enjoyable honeymoon. May love and music fill your lives forever.

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Amanda and Chris secured Janine Kaye as their photographer. I have worked with Janine before and admire her work. Janine's blog contains a selection of professional shots from this lovely wedding. I think they are amazing and capture the love and happiness which was evident on the day. Please take a few minutes to have a look.

Amanda & Chris | Hartley Historic Village & Yester Grange

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Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Wedding Party Entry Songs: "Burn Your Name" by Powderfinger, "Beautiful Bay" by U2, "Get The Party Started" by Pink

• Bride & Groom Entry Song: "Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship
  

• Cake Cutting Song: "Hey, Soul Sister" by Train
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "Everything" by Michael Buble
  

• Farewell Dance: "(I've Had) The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warne

• Final Farewell Song: "Time Of Your Life" by Green Day
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Photographer: Janine Kaye Photography

Floral Design: Erica Blossoms

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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment