Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 22 January 2011 | Madeline and Robert | Peppers Manor House, Sutton Forest, Southern Highlands

It was an absolutely perfect day as I made my way down to the beautiful Southern Highlands for Madeline and Robert's wedding. The wedding ceremony and reception was held at Peppers Manor House which is set on a picturesque estate, a short drive past Bowral. This retreat and the grand country house exudes a wonderful old world country charm, which made it the perfect setting for Madeline and Robert's union in marriage. This special day in Madeline and Robert's life was attended by 100 family and friends, some which had traveled from the United States.

The ceremony was held in the baronial Great Hall, which was converted into a 'chapel' for the service and exchanging of vows. At around 3:30pm guests began to gather in the Great Hall whilst Robert and his grooms men waited excitedly. The bridesmaids and Madeline entered the Great Hall via a staircase from the upper level - it was such a lovely way for them to make their way down the aisle. A beautiful and meaningful ceremony, officiated by Pastor Ron Brookman followed. The ceremony was interspersed with some hymns performed by live musicians and a vocalist. After the signing of the Register and being pronounced a married couple they made their way back down the aisle. Congratulations from guests and then a group photograph from above.

"I will love you and share my life with you,
in sickness and in health,
in poverty and in prosperity,
in conflict and in harmony.

All that I am I give to you and all that I have I share with you.
Whatever the future holds, I will love you and stand by you,
as long as we both shall live.

This is my solemn vow."

Whilst, Madeline, Robert and their wedding party wandered around the estate grounds for photographs, guests were treated to canapés, refreshments and live music. The happy couple and their wedding party were later able to join in and mingle during this relaxed time prior to the commencement of the reception.

With a unique song selected for each couple of the wedding party and each of these individuals dancing and "playing up" to their particular song, as they entered Katers Restaurant, there was lots of cheering and applause creating a fun and entertaining start to the reception. Lots more whooping and cheering as Madeline and Robert made their entry. A few lovely words from Robert and the Pepper's staff served a delicious main.

After enjoying the meal, we proceeded with the first set of the speeches; commencing with Madeline's dad Geoff, who stated how much he loved Madeline, how proud he was of her. and concluding by wishing Madeline and Robert the fulfillment of all their dreams, hopes and happiness always. Next was the grandfather of the bride Douglas, who being 90 years old and having been married for almost 68 years to date, was in a position to offer a few words of valuable advice on how to achieve a happy marriage - a very lovely and sweet speech from a very dear man.

Below: Madeline's Father, Geoff

Below: Madeline's Grandfather, Douglas

Below: Robert

Below: Best Man, Harry

Following a short interval for dessert, it was time for the final set of speeches. First up was Robert - he commenced by thanking all the guests who had traveled from far and wide to the Southern Highlands, he thanked Madeline's parents Geoff and Robyn, his mother Jackie, the bridesmaids and groomsmen and then concluding by saying some beautiful words to Madeline, which came from deep within his heart, becoming a little emotional whilst delivering them. A very lovely speech from Robert. The last person to make a speech was the best man, Harry who amongst other things, retold the story of when Robert & Madeline met. The cutting of the cake was next, before it was time for Madeline and Robert's first dance with the wedding party joining in a few verses later.

A special song dedication to the mother of the groom and it was time for everyone to let their hair down and party......and party they did!. There did not appear to be a moment when the dance floor was not full of guests enjoying themselves. Amongst all the dancing was Madeline herself who really let loose during a special request of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (a portion of this can be seen at the end of the post).

The bouquet toss and garter toss, more dancing before guests were invited to join Madeline and Robert on the dance floor for a farewell dance. Following the dance, Madeline and Robert navigated their way through a guard of honour as they left Katers Restaurant and the reception. The party was not over yet though, guests continued to dance for some time before it was time to wind up this fabulous celebration.

As I have stated many times on this blog - I love weddings, I love getting to know the couples, I always feel very privileged and honoured to being able to share in one of the most special moments in their entire life. My couples are the nicest people. Each and every one of my couples are very special, they all have a special connection....Madeline and Robert were no exception, I loved spending the day with them. They wanted their wedding to represent love, happiness and joy...I believe we managed to achieve this and more! Thank you for placing your trust in me and allowing me to contribute to your memories. I know that the love you both have for one another will continue to grow and your future holds much happiness. May love and music fill your lives forever.

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Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Bridesmaid Processional: "Sanctuary" by Twila Paris

• Bride Processional: "Sanctuary" by Twila Paris
  

• Register Signing: "Hallelujah" by Stan Walker, "Amazing Grace" by Stan Walker
  

• Recessional: "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen
  

• Wedding Party Entry Songs: "Sex Bomb" by Tom Jones Feat. Mousse T., "Let's Get Married" by Jagged Edge, "Beautiful" by Snoop Dogg Feat. Pharrell, "Gin & Juice" by Snoop Dogg
  

• Bride & Groom Entry Song: "All Along The Watchtower" by Jimi Hendrix
  

• Cake Cutting Song: "Something In The Water" by Brooke Fraser
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "I Got Ya Back" by Katchafire

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

• Garter Toss: "Are You The One" by The Presets
  

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

• Final Farewell Song: "It's You, It's Me" by Kaskade
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Celebrant: Pastor Ron Brookman

Photographer: Simon Taylor - The Photo Shop

Floral Design & Styling: Affair With George
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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment