Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 29 July 2011 | Julianne and Luke | Tea Room Gunners' Barracks, Mosman, Sydney

From my first conversation with Julianne and Luke, it was obvious that they are a warm, genuine and fun couple. As they are both currently based in Japan, the first opportunity to meet face to face was on Monday before the wedding - this meeting not only confirmed my initial impressions, but also revealed that they are a  beautiful couple, both inside and out, possessing very fine qualities and so very much in love.

Julianne and Luke selected the beautiful Tea Room Gunners' Barracks as the location for their ceremony and reception. With the sun shining down on their love from the heavens, in a month when Sydney had experienced its wettest July in more than 50 years, they were blessed with an absolutely perfect day.

View from The Tea Room Gunners' Barracks

The 75 invited family and friends gathered in the Gunners' Barracks Courtyard for a beautiful ceremony officiated by Sarah Oluk. As Julianne, who looked positively stunning, walked down the aisle escorted by her Dad, she had the most beautiful smile. Luke's face lit up at this vision and I am sure it will be a special moment he will treasure forever. Surrounded by those near and dear, Julianne and Luke held hands, exchanged vows and rings, and became one in marriage as the sun slowly began to set.

 

"From the moment I first met you,

I knew you were the person that I 

wanted to share my life with,

Your beauty, charm, heart and spirit 
inspire me to be the best that I can be.

I promise to respect you, honour you, 

protect you and love you for eternity."

                                                  ~ Luke

"I choose you in friendship and in love,

in strength and weakness,

to share the good times and misfortune,

in achievement and failure.

I will cherish and respect you through

all the changes in our lives,

forever being grateful that we  found 

each other."

                                                      ~ Julianne

Following the ceremony, Julianne and Luke were able to relax and mingle with their guests on the verandah, enjoying the fabulous view, drinks and canapés as the sun finally disappeared into the horizon. Shortly afterwards, everybody began making their way into the main room for the beginning of the reception. 

Luke made a short welcome speech before everybody was served their delicious entree. Speeches by Luke's Mum, Lorraine, a toast by Luke's Dad, Michal and, an unscheduled, surprise few words from Julianne's Dad, David. A beautiful main meal before we heard from Maid of Honour, Karen who went on to detail some of Julianne's adventures followed by Luke's best friend and business partner, Zeeshan  recounting in a humorous manner, facts about Luke and the courtship.

Gunners' Barracks staff then served guests a decadent dessert which was enjoyed by all and in no time at all, it was time for the cake cutting. I absolutely love the photograph (see below) that I managed to capture of Julianne and Luke's kiss....a very special moment...you could feel the love and tenderness that they both share.

Guests were then invited out to the courtyard for Julianne and Luke's first dance. To Angus and Julia Stone's The Wedding Song, they danced under a canopy of fairylights and stars. Joined partway through by the members of the wedding party and then the guests, it was now party time. The rest of the evening was spent celebrating the union of these two beautiful people - some partied hard and others caught up and chatted away, fulfilling Julianne and Luke's desire for a relaxed, intimate and personal wedding.

Julianne and Luke are very much connected and are so perfect for each other; every time they look at each other they both break out in a smile, almost as if they are the only two people on this earth - it literally made my heart sing. I am extremely honoured that you invited me to be part of your wedding day and that I was there to witness the deep love you share for one another. I know this love will continue to grow and your life together will be full of happiness and magical smiles. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.

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Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Bridesmaids Processional: "Canon in D" by Pachelbel

• Brides Processional: "Canon in D" by Pachelbel

• Register Signing: "Ice Cream" by Sarah McLachlan, "It Must Be Love" by Madness
  

• Recessional: "Is This Love" by Bob Marley

• Cake Cutting Song: "The Book Of Love" by The Magnetic Fields
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "The Wedding Song" by Angus and Julia Stone
  

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

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

• Final Farewell Song: "Let's Go Crazy" by Prince
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Celebrant: Sarah Oluk CMC

Photographer: Blumenthal Photography

Floral Design: Buds and Bowers

Cake Design: Sharon Wee Creations

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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment