Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 22 October 2011 | Samantha and Martin | Peppers Craigieburn, Bowral, Southern Highlands

Sometimes the best friendships turn into something more....an everlasting love! This sums up Samantha and Martin (Sam and Marty) perfectly. Sam and Marty are a beautiful couple who possess a warm, genuine and caring nature....they absolutely adore each other, are lots of fun and whilst they are in many ways not alike, they complement each other perfectly!!

Sam and Marty selected Peppers Craigieburn for both the ceremony and reception. This stunning rural property nestled on the outskirts of Bowral was an impeccable choice for this wonderful celebration.

Given that Sam had actually not been well and had other bad news in the fortnight leading up to the wedding, it was only just that it was such a perfect day - brilliant location, fantastic weather and the dark clouds that had decided to make an appearance and threaten to ruin Sam and Marty's ceremony, eventually were swayed by the love that this couple share and resolved to roll on by.

 

 

The guests had gathered and at the allotted time, the bridesmaids commenced their walk down the Craigieburn steps to the ceremony area. All eyes were on Sam as she appeared at the top of the steps, with her father, Mark. Looking both beautiful and stunning, Sam made her way to Marty, who was feeling just a little nervous.

It was a beautiful ceremony, officiated by Julie Lawton, it was full of love, fun and sentiment. I loved the way Sam changed the vows by adding the word "absolute/ly" in a couple of significant spots - dare I say it, absolutely beautiful.  Before we knew it Sam and Marty were united in marriage. They spent a little time mingling with their guests before setting off around the Peppers Craigieburn grounds for photographs.

  

 

 

"I love you

You are my absolute 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 absolutely love you

in good times and bad

When life seems easy

And when it seems hard,

When our love is simple,

And when it is an effort

I promise to cherish you,

And to always hold you in the highest regard

These things I give to you today,

And all the days of our lives"

 

Whilst the photographs were being taken, guests adjourned to Montfords Bar and enjoyed pre-dinner drinks.

 

A short time later the wedding party entered the reception to rapturous applause. A short welcome and thank you from Marty before a delicious entrée was served. A very heartfelt speech by Sam's dad, also recounted a little story about how Marty was introduced to the family. Next we heard from Marty's grandfather, Keith, who is affectionately known as "Pop". Keith went on to speak about how proud he and "Nan" were of Marty and how very pleased they both were to welcome Sam into the family.

Loved the little heart with Martin 4 Sam at Sam's setting on the Wedding Table - So Sweet!

The Lolly Buffet, which proved to be extremely popular!!!

Following a tantalising main meal, it was time for the cutting of the cake and the rest of the speeches. Bestman Kenny and Maid of Honour, Katie along with Bridesmaid, Mikala have been friends with Sam and Marty since pre-school or kindergarten and their speeches were both heartfelt and amusing. Kenny spoke first and recounted some amusing stories from when he and Marty were growing up. Katie and Mikala spoke of Sam, their close friendship and all her great qualities. Then just before Marty made his speech, there was a special surprise - a message from Mikala's husband, Shelby in Canada (Shelby was meant to be at the wedding, but due to a change in job was, sadly unable to attend). Marty, is a person of few words, but he thanked everyone for coming and then turned his attention to Sam, and expressed how amazing she had made his life and how more amazing it would be now that they were married.

Sam and Marty then made their way on to the dance floor for the first, of a lifetime of dances, as a married couple. The love between them was beautiful and it was a magical moment. Joined by the wedding party and guests they continued to dance the night away.

There were lots of things to love about Sam and Marty and their wedding day; I loved that they just wanted to get married..to start the next chapter of their lives together surrounded by their close family and friends, I love that they were true to themselves throughout their day and focussed on enjoying the day and having fun together regardless of whatever was thrown their way in the lead up, I loved their ceremony, I loved that they gave me the privilege to be a part of their special day and witness their love first hand. Sam and Marty, Thank you for your trust and faith in me. But most of all, thank you for touching my heart, by being your sweet lovely selves. May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.

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Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Bridesmaids Processional: "Kissing" by Bliss

• Brides Processional: "Kissing" by Bliss

• Register Signing: "The Wedding Song by Angus & Julia Stone, "All Is Love" by Karen O & The Kids
  

• Recessional: "If Tonight Was My Last" by Laura Izibor

• Wedding Party Entry: "Soul Meets Body" by Death Cab For Cutie

• Bride & Groom Entry: "Romeo & Juliet" by The Killers

• Cake Cutting Song: "Ice Cream" by Sarah Mclachan
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "Paperweight" by Joshua Radin & Schuyler Fisk
  

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

•  Garter Toss: "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top

• Final Farewell Song: "Heartbeats" by Jose Gonzalez
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Celebrant: Julie Lawton

Photographer: Matt Johnson Weddings

Floral Design: Lyndal Kennedy Floral Designs

Cake Design: Cupcakes For Poppy

Lolly Bar: Ooh La La Lolly Bars

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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment

Matt Johnson, the photographer at Sam and Marty's wedding has kindly provided some of his amazing professional images of the wonderful day. These photographs can be found on this blog at: Sam & Marty by Matt Johnson Weddings.