Wedding Reception | 24 October 2011 | Marianne and Adam | The Carrington, Katoomba, Blue Mountains
>> 28 October 2011 –
Blue Mountains,
Carrington Hotel,
Weddings
A year ago, Marianne had organised a getaway camping trip in the Blue Mountains with a group of friends for her birthday. As circumstances would have it, it was not the perfect weekend, weather wise, and everybody else decided it was too wet to stay, so decided to leave. With the rain falling and Marianne and Adam left alone, Adam, who had planned the proposal out many times in his head, felt this unplanned situation was the perfect moment to ask Marianne to marry him. He did and an extremely happy Marianne said yes!
So here we were twelve months to the day, on a Monday, in the Blue Mountains celebrating their marriage. The weather today was just perfect, brilliant spring sunshine. The ceremony was held at Evans Lookout it Blackheath before the 85 guests made their way back to The Carrington in Katoomba. The Carrington is a heritage listed hotel and one of the few remaining Australian examples of
a Victorian Grand Hotel, The Carrington features a magnificent Grand
Dining Room, which was where Marianne and Adam decided to hold their reception.
Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés with Marianne and Adam in The Lounge, before making their way into the Grand Dining Room. Once everyone was comfortable, all the very important people were acknowledged along with the members of the wedding party. This was done in a fun way where interesting facts about each individual person was communicated to the guests. Where appropriate, this was enhanced by the use of sound bites. Finally, everybody whooped it up for Marianne and Adam, before Marianne thanked everyone for being a part of their day.
Following the tantalising entrée, it was time for the speeches. First up we had Adam's Dad, Michael, then Marianne's Dad, Hector, the best man Conor, Maid of Honour, Michelle and finally bridesmaid Katrina. The speeches were humorous, heartfelt and really lovely. Of interest to note was that Marianne and Adam's wedding party also consisted of a Grooms Maid and two Brides Men.
Guests were then served and enjoyed a delectable main meal. We then had some very special messages from near and far. There was the messages from Marianne's Uncles in Ireland, one of which had a group of people gathered at his home and they left numerous messages throughout that evening - starting with wishing Marianne and Adam all the very best, through to singing songs, playing up and joking around and finally finishing up with a tearful message which was very moving. There was a message from Kentucky in the U.S. and messages from others that wanted to express their best wishes, but unfortunately could not be there. It really was quite a special part of the evening.
The time had arrived for the cutting of the cake, as it was also Marianne's birthday, the top layer (the huge cupcake) had candles for Marianne to blow out. Ably assisted by Adam, who stabled the cupcake tower, Marianne blew out the candles and cut the cake to great applause.
Guests were then served and enjoyed a delectable main meal. We then had some very special messages from near and far. There was the messages from Marianne's Uncles in Ireland, one of which had a group of people gathered at his home and they left numerous messages throughout that evening - starting with wishing Marianne and Adam all the very best, through to singing songs, playing up and joking around and finally finishing up with a tearful message which was very moving. There was a message from Kentucky in the U.S. and messages from others that wanted to express their best wishes, but unfortunately could not be there. It really was quite a special part of the evening.
The time had arrived for the cutting of the cake, as it was also Marianne's birthday, the top layer (the huge cupcake) had candles for Marianne to blow out. Ably assisted by Adam, who stabled the cupcake tower, Marianne blew out the candles and cut the cake to great applause.
Marianne and Adam then took to the dance floor for their first dance, they had beautiful personal messages in their song which caused a large number of the guests to shed a tear - it really was a magical moment.
Grooms man Ash, used to work at Club Med, and teach the Club Med Dance, so immediately after the first dance Ash, assisted by Best Man, Conor and Groomsman, Adam took to the floor and proceeded to teach everybody some fantastic moves - whilst many were shy and reluctant at first, they eventually warmed to the idea and it was a hit!
Ash's segment segued into general dancing and Marianne, Adam and the guests then proceeded to dance the night away. In what appeared to be no time at all it was time for the bouquet and garter toss. Marianne then had a special dance with her Dad, which contained a lovely message from Marianne, this touched him and brought some happy tears - another special moment. A final farewell dance with all the guests joining in and Marianne and Adam left to begin their new life together.
It was a fun reception with lots of surprises. Marianne and Adam wanted a reception which was easy going, yet energetic - I believe they got exactly this. Marianne and Adam, thank you for the trust you ultimately placed in me. I really enjoyed getting to know you both, sharing your day and adding to your memories. I loved the way you two kept sneaking kisses all night long, the way you both find joy in life, the way you like to make each other laugh and the way you both like to have fun! May love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.
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Songs selected by Bride and Groom;
- Cake Cutting Song: "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
- Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver
- Bouquet Toss: "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)" by Beyonce
- Garter Toss: "Girls, Girls, Girls" by Motley Crue
- Farewell Dance: "The Time (Dirty Bit)" by Black Eyed Peas
- Final Farewell Song: "Home" by Edward Sharpe And The The Magnetic Zeros
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Fun On The Dancefloor