Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 16 February 2013 | Julie and Joseph | Private Residence, Sydney

Julie and Joe are a lovely couple who had met almost six years earlier. For their first date they went to see Pirates of the Caribbean III and dinner. Love blossomed and here we were on their wedding day. Even the mixed weather could not dampen their spirit and love they share. Just as I arrived, there was a downpour which partially flooded the reception marquee and caused some safety issues around my set up, however with a little ingenuity, Joe and I resolved the issue and we were ready to go - we just hoped that the rain would stop in time for the ceremony.

The ceremony and reception was held at the home of one of Julie's good friends on the outskirts of Sydney. This beautiful property had stunning views towards the City and it's surrounds and really was a beautiful location for a wedding. The weather gods in their wisdom ended up giving Julie and Joe the most perfect day.

As the clock struck 4:00 pm, the processional music started and the bridesmaids, which consisted of and Julie & Joe's daughters, Rheannon, Erinn, Tara and Lily commenced their walk to the ceremony area, followed by Julie, escorted by her mum, Sheila. Waiting was Joe and best man Nicholas. Guests then witnessed a lovely ceremony officiated by Vicky Watson  where they both professed their deep love for each other. This was followed by the sand ceremony with each member of this now blended family pouring a layer of coloured sand. The Marriage Register was then signed before Julie and Joe made their way back down the aisle as husband and wife.

Whilst Julie and Joe were having photographs around this magnificent property, guests were served refreshments, finger food and enjoyed the great view. A little while later guests were invited to take their seats inside the marquee before we officially welcomed the entire wedding party. Joe thanked everyone for being a part of their special day and encouraged them to have a good time.

 A buffet of delicious Italian food had been prepared and was ready however during one of our planning sessions we decided that in order to avoid a long queue at the buffet, that we would have an activity to determine when a specific table would be released to the buffet line.  Whilst the wedding party were helping themselves to the buffet, I explained to the guests that as a table they would need to select a song which contained the word "Love" and when called up, the table needed to serenade Julie and Joe until either of them decided that they had heard enough and only then could they join the buffet line. Guests were discussing songs, googling songs and lyrics and had heaps of FUN singing, dancing (this particular table assured me that Gangnam Style definitely has the word 'Love' in it, it is just in Korean), participating and watching the other tables perform. Check out all the smiles in the photo & video further below.

After everyone had finished their meal, we proceeded with the speeches. First up Julie's mum, Sheila, followed by Best Man, Nicholas, Joe and impromptu speeches from Joe's daughters, Tara and Lily. The cutting of the wedding cake and time for more fun and games whilst guests waited for their dessert. In the first activity Julie and Joe were seated back to back in the centre of the dance floor, I then had them remove their shoes and swap so that they had one of each shoe. I then asked them a series of questions to see how well they knew each other. To answer each question they would raise the appropriate shoe and being seated back to back, they could not see each others replies, which resulted in some great reactions from the guests. Once again great FUN! This was then followed by a silly dance activity which had 4 random couples doing the chicken dance before dessert was served.

It was now time for the first dance where mid way through Julie & Joe were joined by the wedding party and the guests. We then partied the night away. The bouquet toss and then the farewell dance where guests ended up forming a circle around Julie and Joe and as a group embaced them as the song neared the end.

Julie and Joe, I had lots of fun entertaining at your wedding. I believe we achieved your aim of a relaxed, low key but fun wedding - it was all these things, and more. Thank you for your trust and allowing me to be a part of this special day. You are both genuine, caring people who love each other and your blended family to bits. It was such a joy to witness this and really made my heart happy. May love, laughter and music continue to fill your lives forever!!   

Guests 'Singing For Their Supper'.

Guests participating in the 'Silly Dance' activity.

Mother of the Bride, Shiela and Best Man, Nicholas

Joseph

Tara and Lily

Can you pick the odd single lady out? Hint: Looks a lot like Joe!

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment

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Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Bridesmaids Processional: "Sweet Child Of Mine" by Vitamin String Quartet

• Bride Processional: "All I Want Is You" by Vitamin String Quartet

•  Sand Ceremony: "Orinoco Flow" by Enya

•  Register Signing: "You Shook Me All Night Long" by Vitamin String Quartet, " I Was Made For Loving You" by Vitamin String Quartet

• Recessional: "Crazy Little  Thing Called Love/I Feel Good" by Queen/James Brown

• Wedding Party Entry: "Firework" by Katy Perry, "Let It Roll" by Flo Rida, "Live While We Are Young" by One Direction, "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz

• Bride & Groom Entry: "I Gotta Feeling" by Black Eyed Peas

• Cake Cutting Song: "I Knew I Loved you Before I Met You" by Savage Garden
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "Truly Madly Deeply" by Savage Garden

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

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

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Other Wedding Professionals

Celebrant: Vicky Watson - A.Marriage Celebrant 4u

Photographer: Leanne (Details will be provided shortly)

Caterer: Dominics Catering

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