Wedding Reception & Ceremony | 22 March 2022 | Sandy & Kevin | Melross & Willow Estate, Kangaroo Valley, Southern Highlands

Sandy and Kevin are a beautiful couple and whilst they are very different, they complement each other perfectly. They met via Tinder in 2015 and whilst both were feeling very nervous in the lead up to their first date, they "clicked", instantly warmed to each other and the date proceeded involving lots and lots of talking.

Their ceremony and reception was held at Melross & Willow Estate located in Kangaroo Valley, which is in the Southern Highlands/Shoalhaven/South Coast area of NSW. The area is known for its lovely farm vistas, rugged mountains and the natural beauty of the valley, making it a perfect picturesque location for a wedding.

Unfortunately, due to recent torrential rain, Sandy and Kevin were unable to have their first choice of ceremony location, at the top of the hill, but really anywhere on this spectacular property is a good choice. In the end, the ceremony was held just outside the reception venue on the property, known as the Barn On Melross.

When Kevin proposed to Sandy he had organised a scavenger hunt under the pretense of a friend's birthday party activity. It involved following clues to different locations around Sydney and eventually turning up to a location where there was a bucket on a stool, covered in a blanket which contained champagne and other items. When Sandy looked in the bucket, Kevin went down on one knee behind Sandy and when she turned around asked her to marry him.

Sandy, not expecting anything, replied "What about the game? Did I win the game?" Kevin replied that there was no real game and asked her to marry him again. But Sandy, still a little confused as to what was happening, asked again, "But what about the game?" Kevin the explained more fully, that there was no other contestants in this game, and asked Sandy once more for her hand in marriage. Third time lucky, Sandy said "Yes"!

It was a beautiful warm sunny day, with all the recent rain making humid and seeming even hotter, but at the allotted time, the Bridesmaids and Sandy began their processional to the ceremony location where Kevin, the Groomsmen and guests were waiting. Kevin and Sandy put their own touches to the ceremony, which was officiated by Deacon Peter Presdee and even included having their "child", Gemma as the ring bearer, Sandy having a paw print on her body, Ned Kelly bursting into the reception and collecting the gift envelopes, along with some unique song selections to make it their own.

Courtesy of Red Berry Photography

Before we knew it, they were a newly married couple, following congratulations from the guests and a few family photographs, Sandy, Kevin and their wedding party were whisked away by Chris of Red Berry Photography for shots around the magnificent property.

Courtesy of Red Berry Photography

Courtesy of Red Berry Photography

Courtesy of Red Berry Photography

Courtesy of Red Berry Photography

The reception was lots of fun with great speeches, a delicious meal expertly prepared by Caterina, bride & groom trivia, a dance-off and of course, a scavenger hunt (to give a nod to the proposal - and Sandy knew exactly what was going on this time :-) ), which was enjoyed by all. A beautiful and unique first dance, before........wait for it........guests joined Sandy and Kevin on the dance floor for the Chicken Dance!

Guests danced the next couple of hours away, but before long it was time to wrap up the celebration, but not before the bouquet toss, garter toss and a farewell dance with everyone on the dance floor.

I had such a great time with these two and their super fun bridal party. Their wedding day was filled with laughter, crazy hot humid weather, quick downpours and a whole lot of fun. Sandy and Kevin, Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be your Southern Highlands Wedding MC and Southern Highlands Wedding DJ. As you commence your journey as a married couple, may your marriage be filled with all the right ingredients: a heap of love, a dash of humour, a touch of romance, and a spoonful of understanding. May love, laughter, joy and music continue to fill your lives forever!!.

Photography by DJ:Plus! Entertainment except for first five images (credit given on each image)

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Key Songs

• Groom & Groomsmen Processional: "Thunderbirds End Theme" by Barry Gray

• Bridesmaid Processional: "You Are The Reason" by Calum Scott & Leona Lewis

• Bride's Processional: "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding

• Register Signing: "The Typewriter" by Leroy Anderson, "Pokemon Rap" by Bill Cosby

• Recessional: "House Of Cards UK Theme" by Original Soundtrack

• Wedding Party Entry: "Dragon Ball Opening Theme Song" by Original Theme, "Back In Black" by AC/DC, "*iggas In Paris" by Jay-Z & Kanye West, "Baby, One More Time" by Britney Spears

• Bride & Groom Entry: "You're The One That I Want" by John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John

• Cake Cutting: "Sugar, Sugar" by The Archies

• First Dance: "Beautiful In White" by Westlife

• Bouquet Toss: "Milkshake" by Kelis

• Garter Toss: "Laughing Policeman" by Charles Jolly / Penrose

• Farewell Dance: "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" by Shania Twain

• Final Farewell: "1234" by Feist

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Other Wedding Professionals

Caterer: Caterina Kangaroo Valley

Videographer: Red Berry Photography

Cake Designer: Caterina Kangaroo Valley

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