Wedding Reception | 9 September 2022 | Jeremia "Mia" & Michael "Smudge" | Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, Wollongong

When I met Mia & Michael, who prefers to be called "Smudge", not so long ago, they told me of their plans for a simple, relaxed and fun wedding that involved a beach-front ceremony, a fun reception and including the details to make the day their own. I could tell instantly that they were perfect for each other and I loved hearing about their plans to create a wedding day that was all about them.

Mia & Smudge are a lovely down to earth couple who met through a mutual friend. Smudge thought Mia was sexy and Mia was drawn to Smudge's sense of humour. On their first date, they went to Wollongong Beach, had coffee and then had fun ten pin bowling.

Not long after, they realised that they were falling in love and within a month, Smudge knew that Mia was the one for him. Whilst there was a plan for a Valentine's Day proposal, unfortunately delays with the ring postponed that proposal until March 2022.

Fast forward to 9 September 2022 and there was a drizzle of rain throughout the day. Mia & Smudge selected the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, which is located opposite North Wollongong Beach with stunning ocean or mountain views, for the ceremony and reception. We all had our fingers crossed that the rain would hold out so that they would be able to have their ceremony on the deck overlooking the ocean.

It was a simple elegant ceremony, wonderfully officiated by Renee Milthorpe, where Mia and Smudge made lifelong commitments to each other. In attendance were family and friends, some which had traveled from Brisbane, Melbourne and the Philippines to be there. Unfortunately, there was a brief moment whilst Mia & Michael were signing the Marriage Register where there was some rain and some guests needed to take cover until the retractable roof moved into position to shield everybody from getting wet.

Immediately following the ceremony, guests gathered for group photos, organised by Shane from Capture You. There were multiple fun group shots and family photographs taken, before Mia, Smudge, Shane and the wedding party departed for more photographs in the Hotel surrounds.

Before long, guests were seated in the Illawarra Rooms and enthusicatically greeted our newly married couple and their wedding party with great cheers and applause. The entry was made even more fun as each couple paused as they entered to show off some of their signature dance moves.

Before moving on to the meal, Mia's uncle, who had travelled up from Melbourne led Grace. This was followed by a delectably delicious meal which was interspersed with some fun and games, that had everyone engaged, entertained and the room filled with laughter. Next were the speeches and two beautiful messages from Mia's sister and mum, who regrettably were not able to travel from the Philippines to attend the wedding.

The cutting of the cake, lovely first dance and open dancing followed as guests boogied the night away.There were also some traditional Filipino dances which you can see in the photographs and video in this post.

In what seemed no time at all, it was time for the bouquet and garter toss, final farewell dance and for Mia & Smudge to depart to commence their happy ever after.

Mia & Smudge, thank you for granting me the great honour to play a part in your wedding day as your Wedding DJ Wollongong & Wedding MC Wollongong. It was lots of fun and from my observations, everyone was having a fantastic time celebrating your beautiful love. Wishing you both a life filled with love and joy as you begin your new life together and congratulations on finding the perfect person to share all your days with. May love, laughter, joy and music continue to fill your lives forever!!

Photography & Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment.

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Key Songs

• Bridesmaid Processional: "All Of Me" by Rob Landes and Aubry Anne

• Brides Processional: "From This Moment" by Zet & Rusdi

• Register Signing: "Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World" by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, "This Will Be" by Natalie Cole

• Recessional : "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Hall & Oates

• Wedding Party Entry: "All Of Me" by John Legend

• Bride & Groom Entry: "All Of Me" by John Legend

• Cake Cutting: "How Do I Live" by Leanne Rimes

• First Dance: "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion

• Bouquet Toss: "Dear Future Husband" by Megan Trainor

• Garter Toss: "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen

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

• Final Farewell: "Ain't No Mountain High Engouh" by Jimmy Barnes

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Other Wedding Professionals

Celebrant: Renee Milthorpe Celebrant

Photographer: Capture You Videography

Floristry & Styling: Splash Occasions

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