Wedding Reception | 20 October 2012 | Lisa & Robert | Ivy Ballroom, Sydney

Lisa and Robert are beautiful individuals who had met just over five years prior through friends. Their love blossomed and Rob proposed in September last year. When I first met them, they shared their proposal story and how after lots of planning by Robert, it had to be hastily rearranged and bought forward due to the likelihood that rain might ruin his original plans. Fast forward to 20 October 2012, blessed by an absolutely beautiful Sydney Spring day with not a single cloud in sight, Robert also vividly shared this story with the 220 invited family and friends that were gathered in the Ivy Ballroom to celebrate their wedding. Of course the guests loved hearing it.

There were many special moments throughout the reception, some which I managed to capture and some that I was not, but one thing is certain, Lisa and Robert are just perfect for each other and they created their perfect day filled with lots of laughter, love, close family, friends and beautiful elegant details. Surrounded by their family and friends, they celebrated in style and I loved every minute of it! Lisa and Robert, it was such a huge honour to be a part of your fantastic day, may love, laughter and music fill your lives forever.

 

 

 

 

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Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Bride's Parents Entry: "My First, My Last, My Evertyhing by Barry White

• Groom's Parents Entry: "Original Sin" by INXS

• Wedding Party Entry: "We Found Love" by Rihanna Feat. Calvin Harris, "Music Sounds Better With You" by Stardust, "True Love"  by Friendly Fires, "Lasso" by Phoenix

• Bride & Groom Entry: "Robot Rock" by Daft Punk

• Cake Cutting Song: "Shining Light" by Ash
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "My First, My Last, My Everything" by Joshua Radin

• Parent Dance: "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong

• Bouquet Toss: "California Gurls" by Katy Perry

• Garter Toss: "Joker & The Thief" by Wolfmother

• Farewell Dance: "Can You Feel It" by The Jacksons

• Final Farewell Song: "Sweet Disposition" by Temper Trap
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Photographer: Inlighten Photography

Videographer: Playtime Films

Floral Designer: Mr Cook

Cake Designer: Faye Cahill Cake Design

Photo Booth: Photobooth Events

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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Entertainment (Except Photobooth Photos)

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DJ:Plus! Entertainment Winner Best Wedding DJ Sydney, NSW & Australia at Wedding Industry Experts Awards

Earlier this month, DJ:Plus! Entertainment was proud and excited to be notified that in the recent 2012 Wedding Industry Experts Awards, DJ:Plus! Entertainment was awarded;

Winner: Best Disc Jockey - Sydney

Winner: Best Disc Jockey - New South Wales

Winner: Best Disc Jockey - Australia

Finalist: Top 100 Best Disc Jockey - Worldwide - Ranking: 29 of 100

A huge thank you to all those who thought so highly of my services, your kindness is very much appreciated.

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Wedding Tips - Choosing Your First Dance

Having entertained at many weddings over the past 35 odd years, I have had the honour to introduce many couples as they stepped onto the dance floor for the first time as husband and wife. With family and friends watching, there can be a lot of pressure on a moment where you should be able to breathe easy, relax and enjoy the beginning of your new life together after all the time spent planning the wedding. Depending on the level of nervousness and extent to which the couple have prepared, I have seen some slow dances, fast dances, great dances, embarrassing dances and many truly beautiful and emotional dances.

Simply Bridal has created a flow chart that provides a fun way to select the type of first dance song and how to dance to it.  This flow chart can assist you select one of the most important songs in your life but it is important to understand that the style of dancing will also depend on how much time you are prepared to devote to practicing if necessary.

Once you have selected the type of song and dance that suits you best, how do you select the perfect song to mark the beginning of your new life together?  Here are a few tips and ideas that may help you decide!

1. Special Memories. Think about all the wonderful times you have shared as a couple. Was there a certain song playing when you met or at the proposal? Did you ever dance to some fun songs or dazzle with your extraordinary moves? What was the first song you both danced to after you met or after you started dating? Memories like these are a great starting point when picking your song. What is your Ultimate Love Song?  You do not necessarily have to use any of these songs for your first dance, but they can be a great starting point.

2. Favourite Artist. What music do you listen to most. Regardless whether it is pop, rock or country, go through your favourite artists songs to determine if there is something that stands out and that you truly enjoy. The music you listen to the most is usually music which lifts your spirits and makes your day more enjoyable, so it can provide some guidance for your final choice.

3. Write It Down. Ever hear a song on the radio, television or a commercial that you liked but could never remember it later?  Anytime you hear a song that you love, quickly write it down or make a note on your phone.

4. Be True To Yourselves. Consider the style of your ceremony and reception. Not that this needs to decide your first dance, but it can certainly help! If you are having a traditional reception, getting down to some hip-hop may not be the most appropriate option. Ensure that your song reflects your personalities as a couple and fits in with your wedding theme. Your song selection should make you feel both happy and excited!

5. Research. The Internet, movies, wedding books and magazines are full of suggestions. There are ideas everywhere just waiting to be found!

6. Ask others. Ask your family, friends and work colleagues for suggestions. Their ideas may be something that would have never crossed your mind, yet be absolutely perfect!

6. Check The Lyrics. It is very important to check the lyrics of  your song choice, You may love a particular song for its melody or chorus, but the remainder of song may not actually be appropriate. A song with inappropriate lyrics may just kill the mood.

8. Dance it Out! When you have both narrowed it down to a handful of songs, take the time to try dancing to them. Not only will this be fun and bring you closer together, but you will also be practicing some steps for the big day!

In conclusion, your first dance as husband and wife is a special moment that will be remembered for many years. Whichever song and dance style you choose for your special day, remember that it is ultimately a special time meant to be shared by the both of you. For some a choreographed routine is the go. For others, a simple slow dance, swaying to a favourite song while wrapped in each others arms, works best.  The song and style of dancing you select is up to you, but it should stay true to your personalities, reflect the feelings that you share, and be meaningful to you as a couple.

Images sourced from: lisarigbyphotography.com,  carolinacattan.com

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Wedding Tips - Three Of The Most Underrated Services Left Off On A Vendor List

As regular readers will know, I absolutely love weddings and wish every couple to have the best wedding possible. I also understand the contribution that professional suppliers can have in turning a mediocre wedding into one which is truly unforgettable. Unfortunately, sometimes due to the budget spiraling out of control, some key wedding services  are either deemed unnecessary, a very low cost option is secured or inexperienced friends & relatives are given various roles normally filled by professionals. In these situations, more often than not, the final result can be far less than satisfactory for many reasons.

Others in the wedding industry have witnessed first hand and therefore understand the huge impact that great entertainment and a professional MC can have on the success of a wedding celebration and the enjoyment of the guests. Now I could write another article on this topic but then it would seem that I was merely promoting the types of services that I provide and could be seen as biased. A little while ago, I came across an article by one of Sydney's best known and professional wedding planners, Girl Friday Weddings (with which I have no business or personal relationship other than that I have 'Liked' their Facebook page because I admire the high standards of their work and professionalism) which talked about how their clients regretted overlooking some key services after the event. The article has been reproduced in its entirety below to offer an unbiased view from a non related wedding professional. Hope you enjoy this article.


3 Of The Most Underrated Services Left Off On A Vendor List by Girl Friday Weddings

Upon our very first meeting with any of our clients, one of the first things that we will discuss is vendor bookings. Many of our couples have already made some progress with their arrangements, and just need help, guidance… and yes recommendations. We wouldn’t be very good wedding planners without being able to point them in the right direction. Working with as many different couples as we do, we tend to see similar patterns and trends in vendor bookings. And more often than not in an attempt to pull the budget in, or keep a wedding personal, some vendors are passed over all together. And many couples will tell you, after it’s all said and done – that they’ve regretted it. Want to know the 3 most commonly left off vendors?

1.   DJ or Live Music

iPod music. Great idea in theory. When a couple explains that they’re playing music off their iPod, I can’t help but feel nervous. Most couples tend to do this because they would argue that the DJ does all his best work from his mac anyway. What they fail to remember is that the DJ brings along his PA giving you great sound, can often bring along a wireless microphone if you need one for the speeches, can sometimes MC for you, can start as well as stop and cue music at any time. Perfect for bridal entries, first dances, or pulling a song half way through if it’s not a crowd pleaser. They’ll be able to cue tracks according to the mood of your guests, and unfortunately our friends at apple haven’t managed an app for this particular function yet. There are so many variables when it comes to playlists on an iPod. Do we notice the difference when a DJ or band is in control. Most definitely. Yes an iPod will probably save you money, but in terms of the guest experience and a good night, is it money that you are able to save elsewhere?

2.   The Master of Ceremonies

The MC has such a crucial role, and you really don’t know what a bad MC is, until you’ve sat through a wedding with a cringe on your face. Being the official host for the evening they are responsible for keeping events moving. Along with your wedding planner and floor manager, probably one of the most important jobs when it comes to making sure that everything is as it should be. To be a part of a wedding which looks amazing, with the most exceptional food and wine, only have to have it tainted by the brides uncle who is also the MC is quite distressing. Bad jokes, clunky delivery and introductions, and sense of humour (which only you’d know after watching Ricky Gervais in an episode of The Office) really says it all. If you don’t know anyone capable or confident enough to MC your wedding, invest in a good MC. No it’s not lame. Your guests will thank you, and so will you – when your food leaves the kitchen still hot because the MC is doing his job correctly!

3.   Videographer

When it comes to videography, it has been a huge shift to the more popular cinematic experience which we see much of today. Unfortunately the humble videographer had such a bad reputation back in the days for making bridal parties do ridiculous things (that they’d never usually do), and produce a montage of the day’s events to a video clip with a tune from Grease as the backing track. Wow, things really have come a long way! Yes it was always going to be hard for them to regain their credibility and get the great kudos that they really deserve today. Hiring any decent videographer is a costly decision, and if you’re going to do something – do it right. But don’t make the choice not to hire a videographer based old school thought that their work is staged, tacky and superfluous. Videography doesn’t need to be any more staged than a candid photographer from the best studio. Many couples who’ve invested in videography have said that it’s one of the best choices they’ve made. And couples are really spoiled for choice with how they can use their videographer today. Super 8, cinematic productions and same day edits to name just a few. Cheap? No. Worth a second thought? Absolutely.

Money doesn’t grow on trees. And we know this, because we keep trying ourselves in the studio! But before you dismiss these vendors, give it some more thought. Is there a better way for you to keep the budget lean and mean? Are you better off forgoing a few guests off your list that you’re unlikely to still be in touch with in 10 years anyway? In our experience though, before you dismiss a vendor because of the numbers on paper, weigh up the pros and cons, and speak to people! Never make a choice based on the cheapest option alone, and make sure you do your research – because in our experience, you’ll get what you pay for.

Original Girl Friday Weddings article can be found here. Image from WeddingByColor.com. 

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