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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ABIA Wedding Industry Awards 23 August 2022

Early in August 2022, I was notified by ABIA Weddings Australia, that I had qualified as a finalist in the 2022 NSW Wedding Industry Awards for both Master of Ceremony (MC) and Disc Jockey (DJ).

Finalists are shortlisted, all having achieved an average customer satisfaction rating above 95% and met the average benchmark number of nominations in the respective Award Category. Given that DJ:Plus! Entertainment focus is on quality over quantity, I was of the belief that it would be difficult to qualify, however it appears I was proven wrong.

To my surprise, I even managed to achieve Top 5 in Master Of Ceremonies and Top 10 in Disc Jockey against many colleagues whom entertain at 3 to 5 times the amount of weddings than DJ:Plus! Entertainment.

Thank you to all my beautiful couples who have allowed me to play a part in their special day. Your trust will never be be forgotten and you all touch my heart in ways you may never realise.

"ABIA would like to personally congratulate DJ:Plus! Entertainment on its recent achievement to be recognised as one of NSW's Best & Trusted Wedding Businesses.

We could not be more proud of the NSW Wedding Industry for not only setting powerful standards for the free-for-all wedding marketplace, but for also supporting and guiding wedding couples through such challenging times with professionalism, excellence, and kindness." ~ ABIA Weddings Australia

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DJ:Plus! Entertainment Winner At Corporate Live Wire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2022

Out of the blue, I was notified that I had won the "Wedding DJ Service Of The Year" category in the Corporate Live Wire Innovation & Excellence Awards 2022.

From my understanding, the awards are determined based on an individual or business being service focused and taking an innovative approach to deliver exceptional performance. Corporate Live Wire then look at each case individually and assess how more effective and innovative processes have been harnessed and ideas implemented which will transform their industry for the better.

Whilst, I have no idea who nominated DJ:Plus! Entertainment, I am eternally grateful for all my beautiful couples. Your satisfaction and happiness is what drives me and there is no greater honour for me than to be trusted to help create wonderful wedding memories.

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DJ:Plus! Entertainment Winner At 2022 LUXlife Magazine Global Wedding Awards

LUXlife Magazine announces the winners of the 2022 Global Wedding Awards. (Press Release)

It takes a truly special company or individual to distinguish themselves on the global wedding landscape. Indeed, while all industries demand a certain dedication to excellence, the luxury events sphere seeks only the best, and only the best can find enduring success. For this reason, LUXlife launched the Global Wedding Awards to highlight those that have remained steadfast and unwavering in this commitment and pursuit towards perfection.

Awards Coordinator Emma Pridmore took a moment to comment on the success of the winners: “The wedding industry has long been a difficult one to excel in, and all of our winners are made of outstanding stuff. I am proud of each and every one of my winners and I hope to hear more about your success in the years to come. I offer a heartfelt congratulations to you all.”

DJ:Plus! Entertainment is extremely proud to be a recipient of this award. I love what I do and love my couples even more. Their trust in me is never taken for granted and it is such a huge honour to  be given the opportunity to be a part of a their wedding day. Accordingly, I give my all and then some to give them the best wedding possible. Thank you. Thank you!

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ABIA National Designer Of Dreams Awards 2022

Under normal circumstances, the Designer Of Dreams Awards are held on the Gold Coast, however, as the past two years have not been normal, this event was held online. In order to qualify for the award, wedding businesses have to be rated & reviewed with ABIA over 4 consecutive years, achieving an average customer-rating above 95% from a strong volume of clients.  

First, foremost and most importantly, I wish to thank all my beautiful couples for investing their trust in me and allowing me to be a part of their wedding day. It means a lot to me and feel truly humbled and honoured and to receive this prestigious award on top of being a part of your wedding day, is the icing on the cake.

The National Designer of Dreams Award represents the highest achievement in Australia’s Wedding Industry and whilst I have been fortunate to receive several over the years, this one is a little more significant to me. 

Why you may ask? Given the impact of the last two years on weddings and the fact that a volume criteria was introduced a couple of years back ('strong volume of clients' mentioned above), this inherently makes it so much more difficult for DJ:Plus! Entertainment to even qualify, due to my business model limiting the number of weddings taken each year to no more than 25, in order to ensure that each of my couples receives the greatest level of attention and service excellence.

Going forward, given this business model and the new criteria, I am uncertain that I will continue to qualify, however regardless, I WILL continue to deliver at the highest level possible and strive to exceed expectations for each and every one of my couples. 

BIG congratulations go out to all my industry colleagues and friends who also qualified and were successful in receiving an award. It was greatly deserved by each and everyone of them.

To conclude, I extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every person who has touched me in whatever capacity. I am deeply grateful for ALL of you and the opportunity to be able to be recognised for something I am extremely passionate about. 

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DJ:Plus! Entertainment Winner In Wedding Diaries Editor's Choice Awards 2022

DJ:Plus! Entertainment was pleased to learn that it had been once again announced as a winner in the Wedding Diaries, Editor's Choice Awards!

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