Wedding Reception | 27 September 2008 | Amanda & David | Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont, Sydney

Amanda and David are a delightful couple who I had the pleasure of meeting a number of times leading up to their wedding day. In what turned out to be an absolutely perfect spring day, they celebrated their marriage with 175 invited guests at Doltone House Jones Bay Wharf. Guests enjoyed welcome drinks and canapes on the balcony whilst taking in views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge as the sun slowly set.

One very special person amongst the guests was Amanda's grandfather who is in his nineties. It was later revealed that he had been looking forward and waiting all year for this day to come. David was also blessed with having one set of grandparents present at the reception. Sadly his other grandparents were unable to travel from the United States to join them in the celebration - however his aunt & uncle were able to make the trip.

As guests entered the room they were greeted by a fantastic canvas portrait of Amanda and David, whilst I have included a photograph below, my photograph certainly does not do the portrait any justice.

Following a lovely meal, it was time for the speeches. Amanda's dad, Michael was up first and commenced by addressing David's family in Italian - this was a very lovely touch which was greatly appreciated by the Italian speaking guests. David's dad Eric followed, then the bestman James and finally David.

After the speeches, David surprised Amanda by presenting her with red roses, chocolates and a stunning diamond necklace. They then cut the wedding cake and took to the dance floor for their first dance to a beautiful song by Eros Ramazzotti and Anastacia. The members of the bridal party and invited guests then joined them on the dance floor.

All too quickly, it was suddenly time for Amanda and David to say goodbye, but not before Amanda had a chance to have a dance with her dad. Amanda had selected the most perfect song for this dance, I Ask (Amanda) - a song where a father is speaking to his daughter, Amanda on her wedding day, it was a emotional moment for both of them as can be seen in the photo and video clip below.

It was an elegant and fun reception with some emotional moments. This lovely couple are very much in love and there was frequent open expression of this throughout the reception. It was an absolute privilege to have been a part of their special day.

(Below) Amanda dancing with her Dad

Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Grandparents Entry Song: "Moondance" by Michael Buble

• Bridal Party Entry Song: "Rain Down Love" by Freemasons Feat. Sideah Garrett
  

• Bride & Groom Entry Song: "Rain Down Love" by Freemasons Feat. Sideah Garrett

• Cake Cutting Song: "My Baby Just Cares For Me" by Natalie Cole

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "I Belong To You (Il Ritmo Della Passione)" by Eros Ramazzotti & Anastacia
  

• Father /Daughter Dance: "I Ask (Amanda)" by Richard Frankz

• Bouquet Toss: "Ladies Night" by Kool & The Gang

• Garter Toss: "Legs" by ZZ Top
  

• Farewell Circle: "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones, "Thank You" by Dido, "My Happiness" by Powderfinger
  

• Final Farewell Song: "On A Night Like This" by Kylie Minogue
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Photographer: Daniel Griffiths Photography

Videographer: Running Images 0412 448 305

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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Mobile Disco Entertainment

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Corporate Event | 11 September 2008 | WaterView, Bicentennial Park, Homebush, Sydney

Staff Achievement Awards Night. Held at the Waterview Function Centre Bicentennial Park at Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush. This venue is surrounded by serene parklands, lakes and ponds which creates a more relaxed atmosphere to city venues - plus there is no problem finding parking!

Following the Dinner and presentation of the Achievement Awards, staff let their hair down and partied - as you can see from the photographs and the smiles on faces, a great time was had by all.

Venue Photography by DJ:Plus! Mobile Disco Entertainment

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Wedding Ceremony & Reception | 23 August 2008 | Chantelle & Anthony | Chapel Hill, Berambing, Blue Mountains

Chantelle and Anthony held their Ceremony and Reception at Chapel Hill Retreat which is located on 80 rural acres in the foot hills of Mt Tomah, at the entrance to the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area about 90 minutes drive from Sydney. Chapel Hill is unique in that it offers a non-denominational chapel modeled on an early Australian country church which features a floor-to-ceiling stained-glass window, a reception facility with magnificent panoramic views across the Blue Mountains and luxury self-contained cottage accommodation.

Whilst it had been raining overnight, the skies cleared blessing Chantelle and Anthony with a fantastic, but crisp, autumn day. The 75 invited family and friends all crammed into the chapel to witness what was a very beautiful ceremony. Following the ceremony guests were served canapes and refreshments whilst Chantelle, Anthony and their bridal party roamed the property for various photographs. I was lucky to be able to quickly duck out and snapped the following shots;

It was a lovely fun and lively reception filled with some emotional moments. Following the entree, Chantelle and Anthony had the first of a lifetime of dances together. As the photos below show - they are very much in love with each other.

After the first dance Chantelle and Anthony had an opportunity to visit with guests and have photographs taken with each of them. The speeches by Chantelle's father, Joe, the best man, Jason, Anthony and finally by Chantelle followed the main course. During the speeches there were lots of lovely sentiments expressed by all the speakers, what was very clear was the deep respect and love that everybody has for Chantelle and Anthony, the reciprocal respect and love that they have for everybody that was invited and most importantly....for each other. Speeches were followed by the cake cutting and then another opportunity was taken by our lovely couple to mingle with the guests.

It was soon time to open up the dance floor and wow what can I say, everybody was ready to help make the evening one which Chantelle and Anthony will never forget. The dance floor was full from the moment the dancing started and did not let up until the end. During the dancing we took two very short breaks - the first was so that Chantelle could perform a special presentation of her bridal bouquet to her mum Anna and toss the "throwaway" bouquet to all the single ladies. Anthony then removed the garter and all the single gentlemen eagerly gathered to catch it. The second pause in dancing was so that Chantelle could have a very special dance with her father. Part way through Anthony was invited to escort Chantelle's mother onto the dance floor and join in to share in this special moment. This was a highly emotional and extremely special time.

Dancing resumed with the crowd going strong right to the very last song. After bidding farewell to the guests, this very lovely couple left to begin their new life together - one which I am extremely certain will bring life long happiness to both of them.

I also had the opportunity to work with photographer Daniel Hatfield again at this wedding. I met Daniel last year at another wedding at Chapel Hill. It was nice to catch up with him again. He is a pleasure to work with, takes a great deal of pride and is very professional in his work.

Songs selected by Bride and Groom;

• Bridal Party Entry Song: "Sunchyme" by Dario G
  

• Bride & Groom Entry Song: "In Love Again" by Rogue Traders (Custom Edit)
  

• Bridal Waltz/First Dance: "Just The Way You Are" by Billy Joel
  

• Cake Cutting Song: "The Look Of Love" by Tina Arena
  

• Father /Daughter Dance: "Butterfly Kisses" by Bob Carlisle

• Bouquet Toss: "Upside Down" by Diana Ross

• Garter Toss: "Need You Tonight" by INXS

• Farewell Circle: "This Old Love" by Lior, "We've Only Just Begun" by The Carpenters, "I've Finally Found Someone" by Bryan Adams & Barbra Streisand, "Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones
  

• Final Farewell Song: "I've Had The Time Of My Life" by Bill Medley & Jennifer Warne
  

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Other Wedding Professionals

Photographer: Daniel Hatfield Photography

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Fun On The Dancefloor

Photography and Video by DJ:Plus! Mobile Disco Entertainment

Read more...