Jess & Marco
Jess and Marco celebrated their wedding on a gorgeous summer day in early January. They chose Eight Willows Retreat as their venue, an ideal location for them as a lot of guests travelled from interstate and overseas. This venue holds luxurious accommodation options within walking distance of the wedding area, providing convenience and a holiday-like experience for everyone.
Jess and Marco travelled from interstate themselves, with Marco's family flying in all the way from South Africa to join in the celebration.
The ceremony took place in the bush garden at Eight Willows Retreat. The natural surroundings created a peaceful and intimate backdrop as the couple exchanged vows. The whole day was beautifully documented by Ash and Alex from Folktales. The images from the ceremony highlight the serene beauty of the setting, with sunlight filtering through the trees, casting a soft, golden glow over the couple and their guests.
Whilst the ceremony unfolded outdoors, I was inside the reception area ensuring every detail was perfectly arranged
Following the ceremony the bridal party ventured offsite to capture stunning golden hour photos. Jess and Marco, both naturally photogenic, looked absolutely radiant under the warm glow of the setting sun.
Meanwhile, their guests were treated to a selection of canapés and drinks, all while basking in the beautiful weather before heading into the reception for dinner service.
After greeting the bridal party, it was time to organise their grand entrance. Each couple entered with a snippet of a party song and did not disappoint, using props like tequila shots and a money gun. Jess and Marco’s entrance was spectacular, with cold spark machines set off that provided an indoor firework effect.
The reception area was so thoughtfully decorated with many special details. One standout element was the seating chart, which creatively named each table after a different House from Game of Thrones. Naturally, I felt compelled to play ‘The Rains of Castamere’ the iconic song from the Red Wedding during dinner, sharing a laugh with those seated at the ‘Stark’ table when the time came later in the evening. For any Game of Thrones fan, that episode is unforgettable.
Guests were treated to a delicious meal prepared by the incredible off-site catering team from Tiller Farm. George, the mastermind behind it all, introduced each dish, adding a personal touch to the experience. In one of the images below, you'll see a snapshot of George crafting his signature dessert, where liquid nitrogen plays a starring role.
Speeches took place between courses, the best man's speech started hilariously as he blew ‘dust’ off his speech papers, joking that it was about time Jess and Marco got married. Jess delivered her speech in both English and Afrikaans, which was deeply meaningful for her new husband and family members.
After the meals and speeches, guests gathered around the dance floor for the next event. Jess and Marco played the "shoe game," testing their knowledge of each other with questions like who is the funniest and who is the best cook, without seeing each other's answers.
The father-daughter dance followed, set to a beautiful cover of "What a Wonderful World" by The Macarons Project. It was a truly touching moment, and you could see their bond was so special.
Next was the First Dance, where Marco took his beautiful bride in his arms as he sang along to "Surf" by Mac Miller - a song whose lyrics I adore and have played more than a hundred times over since witnessing this magical First Dance moment.
A smoke machine filled the dance floor, creating a “dancing on clouds” effect, which was further amplified by the indoor fireworks lighting up the scene once more.
Their dance suddenly transitioned into a fun choreographed mashup, including some TikTok-inspired moves like the "Soldier Boy." They finished on "Get Low" by Flo Rida, encouraging all guests to join in the fun and get low with them to kick off the dance floor.
As the dance floor buzzed with energy, Jess added to the excitement reappearing with a dramatic outfit change. She made a striking entrance in her eye-catching sparkly flares and a fluffy white tube top, instantly capturing everyone's attention. Jess looked like an absolute queen as she shimmered under the lights with every movement, she literally lit up the night, adding an unforgettable touch to the festivities.
Marco had made a special request for some Afrikaans songs for the family members, which became an instant hit, drawing everyone to the dance floor. The energy was contagious, with the fun and upbeat rhythms bringing everyone together in celebration.
Among all the beautiful details of the day, what stood out the most to me about Jess and Marco was their taste in music. From EDM to hip-hop, their music selection allowed me to play a diverse range of songs that I absolutely loved, including some tracks that aren’t typically found in a traditional wedding playlist. It’s always refreshing to break away from the standard ‘Wedding DJ’ mold, and I believe this approach makes the experience even more memorable for both the couple and their guests.
The night came to a magical close as the newlyweds made their way through a tunnel of friends and family holding sparklers high above their heads. One of their favourite song Glass Animals' Heatwaves pumped through my speakers, the dreamy rhythms and vocals set the perfect backdrop for their final moments of their special day.
This day will always hold a special place in my heart. Jess and Marco, you truly owned the dance floor, pouring your hearts into every moment. I loved seeing you fully immersed in the music, letting loose and enjoying every beat. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reflect on your day. Wishing you endless happiness, love, and beautiful memories for the years ahead.
xoxo Katie B
