Mads & Jesse

“According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four arms, four legs and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them into two separate parts, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other halves.” - Plato.

Tucked away in a secluded corner of the South Coast in the beautiful gardens of Tree Elle Retreat, encircled by friends and family, Jesse shared these words with Madeline just moments before they became husband and wife. It was just one moment of many that day that really spoke to the core of who they both are & the love they have found together.

Something from the moment I first met them was super obvious - these two just adored each other. Like in the kind of way that makes you even feel good about yourself. Crazy connection. Beaming with energy.

The energy and romance that was so infectious with these two was something that was felt in spades on the day of the wedding. The playlist that I had curated with both Mads & Jesse’s help for the cocktail hours was a broad mix of Modern Indie, Classic Rhythm & Blues with a little funk and soul for good measure. A really nice break away from traditional cocktail music & it really helped set the mood they were after - vibey enough to get everybody in the mood, yet alternative modern classics to represent their personalities to a tee.

The Sun went down, the amazing Canape`s from Runes Catering were moving around the gardens & the speeches began. As they should be, they were met with a lot of laughs as both fathers & members from both sides of the family shared their best (and worst - i’m looking at you Sean & Brodie!) memories of the newlyweds. I don’t know if i’ve said it before, but I will say it again - I love speeches!

For their first dance, Jesse & Madeline had chosen a song that took them back to some of their first moments together - The Black Keys “The Lengths”. Absolutely perfect for the moment, and when they stepped onto the dance floor they were completely lost in each other. Even when their guests joined them in the moment, they still stayed completely in it together. Amazing to watch! The feeling was right, so once their song ended I followed up with the Elvis Presley Classic, “I can’t help falling in love with you” which really gave them time to breathe and soak up the emotion of where they were.

From there it was party time, and after a few songs Jesse asked me to play Rick Springfield’s “Jesse’s Girl” - definitely an obvious choice, but maybe the song of the night. From the first riff all of the people on the floor surrounded Jesse & Mads and proceeded to belt out the tune as loud as they could and when the guitar solo hit, Jesse dropped to his knees, air guitared the shit out of it and made the vibe go through the roof, absolutely massive highlight for me.

To compliment the night and incorporate their love of literature & film they had one of the most unique things i’ve experienced at a wedding, an outdoor cinema screening of Love Actually on the lawn behind the reception with popcorn & fairy floss being freshly made for everyone.

I loved this idea, it just resonated so much with me - Im all about the personal touches that make your wedding unique to you and this was absolutely bang on. What made it all the more special was that while all the guests raged on with me over on the dance floor to Classics and 90’s & 00’s bangers for the rest of the night, Jesse & Madeline got to cozy up on the couch, relax with some of their closest & truly enjoy each others company on their first night together as Husband & Wife. Magic.