Oh we just LOVED playing for the backyard wedding of Rucas and Bernice. Two lovely lovely people, with a curious knack for DIY, and blessed with a florist just ’round the corner, precious family and friends who love them and who’d fly from interstate to celebrate with them, and a beautiful home to begin with. Although we were in our keyboard and bass band outfit (Mo’ Mojito), I thought we’d share it here as well.
We’d met this pair at Barrett Lane Winery and Function Centre at Swan Valley Wedding Expo about a year ago. They swung by towards the end of the evening before everyone started packing up. It was a 5 hour event, so even though we had some of the best suppliers in the house, being human, it was natural to prepare to wind things up. Then we saw a couple strut by, looking very comfortable. We started chatting and realised they had engaged Jason Tey for their photography for the evening. Jason is one of the nicest, most genuine persons you’d get to know in the industry, and is he fabulous at his job. Bernice asked if we would lead worship as that was an important part of their ceremony. And of course we would!
Months passed by and though we had several bookings and enquiries, we didn’t hear from them. The whole wedding industry last year 2020 from March had become a huge question mark. Where do we go from here? Many of our couples whose weddings were just smack in the middle of lockdown had to be cancelled and refunded. Just towards the end of the year, we had an enquiry from Rucas. They had decided to hold a small 23 persons wedding in their own home. And we were to be the highlight of their evening, as there wasn’t much entertainment else wise. I would beg to differ since their Uncle William was quite the storyteller! 😉
Thanks for being part of our wedding and being so relatable. 🙂 It was a magical night with jazz music in the background!
The day came and they blew us out of our minds. The decor in the backyard, the way everything was organised, and how they were such a beautiful team. Rucas and his bestmate Dennis from Sydney were busy filling drink stations with coconut water (great choice for the sunny weather!). Everyone looked so comfortable and relaxed, any wedding couple would be at least a little envious! It was such an easy vibe for the afternoon.
Apart from the beautiful festoon lighting in the backyard they put up on their own, they also made full use of their clothes line. Folded up against the wall, they could use the lines to put their memories on. On-the-day printed photos, and then going all the way back. Amazing, who needs slideshows!
They also converted their garage into a catering station for food to be prepared, and also for the grand entrance into the backyard and to the altar. It was adorable, but also brilliantly and elegantly executed. What a dream of a backyard wedding.
We played ‘From this Moment’ for the bridal entrance. And though their parents can’t all be with them, Uncle William was able to walk his niece, the lovely Bernice down the aisle. Later we moved into worship with King of My Heart, selected by the couple as it was less wordy and full of praise. It was a blessed moment.
Pastor Jeff was such a congenial man, and it turned out he was also from Singapore as I was. He proceeded to marry the two. When it came to Rucas’ vows, we saw him almost choke on his words, several times. Then realising it was an overhwhelm of emotions, as his bride-to-be wiped tears of joy away, I suddenly felt a rush of tears and had to look away. Having chatted with this couple for several months now, we felt love for them the way we have for any other friends. And their joy was ours. Bernice, began with her usual grace and poise, moving all of us.
When they finally signed, we burst into song with ‘What a Difference A Day Made’. Because it sure did! What a celebration as they walked back down the aisle. Everyone cheered.
We also continued to play for their evening reception. They catered beautiful southeast asian cuisines, yes, satay(!) was on the menu! Both of them from Malaysia, we were very blessed to revisit some of these familiar dishes!
We should also mention that, if you are a couple thinking of doing the same – to be with your loved ones even if they can’t be physically here with you – that the groom Rucas highly recommends a simple app called LoveCast. They had simply set it up on the phone camera and let it run the whole time. It was brilliant what technology has contributed to these changing times.
The evening was about the end and we were on our last tune for the evening. Then we saw the couple standing by, and Rucas was within an arm’s length. So i just threw the question, ‘First dance?’ And I called to Didi ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’, and so seamlessly they glid unto the patio, now transformed into a dance floor. Both shy, but so in love. It made us so happy to see them finally married.
They had practically become friends. So apparently, we have a thank you gift waiting for us. This is a first!
Thank you Rucas and Bernice for having us play for your beautiful wedding and for being incredible people. God bless your love, and your families.
xx
P+M
