Weddings Of The Rich And Famous
By Gavin Lawrence
We’ve been lucky enough to be asked to supply our photo and video booths at weddings that most people only read about or see on TV.
We’ve also had the pleasure of working at many other wedding receptions all over Australia. From backyard BBQ’s to grand hotels and everything in between. It’s amazing to see how all the hard work and creativeness that is involved in pulling off such an important occasion, comes together on the night.
Whether you hire a wedding planner or you make all the intricate details yourself, we think the best weddings are when everyone is relaxed, mingling and enjoying themselves, including the bride.
In no particular order, here’s a selection of weddings that just blew our minds:
Greg Bird and his bride Becky
The only word to describe this wedding is epic. Greg Bird, the NSW and Australian rugby league representative and his gorgeous wife Becky, didn’t spare any expense for the star-studded guest list. Set in the ultra modern mansion, Horizon Byron Bay, it was an event that you just couldn’t stop turning your head during. Weddings simply don’t come any better than this one.
The couple welcomed us with open arms from the start when we met for breakfast at their cafe BSKT, and we made sure we didn’t drop the ball on their big day. The booth was flat-out all afternoon and night. At times, there was a 15 metre lineup to get in the booth with everyone either being an elite athlete, actor, singer, celebrity or they looked like a Victoria’s Secret model. RI-DIC-U-LOUS.
Among those enjoying the couples celebration were Blues captain Paul Gallen, the Morris twins, Brett and Josh, Dave Taylor, Luke Lewis, Ryan James with league/rugby/dancing great and all round good guy Mat Rogers.
We entertained the guests with a classic photo booth that we converted into a video booth for a little while so the guests could leave a teary, funny or heartfelt video message to the bride and groom. By the end of the night we had clicked up over 400 photos and 25 group video messages.
“Blue Steel is awesome and very professional. Gavin did more than we could have imagined and everyone loved the booth. We sat with family and friends looking at all the photos and video messages they filmed. It’s something we’ll keep forever. We’ve already recommended Blue Steel to our friends.” Greg and Becky Bird
Sally Hawach (née Singleton) and her groom Pierre
When John Singleton, the Aussie legend and advertising genius, hands his daughter over to a groom, you know its going to be an event to remember. The adorable couple had two weddings, of course, one in Rome and the other in Sydney.
Set in Pierre’s family home in Sydney, this wedding reception was off the charts with such a good party vibe throughout the entire afternoon and night. The Lebanese food was amazing and never stopped, the band was loud and banging, and literally everyone was smiling and dancing.
The “Who’s Who” of Australian business, society and arts all enjoyed our booth featuring photos and video messaging. Everyone had a turn in the booth including Singleton himself and property magnate Tom Ray with sister Savannah. Motivational speaker and head of PCSRF, Perry Cross, joined in as did Jon Stevens, the frontman for Noiseworks and later INXS, who also got behind the mic for a few songs, 10 metres away from our booth.
“Thanks Gavin and Blue Steel, you’re awesome! So much fun was had.” Sally Hawach (née Singleton)
Ben Cronin and his bride Taryn
The venue of this divine wedding was the couple’s home in Ascot, Brisbane. Ben, Regional Director APAC at Viziya and his delightful bride, Taryn, certainly did their homework on what makes a good wedding, great. The exquisite food, live music, bar, decorations and even the bathroom were all spectacular, as was the warm welcome from the hosts.
What etched in our minds of the night was the atmosphere. Genuine belly laughs from the men, women and children echoed throughout the house and onto the balcony, overlooking the beautifully lit dance floor in their backyard.
The open air photo booth was crazy busy from the start to the finish and happy to jump in for a few pics were Queensland’s favourite newsreader, Channel 9’s Eva Milic and her property guru/funnyman husband, Marcus Dore.
“Thank you again Gavin!!! Everyone had such a wonderful night! So glad that you were able to celebrate with us and did such a fantastic job of capturing all these lunatics we love so much!!” Ben Cronin
Ryan James and his bride Ana
Not taking anything away from Ryan James, the rising star of the NRL, but his bride, Ana, was the most chilled out bride we’ve ever had the honour of working with. Everything she did was cool, calm and collected…from the initial planning to the morning after exit of their guests.
The location was nothing sort of spectacular and its no wonder why Maleny Manor keeps winning the #1 wedding venue in Australia. With stunning views of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Pacific Ocean, the venue is equally matched by their exemplary staff and supreme catering.
The feature image of this blog is the glowing bride and her bridesmaid angels, which they they planned themselves. Of the 1 million+ photos we’ve taken to date, that one takes the cake. Eyes closed, perfect harmony and pure bliss.
When the photo booth turned into a video booth, we needed a double take when a group of league stars including Nate Miles, Greg Bird, Luke Douglas, Beau Falloon and Will Zillman left a truly hilarious video message for the couple. Their photo shown above is a screenshot from that video.
“Blue Steel is next-level photo and video booths. Their quality is freakishly good. Our friends Becky and Greg Bird recommended them and we’re so glad they did. The booth kept everyone entertained for hours and the photos and videos are so good!” Ryan and Ana James
Nigel Watts and his bride Michelle
“Elegance personified”, is the term best used to sum up this reception. The night flowed like a perfect breeze off the ocean, which in fact there was, as their family and friends celebrated at the iconic Pilu at Freshwater on Sydney’s northern beaches. This was our first ever Sydney wedding and what an introduction we received.
Nigel Watts, Founder and MD of Future Platform and his bride, Michelle, the talented Director at Sane Event Group, showed their class with meticulous prowess that equalled any event we’ve worked at. The guests travelled from all over the globe for a night that had everything, fine company/food/wine/views and speeches. Michelle’s son, Thomas, pulled off one of the greatest wedding speeches of all time. The young man certainly nailed it.
We shot photos and videos that night however the only thing we regret was not taking up the invitation to the power couple’s afterparty in their house down the road.
“Weddings always go so fast and ours was no exception. Thank heavens we had Gavin’s amazing signature booth with sensational props. It just added to the fun and gave us an incredible memento that we’ll treasure forever. A first class delivery for a 5 star wedding. We’d highly recommend it.” Michelle Watts
THE “JUST MARRIED” CLASSIC BOOTH USED AT THE BIRD, HAWACH, JAMES AND WATTS WEDDINGS…
THE “ROSE GOLD” OPEN AIR BOOTH CHOSEN FOR THE CRONIN WEDDING…
Blue Steel is available for private and corporate events throughout Australia. Check out our clients, wedding section, booth themes, and testimonials for everything you need for your big day.
Sydney – (02) 8006 6925 Brisbane – (07) 3040 6123 Melbourne – (03) 9016 9301