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News

Hannah And Blake’s Barn On The Ridge Wedding

Hannah and Blake celebrated their union in a picturesque setting at the Barn on the Ridge, where DUKE Music had the pleasure of providing the soundtrack for their special day.

The DUKE Duo had the honour of welcoming Hannah down the aisle to the sounds of “My Girl”. This claim was then met with “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, as the registry was complete.

As Hannah and Blake made their grand entrance into the reception, they were serenaded by the soulful rendition of “Can’t Hurry Love” performed by the DUKE Quintet!

It was an honour for DUKE Music to be part of this joyous occasion, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newlyweds. May your journey together be filled with endless love and happiness!

We invite you to enjoy the beautiful moments captured by Love by Colour Captured in the gallery below. Take a glimpse into Hannah and Blake’s unforgettable wedding day!

Vendors

Photographer: @Lovebycolourcaptured

Celebrant: @Graceandsoulcelebrancy

Dress: @Lucidibelladesign

Florist: @Kiruna_farm

Hair Stylist: @Absolutehairbytia

Live Music: @Dukemusicau

Make Up Artist: @Facebeautique.Official

Venue: @Thebarnontheridge

Caterer: @Season_and_savour

Engagement Ring: @Cushlawhitingjewellery

Categories
News Real Wedding

Yvette and Adam Get Hitched at Cottage Point

DUKE Music had the honour of performing at the wedding of Yvette and Adam at the stunning stables at Kuring-gai Motor Yacht Club.

Assuring their guests that their love was indeed everlasting, Yvette and Adam entered the reception to the sounds of “This Will Be (an Everlasting Love)” covered by DUKE. Their entertainment package included our Duke Duo performing whilst guests arrived and during their Ceremony. We were then joined by our Sax player to perform with us as a Trio during Canapes and Dinner. After which, our DJ kicked off the blazing dance-floor with some Sax & Percussion vibes added into the mix!

We were privileged to perform for this lovely couple and delighted to provide your entertainment for them on their special day. Wishing Yvette and Adam all the best as they begin their happily ever after! Congratulations!

Please enjoy all the wonderful pictures of Yvette and Adam’s big day below, provided by the talented Jason Corroto Photo. Be sure to check out their list of amazing vendors below, too!

Vendors

Photographer: Jason Corroto Photo

Videographer: The Love Lens

Venue: Kuring-Gai Motor Yacht Club

Celebrant: Maddy Wilson

Entertainment: DUKE Music

Event Management: Cloud 9 Events

Categories
Real Wedding

The Wedding of David and Manmit at The Gunners Barracks, Mosman

The Wedding of David and Manmit, featuring the Duke Trio

Our Duke Trio were thrilled to be a part of the wedding of David and Manmit at Gunners Barracks at Chowder Bay in Mosman. As a preferred wedding supplier to Gunners Barracks, we’re always glad to be back at this stunning historic venue.  With an exceptional team of staff they ensure every wedding is a smooth and enjoyable experience for couples and their wedding guests, along with wedding vendors.

Duke were part of their Ceremony, Canapes and Dinner music, performing live as a Duo and Trio throughout. We then kicked off their dancefloor with a live performance, finishing up the night with a DJ set to ensure dancing kicked-on all night long.   Whilst we have the pleasure of sharing these wonderful photos by Jason Corroto and talking more about David and Manmit’s day, we thought we’d also share some insight into Gunners Barracks and why we think it’s an exceptional wedding venue here in Sydney

About Gunners Barracks

The Gunners Barracks is the perfect Sydney Wedding Venue to make your big day an unforgettable occasion. Located in Mosman on Sydney’s North Shore, the venue is a stunningly beautiful site outside and welcoming and charming within. This venue has been designed without compromise, giving your guests a magical experience from the moment they arrive. Each special element of your wedding is expertly met with desirable amenities that will exceed all expectations.

With exclusive hire and remarkable views, this Grand Pacific Group offering ensures that your wedding will be an event unlike any other.  When you decide to get married at Gunners Barracks, you’ll find that there is room to style the space however you choose – whether it be a big black tie formal event or something more intimate like an elopement. Gunners’ Barracks can accommodate events of up to 180 guests cocktail style or up to 130 for a seated event. Event bookings have a minimum of 10 guests. Whatever embellishments you decide to add or what level of grandeur suits your celebration best, this venue will serve as great host and accommodate appropriately. When planning your big day at Gunners Barracks, every detail down to the last is taken care of so you can enjoy much happiness surrounded by all who matter most in this beautiful setting! 

With a secluded setting and captivating harbour views, weddings at Gunners’ Barracks are affairs to remember forever. The venue has three beautiful locations for wedding ceremonies, as well as custom-styled reception areas with elegant and historic charm. This iconic landmark is one of Sydney’s most sought-after outdoor ceremony locations in addition to being an elegant indoor reception venue. Choose from three equally beautiful and unique ceremony locations, before moving inside to enjoy dinner and dancing with your guests.

Set in an exquisite building on Sydney’s North Shore, Gunners’ Barracks is the perfect waterfront wedding venue choice for couples to celebrate a special occasion. This five star venue offers all the necessary elements when planning a big day, with three exclusive outdoor locations that can be stylishly decorated, beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces, and top-notch food and wine carefully planned by experienced staff. Couples can also take advantage of being given the exclusive use of the venue throughout their entire reception.

Read on below to find out more about their stunning spaces.

The Ceremony Locations

Gunners’ Barracks offers three beautiful ceremony locations for couples looking to exchange their wedding vows; The Harbour Terrace, The Sandstone Courtyard, and the Harbour View Lawn.

The Harbour Terrace provides stunning views of Sydney’s iconic harbour from North Sydney, with a range of historic military buildings located nearby. The perfect backdrop to capture the moment, this outdoor venue is ideal for modern weddings. The expansive Harbour Terrace offers spectacular views across Sydney Harbour and the city’s skyline. The beautiful outdoor space is spectacular for drinks, dining or canapés. The retractable roof makes it an ideal choice no matter what the weather condition.

The atmospheric Sandstone Courtyard makes a wonderful Ceremony location, outdoor dining space or Dance-Floor area under the canopy of twinkling fairy lights and the star-filled night sky. The Sandstone Courtyard also has everything a couple could want in a timeless setting surrounded by impressively restored historic sandstone buildings. On top of that, the area hosting the ceremony is luxuriously and artistically lit after dark so you can truly make it an unforgettable experience for all your guests on your wedding day.

Finally, for larger numbers, Gunners’ Barracks provides the magnificent Harbour View Lawn which includes expansive beautiful bushland and plenty of room to accommodate up to 200 guests. With panoramic views of Middle Harbour and beyond, this elegant open-air venue is perfect for after-ceremony photos!. Whatever location you choose, rest assured you’ll have a wedding ceremony like no other at Gunners’ Barracks!

About David and Manmit’s Ceremony

David and Manmit chose the Sandstone Courtyard for their Wedding Ceremony.  We were there to perform for guests as they arrived at the Ceremony, however Manmit was walked down the aisle to the sounds of Bagpipes. With a nod to their Scottish heritage, the Sydney Bagpipes were a wonderful musical addition to their day.  


They had a unique selection of songs that we were very excited to learn and perform. Duke kept the love vibes high with our rendition of That’s All I’ve Got to Say by Jimmy Webb during the Signing Of The Register.  David and Manmit were officially announced husband and wife by their Minister and seen back down the aisle to the gloriously celebratory sounds of the Sydney Bagpipers again. 

Nearby Wedding Ceremony Locations

Situated in the picturesque and historic area of Mosman, on the North Shore of Sydney, is a wonderful array of great Ceremony locations that are a must-see for any visitor to Sydney. 

Headland Park is one such destination and it’s one of the oldest parks in Australia. From this jaw-dropping location, your guests can enjoy stunning views of the harbour, especially from Georges Head Lookout. It’s an ideal place for exploring Mosman’s rugged coastline and guarantees breathtaking views from almost every angle.

For those looking for something a little more laid back, nearby Obelisk Beach offers all that could be desired when it comes to relaxation. Here visitors will find sheltered pools perfect for swimming and plenty of activities available including fishing, picnicking and sunbathing.

A short drive away lies Clifton Gardens which boasts lush gardens, manicured lawns and wide open green spaces – perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic lunch at sunset. Georges Heights has some of the most stunning vantage points anywhere on Sydney Harbour with uninterrupted views across to Manly, Vaucluse and to the city of Sydney. Georges Heights has some of the most stunning vantage points anywhere on Sydney Harbour with uninterrupted views across to Manly, Vaucluse and to the city of Sydney. With arguably some of the best views in Sydney, Georges Heights was once used by the military as a lookout spot to see approaching enemy ships. 

The Reception Venue

Opulent, photo-ready furnishings, Waterford chandeliers, hand-printed Florence Broadhurst wallpaper, and ornate furnishings feature within Gunners’ Barracks. These details not only provide an added element of luxury but offer perfect photo opportunities for wedding photographs. Enjoy timeless elegance in the private Drawing Room filled with natural light. Set the room as a sophisticated lounge area for you and your guests, or transform it into a wedding reception dance-floor.

The Harbour Terrace provides a breathtaking outlook of the harbour at night, a picturesque backdrop for those weddings on a smaller scale. The Harbour Terrace is the perfect spot for your guests to enjoy their Canapes or Dinner.  On the other hand, larger weddings are able to reap the benefits of The Main Dining Room, which features all of the traditional hallmarks of Gunners Barracks, from its stunning natural beauty to its artistry throughout.

On the day of David and Manmit’s wedding, The Main Dining Room at Gunners Barracks provided the ideal setting for their special day.

Even after the sun goes down, this charming Mosman venue keeps up with its captivating allure through carefully fashioned lighting solutions as well as culinary delights crafted by talented chefs ensuring every mouthful tastes like perfection. You and your guests will be left in awe as you take in the splendor of Gunners’ Barracks for yourself—it just doesn’t get better than this!

From its intricate stained-glass windows to its ornate wooden furniture and warm fireplace, The Main Dining Room has an old-world charm that is perfect for a wedding day. The room was decorated with fresh flowers, candles, and twinkling fairy lights to create the perfect ambiance for David and Manmit’s special day.  After a delicious meal and plenty of great speeches, David and Manmit cut their cake to the sounds of Duke performing ‘Kiss Me’ by Sixpence Nonethericher, after which guests relocated to The Courtyard to have their First Dance to: All My Life by Kci & Jojo. Guests were handed sparklers and you can see the moment was truly magical in their photos!! 

‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ by Whitney Houston was the kicker that started the Dance-Floor for the rest of the night’s partying.  Our Duke Trio kicked-off the dancing with a live set, which then transitioned to our DJ service to ensure guests were partying till the night was through! David and Manmit were sent lovingly off into married life at the end of the night to Lionel Ritchie’s ‘All Night Long’ – a fitting anthem for a lifelong journey of love ahead.

Why we love The Gunners Barracks

We highly recommend Gunners Barracks Weddings to all couples planning their wedding day. As wedding musicians, we appreciate the atmosphere and amenities that this unique venue offers. The Grand Pacific Group team consistently exceeds expectations with their meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every couple’s vision is realized. Given the exclusive access they provide, you can be assured that your special day will be free of any additional stress or concerns, as only what you have requested will be present.

The harbor views offer a beautiful setting for weddings, enhancing the romantic atmosphere of each celebration held here. Every aspect of the venue, from the outdoor pavilion to the indoor dining room and lounge areas, has been designed to provide a luxurious and memorable wedding experience. One notable aspect of this venue is its historical significance during Australia’s times of war, which adds a unique character and honorable touch to all weddings hosted at Gunners Barracks Weddings. Gunners’ Barracks provides a high-quality experience and ensures a lasting impression for your event.

A huge thank you to David and Manmit for having us be part of your special day. As always, thanks to the team at The Gunners Barracks for having us! 

Pictures By: Jason Corotto Photo

Vendors

Photographer – Jason Corotto Photo

Videographer – Rolling Canvas

Cake – Copper Fork Cakes

Florist – Best Buds

Bagpipes – Sydney Bagpipers

Venue – Gunners Barracks, Mossman

Categories
News Real Wedding

Chenae and Elias’ gorgeous Garden Wedding at Merribee House

Our Duke Duo & Band were delighted to perform for the wonderful Chenae and Elias on their wedding day at Merribee Gardens in November.

They were blessed with the most stunning weather and an exceptional team of vendors who brought their dream day to life. Thank you so much for having us be part of your special day and to perform some of our absolute favourite love songs for you both. xox

Categories
Real Wedding

Sarah and Bryn’s Magical Watsons Bay Wedding

On the shores of Watsons Bay, Sydney lies a picturesque backdrop for the wedding of Sarah and Bryn.  Duke Music had the privilege to accompany this couple for their magical day.  From making their vows official on by the seaside with a view, to celebrating their commitment to each other at in a luxurious heritage seaside venue, Dunbar House, this was a day to remember.

Here’s a look at their special day.

The Music

The Duke Duo was provided for Sarah and Bryn’s wedding ceremony.  It was an incredibly fun day to play for this gorgeous couple and felt honoured to help them celebrate with such perfect weather conditions.

The bridesmaids and Sarah walked down the aisle to the classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love”.  During the signing of the register, Sarah and Bryn chose the laid back and reflective tunes of Jack Johnson’s “Better Together” and Sting’s “Fields of Gold”.  We loved working alongside Melissa Soncini, the celebrant of the ceremony, of which we had the pleasure of being a part of many wedding celebrations together.

The Duke Duo concluded this sun filled ceremony with an upbeat Edward Sharpe hit, “Home”.

Josie and Tim continued with a 45 minute set to accompany the post ceremony drinks and canapes.

The Reception

Chris later joined Josie and Tim for the Duke Trio to provide the soundtrack for the reception held at Dunbar House – a venue of which we are a preferred supplier of.  They accompanied the wedding party entrances with classic 80’s hit “You Make My Dreams”.

Sarah and Bryn cut the cake to the sounds of “Sweet Dreams” and had their first danced to a slow version of “500 Miles”.  The trio sped things up towards the end of the dance to open up the dance floor.  This was a party crowd like no other, with every single guest up on their feet for the dance floor.

Duke Music also supplied a DJ service to get guests dancing right until the end, where “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers farewelled the bride and groom.

Vendors

Reception Venue: Dunbar House

Celebrant: Melissa Soncini

Photography: Jack Jones Weddings

Music: Duke Music

Categories
Corporate Events Industry Events News

Duke at Bombora Open Day

Duke Music made an appearance at the recent Bombora Pavilion open day.  Operated by Days Like These Events, this is one of Sydney’s newest wedding venues situated on the shores of the Northern Beaches of NSW on Queenscliff beach, Manly.  We had the privilege to be able to connect and exhibit alongside 30 other weddings vendors.  Nouvelle Glass, our partner brand offering personalised glassware, also made its first wedding open day appearance.  Here are some photo highlights of this jam packed day.

Vendors

Categories
Real Wedding

Phoebe and Alistair’s Luxurious 124-Acre Wedding at Mona Farm Braidwood

Duke Music had the privilege to play at the wedding of Phoebe and Alistair at Mona Farm.  This incredible wedding venue sits on a 124-acre property and is located in Braidwood, in the Southern Tablelands of New South Wales.  This picturesque farm property, consists of award winning gardens, luxury accommodation, houses a diverse collection of contemporary and sculpture, guest house dining and cute farm animals.  Guests can even go fly fishing!  With a purpose built wedding reception venue, you can plan your bespoke wedding exactly the way you want it.  Even better, the entire property is exclusively there for you and your guests, making it a one-stop shop for an unforgettable wedding weekend. Your photo locations, ceremony venue, reception venue and luxury hotel are all taken care of here, making the perfect romantic destination wedding.

 

Here is a picturesque look at Phoebe and Alistair’s wedding day.  Natasha Marie Photography captured the special experience of their special day.

The Music

Duke Duo provided a light music atmosphere during canapés for the wedding guests.  A party atmosphere was provided by the Duke 6-piece band during the reception.  Highlights include the classic 80’s hit “Walking On Sunshine” for the wedding party entrance and “Little Bird” by Annie Lennox during the cutting of the cake.  “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons accompanied the couple in their first dance and even the parents got their own song, “You Are So Beautiful” complete with a saxophone solo.  The night ended with Tina Turner’s “Simply The Best” for the farewell song.

Vendors

Venue: Mona Farm

Photography: Natasha Maree Photography

Videographer: Moon & Back

Categories
Real Wedding

Lauren and John’s Waterside Wedding at The Deckhouse Woolwich

What does one do, when the wedding couple is surrounded by a wide network of musician friends, who all want to pitch in to provide the perfect soundtrack on their special day?  Call in a professional wedding band to support them, of course!  That’s exactly what Lauren and John did.  Duke Music were honoured to be able to supply their usual all day wedding music package, as well as provide additional accompaniment to enhance the entire music experience.

The Ceremony

Josie and Tim, from the Duke Music Duo provided the tunes to welcome the guests pre-ceremony, whilst Tim lent his amazing guitar talent to support the guest singers throughout the ceremony.  What resulted was a perfect blend of different genres and vocal qualities.  St Mary’s North Sydney was brought to life by these beautiful soulful voices, fully taking advantage of the church’s natural acoustics.  

lauren-and-john-deckhouse-woolwich-duke

The entrance song was a beautiful rendition of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” sung in the acoustic style of Eva Cassidy, followed by the contemporary Catholic hymn of “You Are Mine for the responsorial psalm.  Lauren and John signed the register to “Grow Old with Me” (James Morrison/Dione Warick).   The bride and groom were suprised with a flashmob, as they left the church with an epic number from The Greatest Showman, “From Now On”.

The Reception

With a stunning location such as The Deckhouse Woolwich, and with a roomful of singing guests ready to celebrate Lauren and John’s wedding – the stage was set for another epic wedding music experience.  Dance floors, panoramic views, floor to ceiling glass to enjoy the uninterrupted water views, a harbour view courtyard – add all of this into the recipe, and there you have a stunning venue for Lauren and John’s wedding reception. 

Duke Music pulled out all the stops for the reception with their 5-piece band.  The wedding party made a statement with their entrance with a funky live version of Beyonce’s “Crazy In Love”.  This was followed by two 30 – 40 minute dinner sets.  Lauren and John shared their first dance, with Duke’s Chris Gable singing “Love Someone” by Jason Mraz. 

The bride even jumped up on stage to perform Whitney’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”!

They farewelled the evening with the Neil Diamond classic, “Sweet Caroline”.

Thank you Lauren and John for the privilege to be able to help you create the perfect music soundscape, unique to your celebration of love! 

“Our day would not have been the same without you. It was brilliant! Everyone has been raving about you guys! Honestly. You even contributed to so many surprises that we’ll never forget. I got to bloody sing Whitney with Duke! WOW. You could feel the love in the room even when some of our most loved ones were unable to be there…Ahhhh WILD. What a time!”  
– Lauren X
Vendors

Ceremony Venue: St Mary’s, North Sydney

Reception Venue: Deckhouse Woolwich

Photos: Hello Sweetheart

Categories
Real Wedding

Duke Music X Dark Horse Vineyard

Duke Music recently collaborated with Dark Horse Vineyard, in the beautiful NSW wine region of the Hunter Valley.  This stunning wedding venue held a competition to win two nights luxury stay and a long lunch for five people.  The lucky winner, Gaelle brought along her nearest and dearest people, for an unforgettable getaway and dining experience.

Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Duke Music Gives Life to the 'Dark Horse'

An immersive Hunter Valley winery experience, full of good food and wine deserves a soundscape to match.  When Duke Music was asked to come onboard to be part of the experience, we of course did not hesitate to jump in to lend a helping hand.  After all, how rare is it that you can help to put a smile on people’s faces, just because?  Josie and Tim were absolutely honoured to play a big part in enhancing Gaelle’s experience with her guests, by providing the perfect soundtrack to accompany this unique experience.

Duke Music and Dark Horse Vineyard Hunter Valley
Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
'Dark Horse of the Hunter Valley'

Dark Horse Vineyard is an exclusive weddings and events venue located in gorgeous Lovedale, right in the heart of the Hunter Valley.  It is easy to see why this property is known as ‘Dark Horse of the Hunter Valley’, with the two black caviar barns set amongst 25 acres of vines, paddocks and manicured lawns.  

The Stables is where the all the action happens, suitable for wedding and events.  This beautiful ceremony and reception venue seats up to 170 guests and it is tastefully decorated and styled with gorgeous inclusions. 

From the Stables, we follow the crushed granite paths where The Barn House, a luxurious retreat awaits.  This homestead consists of three bedrooms and can accomodate up to 6 people.

The entire property also gives you exclusive access to multiple on-sight ceremony and photograph locations.

For the perfect location for your wedding or event, with a beautiful ambience and an equestrian charm, you can’t go past The Dark Horse Vineyard.

Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Dark Horse Vineyard and Duke Music
Vendors

We were privileged to be able to collaborate with with these amazing humans, to help make this day a special one for Gaelle and her guests

Venue and Accomodation: Dark Horse Vineyard

Photography: Sheri McMahon Photography

Styling: Honey Lane Events

Tablescape: Take Me Hire

Bespoke Stationery: White Lane Designs

Florals: Floral Collective

Categories
Real Wedding

Lucie and Georgi’s Watsons Bay Wedding

The sun showed up in full swing matched with clear blue skies in the beachside location Dunbar House Watsons Bay as the backdrop for Lucie and Georgi’s wedding day.  Guests came together to celebrate with style to celebrate the marriage of these two brides.  Duke’s Duo, Trio and DJ provided the soundtrack for this special day.

The Ceremony

Lucie and Georgi chose an all day package with Duke Music ( + DJ and MC) to accompany their special day.  Starting with the Duke Duo for the ceremony, the brides chose a mixture of acoustic versions of classic, pop and rock favourites. 

CEREMONY SONG LIST
Entrance song – A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)
Song Mid Ceremony – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing (Aerosmith)
Singing of the Register – It’s like Love (De Wayne Everettsmitt) & Walking On Sunshine (Katrina & The Waves)
Recessional song – Happy Together (The Turtles)

The Reception

As the sun set over the horizon, Dunbar House Watsons Bay was brought to life with the two newly married lovebirds and their guests.  Our Duke Trio provided a variety of tunes at key moments during the evening as well as 3 sets throughout the evening.

RECEPTION SONG LIST
Wedding Party Entrance – Crazy in Love (Beyonce)
Cutting of the Cake – Watermelon Sugar (Harry Styles)
First Dance – You’ve Got the Love (Florence & The Machine)
Farewell Song – Rather Be (Clean Bandit)

Dancing the Night Away

Our very own Duke vocalist, Josie, stepped into DJ mode, to provide guests with a party atmosphere to dance the night away.  Lucie and Georgi chose a playlist consisting of 90’s Brit Pop mixed with modern hits.  It was great to see guests come onto the dance floor in full swing.  We loved the added touch of the rainbow sneakers that the brides chose to switch into for pain free dancing comfort!

List of Vendors

It was a pleasure working alongside these amazing suppliers to make Lucie and Georgi’s wedding possible (with Instagram links):

PhotographySociety Photogaphy

Videographer DnM Wedding Films

Florals – Lime Tree Bower

VenueDunbar House Watsons Bay

Makeup – Karina Prebble

Celebrant – Adam Seeney (Married by Adam)

MC – Josephine Ison (Event Entertainers)

Categories
Real Wedding

Tyler & Ben’s Wedding – An Artistic and Cinematic Adventure.

It’s not often, that you can say your marriage was witnessed by the greatest artists in history.  Neither can you often say that your wedding was just like out a movie.  For Tyler and Ben this EXACTLY what they will say to everyone about their wedding!  Duke Music had the honour of providing the soundtrack to this timeless and unforgettable wedding day.  The photos in their own right deserve their own exhibition.  Let’s take you on an artistic and cinematic adventure on what was a truly enchanted day!

Tyler and Ben Wedding

Inspired by True Events

Tyler and Ben were inspired to recreate their first date, featuring art and cinema.  They also saw their wedding day as an opportunity to have an “ultimate date night”.  Their wedding was a simple yet luxurious, understated yet decadent and ignited all the 5 senses.  The day started off with preparations at The Old Clare Hotel, a boutique hotel with an old world charm feel. This would set the mood for the classically romantic day that would unfold.  With Ben’s suit by MJ Bale and a beautiful touch of bridal couture by J. ANDREATTA for Tyler’s bridal gown, this was certainly going to be a stylish affair and the perfect ingredients for an ultimate date night.

The Art Gallery of NSW was the backdrop for Tyler and Ben’s wedding ceremony.  What a beautiful iconic building to celebrate the first moment they had together as a couple and to relive it on the first day as a married couple!  There was a cheeky dash of comfort added in with Springcourt shoes.  As you will see, this subtle touch of fun, will be an ongoing theme throughout this day, putting a unique spin on how a wedding can have a fresh approach.

Tyler & Ben's very own Art Exhibition

The images captured by Lei Lei Clavey were so breathtaking, that little words need to be said.  Enjoy these works of Art!

The Cinematic Soundscore by Duke Music

For the reception, we take a trip down memory lane to Golden Age Cinema & Bar.  Tyler and Ben decided to drop all the formalities such as grand entrances and speeches to ensure an uninterrupted party for all and that’s where DUKE Music came in.  Josie, Tim and Chris from the DUKE trio provided an unforgettable motion picture soundtrack to accompany for this fine vintage affair.  We provided 4 x 45 minute sets with a range of old school hits and followed it up with a DJ set with tunes ranging from Elvis Presley to Blink-182.  Out came the choc tops to replace the wedding cake and the night was young!

"You guys are insane. Everyone is literally still talking about you guys and the way you handled all the old emo hits. Everyone love your mini version of 1,000 miles - so many people's favourite part... honestly we can't wait to have another excuse for an event to get you back."
- Tyler

The Final Credits

Thank you to Tyler and Ben for allowing us to be part of your special day!  Of course Duke Music played a small part in bring this adventure to life.  Time at the cinema wouldn’t be complete without the end credits, so here is a list of the vendors (with Instagram links) that Tyler and Ben engaged for their wedding.

 

Photography: Lei Lei Clavey

Florals: BESS

Ceremony Venue: Art Gallery of NSW

Reception Venue: Golden Age Cinema and Bar

Entertainment:  Duke Music (Trio & DJ)

Hair & Makeup: The Future Mrs

Wedding Rings: Thirteen Feet Tattoo

Bridal Gown: J. ANDREATTA

The Groom Suit: MJ Bale

The After Credits

Still with us?  We don’t have any additional scenes for you but our friends at HELLO MAY did an editorial on Tyler and Ben’s wedding.  Find out the finer details of how they planned their wedding from the couple themselves.

 

Categories
Real Wedding

Natalie and Sam’s Exquisite Wine Country Wedding – The Woodhouse Wollombi

A stunning 100-acre property, tucked away in lush wine country and immersed amongst expansive park-like grounds.  It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke – an escape from reality – your own little piece of nature.  We call it a picture-perfect secluded paradise that invokes feelings of home and comfort.  But whatever image and feelings you want to project onto it, it is exactly how it will be.  Because The Woodhouse Wollombi is a magical blank canvas, a place where you can paint your own masterpiece – your own dream wedding, your way.  As the owners like to put it –  “Your Day Your Way – Let Your Imagination Run Wild”.

Here’s your invitation to the “gallery viewing”  of  Natalie and Sam’s masterpiece wedding.

Sitting in the middle of Red Wood Park Wollombi, is “The Woodhouse”: A rustic but refined timber building with high ceilings and large light filled windows.  With this European-like aesthetics and barn-like architecture – nothing more needs to be done against this blank canvas, except to add a bride and groom!

The Finer Details

A masterpiece isn’t complete without an element of still life.  Natalie and Sam took inspiration from the native Australian landscape and enlisted the help of Print 35 for their invitations, floral designs by Little Wrens (just look at that bouquet and boutonnieres!), a subtle addition of Australian flora on the wedding cake by Messina and a splash of greenery on the dining tables also by Little Wrens.

Special Captured Moments

There is nothing quite like the the sights and sounds of people bringing a blank canvas to life.  The gathering and celebration of love, life and culture of the special bond between Natalie and Sam were beautifully captured by Studio Something.  Here are some highlights!

The Accompanying Soundtrack

Duke helped to curate an experience with Natalie and Sam, so they, along with their guests could immerse themselves in a celebration for their love. Our Duke Duo provided a pre-Ceremony music soundtrack for Natalie and Sam to set the tone for a beautiful Ceremony. Tim (from Duke) was also honoured to accompany traditional Vocalist, Isser, on Guitar, whilst he provided his talent as their traditional Jewish singer throughout the Ceremony. Working alongside Isser, we were able to provide a perfectly balanced music experience that incorporated Natalie and Sam’s traditional choices with the romantic atmosphere they wanted to achieve.

One of our favourite aspects of performing at The Woodhouse Wollombi is the stunning location they offer for Wedding Ceremonies and Canapes hour. It’s a short stroll down the hill from the Reception location to a serene and elegant spot. Chris Gable from our Duke team performed as a soloist during Canapes hour, providing a Sax and Vocal performance to accompanying backing tracks. It was the perfect afternoon to enjoy a beverage or two to the delightful tunes and sociable atmosphere provided by Chris Gable.

As sunset hit, out came the dancing shoes with the Duke Band kicking off the festivities with the Hora. It was thrilling and exciting to say the least, we’re in awe of how Brides and Grooms survive such an epic experience! 

Guests moved inside to enjoy Dinner service, during which our Duke Band provided some light and delicious dinner music for everyone’s tastes. Once dinner and the formalities concluded,  Natalie and Sam shared their first dance to Lover of the Light by Mumford & Sons.   Our Duke Quintet continued the evening with a full dance floor featuring bangers by The Chilli Peppers, Kings Of Leon,  Stevie Wonder, and Queen. Check out for yourself just how much fun we had in these fabulous pics by Studio Something.

Thank you Natalie and Sam for having us be a part of your wonderful wedding day at The Woodhouse. 

Natalie and Sam's Wedding used the following suppliers to create their masterpiece!

Venue: The Woodhouse Wollombi

Catering: Fennel and Co

Florals: Little Wrens

Band: Duke Music

Photography & Videography: Studio Something

Hair & Make Up: Shauna Crowley – Sydney Bridal Makeup

Rabbi: Richie Moss

Wedding Cake: Messina

Kosher: Beaches Kosher

Photo Magnets: Magnetic Shots

Transport: Grape Experience

Invitations: Print 35

Categories
Real Wedding

Elise and Nic’s magical waterside wedding

To say we’re excited about Elise and Nic’s magical waterside wedding is an understatement. This darling couple have been loved-up for so long, it feels like we’ve been waiting forever for them to finally get hitched. Elise and Nic were supposed to be married in May 2020, however the first round of Covid-lockdowns in Sydney had other plans for them. After postponing their plans for 12 months, Elise and Nic finally tied the knot in Sydney’s Northern Beaches in May 2021. Duke was there to help them celebrate, providing the perfect wedding music from their Ceremony to the Dance floor. Here’s the shimmy on how their magical wedding day went down. We say a huge thank you to Charlotte Exton Photography for these gorgeous images.

About their Ceremony

Nothing brings us more joy than a peaceful and romantic Ceremony location that sings with a sense or reverie. From the moment we set eyes on their Ceremony location we couldn’t help being taken aback by the serenity. McCarr’s Creek Reserve in Church Point is dappled by tall Spotted Gum Trees and runs beside a rocky shore and sandy beach. It also extends into larger bushland areas in the National Park. This setting provided the perfect backdrop for Elise and Nic to share their vows and be married.

Their Ceremony was elegantly styled by the wonderful team from Little Lane Events and their impeccable eye for detail. We know many readers will be vying for some of the styling crafted by Little Lane for Elise’s wedding day, but to be fair she did have a slight wedding advantage, being one of the Little Lane Team members herself! Her unique taste and flair for styling and all things weddings resonates throughout their entire wedding day, as you can see.

Elise and Nic’s magical waterside wedding Ceremony was officiated by the lovely Lisa Parker from Married By Lisa. She’s arguably one of our most favourite Celebrants. Lisa takes great pride in creating beautiful, bespoke Ceremonies delivered with joy, warmth, and professionalism. She’s a pleasure to work beside and we’re a great team.

Our Duke duo performed live throughout their Ceremony, with Elise walking down the aisle to our rendition of ‘Feels Like Home’ by Chantal Kreviazuk (one of our favourite songs). During their Signing guests chatted amongst themselves as we performed our version of ‘I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You’ (you can listen to it here). Warmly congratulated by Lisa and formally introduced as Husband and Wife, Elise and Nic recessed down the Aisle together to our rendition of ‘Everybody Needs Somebody To Love’ by The Blues Brothers. Our song carried them through to their Champagne tower which was the perfect way to celebrate their newly minted marriage.

Josie and Tim are the best in the biz. I’d heard them perform many times at weddings I was working at and they were so good that I booked them for my own and didn’t even consider anyone else. Not only are they incredibly skilled and incredibly professional musicians, but they’re also so much fun and just great people. They made sure our wedding day had an epic soundtrack – and they made it seem effortless! Couldn’t recommend them highly enough.

– Elise and Nic

Off For Photos

About their Wedding Reception

The handiwork of Little Lane Events continued to impress us as we arrived at Elise and Nic’s wedding Reception. BYRA was transformed into a magical, awe-inspiring, wedding wonderland. From the floral arrangements, to the styling pieces, to the lighting and ambience.. It’s hard to imagine BYRA being a sailing club in any way at all! Congratulations to Little Lane Events for this wonderful transformation. It was the perfect setting for Elise and Nic to see their wedding celebrations from day into night.

Our Duke duo continued to perform throughout their Canapes-style Reception to provide a mix of pop hits and classic covers to warm everyone’s hearts and help liquify the evening. If there was such a thing as the perfect speeches, Elise and Nic’s friends and family had exactly those, with just a touch of the theatrical. Elise’s two best mates surprised her with a rendition of a song they had all performed together years before, in their high school musical. It was such a delight to see them sharing such a special moment together.

When it came time to kick their heels up, Elise and Nic opened the dance floor by sharing their first dance to ‘I’m So In The Love With You’ by Ball Park Music. Josie’s DJ skills rolled everyone on into the night with a rocking mix of 90’s + 00’s bangers, dappled with some epic country singalongs and pop hits.

Thank you to Elise and Nic for having Duke Music be a part of your wedding day. It was our joy to perform for you.

Elise and Nic’s Wedding Vendors;

Live Music – Duke Duo + DJ
Celebrant – Married By Lisa
Photography – Charlotte Exton
Styling and Coordination – Little Lane Events
Videography – Story Of Us

Categories
Real Wedding

Debbie And Drew Get Hitched

Talk about lucky in love! Debbie and Drew won their wedding through Wedstock Festival, and we were thrilled to be a part of their special day that had bright retro vibes, happy people and a vintage car exploding with blooms. Here are some photo highlights from the talented photography team at Mr Wigley.

Getting ready for the big day

Our Groom, Drew, spent the morning got ready with his boys (with a dash of whiskey, beers and lots of laughs). Debbie was of course preparing for the day with her awesome tribe. As soon as the blue suede shoes were on, the dancing began – as you know, we’re all about the music so we already love this wedding!

Coming down the aisle

Our bride Debbie walked down the aisle to Duke Music’s rendition of Angels by The XX. Celebrant Venetia Robertson crafted a warm and connected ceremony for Debbie and Drew and their small group of friends and family. The newlyweds hugged, kissed and everyone hoorayed as they walked down the aisle to our duo playing You’ve Got The Love by Florence + The Machine.

Whizzing around Sydney

Debbie and Drew traveled together in style in a mint yellow and black vintage car and really, they could have had the ceremony inside the car filled with flowers and we would have been overjoyed. Huge credit to Black Cab Central for providing such a fun mode of transport, featuring cheery shades of florals on the roof.

Getting some happy snaps

During group photos Debbie and Drew definitely cranked up the fun factor, popping a bottle of champagne and showering every soul in the garden!

Off to their photoshoot

Then they were back in that epic ride heading downtown, for couple photos that were candid, fresh and fun. Backdrops of giant tree roots, rustic brick walls, graffitied street corners and the waterfront at sunset were all part of the plan, and it unfolded perfectly.

Kicking their heels up at their Reception

Back at Wilhelmina’s in Balmain, the party was on and what a great little place to celebrate love. Roseberry Cake Creations had delivered the sweetest pink and yellow wedding cake styled with red and pink florals and a gold cake topper. The guests said the blast of color matched the taste. They also took home thank you boxes filled with treats for later – thoughtful touches make the day extra special.

Thank you to Wedstock Festival for inviting us to this epic wedding. They describe their service as creatively alternative and eclectic at heart, connecting couples with like-minded and unique vendors. Our creative souls were bursting with confetti to be a part of this collaboration.

VENDORS

Music – Duke Music – dukemusic.com.au

Car – Black Cab Central – blackcabcentral.com.au

Photography – Mr Wigley – mrwigley.com

Planner – Wedstock Festival – wedstockfestival.com.au

Celebrant – Venetia Robertson – venetiawithlove.com

Cake – Roseberry Cake Creations – roseberrycakecreations.com.au

Rings – Australian Wedding Rings – australianweddingrings.com.au

Florals – Rebellious Blooms – rebelliousblooms.com.au

Categories
Real Wedding

Simone and Rob’s Natural Minimal Jervis Bay Wedding at The Cove

A waterfront view and decor full of minimal, natural colors which perfectly complemented the scenery around them, Simone and Rob’s Jervis Bay wedding at The Cove was one of our favorite celebrations in 2020!

The morning of their Jervis Bay wedding day

Rob started the day by getting ready with his four groomsmen, enjoying laughs and a few beers together. Keeping with the minimal theme, they all dawned cream and white suits. With the prettiest boho inspired interior in the bridal suite (aka “Glam Room”) complete with pink, palm print wallpaper, Simone and her three bridesmaids sipped on champagne before Simone slipped into her Made With Love fitted lace wedding dress with her bridesmaids wearing a stunning moss green slip dress.

With guests arriving and getting settled for the ceremony, florals, dried palms, and grasses in various shades of white, orange, and green styled by Pia and Jade framed a spot by the water for the couple to say I-Do.

About their Ceremony

Duke and Quintet performed “Speechless” by Dan and Shay live while the bridesmaids made their walk down the aisle, with Simone making her entrance to Callum Scott’s “You Are The Reason.” After exchanging vows, the two signed their certificates to “Here Comes The Sun” by Nathan Roberts and “Love Lost” by Temper Trap. With the wiping away of tears by both Rob and Simone captured by Ainslee Burke Photography,their celebrant, Kylie Sharman, announced them husband and wife! After sealing the ceremony with a kiss, the two walked back up the aisle, hand in hand, under flower petals thrown by the guests in celebration to Rudimental’s “Lay It All On Me”!

Celebrating their Reception

After some group shots with family and their bridal party, Simone and Rob made an epic entrance into their reception to “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall and Oates. Their reception space was complete with wooden tables featuring florals of varying heights, candles, and linen napkins. Each guest received a bottled cocktail from Three Foxes, a “Find A Guest” bingo sheet to encourage guests to connect and get to know each other, and a place for guests to sign a puzzle piece in place of a guest book. We love the simplicity of their style and all of the unique elements they included in their Jervis Bay Wedding!

Partying in style with Duke

After toasts the two cut their cake to none other than “Cut The Cake” by Average White Band followed by their first dance to Chris Stapleton’s “Millionaire.” The guests capped the night off by showing off their skills and celebrating in style on the dance floor with the new Mr. and Mrs!

Congratulations Simone and Rob, we are so happy we had a place in celebrating your love story at The Cove!

If you’re looking for wedding entertainment, we are your people! Want Duke Music to help you celebrate your love story? Reach out to us, we can’t wait to hear from you!

VENDORS

Venue: The Cove (Jervis Bay)

Photographer: Ainslee Burke Photography

Videographer: Way Up High

Styling | Floral | Stationery: Pia & Jade

Hired Items: South Coast Party Hire

Catering: Citrus Catering

Drinks + Bar: Henry Clive Caravan Bar

Guest Favors: Three Foxes

Celebrant: Kylie Sharman

MUAH: South Coast Hair and Makeup

Bridal Attire: Made With Love Bridal (dress), Grace Loves Lace (shoes)

Bridal + Bridesmaid Accessories: Mezi

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bec & Bridge

Getting Ready Attire: Piyama

Groom + Groomsmen Attire: Institchu

Groom + Groomsmen Socks: Sock Club

Live Music + Entertainment: Duke + Quintet (Event Entertainers)

Categories
Real Wedding

Ashleigh and Jarrod’s Sydney Harbour Wedding at Q Station Manly

Choosing the perfect wedding venue – Q Station

Ashleigh and Jarrod’s Sydney harbour wedding at Q Station Manly was undoubtedly the perfect way to kick off the new year! With simplistic styling, decor, and of course great music, their 3rd of January nuptials were complete with their families and friends as witnesses to help them celebrate the day.

Ashleigh and Jarrod chose the Q Station Manly wedding venue for both their ceremony and reception —a beautiful hotel located on 30 acres of bushland with a backdrop of the Sydney Harbour. Playing off the colors of the venue space, Jarrod and his groomsmen dressed in dark green suits and bow ties with touches of light pink and white on the boutonnieres.

Ashleigh’s leading ladies

Ashleigh and her leading ladies sipped champagne in matching floral pajama sets before dressing in their dark teal green gowns. The foliage on the property perfectly complemented their attire and looked beautiful next to Ashleigh’s gown—an ivory, spaghetti strap, wrap dress with floral embellishments. Keeping it light and elegant, Ashleigh wore her hair down in waves and completed her look with a long veil.

Their ceremony music (and the amazing water views)

Their geometric ceremony backdrop at the waterfront set the scene with a relaxed arrangement —seating for some while others stood and waited anxiously for Ashleigh to walk down the aisle. Jarrod and his groomsmen waited at the top of the aisle while their bridesmaids walked down in pairs. An acoustic version of “Yeah Yeah Yeahs” by Maps was performed by Duke Duo and Quartet as the bride-to-be walked in visible excitement to her soon-to-be husband.

The two sealed the ceremony with a kiss and were officially announced husband and wife as they made their way into their next chapter together accompanied by a live rendition of Shalamar’s “A Night To Remember” while walking back up the aisle. The certificate signing playlist included “This Must Be The Place” by Talking Heads and Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay.”

Photo location after (great) photo location at Q Station

There are so many gorgeous spots at Q Station. The party captured stunning group photos as well as couple’s portraits across the venue. (Oh, and we’re not kidding when we say we get to work with some of the most gorgeous couples!).

Ashleigh and Jarrod’s party-fuelled Reception

After snapping a few shots with Days Like These Photography, the couple and their guests moved into their reception… Not to be started without a grand entrance from the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and the couple themselves!

“Duke Music were absolutely amazing at our wedding at Q Station! They played a beautiful acoustic set at our ceremony, kept the mood through the canapés, dinner and between speeches, and set the dance floor alight for the rest of the evening with a three-piece band! Josie was super professional in the lead up to the wedding and on the day. She had loads of great advice for the day, and allowed us to pick songs from a wide repertoire, giving all the special moments a personal touch. We couldn’t recommend Duke Music more for your wedding or event.”Jarrod Bird – Married at Q Station Manly

Your first dance doesn’t just have to be the two of you

Ashleigh and Jarrod shared their first dance together to Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family”. During their first dance Duke brought all guests together on the dance floor to celebrate the new Mr. and Mrs!

After kick starting the festivities, Duke kept the dance floor alive for the rest of the night. It was the perfect end to a day they will look back on for years to come!

Congratulations Ashleigh and Jarrod and thank you again for booking your entertainment with us.
Thank you to Days Like These Photography for the use of your wonderful images.

VENDORS

Venue: Q Station

Stylist: Poco Uno – Ash Macedo

Event Planning: Days Like These Events

Photographer: Days Like These Photography

Florist: Hannah Sherwood

Makeup: Makeup by Leah

Hair: Laura Morris

Celebrant: Married By Jess

Master of Ceremonies: Anthony Hess

Live Music & Band: Duke Duo and Quartet

Categories
News Real Wedding

Jess and Chris’ beachy boho wedding

Our couple, Jess and Chris, wed on 1 February 2020 at the Beachside Dojo Manly, Australia and the day, planned by Cloud 9 Event Management, could not have been more perfect!

We had the honour of bringing music to their Northern Beaches wedding and let us tell you, it was a night to remember!

The bridesmaids and groomsmen dawned a beautiful navy blue which perfectly accented Jess and Chris’ Beachy Boho Wedding ceremony and reception decor, featuring white florals and pops of greenery with Monstera leaves and tropical palms, arranged and styled by Mabel & Elsie.

Their first look

Jess and Chris had their first look and were all smiles when he turned around and saw her in a beautiful, spaghetti strap A-line gown which featured a low back and a deep illusion front plunge.

About their Ceremony and Reception

The couple chose to have live music at their ceremony and reception which is what we truly specialise in.
Jess was accompanied down the aisle by her father to a live performance of Ruelle’s “I Get To Love You” performed by Duke.
Friends and family attended their intimate ceremony. Saskia from Dovetail Celebrants married the couple, and we’d be lying if we said a few tears weren’t shed!
After being announced as husband and wife, they recessed back down the aisle to Duke’s rendition of “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors.
The perfect choice of song, as it was most definitely one of the best days of their life!

Moving into cocktail hour, guests enjoyed live music performed by Duke who was also accompanied by Chris Gable. They entertained the guests throughout dinner before heading into speeches that Jess and Chris gave to one another with their flower girl—also their daughter—present!

After cutting their two tier ombré blue cake, which featured gold accents and florals seen throughout their decor, the couple headed out to the rocks for some stunning sunset photos, captured by the very talented Ripple Weddings.

Sunset photos beachside in Manly

Returning from their portraits, they shared their first dance together to Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud”. After that, it was time to get the rest of the night started! Duke DJ’d the remainder of their reception performing songs that had guests up and dancing the rest of the night. (Not to mention, plenty of songs that were dear to Jess and Chris’ hearts).

Congratulations Jess and Chris on your perfect wedding at the Beachside Dojo Manly.

To see everyone having such a great time on the dance floor is the reason why we love what we do.

Are you looking for live music for your wedding day? We serve couples in Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond! Get in touch and let’s start planning (it’s music to our ears!)

Vendors

Venue: Beachside Dojo

Wedding Planner: Cloud 9 Event Management

Photographer: Ripple Weddings

Florist & Stylist: Mabel & Elsie

Celebrant: Saskia from Dovetail Celebrants

Cake: Copper Fork Cakes

Live Music & DJ: Duke Duo with special appearance from Chris Gable (Event Entertainers)

Duke Music

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