Real weddings · Southern Highlands

Phil & Caela’s Montrose House Wedding: From Garden Vows to Dancefloor Moments

By Dan Searle

Phil and Caela together in golden evening light in the gardens at Montrose House — Photography: Gavin Cato Photography

Phil and Caela celebrated their wedding at Montrose House in Sutton Forest in April 2024, and I was on DJ duties for their reception. Garden vows, golden light and a room full of their favourite people. A pretty lovely way to get married.

Gavin Cato’s photos tell the story beautifully, from the ceremony outside to everyone coming together on the dancefloor.

Phil and Caela during their outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by guests at Montrose House — Photography: Gavin Cato Photography

A Southern Highlands setting worth soaking up

The ceremony took place among the trees, with friends and family gathered around them. Later, Gavin captured the two of them in that gorgeous evening light across the gardens.

Justin Stock and Darcy Welsh provided the ceremony and garden-party music. My part in the music was as their wedding DJ, with the celebration moving into the reception.

Wedding guests filling the dancefloor at Phil and Caela’s Montrose House reception — Photography: Gavin Cato Photography

Then it’s time to get everyone together

There’s so much to love about this reception photo. A dancefloor full of people, arms up and guests getting involved right across the room. Your wedding deserves moments like that.

For me, DJing a wedding means watching what’s happening as much as listening to what’s playing. Who’s joining in? Where’s the energy going? Is it time to lift things or give the room a chance to enjoy a favourite?

That’s the value of experience. You can plan the important songs together beforehand, then have someone behind the decks who knows how to work with the crowd on the night.

Phil and Caela outside Montrose House with the reception building lit up at night — Photography: Gavin Cato Photography

One more photo before calling it a night

I love this final shot outside Montrose House, with the building glowing behind Phil and Caela. A quiet moment for the two of them after a day shared with so many people.

Phil and Caela, thanks so much for having me as part of your wedding. And thank you to Gavin Cato for the beautiful photos and permission to share them here.

See more of the day in Gavin Cato Photography’s full wedding feature.

Your people. Your music. Let’s make a night of it.

Planning your own wedding? Tell us your date, your venue and what you love listening to. We’ll help you work through the music and the moments that matter, and we’re only a phone call or message away along the way.

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