MC Itinerary

Saturday, 7th March 2026

MC-Specific Document – For Abigail & Davina only

Comprehensive cues, guidelines and additional information for running the evening.

Your MCs

Abigail Leighton & Davina Sterling

Celebrant

Hayden Halloran

Key Contacts & People

Contacts

Couple

  • Holly (Bride): 0411 234 567
  • Russell (Groom): 0422 345 678

Key People on the Day

  • Carla – Venue Coordinator (Truffle Duck). First point of contact for any food, service or venue issues.
  • Kieran Westbrook – Russell's brother. Will be handling music play buttons and acting as a runner/signal person for the dances.
  • Landon Westbrook – Russell's dad. Will act as runner during photo session if MCs are needed to locate someone.
  • Gabriel – Guitarist (outside/opposite pavilion). Responds to visual cues from Abigail.
  • Jasper & Elliot – Permitted to do additional filming during first dance. All other guests: no flash photography.
Music Signal System: Abigail gives Gabriel a visible nod/point to start or adjust music volume. Abigail signals Kieran Westbrook to play dance songs. Keep signal communication simple and clear.

Timeline & MC Cues

4:00 PM

Doors Open

Groom greeting guests outside. Bridal party in bridal room.

MC Note: No MC duties yet — mingle and enjoy the arrival atmosphere.

4:25 PM

Guests Seated for Ceremony

MC Note: Help usher guests to their seats along with bridal party and staff. Ensure one reserved seat at the front is kept for Holly's grandparents (passed away — a meaningful touch).

4:30 PM

Ceremony Begins

Duration: 30–40 minutes. Led by Hayden Halloran.

MC Note: No MC duties during the ceremony. Enjoy the moment.

5:00–5:10 PM

Ceremony Concludes – Cocktail Hour Begins

Guests transition to the garden for cocktails & canapés.

MC Note: Hayden (celebrant) will direct guests to the garden and communicate photo schedule information. You don't need to be "on" just yet — relax and enjoy cocktails.

📸 Photo Session Standby (5:10 – 6:30 PM)

You are both on standby to assist the photography team during this window. This is not a formal duty but here's how to help:

  • Familiarise yourself with the Photo Schedule → before the day so you know who's needed when.
  • When you're not taking your own photos, do your best to gently chase and direct people to the photo area.
  • You won't remember everyone — that's completely fine. Just help where you can.
  • If someone specific can't be found, Landon Westbrook (Russell's dad) will act as runner. He'll come find you if there's an issue locating a particular person.
5:10–6:30 PM

Photo Session

Post-ceremony – Student photos (first, then they depart) | Then – Everyone group photo (all guests stay put) | 5:15–5:35 – Family | 5:35–6:30 – Friends

View full photo schedule →

6:30 PM

Guests Move to Reception Room

MC Cue: Help usher guests from the garden into the reception room and direct them to find their seats.

6:40 PM

Abigail Warms Up the Room – Davina Enters

How this works:

  • Abigail takes the mic first while guests are taking their seats.
  • Cue Gabriel (nod/point) to begin playing "Right Here, Right Now" at a lower, ambient volume as a warm-up — this plays quietly while Abigail introduces Davina.
  • Abigail introduces Davina warmly — she's both your co-MC and the first bridal party member to be introduced.
  • Davina enters, introduces herself, and joins Abigail at the front.
  • Riff off each other — get the room warmed up. Set the tone for the night.
Abigail's intro for Davina: "When Davina was 22 and Holly was 20, they made the slightly chaotic decision to move in together. They learned very quickly that living together comes with its fair share of challenges — from figuring out adulthood to navigating the everyday stresses of sharing a home. But in between all of that came plenty of late-night drives, far too many Kmart trips, and the kind of laughter that only comes from living life side by side. Through it all, she has been a loyal friend and constant presence in Holly's life. Please welcome the woman who survived living with the bride… Davina!"
⚠️ Confirm with Russell: Does "Right Here, Right Now" play continuously from 6:25 (quiet) through the bridal party entrance (loud)? Or does it pause between Davina's intro and the entrance? TBC.
6:45 PM

Bridal Party & Couple Entrance

Music Cue:

Abigail → nod/point to Gabriel to bring up the volume on "Right Here, Right Now" by Fatboy Slim. This is the signal to go loud and hype the room.

Introduce in this order:

  1. Rafael & Esme (pair)
  2. Reuben & Maya (pair)
  3. Kieran & Otis – the brothers (pair)
  4. Rafael & Esme (pair) — introduced by Davina
    Rafael (Davina): "Russell and this next man share a friendship that stretches back over two decades — and Russell still holds a very vivid memory of the two of them playing matchbox cars together on the steps of their primary school at the ages of six and seven. That friendship has never once wavered. Rafael is a wonderful human being. Over the years they have shared so many interests — including commanding tanks together across some of their favourite video games. They have been there for each other's most important moments in life, with Russell having the privilege of standing as Rafael's groomsman at his own wedding just last year. Rafael has been one of the biggest constants in Russell's life, and there is no one more fitting to stand by his side tonight. Please welcome Rafael Kirkwood!"

    Esme (Davina): "Holly met Esme while working at the a local hotel, introduced by Lewis and instantly bonded through the chaos that comes with hospitality life. Long shifts, busy nights, and the shared experience of surviving it all somehow turned into a friendship that formed almost immediately. What followed were plenty of nights out, lots of laughter, and a friendship that quickly became incredibly close. Even when Esme moved to Brisbane, nothing changed — because the best friendships don't depend on distance. Please welcome the always-fun, always-loyal Esme!"

    Together: "Please welcome Rafael Kirkwood and Esme Langley!"
  5. Reuben & Maya (pair) — introduced by Abigail
    Reuben (Abigail): "Next up — a man of many talents, who has stood by Russell's side for nearly two decades. The young Reuben was a Counter-Strike prodigy, a motorsport enthusiast with a love for speed, and a man who has been there for more incredible conversations than we could count. What started as a close friendship with Russell grew into a friendship with Holly too. Reuben is one of those rare, genuinely down-to-earth people who truly cares about the people around him. Please put your hands together and welcome him into tonight's celebration — Reuben Penhallow!"

    Maya (Abigail): "Holly met Maya in Year 12 Biology with their teacher, where what started as study sessions quickly turned into one of the most important friendships of her life. Afternoons spent studying together somehow turned into years of laughter, support, and a friendship that only grew stronger with time. With names that rhyme, they soon became known as Team Olly — a duo so inseparable that at one point Holly's own parents suggested she might as well just marry Maya. Some friendships start in the classroom and last forever. Please welcome one half of Team Olly… Maya!"

    Together: "Please welcome Reuben Penhallow and Maya Ironside!"
  6. Kieran & Otis – the brothers (pair) — introduced by Abigail
    Kieran (Abigail): "What else can you say about a brother? He is the longest-standing person in Russell's life. His best friend. They have shared so many incredible moments together that it would take all night to list them. Kieran is one of the most respected artisans of wood and 3D printing fabrication that Russell knows — a man of so many hidden talents and skills that he genuinely shines amongst the people around him. He is generous. He is kind with his time. And he always does — what Russell calls — a proper job. He doesn't do things by halves, and he never has. Russell is so proud and so privileged to have his brother by both of their sides on this most important of days. Please welcome Kieran Westbrook!"

    Otis (Abigail): "Before the friends and before the partners, there was her brother Otis. Even though Holly is two and a half years older, they grew up side by side — playing outside for hours, inventing games, staging pretend wars with their cousins, and causing the kind of childhood chaos only siblings can get away with. Through every stage of life, that bond has never changed. Please welcome her brother, Otis."

    Together: "Please welcome Kieran Westbrook and Otis Atwell — the brothers!"
  7. Final: "And now, introducing for the very first time as husband and wife... Holly and Russell, Ballard-Waters!" — introduced by Davina

Holly & Russell will walk in together at the end. The song plays throughout all entrances.

After all entrances complete: Nod/point to Gabriel again to bring the music back down before welcome speech.
6:55 PM

Welcome Speech & Entrée Service Begins (25 min)

Take your time with this — it sets the tone for the whole evening. Entrée service will begin as you speak.

Welcome to Country (do this first):

Abigail — you're probably the best person to lead the Welcome to Country. We are on Wathurong Country. Please also acknowledge that our guests have come from across the state and country — all over Victoria and Australia.

Welcome to the Evening:

Welcome speech — cover in your own style (split between Abigail & Davina as noted):
  • Welcome (Abigail & Davina): "We're here for a day of love, amazing food, great dancing and even better drinks."
  • Bathrooms (Davina): Let everyone know where they are.
  • Smoking area (Davina): Let everyone know where the smoking area is.
  • Drinks (Davina): Free-flowing all evening. Last drinks capped at 11:00 PM — no formal last drinks call, keep an eye on the time.
  • Photo Booth (Davina): Opens at 7:00 PM in the Chandelier Room. Physical copies, QR codes, unlimited use. Holly and Russell would love you to use it!
  • Video Diary (Davina): There is a video diary running throughout the night — if anyone would like to leave a message for Holly and Russell, please find the video diary and say something!
  • Questions → Carla (Davina): For anything food, service or venue related, speak to Carla (venue coordinator).
  • Order of the night (Abigail) — flight attendant style 🛫:
    1. Entrée service
    2. Round one speeches
    3. Dinner
    4. Final speeches
    5. Cake cutting
    6. First dance
    7. Dancing
    8. Farewell to the bride and groom
  • Close by inviting everyone to enjoy their entrée.

💡 Abigail & Davina have suggested delivering the order of the night in a flight attendant style — glow sticks and/or a high-vis vest encouraged!

7:20 PM

Speeches – Round One

Opening line: "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much — I hope you've been enjoying your entrée. We are now going to hear from three incredible groups of people who love Holly and Russell dearly. Please put your hands together..."

Speech order & handoffs:

  1. Groom's Party (~6 min) — Introduce, then hand off. They will hand off directly to the bridal party when done.
  2. Bridal Party (~6 min) — They receive the handoff from groom's party. When done, they hand back to you (the MCs).
  3. Greta & Landon (Russell's parents, ~8 min) — Davina re-introduces Greta & Landon.

You don't need to be actively involved between groom's party → bridal party. Let them flow into each other. You step back in to introduce Greta & Landon at the end.

Davina's intro for Greta & Landon: "We are now going to hear from two of the most important people in Russell's life — his parents. His mum Greta is a maternal child health nurse, and one of the very best in Geelong. She is the embodiment of empathy, care, and love all wrapped up in one incredible person. And his dad Landon is a jack of all trades — always hands-on, always willing to help, and would give the shirt off his back to those he loves. Russell has said he looks up to both his parents — not as perfect people, but as the blueprint for how to live a good life. He also wants us to mention that Landon is a fellow motorsport fan. Please put your hands together for Greta and Landon Westbrook."
After Greta & Landon finish: "Thank you so much Greta and Landon — what a beautiful way to start the evening. Ladies and gentlemen, dinner is about to be served. Please sit back, relax, and enjoy!"

⚠️ Roaming mics required for all speeches — coordinate with Truffle Duck/Carla.

7:40 PM

Main Course Service

Dinner is served. MCs take a well-earned break — enjoy your meal!

MC Note: No duties during main course. Sit down, eat, and recharge.

7:50 PM

Sunset Photos

Holly & Russell slip away quietly with the photographer for 25–30 minutes.

MC Note: No announcement needed. They'll return around 8:20–8:25 PM.

8:25 PM

Holly & Russell Return – Pass the Parcel!

Holly & Russell return from sunset photos. The bridal table will be broken down at this point — each bridal party member will join a guest table to participate.

Suggested announcement: "Thank you everyone, I hope you've enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Your guests of honour have decided to share some love — and some gifts — with all of you tonight. What better way to celebrate love than to pass it around? So please enjoy... a round of Pass the Parcel!"
Cue Carla at this point — she will signal the service staff to bring out the parcels (2 per table). You then run the game from the front.
Music for pass the parcel: Signal Kieran Westbrook — he will control the music (stopping and starting) during the game. ⚠️ Speaker setup TBC — we need to confirm with Carla (venue coordinator) that a speaker will be available and set up in time. This will be confirmed closer to the day.

Holly, Russell and the bridal party will be seated at guest tables and playing alongside everyone else.

Pass the parcel runs for approximately 10 minutes. Have fun with it — you have full creative control over how you run the game!

8:35 PM

Speeches – Final Round

Opening line: "Thank you everyone — I hope that was a bit of fun! We're now going to move to our final and most heartfelt speeches of the evening..."

Speech order:

  1. Ivan & Penelope (Holly's parents, ~8 min) — introduced by Davina
    Davina's intro for Ivan & Penelope: "Before tonight's love story began, there was another one that showed Holly what love really looks like. Her mum and dad have spent years building a life together based on loyalty, support, laughter, and always showing up for each other and their family. Mum has always been the heart of the family — the warmth, the encouragement, and the unconditional love that Holly has carried with her into every stage of life. And Dad has always been the steady foundation — dependable, supportive, and quietly strong. The one who shows up when it matters most, who fixes problems before anyone else even notices them, and who never stops backing the people he loves. Together they created a home full of support, resilience, humour, and belief in one another. They are the reason Holly understands what commitment looks like, and the reason she believes in building a love that lasts. Please welcome her wonderful Mum and Dad."
  2. Holly & Russell (~6 min) — Ivan will introduce Holly & Russell at the end of his speech. No separate MC intro needed.

⚠️ Roaming mics required.

After Holly & Russell finish speaking: "And now — we're going to cut the cake! Get your cameras out, this is a beautiful moment. Holly and Russell, if you'll make your way to the dance floor..."
8:45 PM

Cake Cutting & Dessert

Cake is cut on the dance floor. Desserts served simultaneously.

⚠️ IMPORTANT – Leaving Etiquette Announcement: At this moment, announce to guests: "Before we continue — if at any point during the rest of the evening you need to head off, please feel free to wave or simply go. Please don't crowd around Holly and Russell to say goodbye — if you'd like a proper farewell, come and join them at the recovery brunch tomorrow morning at 20 Sample Lane, Sampleton from 10:30 AM."
8:55 PM

First Dance – Holly & Russell

Before announcing:

  • The specific dancing area will be confirmed at the Thursday/Friday rehearsal — make sure you know where it is and communicate it to guests.
  • Holly & Russell will move to a hidden position (out of sight of guests). When they're ready, they'll give you or Kieran a thumbs up.
Signal Kieran Westbrook (Russell's brother) — he will press play on the song. The track is a single file and will play through to the end.
Announcement: "Ladies and gentlemen, please clear the dance floor and take your seats. It is now time for the moment we've all been waiting for — the first dance. We kindly ask that there be no flash photography during this time. Damian and Elliot are permitted to continue filming. Please give all our photographers and videographers plenty of space. Now — please put your hands together for Mr and Mrs Ballard-Waters!"

The song will end naturally. There'll be a natural pause and then applause. Beautiful moment — let it breathe.

Following

Family Dance – "Where's My Husband"

Announcement (Davina): "Please stay where you are — we have one more special moment. We're now going to have the family dance. Please welcome Holly and Russell's family to the floor..."
Song: "Where's My Husband" — signal Kieran Westbrook to play.

How this works:

  • Holly & Russell start on the floor first.
  • Ivan & Greta join on the dance floor.
  • Bridal party pulls people from the crowd to join.
  • Halfway through the song — Abigail & Davina invite all guests to join the floor.

This flows naturally into the full dance floor opening.

9:05 PM

Dance Floor Opens for Everyone

Signal Kieran Westbrook — he will start the first dance floor song. It goes straight in, no intro needed. Signal him just before you make your announcement so the music hits right as you invite everyone up.
Announcement: "And NOW — everyone to the dance floor! Let's DANCE!"
10:15–10:50 PM

Dancing – Keep an Eye on Time

MC Note: Enjoy the night but watch the clock. Need to wrap toward 11:00 PM.

10:50 PM

Final Song Coordination

Kieran Westbrook will find Abigail or Davina at ~10:50 to say: "It's 10:50 — I'm going to turn the music down after this song." Coordinate together.

Current song fades down. Eyes return to the dance floor.

Abigail or Davina announce: "Okay everyone — we are about to play the LAST song of the night. Make it count!"
10:55 PM

Last Song – "I Got a Feeling" (Black Eyed Peas)

Signal Kieran Westbrook — play "I Got a Feeling".
During the song, announce: "Everyone — once this song finishes, we'd love for you to make your way outside along the path. Form a line on both sides. Grab a sparkler on the way out — they'll be handed to you. Holly and Russell are going to walk through one last time. This is your final chance to send them off!"
~10:55 PM

Bride & Groom Send-Off – Outside with Sparklers

MC Note: Interrupt the dancing. Take the mic and get everyone's attention.

Announcement: "Thank you everyone — what a night! We're now going to send off our lovely bride and groom. If you're still here, please make your way outside to the garden. Sparklers will be handed out — and we'll play one final song as Holly and Russell leave their wedding as husband and wife!"
Once everyone is outside: Signal Kieran Westbrook — he'll start "Ordinary". Holly & Russell will walk through the sparkler corridor as husband and wife.
  • 🎇 Sparklers will be distributed outside in the garden.
  • Guests line up on both sides to create a corridor for Holly & Russell to walk through.
  • "Ordinary" plays as they make their exit.
After Exit (~11:00 PM)

Final Announcement & Farewell

Final words: "What an absolutely incredible night. On behalf of Holly and Russell — thank you all so much for being here and for making this evening so special. A reminder that tomorrow morning there is a recovery brunch at 20 Sample Lane, Sampleton from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM — everyone is welcome! The venue will be closing shortly, so please start making your way out. Drive safe, take care of each other, and goodnight!"

MC Note: Music curfew is 11:00 PM sharp — amplified music must end. After your announcement you are free to go. Thank you so much for everything! 🎉

MC Quick Reference

Equipment

What You'll Have

  • Roaming/wireless microphones (for all speeches and MC use) — confirm with Carla/Truffle Duck
  • MC position: Near the bridal table
  • Gabriel on guitar (outside pavilion) — responds to visual signals from Abigail
  • Kieran Westbrook on music playback — responds to visual signals from Abigail/Davina
Speech Order

All Speeches

  1. 7:15 PM — Groom's Party (~6 min) → hands to Bridal Party (~6 min) → MCs introduce Greta & Landon (~8 min)
  2. ~8:30 PM — Ivan & Penelope (~8 min) → introduce Holly & Russell (~6 min)

⚠️ Roaming mics required for all speeches.

Key Moments

Don't Miss

  • 6:20 PM — Usher guests to reception room
  • 6:25 PM — Abigail warms up room, introduces Davina, Gabriel plays quietly
  • 6:35 PM — Signal Gabriel to full volume → bridal party entrance → "Ballard-Waters!"
  • 6:45 PM — Welcome to Country, then full welcome speech
  • 7:15 PM — Introduce speeches (Groom's → Bridal → Greta & Landon)
  • 8:25 PM — Pass the parcel (cue Carla → staff bring parcels)
  • 8:35 PM — Final speeches: Ivan & Penelope → Holly & Russell
  • 8:45 PM — Cake cutting + leaving etiquette announcement
  • 8:55 PM — First dance (signal Kieran, no flash, clear floor)
  • Following — Family dance: "Where's My Husband" (Holly & Russell start, family joins progressively – NO general floor yet)
  • 9:00 PM — Signal Kieran → dance floor opens for everyone
  • ~10:55 PM — Interrupt dancing → announce send-off → everyone outside → sparklers → signal Kieran → "Ordinary" → Bride & Groom exit through garden
  • After exit — Final farewell + recovery brunch reminder