At Duke Music, we have the honour of soundtracking some of life’s most unforgettable moments—and Michelle and Blake’s wedding at the breathtaking Gunners Barracks in Mosman was no exception. With panoramic harbour views, timeless architecture, and an air of romantic luxury, Gunners Barracks is one of the most coveted Sydney wedding venues, and it provided the perfect backdrop for a celebration filled with emotion, elegance, and energy.
About the Venue: Gunners Barracks, Mosman
Nestled in Sydney’s leafy lower north shore, Gunners Barracks is a heritage-listed sandstone venue with historic charm and sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. It’s no surprise that this iconic location is a favourite among couples planning their Sydney weddings.
The venue boasts multiple event spaces: the elegant Main Dining Room, a chic Harbour Terrace, and a stunning Sandstone Courtyard, each creating a distinctive atmosphere for different parts of the celebration. Whether it’s a sun-drenched ceremony overlooking the harbour or an intimate indoor reception, Gunners Barracks effortlessly blends sophistication with old-world charm.
It’s also worth noting the impeccable service. With dedicated wedding coordinators and renowned culinary offerings, Gunners Barracks ensures every detail is curated with care—a dream location for a truly memorable day.
A Love-Filled Ceremony with Live Acoustic Music
Michelle and Blake’s day began with heartfelt vows exchanged under a brilliant Sydney sky, framed by the venue’s iconic sandstone and ocean views. As guests gathered, we performed as an Acoustic Duo for their ceremony—live, raw, and intimate.
The song choices were especially meaningful. Michelle walked down the aisle to a delicate live rendition of “Anyone” by Justin Bieber, setting the tone for the emotional moment to come. This was followed by “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Kina Grannis’ version), a soulful acoustic ballad that had more than a few guests reaching for tissues.
During the signing of the register, we performed two stunning live covers:
🎵 “Valentine” by Laufey
🎵 “Glue Song” by Beabadoobee
And for their joyful recessional? It had to be “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles—a cheerful, nostalgic note to end the ceremony and begin the festivities.
Canapés, Dinner and a Dreamy Sunset
As guests enjoyed canapés and cocktails on the Harbour Terrace, we continued performing as an Acoustic Duo, bringing a laid-back, romantic vibe to the celebration. This set the perfect scene for mingling, laughter, and golden hour portraits captured by the talented Sydney Wedding Photography by Katsu, whose natural and cinematic style suited the venue’s aesthetic beautifully.
Inside, the venue was transformed with stunning floral installations by Best Buds Flowers. Think creamy whites, soft blush, and romantic greenery—artfully arranged to complement the venue’s stonework and natural light. Celebrant Married By Mary brought a personal and joyful touch to the ceremony earlier, and now guests relaxed and enjoyed the seamless flow of the evening.
Our acoustic music continued through dinner, enhancing the ambience without overpowering the chatter and celebration. We chose a blend of jazz-inspired indie love songs and relaxed acoustic takes on classic favourites—tailored to the couple’s tastes and the energy of the night.
Turning Up the Volume: DJ Tim Takes Over
As the sun dipped and the sky turned to twilight, it was time to take the energy up a notch. Tim stepped in as DJ, reading the room and knowing exactly when to bring the beats, drop the tempo, or keep the dancefloor pumping.
From the moment the wedding party made their grand entrance to “Stronger” by Kanye West, followed by Michelle and Blake dancing into the room to “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé, the mood shifted to full celebration.
Cake Cutting: The couple cut their gorgeous cake to “Inside Out” by The Chainsmokers—a moment that perfectly blended sentiment and style.
First Dance: Their first dance to “Lover” by Taylor Swift was pure magic—romantic, gentle, and heartfelt.
Farewell Track: We ended the night with a crowd favourite: “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. It was the ultimate send-off, with everyone singing at the top of their lungs and dancing like no one was watching.
Why Live Music + DJ Is the Perfect Combo
One of the things Michelle and Blake said they loved most about their experience was the seamless flow between live music and DJing throughout the day. It’s a format we specialise in at Duke Music, and it allows couples to enjoy the best of both worlds: heartfelt, emotional live performances during the key moments of their ceremony and reception, followed by high-energy DJ sets that keep the party going well into the night.
This Duo + DJ format also allows us to be flexible, responsive, and curated in our approach—whether that means learning and performing a couple’s special songs live, or blending genres and decades to create the perfect party soundtrack.
Vendors Who Made the Day
We’re always grateful to work with incredible creatives in the wedding industry, and this day was no exception. Shout out to these all-stars:
- Photography: Sydney Wedding Photography by Katsu – effortlessly capturing the essence of the day in every frame
- Florals: Best Buds Flowers – floral artistry at its finest
- Celebrant: Married By Mary – warm, witty and wonderful
Planning a Wedding at Gunners Barracks?
If you’re planning your own Gunners Barracks wedding, we’d be honoured to provide the soundtrack to your love story. Whether you’re envisioning a stripped-back acoustic duo for your ceremony, a romantic dinner set, or a DJ set to keep your guests dancing all night—we’ve got you covered.
We’ve performed at this stunning venue many times and know exactly how to work with their timings, layout, and acoustics to ensure your day flows beautifully.
👉 Let’s chat about your wedding music!
Reach out to us at info@dukemusic.com.au to check availability, request a quote, or just say hi. We’d love to hear all about your dream day and help you bring it to life.
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