A First Dance I’ll Never Forget (with video!)
Every so often, a moment at a wedding really stays with me. This was one of those.
A few weeks before Corey and Holly’s wedding, Corey reached out with an idea. He asked if I could learn a song for their first dance, If I Told by Courtney Marie Andrews. Holly had no idea. It was going to be a surprise.
From the start, it was clear this song meant something.
The Story Behind the Song
Corey told me about a surf trip he’d taken to the Mentawais months earlier. While he was there, he found himself falling asleep each night listening to If I Told. Somewhere along the way, the song became tied to how much he missed Holly.
One night, lying there listening, it hit him. He’d fallen in love.
By the time their wedding day came around, the song wasn’t just a nice first dance choice. It carried a lot of meaning.
Turning a Song Into a Moment
When someone asks me to learn a song like that, it’s not just about learning the chords and melody. It’s about understanding why the song matters and making sure it’s played in a way that feels right.
On the day, Holly still didn’t know what was coming. As the music started, there was this beautiful sense of focus around the room as people realised something special was happening. A simple moment, but a powerful one.
Afterwards, Corey sent through this message:
““Not only did Jake learn the song, he played it with such soul and sensitivity that it felt like the music was telling our story. His performance was more beautiful than the original, and it moved me to tears. Thank you for giving us a moment that will live in our hearts forever.””
Why Moments Like This Matter
This is why I do what I do.
Being a wedding musician isn’t just about playing songs. It’s about helping create moments that couples carry with them forever. Sometimes that’s a packed dance floor. Sometimes it’s a quiet, deeply personal first dance that says more than words ever could.
Getting to be trusted with something that meaningful is never something I take lightly.
More Than Just Music
Corey and Holly’s first dance is one of those moments I’ll always remember. Not just because of the song, but because of what it represented.
These are the moments that make weddings unforgettable. And they’re the reason I put so much care into every performance, whether it’s learning a song that means the world to someone, or reading the room and shaping the energy of the night.
Thanks again to Corey and Holly for trusting me with such a special part of their story. It was an absolute honour to be part of it!
Watch Corey and Holly’s unforgettable first dance, performed live as a surprise for Holly. From the heartfelt start of If I Told by Courtney Marie Andrews to Corey’s reaction, this video captures a truly personal wedding moment.
Stay for the transition from the intimate first dance to the DJ-led dancefloor, where the celebration comes alive with friends and family.
Wedding Details
Couple: Corey & Holly
Wedding Date: December 2024
Wedding Venue: The Beach Hotel, Merewether, NSW
Wedding Music Services:
Live acoustic wedding music for the ceremony and canapés
Professional wedding DJ for the reception
Wedding Song Choices:
Bridal Party Entrance Song: Stumbling In by CYRIL
Cake Cutting Song: You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
First Dance Song: If I Told by Courtney Marie Andrews (performed live acoustic)
Special Live Performance: Simply The Best (performed live acoustic)
Reception Farewell Song: Closing Time by Semisonic
Meet Jake
I’m a wedding musician and DJ in the Hunter Valley, serving Newcastle and surrounding areas. I love creating moments people remember — from a packed dancefloor to a quiet, surprise first dance — and making the soundtrack of your day feel personal and real.