Local Story: Michael & Peter’s Handwritten Celebration
When a wedding feels more like a gathering of friends, with good food, shared stories, and a little bit of sparkle.
In the soft afternoon light at Percy, surrounded by laughter, clinking glasses and the gentle hum of conversation, Michael and Peter said “I do.” Their wedding wasn’t about grand gestures, but about love that felt real, easy, and shared with the people who mattered most.
Held inside the character-filled walls of Hotel Woolstore 1888 Sydney, the day was intimate, joyful and distinctly them. What began as a plan for a simple reception soon became something unforgettable — a celebration where old friends became new ones, and every detail reflected warmth and thoughtfulness.
“We loved the character, atmosphere and food,” says Michael. “We wanted the day to feel authentic and relaxed, and the Woolstore team just got it.”
And it showed — from the heartfelt ceremony to the last dance, the day unfolded with an effortless charm that felt uniquely theirs.
Saying “I do” with character
The ceremony took place in Percy, the restaurant cleared for the occasion. Rows of chairs faced the arched street-side window, sunlight spilling in as the wedding party descended the glass lifts through the light-filled atrium. It was a moment of quiet theatre that set the tone for the rest of the afternoon.
After the vows, guests made their way across the road to Novotel Sydney Darling Harbour for cocktails while the team at Percy transformed the space for dinner. By evening, the restaurant glowed with candlelight and anticipation.
A table made for connection
Shared platters — from raw tuna with ajo blanco to red snapper with curry leaves and Reverine striploin with red wine jus — sparked conversation and connection.
“Shared platters are ideal for breaking the ice,” says Michael. “We wanted people to mingle and make new friends.”
The room was filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses and the unmistakable warmth of people who felt at home.
Music, laughter and a little surprise
Later, the music took over — from 80s favourites to Canadian anthems, a nod to Peter’s roots — before a friend surprised everyone with a show-stopping rendition of Sweet Transvestite. The evening slipped from dinner to dancing with ease, laughter echoing across Percy’s sandstone walls.
By the end of the night, it felt less like an event and more like a story written together — one filled with warmth, music and the kind of connection that lingers.
It was a wedding full of love, personality and character — much like the hotel itself.
Image credit: Shane Van Laar
