Beck and Vince

I have known Beck for more than 15 years. Two of her older siblings are two of my closest friends. So when she got engaged it felt like my little sister was getting engaged. I was so excited for her. When I got the phone call asking if I would conduct their wedding, I was rapt. I feel very privileged to be able to make people married, but it is especially special when it is someone that you have known for so long and someone that is special to you.

 

Vince and Beck got married on a beautiful Saturday in Warrnambool. In front of just 16 of their closest family and friends. I get to witness such beautiful moments and one of these moments was when Beck’s Dad saw her for the first time in her dress. It’s always a lovely thing to see, but when you know people for many years, these moments become extra special to be a part of. Beck and Vince got married under a beautiful arbour made by Beck’s older brother. There were some very special family and friends that were not at the ceremony, so a live stream was organised and those  people in New Zealand and in America were able to watch everything as it happened. I tried to not let myself be distracted by how amazing it is that people in another country were watching at the exact moment they are exchanging their vows. So special!

 

When I asked them when did they know that they wanted to be married the responses that they gave me were really beautiful.

Vince said: “Since dating we played with the idea of a future together, but on May 11th 2018 I knew that I wanted to marry Beck. It was the day of my graduation and my family came from outer state to celebrate the big occasion. Having the whole family together for such a special occasion can sometimes be difficult to get around to everyone equally but having Beck there and seeing her talking with both my mother and my father’s side of the family effortlessly and enjoying herself with them, on that day I knew two things, 1. I was graduating and 2. I am going to marry Rebecca.”

Beck told me:
“It came about as a slow realisation, a feeling, a knowing. No one has ever loved and supported me the way Vince does. No one has ever made me feel so happy and excited about mundane things like grocery shopping or doing the laundry. It has gotten to the stage that I cannot imagine my life without him in it. When we found out we were expecting our first child, the rush of excitement, connection and love I felt towards this wonderful human being I’d created a miracle which solidified in my mind that we would be the Ashford’s, and I was going to marry my soulmate.”

 

After the intimate ceremony, we had a quick afternoon tea before Beck and Vince left to have some photos taken. Later, their reception was held at the Laang Recreational Reserve. The hall was transformed into a beautiful space for about 100 or so guests. It was an amazing fairytale night. They had a huge lit up ‘LOVE’ on the stage and so many other beautiful, attention to detail touches. After Beck and Vince had their first dance, they had a ‘Father and Daughter’ dance, where dads danced with their daughters. Then there was a ‘Mother and Son’ dance. Such a lovely and emotional idea. I got to meet some amazing, lovely new people and see some old friends that I hadn’t seen for such a long time.

They had an amazing cake, made by Beck’s sister, with the best Cake topper, made by Beck’s brother Andrew from Second Chance Wood. Check out his facebook page here.

 

I’m now looking forward to the another wedding now. Beck’s younger sister is getting married next. The countdown is on.

Thanks to Pip for the use of his photos from the day!