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!

Nell and Glenn

Nell and Glenn were married at Mimosa Glen in Tooborac earlier this year. Mimosa Glen is not traditionally a wedding venue per-se, it is a homestead that has been restored and there is some lovely accommodation on the property too. It is a stunning place! The views everywhere you looked were exquisite. The weather was a perfect 24 degrees. You couldn’t really ask for more.

I’m not sure how many people believe in destiny, or that life will take you to a certain point at a certain time because that is exactly where you need to be. But for those of you who don’t believe, I’m not sure how else to explain what happened about 5 years ago.  Glenn, a lovely New Zealander, went to Ireland to look into his family history and then to work in Europe. Nell, a beautiful Australian lass, went to Ireland to do a similar thing. Glenn and Nell both start working for the same online poker company. Nell had been away from home for so long so Glenn, being an expat and a Kiwi, made her drawn to him. Her first impression of him was that he was quiet and handsome. There was a rumour around the workplace that Glenn was a party animal, which Nell now thinks is funny as it is not something that she would ever associate with Glenn. Glenn thought that Nell was very friendly and easy to talk to. He thought she was loud and brash and he really liked talking to her.

Nell and Glenn shared their vows in front of about 80 guests, they had people fly in from all around the world, the US, Ireland and New Zealand just to mention a few. Nell looked amazing, her dress and 1920’s inspired veil suited her perfectly. The attendants all wore a lovely green hue, that complemented the brown of the guys suits. They stood on top of a beautiful big rock with 3 attendants each. One of Nell’s bridesmaids,  Susan, wrote a song for the occasion and after Susan came down the aisle she took her place at the microphone and sang the rest of the girls into the ceremony site. Susan also sang while Nell and Glen signed their paper work and when they had been presented as the newly married couple and went through the most magnificent confetti shower that you have ever seen.

When I asked what they loved most about the other, Nell said that was really hard to answer, like when someone asks what is your favourite movie or favourite fruit. But she did say that she really loves Glenn’s nature, that he is honest, kind and gentle, he is quiet and not contrived. Glen said that he loves all of who Nell is. He loves her conviction, her drive and loves her sensitivity and caring nature. Being with Nell has always felt like where he is meant to be.  Glenn said that when Nell sets her sights on getting something done, she is determined and driven to achieve what she sets out to do. Nell said that Glenn is true to himself, he doesn’t pretend to be anything he is not.  They love spending time at home in each others company. They love bad zombie or horror and post apocalyptic movies, Video games, playing with and annoying their dog Greta, wandering around new places and eating great food together, whether it is going out for dinner or breakfast. They love to chat over a nice meal with a glass of wine.

Greta didn’t miss out on any of the festivities. She was there staying at the homestead too. On the day she had a beautiful floral collar. She made her grand entrance walking up to where Glenn was waiting for Nell. It was such a lovely moment as she did it all on her own. She spent most of the ceremony up on the rock with Nell and Glenn while they became husband and wife. Nell and Glenn wrote their own beautiful vows that reflected their feelings wonderfully.  Nell even quoted Dumbledore, saying “Let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress – adventure”.

What a perfect day in the most lovely setting, with some of the loveliest people that you could ever meet. I never take for granted that I get to be a part of these wonderful ceremonies and to be right there when people get to make the most sacred promises to one another.  Another amazing wedding of people that I feel lucky that I got to know.

A very big Thank you to Andrew Hardy Photography for all of the stunning images from Nell and Glenn’s wonderful day. You can check out his website here, or his blog about the day by clicking here, or go and follow him on facebook  too.  Also have a look at the Mimosa Glen website, and see all that the property has to offer.

Jimmy and Gemma

 

Some people just fit together, it’s like they were especially made for the other, and make you believe in destiny. Jim and Gemma are undoubtedly one of these couples.

I have known Jimmy for about 7 years. I met Gemma when she came to Australia and thought how Jim won the trifecta, I knew she liked Formula One, but thought how lucky he was when I discovered she is also very smart and saw she is beautiful too.

Jim and Gemma were married at  Healesville Sanctuary, on a perfect day in November, the weather forecast had all of us a little concerned as there was a 90% chance of rain, not the best odds, but the day was beautiful and the rain held of to late in the evening and by then no one really seemed to mind. They were married outside the Brolga Room in a really private lovely part of the Sanctuary. Jim and Gemma had people from all over the world at their wedding, people had traveled from the UK, New Zealand and from outback Queensland just to name a few.

A little over 5 years ago, Jim set of an adventure to London, on a 2 year working visa. I remember him working hard for numerous months before hand and being very excited for this new chapter in his life. Little did he know just how wonderful that adventure would be. Although I think maybe Charlotte, (Jimmy’s younger sister) had a bit of an idea that there was someone that Jim should meet.

Gemma had been working with Charlotte in a hospital, one of their colleges was leaving and Jim joined them for the leaving drinks. When Jim and Gemma were introduced they were told that they both liked formula one and even the initial shock of “Argh, she likes Ferrari’ and the “Argh, he likes McLaren” didn’t put them off talking to each other, they didn’t speak to anyone else for the rest of the evening.

They have spent the last 5 years having an absolute blast,  They have had camper van trips around Europe, skipped between 5 different F1 races in a year, They have spent countless hours in their 1993 Ford Transit called Freddy which they nursed through 10,000 kilometres over a series of trips.

Gemma said what she loves most about Jim is that he does the vacuuming. Not only does he do housework, but she loves he just knows what to say and knows when she is overwhelmed. He can even predict it. He knows when she needs a hug, to vent, a laugh or quiet time. He understands her and loves her.  Gemma also said “He has a natural magnetism. I can leave him in a room of people and turn my back for a second and he’s best friends with everyone. Animals and kids too are just drawn to him, he’s exceptionally likeable, always knows how to engage with people on all levels.”

Jim said that Gemma is the most generous person that he has ever met, she is forever planning gifts for people or making them to give. She is always thinking of others before herself. He is also grateful for all that she has had to forfeit when she made the move to Melbourne, and is very aware of all that Gemma and her family have sacrificed for the two of them to make their life together here in Melbourne.

It was an amazing wedding and I got to meet people that I have only known via the internet for all of those 7 years. Finally meeting Jim’s sisters and niece and nephews that I had been knitting gifts for, for all those years. I shared some lovely moments with both Jim’s lovely family. I haven’t seen Jim’s Mum for many years, but she was telling me she remembers being introduced to me as one of Jim’s first friends when he moved to Melbourne and Gemma’s beautiful family, Gemma has the most wonderful 4 parents that I have ever met. They are just all a big happy family, it is refreshing and wonderful to see.  (At the rehearsal her mum and step mum stood in for 2 of the bridesmaids and walked down the isle arm in arm) Such a beautiful wedding, in a perfect setting, with some of the most wonderful people you can meet.

You can check out the Healesville Sanctuary website here. Thank you to Kirralee for her stunning photos from Jim and Gemma’s amazing day, check out more of her work here and you can like her on her facebook page.

Weather on your wedding day

The weather can change a lot of things on your wedding day and it is obviously one of those things that you have absolutely no control over. However it is something that you need to think about when planning your big day, you need to think of a backup plan if you are having an outdoor wedding and make sure that it is something that you and your partner agree on and have discussed. Remember too, it is not just rain that has to be considered, it is wind and heat too. Wind and heat can ruin your big day just as much, if not more than rain can.

Whenever I meet with a couple or they book me for their special day, I always talk a lot about where the ceremony will be held and if there is a backup plan in case of bad weather. Most of the time this has been thought of, or the venue is somewhere where it will not matter if the weather changes, but I have done some weddings where the weather has been a problem and at the last minute we have had to change where the ceremony is going to be held. It is a good idea to talk to each other about this plan as sometimes the groom can be apprehensive about making decisions about changes at the venue on the wedding day when he can’t ask his bride what she would prefer, so it is good to have a solid plan that you have discussed so that everyone is on the same page about changes.

Usually a little spitting rain is not a problem on your wedding day. One wedding I conducted in  the Burnley Gardens, (check out the blog about it here) were it was cold and there was a little rain, but nothing to really be worried about (a few spots of rain has never worried me). Importantly, there was a backup plan in place if the weather had not held out.

The other thing to consider is the wind; wind can be cold, create problems with the PA system, if you are using one, and with veils, flowers and other accessories, so it is a good idea to think about how the wind could affect your day when picking out the area that you will have your ceremony.

You also need to think about the heat if you are having your ceremony somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of shade. You need to consider that most of your guests will be standing out in it direct sunlight for about an hour and a half for a standard 30 minute ceremony; most people will arrive about half an hour before and they will still be there mingling and talking for about half an hour after the ceremony concludes.

It is also a good idea if you have backup plans that change the location or even time of your wedding, you might want to put someone in charge of letting guests know that the venue has changed. Make sure that this someone who is not in your bridal party; the bridal party will have enough to worry about on your day. Organise this with this person in advance and make sure that you include on the your invitations something like “Contact Lucy in case of inclement weather on 04……..” so that on the day if any of the guests are concerned or need to know what is going on they have a name and a number where to contact someone who can let them know what the new plans are.

Thank-you to Amy Schulz for letting me use her photos on this weeks blog, these photos were taken at Longbeach Estate in Ashburton, New Zealand and the couple are Megan & Mike.

Amy is a fantastic New Zealand photographer I met when doing a wedding in New Zealand, (you can see that blog by clicking here) check out her website here and her facebook page.

Destination Weddings

There are so many things to think about with a destination wedding. I think that some people think it is a great way to avoid all of the stress of a planning a wedding and many people think it is going to cut down on the cost of their big day. It may be the case, but I don’t really think so.

I guess it depends too why you have chosen a destination wedding. Some people choose to have a destination wedding so that they don’t have to pay to have every person they know there, and an easy way to cut down your guest list. Perhaps consider eloping if you don’t want anyone there with you. However, there are going to people who still expect an invitation, and there will be some wondering why they are not invited, just like weddings in your home town. On the flip side you need to realise potential invitees to your destination wedding may not always be able to come and share your big day due to health or financial constraints. A destination wedding or elopement can be a wonderful wedding choice if you really don’t like being the centre of attention or speaking in public, or if who don’t like fuss. It is a great way to take the pressure off you both as a couple. However, be prepared to accept some of your friends and family may be disappointed that they were not part of your special day.

Some couples choose a destination wedding because it is a great way to start off a wonderful holiday and your honeymoon in an exotic, faraway place. It could also be a great way share it in part with family and/ or friends, especially if it is somewhere that you have both been before and really love, or somewhere that you both want to experience for the first time together.

Cost is a big factor. Some people seem to think that it is going to be a cheaper wedding alternative, but I don’t know this is always the case. It can be cheaper compared to a 150 guest sit down dinner at one of the top function centres, but not for example to simpler home catered options.

Paperwork such as passports and visas, and legal requirements are issues you need to take into consideration. Every country will have different laws about marriage, such as how long you have to be in the country before you can be married. If you decide on a country where resorts offer package deals, they may provide information, but you should still contact someone at the Australian Embassy and in  your country of choice and ask questions to ensure you abide by all legal requirements before your departure.

Something else that I didn’t really think about until I was discussing with my friend who had her wedding in New Zealand (check out the blog about it here) is that you need to take everything with you, or send it there in advance. She had to organise and transport the table decorations, gifts for the bridesmaids, and her dress. Luckily she did a couple of trips over there prior to the big day, but if this is not an option, you may want to think about this or find out what the venue can provide and what is specifically included in the package.  This can sometimes be a problem if you are the kind of bride or couple who have unique requirements and it may be difficult with a destination wedding to coordinate these things. It can sometimes become out of your control especially when you can’t visit the venue or speak to the event organiser in person. It may not be possible to have everything exactly as you have dreamed of and you may have to compromise.

Whatever your reason for a destination wedding there are pros and cons and lots of things that you need to consider. Did you have a destination wedding or were you considering one?

Thank you again to Untamed Images for the photos from this weeks blog, check out their website here, and go over and like them on their facebook page to keep updated with all of their photos.

Suzy and Matt

Suzy and Matt had their wedding at Zealandia: The Karori Sanctuary Experience. Which is a beautiful wildlife sanctuary just outside of Wellington, in New Zealand.  They were officially married on the Wednesday before their wedding day, due to me being an Australian Civil Celebrant I wasn’t able to officially marry them. So they had a small legal ceremony with their families present a few days before and got all of the legal stuff done and out of the way. I have known both Suzy and Matt for about 6 years and knew them before they became a couple so they thought that it was only fitting that I should be the one that did their wedding ceremony. I was honoured when they asked me and thought  they may change their mind once they knew that they would have to get all of the legalities done by someone else, and that it might just be too much trouble, but they were determined that I would be the one to do their ceremony, and I am so glad that they did.  I had a wonderful time, and felt so happy to be a part of their day, again I cannot explain how lovely it is for me to help two people that I know quite well, exchange promises in front of all of their family and friends.

They met at their workplace through their mutual love of Photography and their love of music. Matt had asked Suzy to teach him to play some songs on the guitar.  Suzy remembers with amusement Matt declaring his interest during and Arnold Schwarzenegger movie one night, She also recalls spending their first date in an ER because she had dislocated her shoulder whilst removing a piece of clothing. That same night  Matt got food poisoning from the dinner he ate at the pub earlier in the evening and spent the whole night dashing to the bathroom. It did look suspicious when they both called into work sick the next day.  Suzy remembers them going  to Wellington for their first holiday together. She remembers injuring her back and how Matt came to the hospital everyday to sit with her and entertain her as soon as the hospital opened and stayed until they kicked him out.  Matt also remembers this time and knew that this was when he was in love with Suzy, instead of seeing the beautiful sights of New Zealand, he was sitting by her side, helping her use a bed pan, and he really didn’t mind.

The wedding was on a lovely Wellington day in March, Suzy and her 4 beautiful attendants all arrived on a lovely little boat and made their way to the beautiful little section of the park where the ceremony was being held. Matt and his 5 groomsmen waited patiently for their arrival. I will never forget the moment that Matt got to see Suzy for the first time. She looked fantastic in her 40’s inspired dress with her beautiful hair style and a stunning birdcage veil.

After the ceremony the 70 ish guests were treated to drinks and canapés by the lake and could take a scenic boat ride down the lake while the newly married couple were off having their photographs taken. Shortly after all of the guests were ushered into the beautiful  Rata Cafe that was all set up with some of the most lovely table decorations that you have seen. They had a lovely little cake that matched the wildlife theme of the day and so many little cupcakes so that those who wanted to eat cake could do so.

It was a wonderful evening full of dancing and great conversation, with guests from all over the world. I don’t think that I have been to a wedding for a long time that had so many people from so many different countries in the one place. I met some truly wonderful people, that were so lovely. In an amazing, wonderful country that I already want to go back to again.

Thank-you to Amy Schultz for the stunning photos from Matt and Suzy’s wonderful day. Check out her website here. Like her on facebook too, click here for her page. If you are in Wellington, check out Zealandia it is a beautiful place. You can look at their website here.

Lovely wedding invites

I was so excited when I received a wedding invitation in the post a few weeks ago. I love wedding invitations; I love the way you can just tell it’s something special just by the way the envelope feels. I especially like the way that invitations give you a bit of a hint as to what to expect, in relation to the style and theme of the wedding to come.

I was really excited to see this invitation after the lovely ‘save the date’ that I blogged about a few weeks ago for my friends wedding in New Zealand (check out that blog here). When I received the invitation in the mail I knew it would be just as lovely as the ‘save the date’.

I love how cohesive everything is and the way that the couple have included special instructions in regards to the location, directions, background information about the venue and what guests should expect as far as rules.

Have you received any lovely or interesting invitations in the mail lately?

Beautiful save the date card.

A couple of weeks ago I got a beautiful surprise in the post, one of my dear friends is getting married next year in New Zealand and has sent out a beautiful ‘save the date’ card. I knew she had set the date of the wedding, but had forgotten that she had recently asked for my address. I love the idea of a stylish save the date card and I am now even more excited to see what the invites look like. I have recently had a little sneak peak at her Pinterest boards and have an idea of some of the her inspirations for the wedding.

Some people might think that it is early to send out your save the dates, when her wedding isn’t until next march, but I think it is a really good idea when you are inviting guests that live overseas or you are having a destination wedding – people may need to book time off work and organise flights and accommodation.

Can’t wait to share her invites with all of you when they arrive in the mail!

Jonathan and Karen

Karen and Jonathan were married on a stunning Sunday in April at the Alfred Nicholas memorial gardens, on one of the little islands in the middle of the  lake. If you haven’t been to these gardens yourself it is definitely worth the drive up to the dandenongs to go and check out this beautiful part of Melbourne.
I have known Jonathan for about 3 years and remember fondly when he told me that he was going to propose to Karen. I remember him showing me the ring and telling me that two of the diamonds in the ring had belonged to his grandmother and that he has designed it himself.

I remember waiting for them to return from their trip to New Zealand and wanting to hear the story of how he proposed, so it was lovely for me to be able to conduct their wedding ceremony.

On the day, Karen arrived at the gardens with her attendants and was walked to the ceremony by both of her parents. Her dress was simply stunning! As part of their ceremony, together Jonathan and Karen planted a tree to represent growth and nurturing. Through this they wanted to express that like a plant a marriage needs to be nurtured and it grows and changes and that it will not be the same as it was yesterday.

They were both so forthcoming with answers to questions that I asked to help them personalise their ceremony so it made my writing an absolute pleasure. They exchanged some lovely personal vows that they had written too.

After the ceremony Karen, Jonathan and their attendants went to have their photos taken by Keith from Blueberry Studio and then everyone met up with them at  Yarra Ranges Estate for the reception. This  in itself was an amazing location, with beautiful views. They had some great ideas for the reception, they got to  show off their love of all things sci-fi with the tables having sci-fi themed names. They had a great idea to hold a quiz where each table had to answer questions about Karen and Jonathan, it was a great way for people on the tables to get to know each other and really got lots of conversations going. It was such a beautiful day, and represented the caring and wonderful people that they are and I felt very honoured to be a part of their day.

Thanks to Keith Anderson from Blueberry Studio for the use of the stunning images.

Check out the stunning Alfred Nicholas Memorial Gardens on Parks Victoria‘s website.