Planning the perfect wedding day
Your wedding day should be one of the most memorable and perfect in your life. So, my suggestion is to look on it as the day you marry the love of your life and embark on the important first steps as you begin your marriage. So, what could possibly go wrong? Naturally, even when you think you’ve covered all your bases, something may not quite go according to plan. It’s how you respond to these things, however, that will determine your memories of your special day. Appoint a team of one or more I would suggest that the more people you...
read moreWedding location, location!
Spoilt for choice The location you choose for your wedding or other special event will have a big effect on the style of ceremony you have and, importantly, the atmosphere. The options are endless … from a private property, to a rainforest or beach location, to a village hall, restaurant or function space right through to a destination wedding. Some of the amazing locations where I have been fortunate enough to perform ceremonies are: ♥ Angels Beach, East Ballina ♥ Angourie Rainforest Resort, Yamba ♥ Ballina Byron Islander Resort ♥ ...
read moreSimple tips for your wedding day
There are lots of simple tips for helping to make your wedding day, particularly your ceremony, run smoothly. They’re all easy to achieve but will make the world of difference to you, your bridal party and the photos from your big day. Before your wedding day ♥ Check with all your suppliers, in the last few weeks before your wedding, to confirm all arrangements and the timing for each element to be delivered etc. If you have a wedding co-ordinator, they should be doing this for you. ♥ Check to see if an engagement photo session...
read moreExchange of wedding rings
Unless you’re happy to leave things to chance, I think it’s a great idea to discuss with your celebrant, prior to your big day, all the little details that go into making up your ceremony. It helps to make things seamless on the day and takes away any niggling questions you may have. The exchange of wedding rings is not essential for a marriage to be considered legal in Australia but, more often than not, it will form part of most ceremonies. One of the things I discuss with each couple is how they plan to present the ring/s. The...
read moreMusic to my ears
Music connects people From the moment the first note is played, music will capture the attention of those nearby. Your choices before, during and after your ceremony set the tone for your event so careful thought is required. There are various options which you can consider: ♥ Using my PA When choosing me as your celebrant, I offer you the option of playing a selection of songs through my PA before, during and straight after your ceremony. This allows you to have beautiful music for your ceremony at no extra charge. I suggest...
read moreCapturing your wedding photos
There are countless opportunities for capturing your wedding photos on your big day. Ultimately, however, it is your choice of photographer which will determine whether professional images are taken. Some may have a list they offer to go through so as to ensure they capture the more traditional images if this is what you would like. These could include, for example, the bride’s gown hanging from a pretty light fitting, her shoes, her bouquet or rings, the groom tying his tie, the bridal party, the exchange of rings and the first kiss etc....
read moreUnplugged weddings ~ what are they?
As social media has increasingly taken a key place in our lives so, too, have unplugged weddings become more popular. What are unplugged weddings? This simply means that the bride and groom have chosen for guests to sit back and capture all the precious moments from their wedding ceremony without the distraction of taking photos with their camera or phone. This role is left to either their professional photographer or, perhaps, one or two close friends. As well as family and friends soaking up the atmosphere and listening to what...
read moreA promise is a promise
Making promises I always suggest to each couple booking with me that they take the time to find a quiet space to write down each promise they’d like to make to their partner and … to write from the heart. This part of every ceremony is so intimate and special. It’s like a moment in time, perfectly captured by two people who love each other. Whether it’s in the presence of their celebrant and a minimum of two witnesses over the age of 18 or in front of a crowd of family and friends, it is a significant moment in their wedding ceremony....
read moreMarriage equality ~ love wins!
♥ A hot topic The question of marriage equality has been a hot topic in recent times. This is mainly due to the legislation which came into being during John Howard’s term as Prime Minister of Australia. In 2004, a series of words, known as The Monitum, was added to the Marriage Act 1961. These words must be said by all Commonwealth-registered celebrants (like me) and State and Territory officers (such as someone in a local Court House who is authorised to marry couples) in order for a marriage in Australia to be considered legal The...
read moreSave the Date ~ what does this mean?
What do you think about when you hear the phrase “Save the Date”? Usually this is known as a notification, sent to friends and family, in order to give them advance notice about an important event, such as a wedding. There are, however, TWO wedding-related reasons why someone may be asked to Save the Date and both scenarios are explained below: ♥ Timing There are no rules about when is the best time to send out a Save the Date prior to your marriage but your prime consideration should be your guests and how much notice...
read moreMarriage ~ the age old question!
As your celebrant, there are a few things surrounding marriage and the question of age that I’ll mention when I meet with you. ♥ Minimum Age The minimum age for someone marrying in Australia without any special consent is 18 years. This, of course, is as long as the couple meet the other relevant criteria such as they are not currently married to someone else, they are not (too) closely related and they are able to provide the necessary documentation to prove their name, date/place of birth and their identity. If either party is under...
read moreChoosing your wedding location
Choosing your wedding location will have a huge effect on how you, your family and friends remember your special day. Emotions will be high as, after all, your choice of wedding location provides the stage, as it were, for you and your partner to be joined in marriage. Many of your photographs will be taken during and soon after the ceremony, including the arrival of the bridal party, the groom’s first look, saying your vows, exchanging rings, your first kiss as a married couple, signing the Certificates of Marriage, with your celebrant, and...
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