Luda and Jesse: an international wedding

Luda and Jesse were married last Friday, under the poplars at the lake's edge, at "The Lake House", in Daylesford. This is a beautiful venue, with fabulous staff always available to coordinate the wedding ceremony on the day. This was a day where the bride's Russian heritage was honoured and incorporated into the wedding ceremony, and we were also lucky to have two of her Aunts from Russia being able to join us on the day. We had laughs, we had tears, we had tradition both old and modern. It was a great day, a huge thank you to Luda and Jesse for inviting me to be there with you all. Congratulations on your intimate, international, beautiful day xx

"Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it’s cracked up to be. That’s why people are so cynical about it. It is really worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don’t risk anything, you risk even more" 

- Erica Jong.

   

Leah and Mark: wed at Avalon Nursery.

There is a lovely new wedding venue in town to wedding ceremonies, and I am so thrilled to have been asked by Leah and Mark to officiate their wedding ceremony at this great venue, Avalon Nursery, at Haddon. This couple had such a clear vision for their day: their daughters, their family, their friends, the outdoors, Leah's love of horses (she arrived in a horse-drawn carriage), and to be surrounded by those they love most. And what a family ceremony it was! Delicate necklaces were given to their daughters, 3 readings by 3 significant woman in their lives, and they also performed the Sand Ceremony to signify their family joining forever in wedlock. It was beautiful to see how much their daughters mean to them, they are their lives and their joy. Congratulations to Leah and Mark: your family, and you = gorgeous xx

What Is Family: written Marin McKay.

A family is…

The sweetest feelings

The warmest hugs

Trust and togetherness

Unconditional love

The stories of our lives written on the same page

The nicest memories anyone has ever made

Treasured photos

Thankful tears

Hearts overflowing with all the years

Being there for one another

Supporting and caring

Understanding, helping, sharing

Walking life’s path together

And making the journey more beautiful because

We are a family… And a family is love.

Hayley and Brad, a bush wedding.

Hayley and Brad: thank you so much for having me as your celebrant. And thank you for choosing such an amazing setting for your ceremony, The Streamside Reserve, at Happy Valley. What a serene place, just perfect for a celebration, just perfect for you both, and your amazing families. I loved the final touches: the old fire truck, the old cars, the portable loo being driven around hither and thither (before you arrived Hayley!). What a great day, and we almost beat the rain. But no matter the weather, this was a great day, congratulations to you both xx

A pre-wedding selfie with the wonderful photographer David Bailey.

Caitlin and Marty: hitched at Willow Glen Weddings

I had never officiated a wedding at Willow Glen Weddings until yesterday, and, I was so delighted to see the venue. What an utterly beautiful place. Well done to Caitlin and Marty, great choice! And what a great couple: every meeting with them was a joy, and I am so thrilled to have married them. Their wedding was so personal, with funny stories and shared discussion of bad habits, which brought laughter to their ceremony. Congratulations on your wedding, Caitlin and Marty, I wish you a life of happy married bliss together xx

Sooner or Later - Author Unknown

“Sooner or later we begin to understand that love is more than verses on valentines and romance in the movies. We begin to know that love is here and now, real and true, the most important thing in our lives. For love is the creator of our favourite memories and the foundation of our fondest dreams. Love is a promise that is always kept, a fortune that can never be spent, a seed that can flourish in even the most unlikely of places. And this radiance that never fades, this mysterious and magical joy, is the greatest treasure of all – one known only by those who love.”

Maddison's Naming Ceremony

Last Sunday was a lovely day. It consisted of beautiful, warm weather, calm breezes, and a family gathering to honour Barry & Nicole's baby daughter, Maddison. Maddison's parents chose to have a naming ceremony, to introduce their daughter in to her family group and extended community. And within this ceremony, we acknowledged Maddison, her parents, her grandparents and her godparents. This little child is so incredibly loved and blessed. And I was so lucky to be a part of it all. Congratulations Maddison, you are so gorgeous x

“Our Guardians”

When Angels sense you need them, and Angels always do

They come, unseen, from everywhere to help and comfort you.

They hover close beside you ‘till all your cares are gone,

Till they can see you’re ready once again to carry on.

Then some of them may fly away and take their gentle touch,

To other hearts that need the love of Angels very much.

But one, at least, stays with you as your constant friend and guide,

For Guardian Angels never leave, they’re always at your side.

Author Unknown

Nikki and Jarrod: A Bright Wedding

Yesterday was Nikki and Jarrod's wedding day at The Ballarat Lodge, and it was a gorgeous sunny day, enjoyed by all in the shade of the pergola. The wedding party had it all decorated in bright summery colours, and the effect was stunning. The bridesmaid dresses and men's ties all embraced that colour scheme, and I do have to say that it worked well. Nikki arrived in a horse drawn carriage, which her grandfather "drove" to the ceremony space. He then walked down the aisle with the couple's dog, looking all handsome in a doggy suitcoat. That brought smiles all around: it was a lovely touch. Congrats to Nikki and Jarrod, I hope that you have a wonderful married life together x

“Treat yourselves and each other with respect, and remind yourselves often of what brought you together. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness, and kindness that your connection deserves. When frustration, difficulties, and fear assail your relationship, as they threaten all relationships at one time or other, remember to focus on what is right between you, not only that part which seems wrong. In this way, you can ride out the storms when clouds hide the face of the sun in your lives, remembering that even if you lose sight of it for a moment, the sun is still there. And if each of you takes responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.”

--Author Unknown