Tilley & Hayden

I first knew about this couple through my "adopted daughter" Cait, who is Hayden's sister. She would fill me in about their relationship, their career choices, their various stories, and, eventually, their engagement. They sounded like the perfect couple, and I was absolutely delighted for this fabulous family news. And then one day, Tilley contacted me out of the blue, instructing me that I would be their celebrant, no questions asked. And I am so grateful that she did, because now, I have them all in my life, forever, no questions asked.  They were married just this last weekend in March 2019, at the ever fabulous Donegan's Farm, in Gordon, and it was a first for me in a couple of ways........ we had two people faint (one of which was a choir member, another first for me to have a choir at a wedding) and I got to go on a tractor ride to a lovely location for photos (see below, my happy snaps). Their photographer (and I am biased here as he is my husband) was Jeremy Bannister Photography so of course the official photographs will be amazing. And then, after all the photos were finished we joined in at the reception for fun and festivities. I could mention all the inappropriate and hilarious comments of the day, but I am a lady and will not mention all that, just suffice to say that I had a MOST fabulous day with these two darling people whom I will love forever 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 Jung

Brittany & Joey.

Brittany and Joey were married in October, at the fabulous Cave Hill Creek. All their guests were able to stay there the night and just keep on celebrating: you must consider marrying there if you need to select a great venue! I'll never forget the day that I first met these two: Joey walked in the door with an orphaned baby pig that he was caring for, so this was a very quick paperwork session so that I could hug that piglet. And I guess that is just like these two: sweet, gentle, caring, family oriented, just very much like their wedding and the wedding vibe. Brittany's grandfather had the honour of walking her down the aisle, and he was utterly charming. Please enjoy these spectacular photos too: taken by their friend Bowie Wallace. Keep his name in mind, if he ever turns professional! Thanks so much Brit and Joey, for having me with you, I loved it all, and you both xx

“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.”

Bob Marley

Danielle & Philip.

Now this was a hoot of a wedding (x 2). Danielle and Philip had a surprise wedding in July, and literally no-one knew but us three. We have been friends for a long time, and going to their home for lunch is not unusual, except for the very special family lunch we had there  in July. You should have seen everyone's faces: their kids, my family, all just gobsmacked! We did well, we kept the secret! And then, we had a second ceremony, a Church blessing, where the groom's father, a retired minister, performed a blessing. This was the big dress up event, with magnificent photos taken by the truly talented Alex Pallet. Congrats Danielle and Phil, I look forward to our next family lunch, just to see if you can top the last one x

“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.

Michelle & Robyn.

Michelle and Robyn were married in October and they chose The Lost One's Gallery as their wedding venue. This was the first wedding that I have done there and it is such an intimate space, which was so perfect for these two fabulous women and their crew. This wedding was very personal, very connected, and very joyous. They honoured their history together, and their love of wine, by having the "Wine Box Ceremony". They also had their wedding rings made, using family heirlooms, and those rings were stunning! Beautiful women, a beautiful crowd, and I was so honoured to be their selected person. Well done Michelle and Robyn, you are just so perfect xx

 “Wine comes in at the mouth and love comes in at the eye; That’s all we shall know for truth before we grow old and die.”

W. B. Yeats

Scarlett & Jesse.

Two of my faves, Scarlett and Jesse, were married in April. One of my fondest memories of them was the day we began this wedding journey, and their wonderful son decided that he should smack me on the bum. The cheeky monster, the darling, vibrant boy, who was front and central on their wedding day, he was not going to be a door mouse! I think kids do really make for a great wedding day, they just add noise, and joy, and I personally love that. And imagine my joy, when I was sent the ultrasound photo of their next bundle of joy, to share here. Huey will be a fabulous big brother.  The wedding was at the Buninyong Bowling Club, which was really sweetly decorated, and their photographer was M & A Photography. Congrats Scarlett and Jesse, a dear wedding couple, now darling friends.

Emily & Matt.

Sometimes you meet people, and you really like them, and this is exactly what happened when I met Emily and Matt, and then I became their wedding celebrant: I was so thrilled. They are warm, kind, funny, inclusive and delightful people, who have been lucky to find one another. And now they are stuck with one another! Their wedding was held in December 2017, and their venue was Kirk's Reservoir, an ever popular wedding venue in Ballarat. And the venue did not disappoint, as you can see in these fab pics, taken by Michelle from D & M Moments Photography, one of the best photographers in town. Congrats Emily and Matt, you guys are awesome xx

“What Is Love”: 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.”