Wedding Superstitions & Traditions.

I was having a think about what is supposed to be good luck for a wedding day, and I found out these "facts". What do you think?

1. According to Greek culture, having sugar with you on your wedding day will "sweeten" your marriage: so brides, tuck a cube of sugar in to your pocket or bag.

2. Urgh! The English believe that finding a spider in your wedding dress means good luck. 

3. The groom should carry the bride across the threshold to protect her from evil spirits lurking within.

4. According to English tradition, Wednesday is considered the luckiest to marry, although Monday is for wealth and Tuesday is for health, whilst Saturday is the unluckiest wedding day. And now, Saturday is the busiest day for weddings.

5. The ancient Romans studied pig intestines to try to determine the luckiest time of the day to marry.

6. According to Hindu tradition, if it rains on the wedding day then the bridal couple will  have good luck.

7 . Middle Eastern brides paint henna on their hands and feet to protect themselves from the evil eye. 

8. In Holland, a pine tree will be planted outside the couple's home as a symbol of good luck and fertility.

9. Peas are thrown at Czech newlyweds instead of rice.

10. A Swedish bride will put a gold coin from her mother and a silver coin from her father in to each of her wedding shoes to ensure that she'll never do without. 

11. For good luck, Egyptian women pinch the bride on her wedding day. 

12. Finnish brides traditionally visited all their neighbours collecting gifts, accompanied by an older married man who represented long marriage.

13. Moroccan women traditionally have a bath in milk to purify themselves before their wedding ceremony. 

Happy Naming Day for Norah

I have had a lovely morning, with a naming ceremony for the daughter of a dear friend of mine. I love naming ceremonies, I love working with the parents to develop a ceremony which reflects their love of their child and their wishes for that child's future. And it is just a nice reason to get all the family and friends together to party on, to reunite, to enjoy that feeling that you only get from being with those you love.

Mother’s Heart: Author Unknown

I loved you from the very start,

You stole my breath, embraced my heart.

Our life together has just begun

You’re part of me my little one.

As mother with child, each day I grew,

My mind was filled with thoughts of you.

I’d daydream of the things we’d share,

Like late-night bottles and Teddy bears.

Like first steps and skinned knees,

Like bedtime stories and ABC’s.

I thought of things you’d want to know,

Like how birds fly and flowers grow.

I thought of lessons I’d need to share,

Like standing tall and playing fair.

When I first saw your precious face,

I prayed your life be touched with grace.

I thanked the angels from above,

And promised you unending love.

Each night I lay you down to sleep,

I gently kiss your head and cheek.

I count your little fingers and toes;

I memorize your eyes and nose.

I linger at your nursery door,

Awed each day I love you more.

Through misty eyes, I dim the light,

I whisper, “I love you” every night.

I loved you from the very start,

You stole my breath, embraced my heart.

As mother and child our journeys begin,

My heart’s yours forever little one.

Sarah and Lachlan: a fantastic garden wedding.

Every now and then I have the privilege of marrying my friends. And just yesterday I married more recent friends, one of whom is the son of an old friend from my nursing training days back in the 1980's, with the twist also that my husband knows the bride's Dad really well. It was so lovely to see both generations, both sets of our good friends celebrating such a happy family event together. We were also invited to the reception, where much remising occurred. Thank you, Lach and Sar for having me as your celebrant, it was so sweet to be with you both, and with your parents. This was a particularly brilliant day in my career. x

This was my first wedding at the Buninyong Gardens, in the area of the old wartime baths, which has been converted to a gorgeous walled garden. Check it out: it is one of my more favoured venues now. The photos from in there would be divine.

Saying farewell

My main role as a civil celebrant is as a wedding celebrant. However, just recently I conducted a funeral service for the father of a dear friend of mine. I think that the process of formulating the ceremony is made easier when you have a pre-existing relationship with the family although in a way it is harder as you are emotionally attached as well. Either way, it is a huge honour to be the one chosen to assist the family in remembering their loved one.

The Measure of a Man: Author Unknown.

Not - How did he die? But - how did he live?

Not - What did he gain? But - what did he give?

These are the things that measure the worth,

Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Not - What was his station? But - had he a heart?

And - How did he play his God-given part?

Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer?

To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

Not - What was his church? Not - What was his creed?

But - Had he befriended those really in need?

Not - What did the sketch in the newspaper say?

But - How many were sorry when he passed away?

These are the things that measure the worth


Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.

Randi & Eddie: A Rockabilly Wedding.

This was a wedding where many worlds merged. Rockabilly music, vastly different countries and heritages, tattoos, and families. Randi and Eddie made sure that their day was just a simple celebration of them, no great fuss, no tears, no tantrums, just a quiet enjoyment of their relationship. We kept it very simple on the day, there was a sincere acknowledgement of their deep love and commitment to blending their personalities and lives. They did well: they involved family and friends, and they just looked gorgeous together, happy and united. Well done guys!

Michelle & Curtis: A Family Affair

One of the great lessons I took from Michelle and Curtis' wedding was the absolute value of including children in the wedding ceremony. This day was extra special as their three children were featured in the wedding party and ceremony. To see the little girls in their gorgeous dresses walking down the aisle to their Dad, and to have their son standing with the groomsmen, and then handing his parents the wedding rings: it was priceless, beautiful and tear inducing (including me, got a little bit misty I must admit). I know that it can be frowned upon, this having kids at a wedding, but sometimes it just works, and Michelle and Curtis must be applauded for making their day just so beautifully and utterly a true family event.

The setting for the ceremony was on the lawns near The Sensory Garden, at The Ballarat Botanical Gardens, which is always just a beautiful spot to get married. The fountain was flowing in the background and the gardens were gloriously green and gorgeous. We are so lucky in Ballarat to have the gardens. I wonder how many people get married there every year?