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.

Testimonials.

On this gorgeous last day of Summer, what else to do but to share some of my testimonials.

1. "A great day, with a great celebrant who was confident, humourous  and positive the whole day through. No complaints at all".

2. "Thank you so much Tania! We had an amazing day and the ceremony was wonderful. You helped us every step along the way and helped make our ceremony very personal. It was everything we were after. many of out guests also commented on how nice the ceremony was and that it really reflected us both. Thank you!".

3. "I loved everything about it Tan, you were absolutely brilliant".

4. "Thank you Tan!! It was a fantastic day. Thank you for sharing our special day with us".

5. "Tania, perfection is hard to improve! Thank you again from the both of us".

6. "Nothing needed improving, it turned out just lovely. Thank you so much for your suggestions and persistence at the start to get all the documents together, and in such a short time being available".

7. You were great, kept things simple and relaxed. Will recommend you to others".

Thank you so much to those couples who took the time to provide feedback, it really does mean a lot to me xx

Aasha and Brad and Mr Bob Marley.

Aasha and Brad were married last weekend, and while I was waiting for everyone to arrive, I took these photos. It was so calm and peaceful at Kirks Reservoir, very little noise, beautiful gardens, and I reflected on how lucky I really am to be a Celebrant. I am lucky because I get to meet and spend time with people like Aasha and Brad, and their families. Gosh I had fun with these guys, they were all so welcoming and kind, and I was honoured to write and conduct their wedding ceremony. Their little daughter was snug in her Daddy's arms during the ceremony, and that was just such a beautiful sight to behold. Congratulations to all three of you, it was just a great day x

This was the reading they chose, written by Bob Marley.

"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.”

Tan and Dave's Wedding.

Tan and Dave were married yesterday, on an extraordinarily hot day, at their home. To their absolute credit they managed tp provide full cover for their entire ceremony area, and that space was just beautiful, all wavy fabrics and delicate decorations. And it was SO hot! I have no earthly idea how we did not melt away or lose at least 10kgs. 

However, they did provide fans, both electric and hand held, and so many bottles or ice cold water with personalised wedding labels. It was a true family wedding, with their children in the wedding party and their relatives arriving with bags and bags of food. Their was so much love in the air, you could just tell that everyone got on together really well, and that they were going to have a truly great evening all together. 

The Love of a Dog.

As a dog lover I could not resist this photo that appeared on Facebook. I think it is so sweet, and who does not love a dog?

A Stump For a Tail.

You can't buy loyalty, they say,

I bought it though, the other day;

You can't buy friendship, tried and true,

Well just the same, I bought that too.

I made my bid, and on the spot

Bought love and faith and a whole job lot

Of happiness, so all in all

The purchase price was pretty small.

I bought a single trusting heart,

That gave devotion from the start.

If you think these things are not for sale,

Buy a brown-eyed puppy with a stump for a tail.

Anonymous