Rhi & Jason

Yesterday I had the honour and privilege of officiating the wedding of Rhi and Jason. This was the second wedding I have done for the groom's family, so that was really cool, being able to see the family again. Rhi and Jason chose to have a short and sweet ceremony, with their children involved and up front with them, which is something that I always like and enjoy, and Rhi had two significant men in her life to walk her down the aisle to marry the love of her life. I must admit I was a bit teary watching this, it was such a nice tribute to these two guys, who were bursting ever so slightly with pride. And it was also terrific to be working again with the wonderful Maddie from M & A Photography, she is a great talent, always produces great photos. So, congrats to you both, Rhi & Jason, and to your two kiddies, congrats on the first day of your married life xx

Noor & Mustafa

Noor and Mustafa were married in her parent's home last December, and it was just a simple little ceremony with only her immediate family in attendance. They all were, however, about to fly out to Dubai to have a HUGE family celebration with all of hers and his family flying in from all over the world. total numbers were staggering in terms of guests and they were all so excited. But, the thing I loved the most? I was invited to stay after the ceremony to join in the traditional family meal and I was just so chuffed. The food was amazing, and they shared the story of their families from growing up in Baghdad, moving to Dubai, creating careers and professions, and wonderful family connections. It was a truly lovely event, and I was so happy to be a part of it all xx

 "Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am home again.

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am whole again.

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am young again.

Whenever I'm alone with you

You make me feel like I am fun again."

Adele - "Lovesong"

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.”

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

Clare and Frank got hitched.

Last weekend Clare and Frank got hitched. And it was all just lovely, from the first wedding planning meeting, right up until they shared their personal wedding vows, and even after their last song was played. What a truly sweet couple they are, so eminently suited to one another, funny, smart and just so in love: absolutely delightful to work with. The ceremony was held at St Anne's Winery, which is a great spot, plus, it's a winery! There were quite a few tears, especially when they shared the vows they had written to one another, and many laughs. Thank you both for having me to share your day. Congratulations on your wedding x

"So Happy Together" - The Turtles.

Imagine me and you, I do

I think about you day and night, it's only right

To think about the girl you love and hold her tight

So happy together

If I should call you up, invest a dime

And you say you belong to me and ease my mind

Imagine how the world could be, so very fine

So happy together 

I can't see me lovin' nobody but you

For all my life

When you're with me, baby the skies'll be blue

For all my life 

Me and you and you and me

No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be

The only one for me is you, and you for me

So happy together 

I can't see me lovin' nobody but you

For all my life

When you're with me, baby the skies'll be blue

For all my life 

Me and you and you and me

No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be

The only one for me is you, and you for me

So happy together 

(Ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba

Ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba)

Me and you and you and me

No matter how they toss the dice, it has to be

The only one for me is you, and you for me

So happy together

So happy together

How is the weather

So happy together

We're happy together

So happy together

Happy together

So happy together

So happy together (ba-ba-ba-ba ba-ba-ba-ba)

. 

A Spring Wedding in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

On another beautiful spring day in Ballarat (haven't we been so lucky??), on this last weekend, Tawnee and David were married. It was a truly great family wedding, with children running free and enjoying the happiness that was palpable in the air. And no-one minded listening to the children having fun, as these two were married, and this is what made this wedding fantastic. No-one suggested that the children should sit silently and behave as adults. We all got to enjoy this wedding, surrounded by the sound of children's laughter.

“May the love you both have for each other today always 

illuminate your hearts and guide your way 

together throughout life. 

May you both be blessed with courage, patience 

and understanding 

as you enter this new phase of your 

lives together as husband and wife.”