A photo at the launch of the Ballarat Wedding Industry Network.

As I have previously said, I went to the launch of the Ballarat Wedding Industry Network, (BWIN) and I had my photo taken with two other local celebrants, who are also great friends. This is the thing, the BWIN is there to promote the wedding industry and to encourage greater collaboration between service providers. I am lucky to already have this with quite a few local celebrants, who are kind, generous and happy to share knowledge with each other. We are a lucky little group of celebrants, and we seek to support one another as professionals, and also as friends.

 

The Surprise Wedding That Was A Huge Surprise!!

Last weekend we had our surprise wedding, and it was just such a lovely day. The bride is my friend Kate, with whom I work, and her gorgeous partner Mark. The ruse for the day was their daughter's first birthday and her grandmother's 80th birthday. I went as a guest, and spent a few hours getting to meet their lovely families, and just after we had both celebratory cakes, they announced their impending wedding (just thinking of that now gives me goosebumps and a misty flood of tears, as their parent's reactions were utterly priceless: huge joy, many tears and just pure happiness). I am so honoured to have witnessed that incredible family moment. 

The fabulous bride, Kate, myself, and a very cool groom, Mark.

Kate, Mark and their children, who were so well behaved and helpful during the ceremony.

What I am so impressed with is the NO-ONE knew about the wedding plans. Kate and Mark did an incredible job on their own and I think their wedding will become one of the great moments in the history of their family. Congratulations on such a great achievement you two x

A Surprise Wedding

  

I do so love a surprise wedding and have recently been asked to officiate at one, for a dear friend whom I used to work with a few years ago. To say that I am excited is an understatement. What is so exciting? The anticipation of seeing the looks on the guests faces, to be able to see that moment of joy for those who love the couple the best. How often does a celebrant get to see that? I am so honoured to be able to share that moment in time with my secret bridal couple. I cannot wait to share their day.

"If I Could Have Just One Wish"

If I could have just one wish, I would wish to wake up everyday

to the sound of your breath on my neck,

the warmth of your lips on my cheek,

the touch of your fingers on my skin, 

and the feel of your heart beating with mine...

Knowing that I could never find that feeling

with anyone other than you.

By Courtney Kuchta

Vale Lou

On Monday May 13th 2013, the world lost a compassionate and outstanding young woman, and I lost a true friend. She was 33 years of age, and she died 13 days after the discovery of a tumour that turned out to be ovarian cancer. She was brave, dignified and funny to the end, and I will miss her enormously. 

To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affectiion of children;

To earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882)