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.”

The Wine Box Ritual

I love this little ritual, which can be incorporated into your wedding ceremony. It is very simple really, but its meaning is so romantic, and your guests will enjoy witnessing such a personal, loving moment within your wedding ceremony.

You will need:

•   A wooden wine box (sometimes the groom can make it which makes it even more personal)

•   a bottle of your favorite wine

•   2 wine glasses

•   two love letters sealed in separate envelopes

•   a small hammer and some nails, or a padlock 

What you do:

In the weeks before the wedding, you each write a love letter to one another, expressing your thoughts about why you love your partner, You then both place your letter in a sealed envelope. Do not cheat and read what the other has written.

The unsealed box (with the wine, glasses and letter inside it) is placed in a prominent place during your ceremony. The celebrant will describe the ceremony and it’s meaning and then both the bride and groom will seal the box, with the plan for the wine box to be opened on the 1st or 5th wedding anniversary.

You can open the box earlier, if there happens to be bumpy difficult time during your marriage. Before you give up or leave one another or make any other serious decisions, open the wine box, each go to separate rooms, read your letter, and then come back together to talk, share the wine and reflect why you married one another. The sincere hope is that there will never be a need to have to open the box except on your anniversary!

The romantic words you wrote, the reminder of your love on that day, the reasons about why you chose to marry this person: this will help to put your current feelings (hopefully) in perspective and open the chance for your each to talk your problems through.

This is the perfect, yet simple, ritual to remind you of your wedding day and your intention on that day to  always love and respect each other during all times of your lives, during the good, and especially the not-so-good.

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

Congratulations to Alice and Lachlan

Congratulations to Alice and Lachlan, who were married last Saturday. It was a bright sunny day, but we were all gathered in the shade of a huge oak tree, with a cool breeze just making the wedding conditions perfect. The bride and groom looked gorgeous, dressed simply, with very few trimmings. This simplicity, this expression of just who they are, was refreshing and delightful. They pulled together a very classy event.

I also really enjoyed meeting their family, who were very welcoming to me as the celebrant. They were delightful to chat with whilst we waited for the ceremony time to roll around. Thank you Alice and Lachlan for choosing me as your celebrant, and thank you to your family for making me feel so very welcome on your big day.

Irene and Scott got married.

My first wedding for 2014 was one of my first bookings. Irene and Scott, two people living in two different countries, meeting in another State in Australia accidentally, getting married, overcoming so many different odds. It was a great love story, and will continue to be a great love story. Their wedding was in the garden of the new home they have made together here, surrounded by a small group of family and closest friends, who were so welcoming to me: I found myself sharing a glass of bubbly afterwards with them all at their reception, having photos taken with them too. It was just lovely and a terrific start to 2014.

CORINTHIANS 1:13 (Adapted)

Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous;

Love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude and selfish;

It does not take offence, and is not resentful.

Love takes no pleasure in other people's faults but delights in the truth;

It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope.

It is always ready to endure whatever comes.

True love does not come to an end.