Laura & Daniel's Elegant Affair

Laura and Daniel are impressive people.  Kind, happy, loving, intelligent, stylish, successful, oh and quite obviously, attractive.  I must say, I wasn't surprised to discover this at our first meeting.  They are friends of Rose and Michael, an equally impressive couple I married in March 2011, so I assumed they would be.  

Daniel made me laugh within the first minutes of our meeting.  His brief was clear; "Cut the crap"  (I still have this written in my notes!).  He didn't want anything that was "boring or too flowery".  The ceremony should be enjoyable and modern.  Laura, still a little taken aback by her fiancé's opening statement, added "meaningful and personal" to their brief.    And so began a highly enjoyable collaboration to create a ceremony that best reflected their personalities and vision.

Laura  and Daniel chose the stately and sophisticated Quat Quatta in Ripponlea for their ceremony and reception. 

When the guests arrived at the black and white boutique venue they were greeted by a beaming Daniel and his hilarious groomsmen, all dressed by Formal Red, and the super smooth Baker Boys Band. 

Laura looked sublime in her delicate lace Luci Di Bella couture gown.  She followed her elegant sisters, entering on the arm of her brother Brent to Enya's Only Time.  

Daniel shook Brent's hand and instinctively extended his hand to Laura.  A funny and unplanned gesture that brought a smile to everyone's face, breaking the silence and uniting all with laughter.   I love that Ben Swinnerton captured this moment!

I told the story of Laura and Daniel's online meeting which was, until that moment, unknown to the vast majority of guests.  As expected, the room quickly filled with laughter once again.  

Laura's mother Kerrie then read an adaptation of Nanci Brilliant's Once in a Lifetime

"Once in a lifetime you find someone

Who touches not only your heart but also your soul.

You discover someone who stands beside you, but not over you.

You find someone who loves you for who you are

And not for whom you could be.

Once in a lifetime if you are lucky you find someone

As you have found each other."

Daniel's mother Gayle, also a marriage celebrant, read a blessing.

Laura and Daniel composed their own vows, delivering their romantic promises with heartfelt sincerity and smiles from ear to ear! It was touching to witness the support they gave one another during their exchange.

We signed the marriage certificates to Paradise by Coldplay and Electrical Storm by U2.

Congratulations Laura and Daniel. Your celebration had a perfect blend of stylish sophistication, romance and laughter. I loved getting to know you both and am sure you will continue to make each other smile and laugh forever. xx

Sally Hughes

Marriage Celebrant Melbourne
The Words & Music Company


Photo Credits: Ben Swinnerton Photography