Josh & Mel's Warrandyte Wedding

Josh and Mel were married on a sunny Saturday afternoon in the beautiful Potters Receptions chapel in Warrandyte.  Their ceremony, much like their personalities, was relaxed and jovial.  

Mel's perfectly timed entrance to The Police's Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic was nothing short of fabulous.  From behind the heavy wooden double doors she entered on the arm of her father just as the music built to the song's explosive chorus.  The combination of the anticipation of her appearance, the bright sunlight that burst through the doorway and the revelation of a beaming bride was, to borrow from Sting's lyrics, "magic".  (If you're unfamiliar with the song, you must click the link.  Mel entered at the 35 second mark.)

Mel wore a magnificent Connie Simonetti couture gown, while Josh, the calmest groom I've ever known, looked dashing in his black, satin lapel suit. 

Together they stood with their seven attendants, relaxed and clearly enjoying themselves.  I told the story of Josh and Mel's memorable and rather humorous first meeting at Josh's family home, "matchmaker" Beth's success in uniting her brother and Mel, their mutual love of water skiing in Eildon (the location of their reception) and Josh's thoughtfully planned and highly romantic Rockpool proposal.

I loved how relaxed Mel and Josh were.  Every time I looked across to them, I was met with a grin, a laugh, or one of Mel's trademark smiles.

The ceremony was underscored by music - an idea that Josh and Mel proposed during our first meeting. Surprisingly, it didn't prove distracting, as was my initial concern, the soft accompaniment to the ceremony dialogue created a tranquil mood.  It was also reflective of their lifestyle.  Josh and Mel play music at their home 24/7 - yes, even their dreams have a soundtrack!

Mel's friend Danielle presented Union from 'The Beginning To End' by Robert Fulgham, while Josh's friend Evan read the lyrics to the Stevie Wonder song For Your Love.

All the gold in the world is nothing to possess
If all the things it can bring can't add up to one ounce of your happiness.

And for your love, I would do anything, 
Just to see the smile upon your face.
For your love, I would go anywhere.
Just you tell me and I'll be right there.

I could never have fathomed this.  
Such joy, love and tenderness that you give to me.
For the love I feel inside, it's so wonderful I can't hide.
And I glow, I glow, with just the though of you.
I do, I do, I do, I do, I do, I do.

And for your love I would do anything
Just to see the smile upon your face.
For your love I would go anywhere.
Just you tell me and I'll be right there. 

Josh and Mel composed their own vows.  Their exchange was entirely joyful.

"... I will be your helpmate throughout life, always putting you first above my own needs, to make you glad to have married me this day."  

"... Josh, you are my best friend and my one true love, the one I will live with, dream with and love forever."

I loved the "where's the ring?" charade superbly enacted by the three groomsmen, watching Josh's parents subtly reach for each other's hand when I read an excerpt from The Blessing of the Hands, (it was a beautiful moment that I was very fortunate to observe), Mel's power ballad singing during the signing of the register and her brief moment of disappointment when she realised that their ceremony was nearly over.

The ceremony concluded with a love letter and wine presentation.  Mel and Josh placed letters they had written to each other in the days prior to the ceremony in a wooden box.  The letters detailed the qualities they had come to admire in each other and their hopes for their marriage.  The box also contained a bottle of Izway "Bruce" Shiraz - the wine they drank on the evening of their engagement.  The newlyweds shared a bottle that evening, while the other will be opened, together with their letters, on the occasion of their first wedding anniversary.

Congratulations Josh and Mel and thank you so much for the inviting me into your lives.  It was truly an honour planning and conducting a ceremony for such a happy, beautiful and thoroughly lovely couple.  xx 

(Hehe, yes, that's a life size cardboard cutout of the happy couple.  Mel and Josh thought their guests might enjoy posing with it while they were away having their bridal party photos taken.  Hilarious!)

Celebrant: Sally Hughes
Venue:  Potters Receptions
Photography: Jade Walton Photography
Mel's Dress: Connie Simonetti
Josh's Suit: Menz Mode Doncaster

Georgie & Andy's Substation Ceremony

Each time I write a ceremony, I always consider how it will be received by the guests. Will they sigh when I describe a romantic proposal? Will they laugh when I share a funny story?  Will they applaud when I recount a happy or triumphant journey? 

Georgie and Andy's guests responded better than I had hoped for. They were active participants in the ceremony, which is clearly an indication of just how happy they were for Georgie and Andy.

 

Georgie and Andy were married at The Substation, a magnificent neo-Classical red brick venue in Newport, in a relaxed and laughter-filled ceremony. As I entered the building, with its enormous red velvet curtains, exposed brick walls and grand arched windows, I found myself immediately captivated. Not only was its sheer size appealing,  the venue lent itself beautifully to styling.  When I peeped behind the ceremony area curtain in search of the reception area (I have a habit of doing so!), I once again found myself impressed.  Three long tables, lined with black Tiffany Chairs, were adorned with brightly coloured tulips, orchids, pomegranates, pears and crab apples, courtesy of Cecilia Fox.  The vibrant colours were illuminated by dozens of overhead light bulbs.

Then I saw Georgie.  Georgie looked truly radiant in her very elegant and delicate Jenny Packham gown.  As I visited her in the bridal suite prior to the ceremony I could barely shift my gaze from the exquisite lace detail.  The only thing more beautiful was the sparkling smile that never left her face. By contrast, her four effervescent and utterly lovely bridesmaids wore striking magenta cocktail gowns by Willow.  Their bouquets, also by Cecilia Fox, echoed the bright colour palette; roses and dahlias in claret and pink looked fabulous against the warm red curtains and brickwork. 

Andy, her very handsome groom, stood with his four groomsmen watching the ceremony area quickly fill to full capacity.   It was wonderful observing so many cheerful people come forward and shake his hand and offer their good wishes.

Georgie and her bridesmaids entered to It's Like Love by Dewaynne Everettsmith.  It's the first time I've heard the song played at a ceremony and I'm sure it won't be the last.

Andy's sister Kate and Georgie's friend Sally each presented readings; The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams and an excerpt from Hemmingway's classic novel A Farewell To Arms, respectively.   I then recounted significant moments in Georgie and Andy's relationship.  The method by which Andy sought Georgie's father Maurice's blessing, was very well received.  

'...As Maurice is a Doctor, Andy decided it was easiest to visit him at his clinic.  He therefore booked an appointment.   Dr K knew Andy was coming and correctly guessed the reason for his visit.  With this in mind, Dr K was rather confused, and equally amused, to discover that Andy had completed the patient information form, even disclosing his Medicare details, in readiness for his so-called "appointment". '

Following a very sincere and romantic exchange of vows, a ring warming ceremony and ring exchange, a very happy Andy and Georgie were declared husband and wife.  The cheer that erupted from the excited crowd was exhilarating.

During the signing, Georgie's bridesmaid Lou Spargo sang The Book of Love (the lyrics always make me giggle) and the sentimental Feels Like Home, to a guitar accompaniment.  Lou has a fantastic voice and it was so lovely to pause and listen to her.  Involving talented friends in a ceremony is a wonderful thing to be able to do.   I imagine it was a moment in time that neither she, nor Georgie and Andy, will forget.

The Book of Love  (Peter Gabriel)

The book of love is long and boring,

No one can lift the damn thing.

It's full of charts and facts and figures

And instructions for dancing.

But I, I love it when you read to me.

And you, you can read me anything.

The book of love has music in it,

In fact, that's where music comes from.

Some of it's just transcendental,

Some of it's just really dumb.

But I love it when you sing to me.

And you, you can sing me anything.

The book of love is long and boring

And written very long ago.

It's full of flowers and heart-shaped boxes
And things we're all too young to know.

But I love it when you give me things

And you, you ought to give me wedding rings.

And I love it when you give me things

And you, you ought to give me wedding rings.

The ceremony concluded with the oh-so catchy Queen classic You're My Best Friend and yet another enormous cheer. 

Congratulations Georgie and Andy.  Two kind, accomplished and easy going people, who are quite clearly, perfectly suited. May you continue to laugh, embrace and feel as happy as you did on your wedding day.

Celebrant:  Sally Hughes  
Venue: The Substation
Photography:  Words & Music Company (Image 2) & Hwa Goh (Images 1 & 3- 7)
Georgie's Dress: Jenny Packham 
Andy's Suit: Travellers
Bridemaids Dresses:  Willow
Bouquets & Floral Arrangements: Cecilia Fox
Event Styling & Co ordination: Amanda Vella of Red Tee Pot