Bec & Tom - More Than Words

I can still recall my first conversation with Tom.  Within moments of answering the phone I considered the groom-to-be to be charismatic and good humoured and I quite enjoyed our conversation about his fiance Bec and their wedding plans.  Unfortunately, their wedding date coincided with day one of my Thailand holiday, so I couldn't possibly help them.  I remember hanging up the phone and thinking it a great shame that I was unavailable for their ceremony.

Months later, Tom called again.  He and Bec had changed their wedding date and were hoping I would be available.  Having well and truly met my quota of weddings for the year I regretfully declined their invitation.  However, by the end of our phone call, Tom's warmth and "respectful urging" changed my mind. And I am very glad it did.

Shortly after, I met with a genuinely lovely couple. A mere minute into our meeting I could tell that Bec and Tom were warm, fun and good humoured.  We laughed continuously throughout our meeting and happily discovered that we shared similar interests and, importantly, similar views on ceremonies.  Bec and Tom were open to suggestion and were so very  excited about their impending Yarra Valley celebration.  I really liked them.

Bec and Tom were married in the chapel at the magnificent Stones of the Yarra Valley.  It's such a beautiful venue.  Every time I enter the light-filled space, with its soaring ceilings, stained glass windows, shiny grand piano and sweeping views across acres of vines, I always catch myself smiling. 

Aesthetics aside, it was the sense of celebration within the chapel walls that day that I will remember most vividly, for Bec and Tom's ceremony was one of the most interactive and enjoyable ceremonies I've had the pleasure of conducting.  The many and varied contributions by guests - one in particular was downright hilarious, the tribute we paid to their parents and to those who had been married for a significant period of time (two sets of grandparents had recently celebrated 60 years of marriage), the ring warming ceremony, whereby their rings, sewn to a pillow made from Bec's grandmother's wedding dress, were passed amongst family members, and the sudden change in mood when Bec and Tom declared with utmost sincerity their lifelong commitment to one another in marriage, made for a most memorable ceremony.

However I think my favourite element of the ceremony was when Tom's friend Mark stood before us all to sing. Just as he opened his mouth, Tom took over. Guests, who were just as surprised as the bride, cheered.  The look on Bec's face was priceless!  Bec had waited over seven years to hear Tom sing. Together with his brother James on guitar, (known to pre-school age children and their parents as 'Jimmy Giggle'), they performed a rendition of More Than Words that brought the house down. Tom has a beautiful voice and his gift to Bec that day was priceless. 

Congratulations Mr and Mrs R.  What a wonderfully interactive afternoon.  Given the smiles, cheers and applause that filled the chapel, it was clear to me that you were surrounded by a fabulous group of people. People who recognise just how lovely, likeable and talented you are. Have a wonderful life. xx

Celebrant: Sally Hughes

Venue: Stones of the Yarra Valley

Photography: Natalie Davies Photography

Flowers: Blooming Brides

Musicians: Groom Tom & Best Man James / Baker Boys Band

Bec's gown: Anaessia

Tom's suit: Arthur Galan

Kath & Rod - A Celebration of Love

This is a story of love.  And I have tears in my eyes as I write it.

I met Rod in January this year.  He was Johnny's Best Man and entertained Johnny and I with some rather hilarious pre ceremony banter.  I remember joking with him about the heat of Sandbar Beach Cafe's gas flame he was required to stand beside.

Rod called me in early July to ask me to officiate at his and Kath's wedding.  He and Kath had become engaged four days prior and hoped to be married as soon as possible.  Rod's mother, Eleanor, was battling cancer.  

And so we immediately set about writing a ceremony that would celebrate their happy three year relationship, their joy in having found each other and the strong bonds they have with their family and friends.  It would recount the story of their childhoods in East Gippsland and their random meeting over a decade later at the Mentone Hotel.  It would celebrate family - notably the important  roles their parents' had played in their lives - and honour the friendships they hold so dear.

Kath and Rod shared with me the qualities they had come to admire in each other.  I kept their responses secret, as they wanted to hear them for the first time during their ceremony.   And so, in the backyard of Rod's parent's home, before an intimate gathering of family and friends, I spoke of Kath's admiration of Rod’s intelligence, wisdom and his creative mind.  I told of her love for his affectionate and protective nature ..and his risottos.  I then spoke of Rod's love of the sound of Kath's laugh, her beautiful eyes and her loyalty to her family and his.    Her ability on the dance floor also warranted a mention, as did her karaoke skills.

 
Kath and Rod then declared their unwavering desire to continue to share each other's dreams, encourage each other's passions and be supportive through times of need.  To a tremendous cheer, we declared Kath and Rod to be married. Celebratory champagne was dispensed, long, emotional hugs were shared and heartfelt tears were shed.  It was truly a celebration of love and life in its purest form.

Two days later, Eleanor lost her fight.

This morning Kath and Rod kindly sent me this movie of their ceremony.  It demonstrates just how precious and beautiful life is and how, as they put it, "you don't need a lot to have your special day".

I share this footage with you, with Kath and Rod's permission, so very humbled and so very grateful to have been able to share this moment in their lives with them.  Thank you Kath and Rod. 

Kath and Rod's Movie - A Celebration of Love

 

Celebrant - Sally Hughes

Videography - The White Tree