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

Steph and Damian - Love on a Rooftop

Every so often, I meet a couple who make me laugh and laugh and laugh.  Meetings reserved for wedding planning somehow morph into lengthy discussions about Tuscany, Cuban jazz, wineries, vegetarian lasagne and Golden Retrievers, for example.   This was the case when I first met with Steph and Damian.  We clicked before we'd even ordered our coffee.

When I learned that Steph and Damian had chosen to hold their ceremony in the Harbour Room at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron, I was not at all surprised.  A Friday evening rooftop ceremony in trendy St Kilda seemed a perfect choice for this exuberant couple.  When they informed me that they'd also booked the über-talented and downright hilarious John Warren of Warrenphotography, and the super cool musicians from The White Tree, I was certain we were going to have a fabulous time.

Steph, radiant in her Mariana Hardwick gown, entered the rooftop on the arm of her proud father to The White Tree's rendition of Snow Patrol's Lifening.  Much like her usual self, she smiled and laughed the entire way.

We began by introducing all the people who had made a marked impact on Steph and Damian's lives.  Three such people were invited to come forward and present readings.  One of the readings was taken from a Bruce Springsteen song.

If I Should Fall Behind

 

We said we’d walk together, come what may
That come the twilight, should we lose our way
If as we’re walking a hand should slip free
I’ll wait for you.
And should I fall behind wait for me.

We swore we’d travel darling side by side
We’d help each other stay in stride.
But each lover’s steps fall so differently
I'll wait for you.
And should I fall behind wait for me.

Now everyone dreams of a love lasting and true
But you and I know what this world can do.
So let's make our steps clear that the other may see
And I'll wait for you.
If I should fall behind, wait for me.

Now there's a beautiful river in the valley ahead
There beneath the oaks bough soon we will be wed.
Should we lose each other in the shadow of the evening trees
Darling I’ll wait for you.
And should I fall behind wait for me.

I then had the great pleasure of recounting their first meeting at the Corner Hotel; whereby Damian keenly pursued Steph.. and her plate of nachos, the hilarious case of mistaken identity on their first date at The Black Cat, Damian's many proposal hurdles, and their numerous and varied idiosyncrasies.  Needless to say, their stories had us in stitches.

Damian and Steph composed their own vows.  Their exchange was sincere and joyful.

 

"... Steph, I will cherish the happiness married life bestows upon us, and hope that one day we can raise a family who we will unconditionally love and support, just as we will each other..."

"... Damian, I look forward to growing together, learning more about you and falling in love a little more every day..." 

Steph and Damian's parents and grand parents participated in a ring warming ceremony.  Each person held the rings and made a silent wish or prayer for Steph and Damian in their marriage. The rings were then brought forward, having been symbolically warmed by their wishes.

Rings were exchanged and certificates signed, all the while this happy couple laughed, kissed and smiled. 

The ceremony concluded with a toast to the newlyweds, a huge cheer ...

yet another kiss...

.... and you guessed it!

Steph and Damian, I loved that every aspect of your ceremony reflected your relaxed style and bright personalities. Your good humour and laughter is infectious, as is your positive outlook on life.  Lucky am I to have enjoyed your ever-cheerful company. Keep laughing!

Sally Hughes

Authorised Marriage Celebrant

The Words & Music Company

Photography: Warrenphotography

Venue: The Harbour Room

Musicians: The White Tree

Steph's gown: Mariana Hardwick

Nicole & William's Black Tie Celebration

Nicole and William were a dream to work with.  Easy going and genuinely lovely, I looked forward to each meeting.  And so you can imagine my disappointment for them when they realised that their NGV garden ceremony would occur at the very time Formula One racing cars would take to the nearby Grand Prix track.  Needless to say, exchanging vows to the piercing sound of F1 engines was not the soundtrack they had in mind for their ceremony!  Fortunately, they were able to reschedule the date and fortunately for me, retain their celebrant!

And so, a week earlier than originally planned, Nicole and William's black tie ceremony in the Grollo Equiset Garden at the National Gallery of Victoria took place.  Stylishly attired guests arrived to the music of the Baker Boys Band and excitedly awaited Nicole's entrance.

And what an entrance it was!  It was one i'll never forget.  Though Nicole and William were supported by a bridal party of eight, all attendants mingled with guests prior to the ceremony before taking their seats in the front row. Then a lone bagpiper, Lachlan McKenzie, entered the garden playing the Highland Cathedral.  Nicole and her proud father David followed him along the long and winding path.  The combination of a beautiful, beaming bride and the arresting sound of the bag pipes commanded everyone's full attention.  

During the ceremony Nicole, resplendent in a figure-hugging Bernadette Pimenta Couture silk and lace gown with cowl neck, and a very dapper William, wearing a Hugo Boss black suit, only had eyes for each other.  Their joy at being married was obvious to all.

  

It was important to Nicole and William that all loved ones actively participate in their ceremony.  I therefore asked all family members to stand and offer their blessing and pledge their support for the marriage.  Following this, I invited their friends to stand and offer theirs.   

After sharing stories about the happy and rewarding journey Nicole and William have made together,  their siblings then came forward and presented readings. One of which was Edmund O'Neill's Marriage Is A Promise Of Love.

Marriage is a commitment to life - to the best that two people can find and bring out in each other. It offers opportunities for sharing and growth no other human relationship can equal, a physical and emotional joining that is promised for a lifetime.

Within the circle of its love, marriage encompasses all of life's most important relationships. A wife and a husband are each other's best friend, confidant, lover, teacher, listener, and critic. There may come times when one partner is heartbroken or ailing, and the love of the other may resemble the tender caring of a parent for a child.

Marriage deepens and enriches every facet of life. Happiness is fuller; memories are fresher; commitment is stronger; even anger is felt more strongly, and passes away more quickly.

Marriage understands and forgives the mistakes life is unable to avoid. It encourages and nurtures new life, new experiences, and new ways of expressing love through the seasons of life.

When two people pledge to love and care for each other in marriage, they create a spirit unique to themselves, which binds them closer than any spoken or written words. Marriage is a promise, a potential, made in the hearts of two people who love, which takes a lifetime to fulfill.

"William, I give you this ring, that you may wear it, as a symbol of the vows we have made on this day."

After exchanging rings and sincere and romantic vows I had the honour of declaring them to be husband and wife.  I loved seeing just how happy they were at that moment in the ceremony.

We signed the marriage certificates without a musical accompaniment, the silence punctuated only by laughter and good wishes from guests.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs B.  Two gracious, kind-hearted and thoroughly lovely people.  You are quite clearly, perfectly suited. 

Sally Hughes
Authorised Marriage Celebrant
The Words & Music Company


Photography:  Glenn McCulloch Photography
Venue: Grollo Equiset Garden, National Gallery of Victoria
Musicians: Baker Boys Band & Lachlan McKenzie
Nicole's Gown: Bernadette Pimenta Couture
William's Suit: Hugo Boss