Congratulations to Tom and Ben finally wed in Australia, so they could be together.
Simple with no unnecessary frills
Tom and Ben needed no frills to show they love each other; no huge flowers, fancy clothes or other frilly stuff to declare their commitment to each other. Their wedding was a simple ceremony to declare what is deep and meaningful in a natural way amongst the big trees and forest sounds.
They found each other many years ago actually, in New York at a youth Democratic Education conference. They have since traveled across the world to see and be with each other in their respective countries.
Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens
This year they were able to wed in the glorious Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens with the sounds of the birds and animals as the backdrop, and their close family around them.
Kari, the celebrant gathered the family in the Mossy Log Grove under the canopy of the trees.
Coo – ee
We all cooo-eeed to call the couple. And the birds above answered us too!!
Tom and Ben walked in along the garden path, already hand in hand already joined in spirit, and so happy to be together at last.
And the ceremony began.
But the rings!
Oops, the rings had been left in the car.
No problem, a friend was despatched with the car keys, and he came running back in plenty of time for the vows and the exchange of rings to seal the promises made.
A wedding does not have to cost the earth. Ben was keen to make sure it cost very little, if anything. He was most miffed when he had to pay for a haircut to fix the one he had insisted his mother do!
The family made delicious and healthy decorative picnic fare to share after the ceremony. The gardens are open to the public every day. The couple even chose their wedding clothes from the op shop. Ben found a local artisan to craft rings from reclaimed silver cutlery. And Mum crafted the lovely floral headpiece for the bride from garden flowers.
Friends and family, and even grandma gathered to enjoy the gardens. A teensy early mist of rain meant the gardens were private just for us that day!!!
It was a day about joining two people, not about spending money. A day to celebrate two people in love, who simply want to be together. And they are so happy!
It was a true and simple joy to be there.
Tom said afterwards:
We actually never had to look for a celebrant, the universe just pointed to you. I can remember one year ago Ben was telling me on the phone he met our celebrant and set up a date and place for our wedding. It felt so distant to me… Being on the other side of the globe, not even ready to apply for a visa let alone see it approved. It all sounded like a dream.. Or more like some kind of a rough plan. But still from that point on we were one step closer towards being able to live together. What I find amazing is that I couldn’t imagine us finding anyone else taking your part. I think most celebrants out there wouldn’t relate or able to understand as well as you did. The way we wanted to keep it all simple (but still meaningful). Both of us just felt so happy with it. Thank you so much!
