What a wedding. What a happiness. What a lovely couple.
Joanne and Ed were married in love and laughter at Maleny Manor. This was a wedding full of joy and laughs, full of story and tradition, but never lost the lighter side of life. As a wedding celebrant it is pure joy to come across a couple who laugh as much as they love.
The fun began as the bridal party, both groomsmen and bridesmaids, entered in ones or twos to their own themed music. Each pair or individual had worked on an aisle routine, dancing across the grass to lift spirits of all there. By the time the bride arrived, everyone was laughing. We knew we were in for a GREAT time.
This wedding honoured several traditions. There were of course the marriage traditions that we all know and love, an exchange of rings, a bride in white, a groom handsomely dressed, bridesmaids walking down the aisle, and a reading or two.
But this wedding was so much more. Jo wanted to pay tribute to her Filipino heritage, so we included several traditions from her heritage. Allow me to look at some of these traditions. For ritual makes a ceremony so riveting and deeply personal.
Candle Ritual
It is a wonderful tradition to light a candle at a wedding; taking the lights of two individual personalities and together igniting a common future, a common pathway into that future and a light to walk together by. On this day it was a Filipino one. The candle symbolises the light of their marriage. It reminds them to always keep it happy and bright, to keep the flame alive. In the Filipino tradition family light this candle for the couple.
Veil Ritual
A veil is draped over the couple’s heads, drawing them both together. It symbolises protection and being clothed as one, it is about the shelter marriage provides the couple.
Cord Ritual
A cord is then draped over the veil, in a ring over each head, like simple wedding crowns. The cord symbolises eternity and union.
Coin Ritual
The Groom gives coins to his bride symbolising that he promises to provide and support this marriage. She accepts the coins promising also to support this marriage.
Now whilst I can’t show you these rituals in images, I can show you how they decorated their tables. The reception room at Maleny Manor looked splendiferous, and like the Cheshire cat, I was beaming as I took these photos.
This is what they said;
Kari was absolutely professional from start to finish. We had a destination wedding, and planned the whole event from Cairns. Through emails and phone calls, Kari has created a lovely and very personal bespoke ceremony for us. She was very patient throughout the planning process, and even helped me out with my vows at 5am the morning of our wedding. She included my Filipino background throughout the ceremony, and it was a really special touch.
On our wedding day, she turned up in professional lovely outfit that complimented our ceremony. She made sure the music was ready, and that the bridal party was set. She was amazing throughout the ceremony that we felt at ease, and loved every minute of it.
Thank you so much Kari for the amazing day! Edward and Joanne