Dance me to the end of love

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A Wedding dance like no other

This wedding put a smile on every face, and finished with spontaneous dancing, a special kind of wedding dance in the temple! It was exhilarating and heartwarming, deep and loving,……….and so much fun!

Congratulations to Tracy and Oliver on your perfect wedding held at Awakening Centre in Maleny, on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. And a huge thank you to Marion Jonkers Photography for the images.

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Wedding in the temple

It began outside the temple. Tracy floated down the wooden steps in a sheer and softly falling wedding dress, with her Mum and her Dad, to the sounds of American Indian drumming.

Andy and Laurel, the owners of the Awakening Centre, greeted her at the foot of the stairs and the three passed through drummed music, a musical cleansing, on the journey to her groom, Oliver. He waited patiently with all the guests on the sandstone paving…with an enormous grin on his face.

Bride and Groom had a moment to greet each other. Celebrant, Kari welcomed the bride’s family reminiscent of village weddings in times gone by. All the guests were invited to shed their shoes and enter the bright airy temple in the round with huge glass windows onto the rainforest backdrop.

Tracy and Oliver waited outside to enjoy a tiny moment’s space before their ceremony. Gently the sounds of the crystal singing bowls lifted up, swam around the space and wafted out to call the bride and groom into the temple space. They floated in on the strains of pure sound.

And thus a wedding ceremony began, in absolute pure happiness. We did not imagine the wedding dance to come.

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Handfasting vows

Tracy and Oliver chose a handfasting to make their promises to each other. In a modern interpretation of a traditional ritual, we crafted promises into a series of questions. It was so easy for them to simply respond “I will”. At the finalé, they added their special messages to each other. Oliver began, “You are my puzzle, my world, my best friend,” referring to the pieces of a jigsaw, just like his interlocking puzzle wedding ring. Tracy, in turn told him, ” You are my life partner, my soul mate, my lover, my best friend. ”

A song for the signing

As the papers were signed, Andy Copeman sang one of the most beautiful love songs I know, written by Ewan MacColl for his future wife Peggy Seeger. Andy interspersed the verses with a Sufi poem. It was simply divine

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The first time I ever saw your face

The first time ever I saw your face

I thought the sun rose in your eyes

And the moon and the stars were the gifts you gave

To the dark and the endless skies

…….And the first time ever I lay with you

I felt your heart so close to mine

And I knew our joy would fill the earth

And last till the end of time my love

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And a spontaneous wedding dance

At the completion of the ceremony and signing, Andy chimed in with “Lay lay, lay lay…” and Leonard Cohen’s endlessly evocative song, Dance Me to the End of Love.

The guests, on a true high spontaneously joined hands and danced in a circle…to the end of love!

Dance me to your beauty with a burning violin

Dance me through the panic ’til I’m gathered safely in
Lift me like an olive branch and be my homeward dove
Dance me to the end of love
…….

Dance me to the wedding now, dance me on and on
Dance me very tenderly and dance me very long
We’re both of us beneath our love, we’re both of us above
Dance me to the end of love
Dance me to the end of love

Dance me to the children who are asking to be born
Dance me through the curtains that our kisses have outworn
Raise a tent of shelter now, though every thread is torn
Dance me to the end of love

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In their words

This is what Tracy and Oliver said:

“We cannot recommend Kari highly enough. Her beautiful spirit and energy and complete professionalism, together with her attention to detail, made our wedding day perfect. We had a small wedding, and we wanted a ceremony that spoke to who we are, far from traditional. We were not very specific in our first meeting with Kari, we came up with very conceptual ideas and Kari turned them into reality, and made them more beautiful than we could have imagined. Kari is able to read and understand a couple extremely well and is a truly beautiful person, and we cannot thank her enough for her part in making our day stress free and truly magical.” Oliver & Tracy

And then there was drinks on the veranda accompanied by the most original platters of food decorations I have ever seen. And of course these were made with love by Tracy’s food loving parents. Yes lots of love was there that day.

So Dance me to the end of love, I say. Just dance me.

Once again, thank you to Marion Jonkers Photography for the images. And to Andy and Laurel at Awakening Centre.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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A French wedding on the beach

French Wedding in Australia

Aurélie and John are adventurers, so of course they chose a wedding ceremony on a wild Australian beach, with French attitude. It was the ultimate French Australian wedding on the beach!!

Married on the beach

The clouds and rain in the morning worried us a little. However the bold Australian sun came out, the clouds cleared away, and the sky became a brilliant blue for their wedding on the beach.
It was not your usual French wedding for sure. It was not the standard Australian beach wedding either. It was a combination of who Aurelie and John are, and the adventure they embrace in marriage.

Their ceremony was designed just for them, with fun French traditions, relaxed Australian vibe, and became quite an experience for the French family. Weddings in France are quite different.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”38818″ img_size=”full”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Touches of French

Aurélie is French and John is Australian, so they embraced a bilingual wedding ceremony. They chose a sublime combination of French poetry for their French wedding ceremony and bare foot in the sand on Mudjimba Beach, on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland for that authentic Australian touch.

During their ceremony, Aurélie and John embraced a French celebratory tradition. Imagine the crossroads of fragrant roses and bubbles of champagne. For details on that tradition read this story on Rose de Reims and Champagne

Aurélies’ family and indeed two of her bridesmaids had come over from France only weeks before the beach wedding. To help them feel very welcome and quite at home, the entire ceremony was conducted in both English and in French. This is something I can do for you too. Ceremonies n French or tapping into some French cultural traditions is a specialty for my celebrant services.

Check out the story in these awesome photos by Luke Middlemiss.

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And here we leave them, enjoying their reception in the Tipis at Twin Waters Resort.

Thanks and credits to:

Luke Middlemiss for the generous use of his awesome photographs. Luke is a champion photographer, capturing all the great moments.

Heavenly Blooms for the truly heavenly flowers. I loved the flower crowns, which worked so well in the beach breeze.

Blush weddings and Events for the styling. Elisha and her team were troopers carrying the decor down the beach, and creating a magical wedding ceremonial place.

The Stylist Collective helped create Aurelie and the girls’ blushingly beautiful hair and make-up.

Twin Waters for the beautiful tipis at reception held on the sand by the pond.

An intimate wedding

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An Intimate wedding

…with celebrant Kari.

First of all Congratulations to Anna and Ivan, married in an intimate wedding at a private Montville cottage. Actually maybe I should admit it was really a luxury house with enormous picture windows looking out over a magnificent view.

Magical Malindi is a gorgeous house in Montville, perfect for the family to stay and enjoy an intimate wedding in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast. The intimacy comes in the garden, a place for a small wedding ceremony amongst the gardens.

First, check out the view… across Baroon Pocket Dam.

On the eighth anniversary of the first kiss; Anna and Ivan were wed in an intimate wedding ceremony with just their close friends and family by their sides. In fact most of them were staying in the expansive home.

Neither Anna nor Ivan needed to be given away on their wedding day. They chose instead to arrive together down the grassy path and over the little wooden bridge…..as a reflection of their “togetherness”. In fact have rarely been apart since their relationship began.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”40087″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

A simple wedding ceremony

When I spoke with Anna and Ivan it was clear they wanted a simple ceremony, one in which they married each other in a down to earth fashion. Which is why they chose this place, a simple garden, and their special family and friends.

They mentioned the Desiderata, a poem of very practical advice on life. The word, desiderata is Latin. It means the things that are wanted or needed or necessary, especially to complete something. To say something has desiderata means it requires certain virtues deemed important or necessary for success.

What a great metaphor for marriage. Anna needs Ivan, Ivan needs Anna. They need each other to continue their success. This is not to say that an individual is not complete on their own. Far from it. When the other is in their life, theirs becomes a relationship in which neither takes life from the other but in love and grace new life is formed in between, which is deeper and more creative than each living alone.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”40088″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Desiderata – that which is needed for success

Here is the poem that inspired their ceremony; a poem…..about life.

Many will recognise the Desiderata, which might seem like an ancient poem of wisdom, but it was actually written in 1927. It suits a wedding very well, giving thoughts on what constructs a good life. A good married life may consider the ideas presented by Max Ehrmann.

Desiderata by Max Ehrmann (written in 1927)

Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.

And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

In the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its shams, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful.

Strive to be happy.

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Their words

This is what Anna and Ivan said:

“Kari is super friendly and easy going. She understood exactly what we wanted in a ceremony and delivered it in just one draft. She made our ceremony special and totally about us and our family. Everyone commented on the uniqueness of our ceremony and really enjoyed it. We highly recommend Kari!!” Anna & Ivan

Thanks to Luke Going Photography for the beautiful images:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Fields of Love

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Fields of love

Congratulations to newly weds, Anna and Jon, wed on a stunning day at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens. Their wedding was a true love story, simply full of love and care. Anna and Jon chose to wed, almost exactly five years from their first date. Five years and one day to be precise! The photos by Luke Going tell the tale of their wedding day.

Today’s story is about married names. Anna and Jon came up with a new solution to the traditional bride’s change of name…. they considered how much love abounded in their family union; bucket loads, fields in fact… fields of love.

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The Wedding location

The Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens are one of the most delightful natural places for a wedding on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It’s not quite a set of fields…. However, natural bush is all around, yet there are sculpted gardens for ceremony locations. A glade of stone sculptures is divine for a wedding backdrop. The grassy areas are perfect for a wedding picnic or for wedding photos. During the wedding ceremony there is no traffic or humdrum noise, but simply the sounds of the bush surrounding you. It is an exquisite retreat from life for a special occasion. On a more practical level, there is plenty of car parking, amenities and access to a pavilion for wet weather options.

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Focus on Love

A great deal of thought and love and attention to detail goes into every wedding day. Anna and Jon focused on love, as the defining theme around which all the details were designed. It was a joy to witness their attention to the details of how each special guest would feel, and how their role in the day could be made perfect. Every family member was considered, thought was given to each child or friend and what to do to make them feel comfortable with the wedding day and the combining of two people’s lives in marriage. Extra special consideration was given to Jon’s daughter; how to make sure she felt comfortable with the marriage of her Dad to Anna. Standing beside her Dad, she was proud to be the official “groomsmaid”. Bless these two for their deep thought and care for others on their wedding day.

Weddings are often about more than two people; bringing two or more families together, a community of friends and a wider circle of acquaintances and colleagues. The way these two negotiated the path towards their wedding day was a delight to behold. For example, hanging in the trees, a string of bunting created from photos of loved ones who could not be there. Consider the role of a daughter, the groomsmaid, who strolled with the gals, then stood by her Dad’s side.

Fields of love

It is a western tradition for a bride to celebrate her marriage, by taking a new name, the surname of her husband. And the law gives modern brides a few options for how she can negotiate this tradition. Ask me how.

In fact, it is a tradition of many cultures to celebrate many of life’s milestones with a new name, not just in marriage.

On their wedding day both Anna and Jon, chose to celebrate their union by both taking a new surname, in a kind of acknowledgement of equality and indeed in celebration of a new beginning together, and a new future to plan.

The name they chose? Fields; fields of love, fields of natural beauty, fields of possibilities stretching out before them. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Fields, you are a great example to us all.

As a marriage celebrant I can guide you through the minefield of name changes and give you the options… plus an extra something to make it even easier. To follow in Anna and Jon’s footsteps, there is an easy way, if you organise for it early in the wedding planning. Ask me how.

And they said:

Thank you Kari, for the most beautiful ceremony! You were there for us every step of the way – providing guidance with a warmth, depth and spirituality that fit with us perfectly. We could not have asked for more … Jon & Anna Fields xo

Thank you to photographer Luke Going for the story in pictures. He manages to capture the details of the wedding story, in a natural non intrusive fashion.

Here is a glimpse:

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Woodford Festival celebrant

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Woodford Festival wedding celebrant

Considering getting married at the Woodford Folk Festival? Many couples do. They all need a wedding celebrant.

Imagine having an extraordinary, and I mean….Extra Ordinary, array of options for wedding ceremony location, restaurant reception options AND even entertainment options for your celebration afterwards.

The festival is a place of ritual and celebration. It is the energetic home of these things. A more unique place to marry, exists not on this earth![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

A Marriage Celebrant at the Woodford Folk Festival

Every wedding needs a marriage celebrant. Kari has years of experience, both in weddings AND at the festival. Having conducted numerous weddings at Woodfordia, both at festival time and otherwise, she knows the Woodfordia site like a second home.
Whats more …… Kari will be at the festival. No need to pay for entry or travel or even accommodation.
However you will need to lodge paperwork with your celebrant at least one month prior to your wedding date.
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Woodfordia – A place to marry

There are many pathways to your wedding. Spiritual pathways, emotional journeys, long roads, short stays…..

There are many places to marry. Festival streets, hilltop grassy glades, shady trees, cosy corners, outrageous outdoors.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

The Sacred Labyrinth

The Sacred Labyrinth is a magical space where anyone can walk a path to the heart and connect more deeply with themselves. It can also be a place for your own wedding.

The Labyrinth is especially designed for couples to celebrate their connection through a marriage ceremony, a hand fasting or a special ritual of honouring. There are also other ceremonies that take place in the Labyrinth. In any of these rituals the woman enters on the left and the man on the right. The couple meets at the top after making their solo journey and setting whatever intention is appropriate. They can then walk together into the centre for the ceremony. Ceremony engages some moments in deep connection or exchange. At the completion of the rituals they leave through the archways together and out into the world to celebrate with friends and family.

Woodford Festival Installations

Installations of art and lighting abound in the festival streets, creating wonderlands of locations to have your festival wedding.

Music and fun

The choice of music is endless. Simply approach your favourite band for the perfect music at your wedding.

Or here’s some ideas for your festival wedding…..

Find a ritual dancer.

Have your hands decorated with henna.

Order a wreath of flowers for your hair.

Find an original steam punk costume or festive hat.

Go Woodfordian.

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Married in a green dress

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Married in a green Wedding Dress

Do I have to be married in white, you ask?

Of course not. Queen Victoria started the white wedding trend by deciding not to wear the classic royal wedding colour of silver. She preferred white. before that the ordinary folk simply married in their best clothes. Whatever colour they were.

So how about a green wedding dress? The outcome was stunning.

Congratulations to Alicia and Carlo, married on a stunning day in August at the Spotted Chook in Montville in the hinterland range.

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The green dress

Alicia stunned everyone with her beautiful green wedding dress. But most of all, for her gentle groom, Carlo, she was absolutely beautiful. She was an elegant picture in soft green on her wedding day. The green bride dress in soft silk with elegant and understated lace trims was stunning. Her decision to be married in green was a great choice. Married in green is sublime against the forest backdrop.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38564″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]

Spotted Chook Wedding venue

This couple wanted a time to be together with their family, not just for the moments of a ceremony, but for a whole weekend away, in the hinterland. They chose the Spotted Chook, because of the intimacy of the surroundings and the ability to have a retreat weekend with the entire guest list. The French provincial themed Spotted Chook has rooms decorated in every colour and a little hideaway cottage for the wedded couple.

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Their love story

When Alicia met Carlo, she was planning to leave the UK and return to Australia. As a result of this meeting, she stayed three more years! Carlo knew he had found a true partner, someone who matched him. Alicia and Carlo had already been committed to each other for quite a while when I met them. They describe marriage to me as a meeting of independent souls.

The family

On their wedding day so many people were included. Several couples and groups walked down the aisle to the ceremony in the gazebo looking over the sloping lawns and gardens. It is not only the bridal party who can walk down the aisle. There was Mum, some important family, the bridesmaid, and then the breath taking Bride on the arm of her father.

Wedding Dress not white

I congratulate Alicia on standing her ground for a wedding dress that was not white. Not easy in the face of the bridal industry, who would wish white on every bride. She looked more than stunning in a glorious shade of green. And certainly took my breath away. So girls, take Alicia’s example, and choose your own coloured wedding dress, the one just for you.

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