~ with Sunshine Coast marriage celebrant, Kari ~
Congratulations Hayley and Wade with their darling children, Charlotte and Kobi, married in the delightful Tiffany’s Chapel.
(Check out the photo which I call “Wrapping the bride!”)
We seek ceremony when there is something profound happening. We do things in ceremony that are symbols of a deeper meaning in our lives. Some things are not easy to express every day, as we live it. Some things are best expressed by ritual. A wedding does this. It creates an opportunity to gather the important people, and to enunciate deep feelings in the form of promises or gifts.
Hayley and Wade’s wedding day was a dream come true. And it was a wedding about family. Hayley and Wade believe that family is first, family is everything, family is LIFE.
Often a wedding is not simply about two people. It is about a wider group of people; community, family, heart families. This wedding was for everyone there.
A wedding could not alter what they already had, for Hayley and Wade had already built a marriage. I saw it expressed so well in their dear children, Charlotte and Kobi. As I spoke with the couple, the kids played with my lego basket. (Yes a relic of my own child rearing. I LOVE my son’s lego basket, and so do many of the kids who come to me with their parents.) As they played I noticed how gentle they were with each other and the things they created. Their parents took small moments to acknowledge what the kids were doing, and kids were very respectful of their parents having a talk. Impressive parenting at work here!
So this marriage was about a family unit, yet acknowledging of the important relationship that holds the family together, the parents. For Hayley and Wade wished to give the gift of marriage to each other. They had already promised forever in their kids, but on their wedding day they showed it to each other.
Charlotte and Kobi, (who are, may I say, the best behaved kids I have ever seen!) were delightful partners to the wedding as flower girl and ring boy. Kobi was quite emotional watching his parents wed. Who wouldn’t be? He could deeply appreciate the strong emotions that were being expressed that day. Check out Charlotte wrapping herself in Mum’s bride dress. I sneeked the ones of the “bridal wrap” while Toni, the photographer, was organising the group picture. Too delightful to miss!
A key to understanding this was their choice of reading:
The key to love is understanding…
The ability to comprehend not only the spoken word,
but those unspoken gestures,
the little things that say so much by themselves.
The key to love is forgiveness…
to accept each others faults and pardon mistakes,
without forgetting, but with remembering
what you learn from them.
The key to love is sharing…
Facing your good fortunes as well as the bad, together;
both conquering problems, forever searching for ways
to intensify your happiness.
The key to love is giving…
without thought of return,
but with the hope of just a simple smile,
and by giving in but never giving up.
The key to love is respect…
realising that you are two separate people, with different ideas; that you don’t belong to each other,
that you belong with each other, and share a mutual bond.
The key to love is inside us all…
It takes time and patience to unlock all the ingredients that will take you to its threshold;
it is the continual learning process that demands a lot of work… but the rewards are more than worth the effort…
and that is the key to love.
Thanks to Photographer Toni Snell for the glorious images.
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A Mc and a Mac
When McNamara married MacKinnon, there was bound to be somescotsman around somewhere!!! And what a lovely use of tartan. And what a choice of place! Congratulations Sandra and Jason, married at Gardeners Falls, Maleny. Unique, different, touching, romantic and down to earth, their DIY wedding was simply perfect.
A Scotsman and a Nymph
When Sandra and Jason first met in Canada they recall talking about travelling Australia and the food they both missed. Jason proceeded to load up the juke box while Sandra picked most of the songs and introduced him to her love for disco. Not less than two days later Jason had to leave Canada!! Mere hours before his flight took off they were enjoying their first “date”. The conversation flowed easily and touched on so many subjects that they would have forgot to order food, if the waitress hadn’t kept reappearing to ask if they were ready to order. Jason’s friends were worried he was cutting it close for time to catch his flight. There was really no time for eating!
It was not long before they were together again, in Australia.
Sandra describes Jason as her calm in the storm. Jason describes Sandra as his down to earth rock. No wonder it threatened to storm on their wedding day. But come the right time, they stood on a rock mid stream, with not a drop of rain.
They relish each other’s company, laugh at each other’s jokes and make fun happen every day. These are qualities that will sustain a relationship. They are also great qualities for planning an extraordinary wedding.
Dressed in wedding Tartan
They turned up to their wedding dressed as Scotsman in family tartan (complete with sporan I may add) and forest nymph. They wanted something quite unique and intimate for their ceremony, and yet grand in meaning. Choosing Gardeners Falls, a small out of the way place, with running creek and rainforest all around, they created a wonderland.
Wed Over Water
Sandra and Jason asked if they could be wed on the water. We took off our shoes and stepped onto a rock in the stream. Guests gathered on a larger rock close by. They chose a hand binding ceremony to seal their vows. In this way drawing on Celtic traditions from ancient times, bringing the ceremony into modern day with our own twist on the promises and bindings. Jason had prepared a strip of tartan for the bindings. For wedding rings they had special rings created, each a combination of an Australian saphire and two Canadian diamonds.
Tartan sash
At the conclusion of the service, Jason draped a MacKinnon tartan sash over his new Mrs MacKinnon, and had photos taken in the middle of the running creek. He carried her across the water. Later that weekend they continued the fun by taking their own wedding photos, with just tripod and themselves.
Here is a glimpse of their DIY wedding day:
What they said:
Kari was an amazing celebrant. She was just what we were looking for, she listened to our suggestions, went with our ideas adding her own input when we knew what we wanted but weren’t sure how to do it.
Kari got a good feel for how we were as a couple and what we liked. She even offered us choices to choose her dress colour for the ceremony and was even willing to go barefoot.
Kari helped a lot making our ceremony just what we wanted and we had an amazing day. Sandra and Jason MacKinnon
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Wanting an unusual wedding ceremony?
I have never returned home on more of a high, than at the wedding of Jas and Linton, married at Weddings at Tiffany’s on the Maleny ridge. I knew when I met this engaged couple, that it would be a splendid ceremony. They are creative and fun, willing to have a go, and embrace something a little unusual, yet meaningful and heartwarming. It is wonderful to meet a couple who truly want something bespoke for their wedding ceremony.
Jas and Linton create something unusual.
Tradition can still carry meaning, can be captivating, can be absolutely memorable for the couple and guests. Jasmine and Linton agreed, and allowed a pretty free rein to design a ceremony that stood out for everyone. They jumped on the creative bandwagon and prepared something special to set the scene; a video.
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How did it begin?
Like this….
A full chapel of guests. But no sign of the bride or the groom! We could see a movie screen set up at the end of the Chapel. As their marriage celebrant, I began to explain the absence of a couple to wed. “Before we start today’s wedding ceremony, there is something we need to watch. Fasten your belts and here we go,”
The guests were privy to an elaborate video story of the couple from childhood to now along their courting path. Photos interwoven with dramatic music wove a humorous story.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”39929″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Enter bride and groom
Suddenly, just as the out-music played on the screen, the wooden, smokey-glass doors of the delightful Tiffany’s Wedding Chapel burst open and the happy couple entered holding hands. They walked down the aisle together. A huge cheer erupted as they walked to the dais, overlooking the Glasshouse mountains behind us.
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When they first met
As we saw in the video, when Linton first met Jasmine, she was a garden gnome! Jas has since grown into a delightful woman. Linton is pretty happy about that! As we just saw, unusually for most couples, there is actual footage of their very first encounter on a film set, he the cameraman, she the actor. After the first day of filming was done, Jas told her mum, “There was a lovely cameraman there and if he asked me out for a coffee I would say yes”.
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A wedding promise
Jasmine and Linton’s wedding promise was not something new, yet was a confirmation of a commitment to each other and celebration shared with those who have been through the journey with them, and invited as guests of their wedding.
Callie’s photos in the rain reflect their ability to have fun and find creativity whatever happens. And yes they did get rather wet during the photo shoot. Wouldn’t you love images like this? The rain did not deter them at all. In fact Jasmine had the forethought to bring an alternative “reception” dress to change into. She looked just as divine after the shoot.
I hope I am around for their 50th wedding anniversary! Should be a hoot.
Thanks to the photos of Callie Marshell of Florido Weddings.
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Unforgettable ceremony
Theirs was a ceremony no-one will ever forget. Jasmine, the bride, said afterwards,
“The ceremony was my FAVOURITE part of the day…I am so glad we got to share that with so many of our friends and loved ones…I even feel more connected with everyone after that amazing experience. The warmth, buzz, excitement just exuded from everyone and made the day even better than we could have hoped it to be!”
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The Bride’s comments
“After stumbling upon Kari’s website and reading through the information and testimonials, I thought, “This lady seems like our kind of celebrant!” We then met with Kari and instantly knew she was ‘the one’ for us.
From day one we felt completely comfortable with Kari, which was very important for us. Kari is warm, friendly, professional and has a genuine enthusiasm and love for what she does – and it shows. Not knowing where to start, Kari provided fantastic recourses to help us get started. She takes all the stress and uncertainty out of all the legal components and ceremony part of the wedding. Planning the ceremony was a breeze, because Kari did all the hard work! I never once worried about it – which is awesome for a bride, with other things to worry about!
I had always thought wedding ceremonies were a bit boring and all the ‘same’, but after one meeting with us and talking a bit about ourselves and the type of ceremony we wanted, Kari wrote a beautiful, creative and fun ceremony that was just perfect – and so very us!
The ceremony actually ended up being my favourite part of what was the most fabulous day – we had so much fun, it was so special. After our ceremony, we had numerous comments about how wonderful our celebrant was and how much she ‘added’ to our wedding day. We also had people say it was the best ceremony they had ever been to!
We feel very lucky to have had Kari as our celebrant, because our wedding would not have been the same (or as fabulous!) without her!
Thank you Kari… “Jasmine and Linton[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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Who shall be the ring bearer?
At your wedding, who do you choose to be the ring bearer? A charming little nephew? An eagle? The Best Man? The Best Woman? Mum? Or your pet? Congratulations Diane and Patrick, for choosing Ruby. They married in the charming pergola at Tiffany’s, looking out over the Glass House Mountains from the Maleny Ridge. They wanted a creative, fun and relaxed wedding. They chose Tiffany’s for the view, for the incredible feeling you get when gazing out over the vista of the Glass House Mountains. What an extraordinary place on the edge of the ridge, what a splendid sunny day. AND what a charming ring bearer! More of her later….
Planning a memorable wedding
Diane and Patrick wanted their wedding to be memorable, unforgettable in fact, and a bit of fun for their guests. All they wrote on the wedding invite was a date, a time and ‘surprise location’. The guests had no idea where they were going and what to expect. A bus collected them all, to take them to Tiffany’s. The bus was there again to continue the adventure to Clovelly Estate for a classy reception banquet. What fun! Everyone arrived at the ceremony full of intrigue and with smiles already on their faces.
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Diane arrived in retro style in the divine Red Kombi. Just bride and her parents. A gentle and relaxed bride, Diane just glowed on the way to meet her Patrick. She arrived on the arms of both her parents, one on each arm. It is a tradition that is very heartwarming, when a parent accompanies their daughter to her wedding day. In these modern days of equality we still have room to remember an ancient custom, that of a bride being accompanying to her wedding.
Diane chose to arrive with both her parents. In this way we know that father and mother are supportive of the bride and groom and their decision to embrace marriage. And indeed there is room too to thank the parents for the Groom for all they have done to bring their son to his wedding day too. Diane and her parents brought a charming tradition into the modern world. But what about Ruby? The other important family member.
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Ruby the ring bearer
Diane and Patrick wanted their special family, Ruby, a black Labrador, to be part of their special day and found a a way to include her in the ceremony. Their dear Ruby was a feature guest for the day. Sporting a ribbon on her neck, most of the guests just thought she was there for the ride. She was the perfect ring bearer.
Ever thought you’d be able to have your pets at your wedding?
At this wedding, it was the Ruby the ring bearer who stole the show. When the wedding bands were called for, Ruby bounded down the aisle towards her favourite people to deliver the rings. She happily sat while Patrick took the rings from her neck, to place on the finger of his bride. 
Ruby stuck around for photos and I’m sure would have enjoyed the canapés, but she had other treats in store.
Kylie from Lovable Pets arrived in chic sporting attire. Ruby was whisked away for a long walk on the beach and a sleep over at Kylie’s. Lucky Ruby. To top off a beautiful afternoon, Di and Patrick invited their guests to the divine and classy Spicers Clovelly Estate for a three course banquet around a continuous table. Beautiful plant arrangements by A Sculpted Leaf, the boughs of the Jacaranda tree hanging down beside the pavilion, and an array of sumptuous food from the Clovelly French styled chefs. You may think Ruby was wondering who got the best deal. She didn’t even know, as she frolicked on the beach with Kylie, or perhaps by now she was snoring on a large cushion. It was an important day for Ruby, delivering the rings to the ceremony on cue! She deserved her rest. Peek into other moments from their wedding day. Photos by Tania Stanley.
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Creative Wedding Decor
Decorating your wedding day can be such fun. There are ideas for special themes, colours or designs.
Sometimes it is helpful to have a specialist help you, sometimes you just want to DIY the entire day. At a recent wedding at Kenilworth Homestead, Jess co-opted her female family and friends, and they did it all themselves. From bunting to cocktails, through to vintage teapots full of cottage garden flowers, and hand picked crockery from op-shops. Read about Jess inspiration.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”40045″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Something rather different
Here is a totally unique and environmentally friendly solution, not yet seen in any Bridal mag, from local cane, coconut frond and festival artist, Kris Martin.
His new wedding and event decoration business called Artisean was recently launched at a wedding on Stradbroke Island.
The business, based in Mapleton in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, uses natural materials such as bamboo, coconut palm leaf and vines top create fabulous wedding arches, aisles and arbours.
Coconut frond wedding decor
Kris Martin, artist and founder of this creative endeavour is excited to bring some of the magic of the festival and event work that he has been doing for over ten years, to the wedding industry.
Along with his partner Alex, and a team of artists, they have been recognised for their dedication to environmental arts through winning the Glossies award in 2012 (for ‘Ship of Fools’ Project, Floating Land, 2011) and 2011 (for ‘Kabi Canoes’ Project, Woodford, 2010).
Here’s a peek at some of the current designs being developed. But Kris will design something all new for you too, made to order. Check out Artisean.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”40047″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”40046″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Something elegant in wedding decor
Carly Laczko runs a gorgeous decorating and wedding planning business, CL Weddings & Events, creating beautiful weddings using simple ingredients that together make that ‘wow’ feeling when guests walk into a room.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”40051″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Wedding Styling
Wedding styling can be so variant, from sparkling prettiness to elegant dark shades or charcoals and rich red over to fun vibrant colours that pop with personality. The main aim of styling, Carly espouses, is to ensure it reflects the couple and your personalities together as a couple.
Styling themes
Cl Events’ style is so broad, there really isn’t a certain theme that they don’t like! And they specialise in creating a theme with the couples name on it, rather than a ‘modern vintage’ or ‘rustic’ tag. Sometimes the best styles are when they get to make a mix of themes to create unique look.
Carly says: “The décor on your day should be handled much like the way you dress, it should fit you.”
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DIY Wedding Decor
But if it’s DIY you’re into, then check out Jessica and Joel’s wedding decor.
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The girls, did it all. Mum, Aunties, Gran and the bridesmaids all chipped in making all the decor.
It came together over a fun evening the night before the wedding, when the bridal party went to town in a rustic old Barn.
Here is their story:
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Something very French
How about something very French for your wedding ceremony.
You may be French.
You may want a little something French for the sheer chic of it.
You may simply wish to toast your love with champagne.
Whatever the reason there are many French marriage traditions that are delightful. And of course others that you don’t want your friends to find out too!
As a Sunshine Coast Hinterland wedding celebrant I am always seeking new ways to create ritual within ceremony; finding ways to show something, rather than say something. And there are so many multicultural rituals to draw from, and rework to fit two people getting married, like Lucy and Neil did.
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Lucy and Neil had spent a long and memorable holiday in France. They remembered it as a very special time in their relationship; in their burgeoning love.
So when they decided to marry they wished to include something a little French in their marriage ceremony. In fact they had brought some special Champagne back from France, from the real Champagne region where they make the only true Champagne. (Everywhere else produces sparkling wine did you know?)
Champagne and roses
Now in the region of France where champagne is created, the traditional vineyards often cultivate roses at the ends of each row of grape vines. They look wonderful, yes, and smell fabulous when in flower, but it is not for the romance that the grape growers plant the roses.
Why the roses in French vineyards?
The rose plays a special and important role in the production of the grapes. Being extremely sensitive to changes in the soil, reacting quickly to disease or invasion, they are the canary in the vineyard. The same diseases attack the grape vines, but the rose gives an early warning that something is amiss. The grower gets a head start in making the necessary changes. If the blooms are beautiful and abundant, then everything is fine. Should the rose wither or wilt, grow mould or develop leaf curl then the growers know something is amiss and they take action before their grapes are affected. The rose works for its keep!
A partnership between rose and grape
We have therefore a partnership between the rose and the grape. What does this have to do with wedding ritual? We’re getting there….. and read on.
The Rose de Reims biscuits
In the district of Champagne France, there is another culinary tradition. In a typical French style where food is closely linked to every aspect of life, the rose petals are used to flavour special biscuits, les biscuits rose de reims – a crisp sweet treat that melts in the mouth. It is not your usual Sunday afternoon tea cookie. The Biscuits Rose de Reims are twice baked and become crisp and not crumbly, delightfully crunchy without falling apart.
A tradition used to celebrate special occasions is the partnering of the les Biscuits Rose de Reims and real Champagne.
Imagine the crossroads of bubbles and roses.
On a special occasion the biscuits are dipped into glasses of champagne and eaten with the celebratory drink.
Individually they are unique and very special, Rose de Reims and Champagne.
But put them together and WOW! What a pair.
What a pair
Is this the kind of symbol you could have to celebrate your union in marriage?
So having decided on something a little French, where else to be wed than the Spotted Chook Ferme Auberge, a French provincial styled country Inn in Montville on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Range.
Congratulations to Lucy and Neil, married in Montville, with Champagne and Les Biscuits Rose de Reims.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column][vc_column_text]Kari is a special person with a beautiful spirit and a unique gift of putting people at ease. She was so adaptable and knew when to step in to help us and offer some creative and fabulous ideas; however, she also knew when to listen to what we wanted. We were a little nervous about the whole process but Kari made us feel comfortable and excited about our ceremony. On the day, Kari created a loving and relaxed atmosphere amongst all of our friends and family and our ceremony was a dream. Both my husband Neil and I agree that the ceremony was the most special part of our day. We are so happy that we worked with Kari as we now have beautiful memories that last a lifetime. Thanks, Kari. Lucy and Neil
Photos by AWPP of Montville
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