DIY Wedding

DIY Wedding

DIY Wedding

Jess and Jesse married at Verrierdale Community Hall on the Sunshine Coast. Their DIY wedding was a grand party with loads of laughter.

When Jess met Jesse, it was love almost instantly. Laughs are the hallmark of their love and their life.  And they are the only ones who don’t get the names confused!!! But as a marriage celebrant, it took supreme focus to marry Jess to Jess, without getting my tongue totally tied!!

Their DIY wedding was so much fun.

A Love Story

Eight years ago Jess met Jesse, two happy people recognised something in each other’s smiles. It was instant attraction.

Jess recalls thinking to herself, “I could marry that boy”. Little did she know!

What I noticed as a wedding celebrant, is that these two match.  It was evident from the first instant; their smiles, their bubbly, cheery selves that radiated a relaxed and joyous energy to all around them.  They love to explore, embrace the ocean, surf, swim, walk and run beside it, immerse themselves in it. Jess loves his generous soul, how her man will do anything for anyone. He just loves her, all of her. He appreciates her energetic and strong will. They know that each other is the best friend they could find in this world, feeling completely at ease together.

And that brought them to Verrierdale Hall. It was a time to pause, look back, and smile at all the moments that brought them to their wedding day. And a time to look ahead at all the moments that are still to come.  Marriage does not change what is already there, a strong commitment; a tried and true relationship. It adds another layer of commitment to something already strong and wondrous.  Jess said he wanted to marry because she is a super chilled out chick who loves the ocean and outdoors as much as he.  Their relationship in two words; relaxed.

It could be said that marriage changes everything and nothing.  I know these two did not marry lightly. They have considered what it means to marry, a symbol of deep love, understanding and a promise of a commitment already held. And before they settle and embrace a family of their own they wished to be married, and vow an indefinite future to each other. But more importantly they wanted a huge celebration for all their friends, and family.

Lucky us eh!  Sweet of them to consider all of us so much.

Congratulations to Jess and Jesse, you two are perfect for each other.

“Thank you for an incredible day 😊You were awesome!!! ” Jess Hart

Thanks to Carly and Co Photography for the brilliant images featured in this real Sunshine Coast wedding story

60’s wedding theme

60’s wedding theme

with Kari – theme dressed, Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant

Themed Wedding

Congratulations to Anna and Bryn, who chose a 60’s beach  theme for their wedding day.

Wedding _celebrant_60's_wedding_theme8Whenever I met up with Anna and Bryn, they seemed to have just come from some amazing fitness activity.  I was impressed by their approach to organising their wedding, too.  Casual, down to earth, and real.

Married at the Beach

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They did wish to marry at the beach, Point Cartwright in fact.  They chose this particular headland for the memories of their first date there. But also for the connection to place, for the intimacy that we felt gathered in a group, looking out over a beautiful and vast ocean, looking far into the distance. And I guess it is a perfect metaphor for marriage.  We are also looking into the far distance, the distant future of two peoples lives, a life chosen to spend together, with a shared vision of future.

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When I first met Anna and Bryn, they both described the other as fun but strong willed. They also described the adventurous spirit they both share. They love to seek new experiences. On this, their wedding day, they chose a theme to help everyone have fun, and get into the spirit.

Surfboard Signing Table

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When they talked about their wedding theme, beach 60’s, I immediately asked if they had considered a surfboard for a signing table.  They instantly took this idea on board. (!!!).

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Ceremony reading

I appreciated their choice of ceremony reading, The Desiderata.  Reading it now one would never believe it was written in 1927, by Max Ehrmann

It counsels:

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.

Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

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. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labours and aspirations, 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.

Wedding _celebrant_60's_wedding_theme7This is what they said;

Kari is a truly special person and made our ceremony very special too. Her choice of words, and affinity with nature and the ocean are unique and was exactly what we were looking for. Working with Kari pre-ceremony was a lovely experience. She is thorough and competent but relaxed with never a stressful moment. We cannot recommend Kari enough. Many of our guests came up and specially complimented us on Kari’s service asking for her details. We feel extremely lucky than we found Kari – she is just brilliant.  

Anna and Bryn

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Married by the beach

Married by the beach

Beach wedding

Congratulations Kylie and Todd Peters, married in view of their favourite surf break.

Wedding arch draped in white fabric and flowers overlooking the beach at Point Cartwright

Why the beach?

When I met with Kylie and Todd they told me that they had to have a large wedding, as they simply could not exclude anyone from the guest list.  So a large wedding it was, with family and friends gathered outside by the beach to accommodate all.

We have heard the traditional wedding phrase, “we gather here today…”

So let’s ask why?

The beach has always held a special place in Kylie and Todd’s lives. They surf, fish and live by the beach, enjoy the outdoor life. A lifestyle around water is intrinsic to, and a significant part of who they are, so it is very appropriate that they chose an ocean view for their marriage ceremony.

In View of the surf

They chose one of their favourite surf breaks, Point Cartwright.  Which was possibly a dangerous choice, as the surf was quite divine that day. Might there have been a temptation to delay the wedding and hit the break?  The guests had politely left their boards back in the carpark, I imagine, as there were no board shorts in evidence as the ceremony began!

Todd resisted every wave temptation, as the temptation of his bride was far more important.  Kylie was more than gorgeous in her pure silk, filmy wedding dress by Elizabeth de Varga.  Her red shoes gave a delightful splash of colour as she strolled down the path on the arm of her Dad, negotiating high heels and the grassy park, with panache.

I’m beginning to know the extended family quite well, as I have now done a few weddings within this circle of family and friends. It puts me in the wider picture, of generations.

Kylie with her mother and grandmother on her wedding day at Point Cartwright

Three generations of women

One of the beautiful things about weddings is the evidence of the continuum of life through the generations.  At the occasion of milestones, we witness the extent of families.  Parents, grandparents, children are all present.  It is a time to remember other weddings, in the near or distant past.  It is a time for children to know their place in a wider family.

A favourite photo that I could not resist taking, is of Kylie with Mum and Grandma, three happy, strong, down-to-earth matriarchs.  Kylie’s Grandma is a Great Gran many times over.  And she still practices yoga!  I’m sure Kylie gets some of her gentle and quiet strength and determination from her Grandma’s legacy.

The view was a guest

Todd and Kylie wanted a simple wedding ceremony; not too long, but not too short either.  Something reflective of who they are. Given I write each ceremony from a fresh canvas, all their wishes were accommodated.  The view was a guest at the wedding, the weather was perfect, and the guests could relax in the park setting, watching the perfect rollers in the background.

Photos by Karen Buckle, and a couple of my own.

A surf styled wedding

Ever dreamed of being married at your favourite surf break?  Congratulations to Rob and Beck who chose just that.

Rob wanted to be able to see his two favourite girls on his wedding day; Beck in the foreground, and his favourite Caloundra surfbreak in the background.  Beck is easy going and loves the outdoors.  When looking for a celebrant they sought “relaxed and laid back”, to suit their style, and their desire for a casual and simple wedding, just a fun day for them and their guests to enjoy.

Many a wedding day on the Sunshine Coast is celebrated by the beach.  We are a beach culture after all.  And on this special day of your life it is natural to wish to join the natural scheme of life with a wedding on the beach. In this case, in view of Rob’s favourite surf spot at Dicky Beach; a place which also reflected their favourite colours; green for Rob, and blue for Beck.

The park was a casual place which suited their love for outdoors, a place perfect for their union. I would not have been surprised if we had all been requested to kick off our shoes in honour of the informal nature of this wedding.  And what a day.  It had rained solidly all night, but cleared up totally in time for the wedding ceremony, with blue skies and warm air.

What surprised us all was when the groom and his best man turned up to the blaring sound track of Eagle Rock, carrying a surfboard!  Hmm …  had we got the date wrong?

Rob proceeded to create a signing table from the board and board stands.  A perfect wedding altar!  Suitably sacred, yet a place to rest the wedding certificates, and high enough for all to witness the signing and need no chairs.

So a surf themed wedding is possible.  I’m even happy to wed you on your boards if that is your perfect wedding!  But I think Rob and Beck found the perfect balance; finishing on a high five, and photos with the board…then off home for a BBQ with the wedding party.

Photos by their friends.