Beach wedding

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

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.

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.