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Wedding Rings – a ritual
This is a story of a unique blessing of wedding rings at a Pomodoras wedding.
For as long as we can remember, lovers have exchanged rings as a token of their wedding vows.
Wedding bands are of some value in themselves. Yet they are made so much more precious by our wearing of them, by knowing who placed them on our fingers, on our wedding day.
Kerrie and Andrew’s rings are super special. It began with their engagement… in Florence!
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A ring in Florence
The evocative and artisan city of Florence had always held special memories for them. While on holidays wandering down a Florentine street they found a ring created by an artist. It was perfect; a unique design akin to two diamond encrusted bridges crossing over… signifying the crossing over of two lives.
The wedding rings, however, were made locally, by a Maleny artisan Jim Goulton of Maleny Jewellers. Beautifully crafted to their own design.
On their wedding day, we honoured the significance of their wedding rings with a blessing before they were placed on their hands.
There were several elements that contributed to this unique ritual, each one chosen carefully for the meaning.
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Ritual Element One : Water
The plan was to use water, the elixir of life, to pour into the bowl.
On the wedding day, as bride, Kerrie was preparing herself up in the cottage room before the wedding ceremony. She looked down over the Obi Obi Creek and had an idea.
Voila! There was the water for their wedding ring ritual, made extra special because it was collected from right behind the ceremony platform.
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Ritual Element Two : Vessel
They needed a vessel, a bowl to place rose petals….. Andrew had decided to go the full Scottish, and be married in his family tartan. At the kilt shop, he spied a silver bowl, a celtic quaich (pronounced Kwek). A quaich is a Scottish welcome bowl, crafted by artisans and intricately decorated with celtic curls and swirls. Imagine arriving to a household in Scotland, coming in out of the freezing cold and being offered a silver bowl with a dram of warm Whiskey to warm body and soul. On the wedding day the sliver bowl welcomed the warmth of a wedding promise.
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Ritual Element Three : Rose Petals
To celebrate their union, Kerrie and Andrew had planted a Montville Rose in their garden. It was the first thing they had planted together, and held great meaning for them. Recalling that occasion of humble celebration of their union, on their wedding day in honour of that rose and the French tradition of roses in weddings, they added handfuls of petals to the Quaich.
Ritual Element Four : Essential oils
Essential oils have long been used for sacred ceremony. Once more Kerrie and Andrew found their own meaning, as the ring ritual evolved a step further. A special friend is a massage therapist. Her basket of essential oils contained much more than traditional Frankincense and Myrrh; oils for joy and valour, for humility and compassion, for spice and passion….
Ritual Element Five : Friends
Into the bowl went much love and the best wishes of all the guests there. Each guest had previously taken a moment to hold and bless the rings. They arrived at the ring ceremony well warmed with love.
Using this water we blessed the rings, washing them and making them fragrant for ceremony.
It was a truly joyous and fun ceremony.
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Thank you Kerrie and Andrew for giving us such inspiration to personalise a wedding ceremony. This is what Kerrie said afterwards:
“A HUGE thank you for your amazing wondrous delightful joyful gentle and experienced handling of our wedding celebration.” Kerrie
Thanks especially to the gorgeous Marion Jonkers Photography for the wedding photos.
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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.
Whenever 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
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.
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
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. (!!!).
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.
This 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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Together at last
Congratulations Linda & Rob, married at last at House of Laurels in Maleny, after months working overseas. It was so exciting when we finally met in person just before the wedding. The entire ceremony had been organised over the internet. Via censored army email and registered post, and via a combined willingness to embrace the online medium and go with it. We found common evenings when we could chat via email. Zapping emails back and forth, we nutted out the ceremony and all the logistics. Voila!
Organised via email
Linda first contacted me via email … from ..wait for it… Afghanistan, where Rob and herself were deployed at the time. “Could we organise the wedding over the net?” she asked, as she and Rob would not get back to Australia until just before the wedding. Of course, it is all possible.
Linda and I shared many an email conversation. Despite the time differences we seemed to be on our computers at the same moment, and organised everything via the typed word. Worked a treat. They may have been deployed in the same country but it was rare they were in the same base, and due to army censorship and safety protocols, they did not even know where each other was at any moment. It was a risky time. They just crossed their fingers they would both make it back to Australia safely.
And they did!
A Joyous wedding
Their wedding was joyous yet meaningful. A true celebration of their loving union. No one knew we had never met until the days before the wedding. Most thought e had been pals for ages. Well we had indeed been wedding pen pals.
He loves her smile; she has taught him how to open up and share his thoughts. She loves his patience, his sense of humour. He knows how to make her laugh. Yet she says he has taught her how to love and how to be loved. They know how to laugh. And when asked what is their favourite colour, they both replied without hesitation – black! But Linda wore white for the day, and a huge smile!
They said
“From the very first email, Kari was helpful, warm and kind. We knew instantly from her response that she would be the one. We were struggling with writing our own vows but Kari gave us the tools to find our own words. She was with us every step of the way and went above and beyond in arranging our ceremony. We planned 90% of it from a computer in Afghanistan! How impressive is that!
The ceremony was better than we could have hoped for. Kari’s delivery was perfect. She helped create a relaxed and loving atmosphere. All my guests had commented that they had never been to such a loving ceremony and I know Kari had a lot to do with that.
We highly recommend Kari for anyone who is looking for a dedicated, professional, warm and kind celebrant who takes all stress away!!! She is a master at her craft,”
Linda & Rob
Wedding Photos
Thanks for photos by Calli B Photography
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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
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And who brings the rings?
There is that moment in a wedding when the marriage celebrant looks up and asks who brings the wedding rings.
Sometimes its grandma. Occasionally a favourite pet or a child with a cushion.
Generally it is the moment for the Best Man to pat every pocket in his suit and pretend he has forgotten the rings. It gets a little laugh, and then he breaks out in a smile and fishes a ring box from his pocket.
I encourage this little game to lighten the mood at a wedding ceremony. The best man has his moment of fame, and everyone is relieved that nothing is going to go wrong. “Just joking”, his smile says!
From the beginning
Jason and April’s wedding began like expected. Jason waited patiently for his bride, accompanied by his groomsmen. As the marriage celebrant I waited with the guys, calming them about late brides & would she arrive.
Held on the shores of Lake Baroon in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, at Secrets On the Lake, we all enjoyed being outside in the warm sun with rainforest all around.
The girls soon arrived, to oohs and aahs, and the wedding ceremony got underway.
It was, so far, what the guests expected; a little emotional, some laughs, a sweet and funny love story.
The ceremony approached the moment to exchange rings.
What if he doesn’t?
But what happens when the best man looks genuinely worried, and gives a meaningful but slight shake to his head, looking back at the celebrant with a “Don’t ask me!” expression on his face.
I continued the charade and asked him to check all his pockets. Fortunately Matt was a good sport, and didn’t mind when we all looked at him expectantly. He just continued to shake his head and look at me, the celebrant, with expectation. Perhaps he might have guessed something was up. Note the groom looking away…..
Enter an eagle
Suddenly everyone felt the air above their heads move, as Soren the eagle swooped down almost touching the hairdos of the entire guestlist.
There were many audible gasps as the wind from his wings lifted spirits in surprise, startled us all and brought an emotional tear even to my eye. At that moment I felt the awe of nature, of the power in one creature, the wonder in life around us. This huge bird swooped over us all, and landed on the arm of Jason, the Groom who by this stage had donned a leather glove for protection.
Soren
Soren, the eagle, is specially trained to carry wedding rings. They hang from his tresses on his ankles. Paul, his trainer keeps a nature refuge, a training and conservation centre for wounded animals. Soren is a star of Broadwings Events.
Paul very kindly allowed me to hold Soren for a photo after the ceremony and photos were over. I can assure you there is nothing like holding a powerful bird on your arm, and experiencing a wild creature so close.
Allowing nature in
Many say that the presence of water blesses a marriage like no other. There is plenty of water at Secrets on the Lake, one of the most beautiful wedding venues on the Sunshine Coast. The lake over which the tree houses look is actually the drinking water for this area. It is special water, clean water, and was a very special blessing for this couple. To honour the place and the water, April and Jason chose a finale ritual for their wedding.
The pebble toss…
Guests were invited to participate in a Celtic wedding tradition, that of the Pebble Toss. Stones were handed to each guest at the conclusion of the ceremony. Behind this tradition is the notion that natural things can anchor a thought. It is important that water is involved in the pebble toss. Water is the element that represents emotion and spirit. In a wedding it is about wishing prosperity and flow. The stone is the carrier of wishes and prayers, happy hopes and cheeky thoughts for April and Jason’s future.
Holding their pebble for a moment, each guest waited by the shores of the lake. Imbued with warm thoughts and story the stones were tossed into the water, sending wishes into the ether to come true for April and Jason.
Thanks to Malin from Love Is A Place Photography for the images.
This is what the couple said:
Kari was one of the vital pieces of our wedding that we couldn’t have done without. We are so glad to have chosen her as our celebrant after a lot of careful searching. We were quite lost as what we wanted, but she listened carefully and crafted for us an amazing ceremony which both we and our guests loved. She also helped us keep our “ring delivery” secret a huge surprise from everyone (rings flown in via wedge-tailed eagle). Kari is a fantastic celebrant and also a truly talented lady. I hope many other couples get to experience the same joy she brings to their ceremonies too. April & Jason
See this wedding story in pictures by Malin from Love Is A Place Photography :
Read about another unusual ring bearer:
