Wedding vows to children

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Wedding promises to your children.

Allow me to give you a glimpse of the story of Shireen and Aaron who wed at the beautiful and elegant Spicers Clovely Estate. Their wedding was a very classy occasion.

However it was also clearly a family affair, including promises to the kids.

A family affair

When I met Shireen and Aaron, it was evident that love for their kids was paramount. In fact the kids came with them to their wedding appointment with me; gorgeous kids, with a sweet attitude, and calm demeanour. They played on the veranda daybed while we arranged the wedding ceremony for Aaron and Shireen.

More than wedding vows

This wedding had to be about family as much as it was about two people. Their kids are darlings. It was clear how much love and care they have in their family surroundings. The family unit is the most important part of Aaron and Shireen’s lives. Part of the aim of this wedding was to unite the family in name as well as heart. Designing their wedding ceremony had to include the kids as a really important part of the day.

Of course they were part of the bridal party, as page boy and flower girl. They walked down the aisle hand in hand, dressed to perfection, and stole the show… at least from the photographers point of view. They stole our hearts.

When designing the ceremony, we needed to include something more poignant than appearances as well.

Creating Wedding Vows

In the meeting we discussed the meaning and reasons behind wedding vows. Wedding vows are said from one partner to the other. These wedding vows are often humble and generous promises for future, for commitment and personal endeavour. They reflect an endeavour to strive for a positive outcome no matter what. In the case of Shireen and Aaron, it was clear there were other marriage promises in the air. Their promises to each other seemed to include an unspoken promise to their children.

Vows to children

The more we talked about it, the more it seemed appropriate to make this unspoken promise an outward and public promise. As a symbol of family unity and a commitment to the nurturing of these children, they chose to make a public wedding vow to their son and daughter.

Darlings, we just want you to know that we love you dearly.

Part of this ceremony today is a promise to you,

that we will always love you,

always care for you,

and always be willing to listen and be present for you.

Together we will go forward, united in same name as the “Amour” family.

A family story

Their wedding was truly sublime. A family affair from morning to night.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thanks to Taylah of Tay and Francis for the stunning images of this wedding at Spicers Clovelly Estate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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.

With this ring I thee wed

“With this ring I thee wed…..”

a wedding ring is considered to be a circle with no end, a symbol of the wedding vows.

Many a wedding is not complete without an exchange of wedding rings.

“With this ring I thee wed.”

Do we recall this phrase from old movies? Many a wedding is not complete without an exchange of wedding rings. A ring is not technically part of the legal aspect of a wedding ceremony. However, in my celebrant experience 98% of couples choose to enact this traditional ritual, and place a ring on each other’s fingers. Although, I have had one Bridegroom who chose an earring in his left ear rather than a wedding band on his left hand! And one couple made their rings from woven fibres.

BUT none that I know, have elected for a ring on the nose like the one chosen from the Piggy-wig by The Owl and the Pussycat. You can look up that famous poem.

diamond ring by John Bexon

a circle with no end…

A ring, as we know is a circle with no end, symbolic of a completeness, or a union with no end, a marriage to last forever; the unbroken circle of love between a husband and wife. Worn as a reminder of wedding vows made by one to the other, the wedding band holds great importance to most wedded couples.

It can be said at a wedding, “A circle is the symbol of the sun and the earth and the universe. In these rings it is the symbol of unity, in which your lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever you go, you will always return to one another and to your togetherness.”

The ring may or may not have enormous resale value but becomes absolutely precious to the wearer, an enduring and valuable symbol of promises made on their wedding day. It takes but a moment to say I love you, it takes a second to place a ring on the finger, but marriage is the promise of forever, and that is why most couples choose a precious metal – gold or platinum, reflective of the preciousness of their rings in their married lives.

ring by Bold in Gold

I know of many women of my mother’s generation who have never taken their rings off. Their husband first placed them on their third finger of the left hand at the marriage altar.

Some modern women may take their ring off now and again whilst doing jobs that may scratch of damage their wedding ring. But always it is a ring that one would wear constantly. Other jewellery may come and go. Some is worn for special occasions. However, the wedding ring endures as a timeless treasure.

So given it is something to cherish for many many years, most couples will take their time to choose the perfect ring. Some even have them custom made.

design by Loretta Bexon

finding the perfect wedding ring…

I’d like to introduce some ideas of where to go to find your perfect wedding ring.

a local jeweller…

Shop local, it is the thing to do. Embrace the idea of the personal touch. Here on the Sunshine Coast we have several fine jewellers who make bespoke products to fulfil your design wishes.

Take in your inherited jewellery and have it remodelled for your own wedding. You could have Great Grandmas rings remodelled in a modern style. Something old, something new? Perhaps you’d prefer order a set of wedding rings to a custom design. Bring your local craftsperson an idea or a picture and they can make it a reality for you. Watch them work your piece for you and bask in the warmth of something made locally AND professionally.

rings by Bexon Jewellers

finding the perfect wedding ring…

A meaningful alternative to mass production, is to have your wedding rings made for you by a local craftsman. These artisans are practising a craft centuries old. They dedicate their lives to a particular craft, and the skills required to keep their craft up to date. In an age where we are often disconnected to how our daily things are made, having your wedding ring designed for you especially is a memorable gift, a lasting reminder of your wedding day. You can even visit your rings and watch their progress.

There are so many wedding venues in and around Montville on the Hinterland Range above the Sunshine Coast. If this area is your dream wedding location, you may like to visit Bold In Gold in Montville, while you’re planning your wedding day.

Bold in Gold offer you the chance to have your wedding rings individually designed and handcrafted by a team of highly skilled designer-goldsmiths. Their designers ensure your finished wedding rings represent your individuality in beautifully finished rings in the materials of your choice.

If you have no firm idea on your wedding rings, don’t be too concerned, you can first view many different designs to get the feel for your likes and dislikes and then use the ideas this generates to design your very own unique wedding rings, even unusual, yet always exquisitely hand-crafted.

The work of Bold in Gold is often different to classic styles, featuring unusual shapes and settings, or a mix of precious metals. Get a matching pair made.

rings by Bold in Gold

Awwwwhhh it makes want to get married again, just to rediscover the joy of choosing my wedding ring.

Check out some local suppliers that I have worked with.

But wait there’s more.

If you want to do something really unusual, you can take it a step further and even make your own Wedding Rings! There are a few artisans who run make your own wedding ring workshops. These come and go, so search in your locality for a specialist jeweller. Now that would be a truly romantic experience, spending a day in a goldsmiths workshop making your rings together.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column]

Now what to say?

Here’s 8 things to say when exchanging wedding rings

8 things to say when exchanging wedding rings

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8 things to say when exchanging wedding rings

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The question is does one simply place the wedding ring on your dear one’s finger… or do you say something poignant as well?

In this story we explore the background of the wedding ring, but more importantly, what to say at that special moment when you are exchanging rings. There’s a list of 8 things to say… and plenty more to ponder as well.

AND my free gift to you .. at the end of the story; a little tip for you to take to your wedding.

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Why a wedding ring?

For thousands of years lovers have exchanged a wedding ring as tokens of their vows……
Of course there is no legal imperative to use rings in your ceremony, but it is a custom that most couples still hold dear for their wedding day. A ring is a gift you wear forever as a reminder of your wedding day, and the promises you gave to each other. It is indeed precious, of course, because it is made from valuable materials; shiny metals and sparkly stones. Yet the wedding ring is made absolutely treasured because of its symbolism.

The ring connects to the heart

Shakespeare wrote, “Now join your hands, and with your hands your hearts.” Some believe that the hands are a connection to the heart, and a hand blessing symbolically brings two hearts together.

Your wedding ring

So you’ve been shopping for a wedding ring, trying things on, thinking about what exactly you would like to wear into the future. All the time anticipating the ceremony, when the ring will be placed on your hand for the first time.

This is something you may not have thought much about. This is where your celebrant comes into the picture to help you with things to say when exchanging your rings.

But before we explore what to say, let’s take a step back and consider the history of the wedding ring.

Where did the wedding ring come from?

According to some historians, the first recorded rings linked with a marriage ceremony date back to the days when early man tied plaited circlets around the Bride’s wrists and ankles to keep her spirit from running away. Approximately 3,000 BC, Egyptians originated the phrase “without beginning, without end” in describing the significance of the wedding ring. These rings were made of woven hemp which constantly wore out and needed replacement.

A gold ring

It was the Romans who originally used iron, gold is now used as a symbol of all that is pure. Diamonds were first used by Italians, who believed that it was created from the flames of love. According to some European cultures, the wedding ring is worn on the right hand. In other cultures, an engagement ring is worn on the left hand, and the wedding ring is worn on the right hand.

Which finger?

We all expect wedding rings to go on the left hand ring finger. It is said that this finger has a vein that goes straight to the heart. Perhaps there is also a Chinese meridian of love making the same connection. However in my celebrant career, I have seen rings on the right hand as per the custom in many European countries. I have also seen wedding nose rings, wedding ear rings, wedding wrist watches, tattooed wedding rings and more. And only once have I seen them dropped!! But that’s another story.

What do I say when I put the ring on his finger?

You need not say anything at all. Sometimes it is what you do that is as important as what you say. You can simply slide the ring onto his finger… then tug and twist and push until it goes over the knuckle!!! Because generally wedding rings don’t slide on easily!! I have a tip for that too… but for now read on…

You may like to say a little something. It does not need to be a long message. You have just exchanged vows; the moment which would usually encapsulate your promise. So for the rings exchange need not be wordy. You are just searching for a few words to say whilst slipping the ring on your love’s finger

So … drumroll …… here are

8 things you can say when exchanging your wedding rings

With this ring I thee wed
This is the longtime classic phrase. The grammar seems old school and a bit foreign. Perhaps it seems a little formal. But it is very traditional. And depending on how you say it, can be quite poignant or funny even.
I give you this wedding ing to wear to seal the promises I make to you today
I guess this outlines the fact that the ring seals a promise of marriage.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be a faithful partner to you.
This phrase is kind of an extension to your wedding vows. It encompasses some of the classic sentiments of marriage, that you want to be faithful.. for always.
I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faith in our strength together, and my covenant to learn and grow with you
With this ring, I marry you. With my loving heart. With my willing body. And with my eternal soul.
I give you this ring, as I give to you all that I am, and accept from you, all that you are.
This ring is a circle with no end, just like my love for you. Wear this ring and recall my promise to you today.
As you cherish this ring, so I cherish you

But that’s not all…. there are other options above and beyond 8 things to say when exchanging wedding rings…. You can…..

Or …say it with a poem

A simple and poignant poem is

With this ring, I thee wed
With my body, I thee worship
With my heart, I thee cherish
Would all that I am, I give unto you
Would all that I have, I share with you
From this day until forever done.

Another delightful solution is to choose someone to read the poem, “These are the Hands…” No one seems to know the original author, and it has appeared in several versions. It is also easy to personalise to your own situation. For example, substitute, young for mature, or care for cherish, or the present tense for the past tense for a longer relationship/engagement or for a renewal of vows….. etc. Try this while you exchange rings:

These are the hands, author unknown

These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love,

that hold yours on your wedding day.

These are the hands that will work along side yours as you build your future together.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and care for you throughout the years.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief torments your mind and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will give you strength when you struggle, and support and encouragement to chase down your dreams.

These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, and help keep your family together as one.

These are the hands that will, countless times, wipe the tears from yours eyes, tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.

And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled with age, will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch—- a touch from these hands.

What other options are there for a wedding ring?

How about a handfasting ritual or a ring warming. Ask me, I’ll tell you how.

And now that you have read to the end, my tip for those reluctant rings on swollen fingers.

On a wedding day we are so excited our fingers often swell up or go cold or dry, or hot… or anything but normal!!

So if you smear a little paw paw cream or vaseline on the inside of the rings before you place them in the ring box, then you will be surprised how easily they slide onto your fingers during your wedding ceremony.

There you go, my celebrant’s tip for exchanging wedding rings.

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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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« Older Entries

Wedding vows to children

Wedding promises to your children.

A family affair

More than wedding vows

Creating Wedding Vows

Vows to children

A family story

A French wedding on the beach

French Wedding in Australia

Married on the beach

Touches of French

With this ring I thee wed

“With this ring I thee wed…..”

a circle with no end…

finding the perfect wedding ring…

a local jeweller…

finding the perfect wedding ring…

Now what to say?

8 things to say when exchanging wedding rings

8 things to say when exchanging wedding rings

Why a wedding ring?

The ring connects to the heart

Your wedding ring

Where did the wedding ring come from?

A gold ring

Which finger?

What do I say when I put the ring on his finger?

8 things you can say when exchanging your wedding rings

Or …say it with a poem

These are the hands, author unknown

What other options are there for a wedding ring?

An intimate wedding

An Intimate wedding

…with celebrant Kari.

A simple wedding ceremony

Desiderata – that which is needed for success

Their words

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