The young girl who shared her love of flowers, the couple who want to marry by a lake for a very interesting reason, the girls with their eye on a beach ceremony, the couple who want something a little different to the norm, the woman who wants simple elegance for her daughter, le couple qui veut se marier au printemps, the guy who proposed under water…and more. Yesterday was a great day for stories….. Food for my soul.
Meeting you
Meeting people is one of the beautiful aspects of my job as a celebrant. It may sound cliched, but its true. Getting to know people more intimately, hearing their love stories is actually what makes my job the best in the world. I am eternally grateful for the stories that are shared with me.
Often at wedding events I meet many people seeking inspiration for their wedding. Marion Jonkers Photography shared the following lovely image, taken as she walked past my stall. And thank you to Willow Bud Flowers for the inspiring bottles of blooms. And thanks to all those people who shared their dreams, their wishes, their desires and their love stories.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”40155″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Hearing Your Love Stories
The stories that are shared with me are precious. Some have said, “one day you could write a book…”. Well actually I don’t need to publish the book. The stories I tell are for particular occasions for specific people and places; an intimate tale for a ceremony. A wedding, commitment or indeed a funeral or baby naming ceremony are about stories. Real stories of people’s lives. They are fascinating, deep, layered and unique tales of individual lives. They tell tales from a particular perspective and experience. With these shared stories I can weave a ceremony that is a real reflection of real lives.
Let me write and tell your love story.
I look forward to helping tell the stories of some couples who I met at a recent wedding expo. The glimpses had were enough to entice me to want to explore these stories more deeply.
The stories I mentioned briefly, well these are the stories that make my job the best in the world.
Well that and sipping champagne in the bath! (Thanks to Marion Jonkers for this image as well!)[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”40152″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Congratulations Adele and Paul, married at Yandina Station between Yandina and Coolum.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Vintage Theme wedding
Using a vintage wedding theme, Adele decorated the homestead with a table of old cameras, old books tied with string, bottles of old fashioned sweets and a vintage typewriter for writing messages.
Historic Yandina Station
Yandina Station was perfect for their theme. The old homestead still has the original hardwood weather boards, delightfully aged to silver. The gardens reflect a time gone by, yet retain a relaxed and homely feel, with herbs and flowers. Old worldy games on the grass were very welcoming, and the sunny day was perfect.
Kids at a wedding
Their son Mac was a star, carrying the rings on a string around his neck.
Their wedding ceremony
Adele and Paul’s wedding ceremony began: “Unions have been made in this area for millennia. Today Adele and Paul join the natural scheme of things and wed in this sacred place between Mount Ninderry and Mount Coolum close to Maroochy River. For 10’s of thousands of years these mountains have been revered and blessed, and honoured for their significance and power. It is a healing place, a happy place. In the shadow of these mountains people feel safe and warm and blessed. To be able to see both Ninderry and Coolum from here makes this place very special. No wonder Adele and Paul chose this historic property for their special day. Yandina Station homestead, well over 100 yrs old, and now lovingly restored is the oldest continuously lived in and working farm in the region. Many pages of history reside here. And today we add to those pages with a love story.”
Congratulations to Sarah and Flynn, and little Aiofe, and their private garden wedding on the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Born and raised here, Flynn decided to come home for his garden wedding. Flynn and Sarah were married by the creek on the property next door to his childhood home. There were gasps of delight as the Groom and his groomsman appeared from through the bamboo grove and waltzed into the grassy ceremony glade. Swinging baskets with cheeky grins, they handed flowers around to all the guests, whilst the the strains of Mumford and Sons, singing Winter Winds wafted on the breeze. The fun had clearly begun!
The Bamboo Grove
Through the green poles of bamboo we could glimpse a white dress, like an ethereal promise appearing between the dense bamboo. The bride appeared slowly from the bamboo, with her Dad holding little Aiofe in his arms. They were a trio of smiles. The musical mood changed with her tune, La Valse de Amelie. And the wedding ceremony had begun. We were already in a great mood, relaxed in amongst nature, and quite secluded from the world at large.
And a baby naming too
Sarah and Flynn chose to have fun at their relaxed garden wedding, not too serious, yet with sincere promises. The entire extended family was there, and their little girl So they decided to go one step further, and name their little girl with a naming ceremony.
As the wedding ceremony wrapped up, a baby naming ceremony ensued. Firstly, Aiofe was blessed by her great grandmother, secondly by her grandparents and lastly her parents. We used water to trickle over her hands and arms, and a little on her face. We knew water was a favourite. And she just loved playing with the water! Squeals of childish delight were a great way to complete a wedding ceremony.
Wedding reception
The reception was held under a stunning nomadic marquee, strung with fairy lights. Guests partied to the live band and danced out on the grass. It was a garden wedding with freedom and choice. A garden of delight. All the privacy of a private property and all the style of a marquee wedding. But best of all it was a down to earth, family affair full of laughs, charm and lots of dancing into the night.
This is the story of a fun wedding at Flaxton Gardens, dedicated wedding and events venue on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Gosh I loved the spirit of this couple. We laughed. They danced. We high fived. Bec and Mitch had the most fun they could at their wedding. So, congratulations to Bec and Mitch on their stunning Flaxton Gardens Wedding. It was a picture perfect day with celebrant – Kari.
How did their wedding begin?
Of course it began a long time ago. These two were set up by a friend who, after spending weeks trying to convince Bec to meet him, decided the only way it was going to happen was by tricking her into it. Mitch on the other hand took no convincing, as he knew she was blond and that was all he needed to know!
After spending just one evening together, where they both brought out their competitive sides; playing pool and discussing the merits of the “bunny suicides”, they were both smitten.
I loved working with these two.They simply have fun together… all of the time. Best friends and companions in many, many ways.Mitch says, “Iggy has been my whole world for over 7 years.”Bec adores that they have the same sense of humour, and make each other laugh so much.
A large wedding in the garden
Flaxton Gardens is a stunning venue for a large gathering in beautiful gardens with the most amazing view of the Sunshine Coastline. And now that restrictions have lifted, large weddings are on again. Hoorah!
Fun ceremony
When planning their ceremony we decided that it was about fun. A bit of jiving down the aisle, a few high Fives, lots of laughs and not too serious. But loads of love and friendship. And who says only the bride gets to walk down the aisle?
Modern day couples are all about equality in their relationships, so why not reflect that in a marriage ceremony too. We discussed how we could even things up and make the ceremony all about two people, and fun of course. Mitch chose a theme song for the boys, so Mitch and his three groomsmen, Gab, Liam and Dylan had their moment in the limelight before the girls arrived. We admired the view while Bec arrived in the car, and readied herself for the big arrival.
Arrival of the Bride
Before we glimpsed Bec coming out from the magnificent winery building doors, the girls had their moments before Kasia and Tiana walked down the aisle. Then she arrived on the arms of Dad. It was hard to stop the tears of joy.
Wedding Ceremony
And so the ceremony began…. all tears and smiles mixed in together. So natural, so authentic, so much fun.
And then they were wed
Thanks to Luke for capturing the wedding fun with his awesome photographs.
Considering getting married at the Woodford Folk Festival? Many couples do. They all need a wedding celebrant.
Imagine having an extraordinary, and I mean….Extra Ordinary, array of options for wedding ceremony location, restaurant reception options AND even entertainment options for your celebration afterwards.
The festival is a place of ritual and celebration. It is the energetic home of these things. A more unique place to marry, exists not on this earth![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
A Marriage Celebrant at the Woodford Folk Festival
Every wedding needs a marriage celebrant. Kari has years of experience, both in weddings AND at the festival. Having conducted numerous weddings at Woodfordia, both at festival time and otherwise, she knows the Woodfordia site like a second home.
Whats more …… Kari will be at the festival. No need to pay for entry or travel or even accommodation.
However you will need to lodge paperwork with your celebrant at least one month prior to your wedding date. Contact Kari for more information.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
Woodfordia – A place to marry
There are many pathways to your wedding. Spiritual pathways, emotional journeys, long roads, short stays…..
There are many places to marry. Festival streets, hilltop grassy glades, shady trees, cosy corners, outrageous outdoors.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
The Sacred Labyrinth
The Sacred Labyrinth is a magical space where anyone can walk a path to the heart and connect more deeply with themselves. It can also be a place for your own wedding.
The Labyrinth is especially designed for couples to celebrate their connection through a marriage ceremony, a hand fasting or a special ritual of honouring. There are also other ceremonies that take place in the Labyrinth. In any of these rituals the woman enters on the left and the man on the right. The couple meets at the top after making their solo journey and setting whatever intention is appropriate. They can then walk together into the centre for the ceremony. Ceremony engages some moments in deep connection or exchange. At the completion of the rituals they leave through the archways together and out into the world to celebrate with friends and family.
Woodford Festival Installations
Installations of art and lighting abound in the festival streets, creating wonderlands of locations to have your festival wedding.
Music and fun
The choice of music is endless. Simply approach your favourite band for the perfect music at your wedding.
Or here’s some ideas for your festival wedding…..
Find a ritual dancer.
Have your hands decorated with henna.
Order a wreath of flowers for your hair.
Find an original steam punk costume or festive hat.
