Maroochy Botanic Gardens for an elegant picnic wedding …
Congratulations Gabby and Damon, and little Dominic.
Gabby is like a niece to me. So when she asked me to assist with her Sunshine Coast wedding I was over the moon.
Not sure what you want for a garden wedding?
Gabby wasn’t quite sure what they wanted for a wedding, so we jumped in the car and went for a drive.
She wished for an outdoor wedding, a beautiful place with stunning gardens, a parkland for a wedding picnic, and a simply gorgeous place for a marriage ceremony. So I suggested a Maroochy Botanic Gardens wedding, a perfect place in which to marry.
A Love Story
Gabby and Damon first met at a blind date set up by friends. As soon as they saw each other, there was an instant attraction. Something clicked. She took his hand, to lead him to the buffet. It was a gesture he will always remember; a gesture of kindness and caring, a sign of her friendliness.
A child
Little Dominic, their sweet young son, just loved the gardens. He ran and jumped and played. Seemed like he had chosen this place. The Maroochy Botanic Gardens certainly suited a child’s imagination and he felt free to play. This wedding was to include several children, so the botanic gardens were perfect; a kids’ paradise and a bush haven with manicured garden beds as well.
A beautiful bride
With her stunning Chilean looks and long dark locks, Gabby made a stunning bride. She was so proud to walk on her Dad’s arm to the ceremony along the gardens path.
A Wedding
They were married under the arch in the sculpture gardens, decorated with white tulle and ribbon for the day, against a backdrop of the infinity sculpture carved from marble. We designed an elegant wedding picnic, with picnic baskets full of nibbles and drinks, and blankets on the grass.
Read about other Botanic Gardens weddings here.
Photographs of Gabby’s Botanic Gardens wedding are by Poison Apple Studios
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Married in a green Wedding Dress
Do I have to be married in white, you ask?
Of course not. Queen Victoria started the white wedding trend by deciding not to wear the classic royal wedding colour of silver. She preferred white. before that the ordinary folk simply married in their best clothes. Whatever colour they were.
So how about a green wedding dress? The outcome was stunning.
Congratulations to Alicia and Carlo, married on a stunning day in August at the Spotted Chook in Montville in the hinterland range.
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The green dress
Alicia stunned everyone with her beautiful green wedding dress. But most of all, for her gentle groom, Carlo, she was absolutely beautiful. She was an elegant picture in soft green on her wedding day. The green bride dress in soft silk with elegant and understated lace trims was stunning. Her decision to be married in green was a great choice. Married in green is sublime against the forest backdrop.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38564″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
Spotted Chook Wedding venue
This couple wanted a time to be together with their family, not just for the moments of a ceremony, but for a whole weekend away, in the hinterland. They chose the Spotted Chook, because of the intimacy of the surroundings and the ability to have a retreat weekend with the entire guest list. The French provincial themed Spotted Chook has rooms decorated in every colour and a little hideaway cottage for the wedded couple.
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Their love story
When Alicia met Carlo, she was planning to leave the UK and return to Australia. As a result of this meeting, she stayed three more years! Carlo knew he had found a true partner, someone who matched him. Alicia and Carlo had already been committed to each other for quite a while when I met them. They describe marriage to me as a meeting of independent souls.
The family
On their wedding day so many people were included. Several couples and groups walked down the aisle to the ceremony in the gazebo looking over the sloping lawns and gardens. It is not only the bridal party who can walk down the aisle. There was Mum, some important family, the bridesmaid, and then the breath taking Bride on the arm of her father.
Wedding Dress not white
I congratulate Alicia on standing her ground for a wedding dress that was not white. Not easy in the face of the bridal industry, who would wish white on every bride. She looked more than stunning in a glorious shade of green. And certainly took my breath away. So girls, take Alicia’s example, and choose your own coloured wedding dress, the one just for you.
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Cute wedding kids
And check out the cute wedding kids…. adorable!
Photos by Mandy and Jason of AWPP Photography.
Watch the unfolding story of their ceremony in pictures
If you liked this colour story, try one about a purple wedding dress
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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.
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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
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Handfasting Wedding Rituals
A handfasting wedding ceremony is just one way to say I do.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38311″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” style=”vc_box_shadow”][vc_column_text]
Handfasting rituals
Since ancient times couples have stood together in the ceremony of marriage. There are many rituals that have lasted centuries, that symbolise a couple’s love and commitment. The handfasting ceremony dates back to the time of the ancient Celts. It was often used to acknowledge the beginning of a trial period of a year and a day during which time a couple were literally bound together – hand fasted. It was, however, a temporary agreement, which could be made permanent after the trial period if both parties agreed. It is from this wedding tradition that we know of the expression to “tie the knot”, or to “get hitched”.
Nowadays, the handfasting ceremony is used symbolically, as part of the declaration and wedding vows. It is a way of asking your intentions.
Would you like to Tie the Knot?
Today a couple can embrace an age-old marriage tradition, making it your own in a modern day ceremony. In a handfasting wedding ritual, a cord is tied about your hands as you take your vows.
In this handfasting ritual, the couple answer a series of questions. For each question a binding, for each binding a promise.
Once you are all tied up, as your marriage celebrant I can release the cords. For in fact, it is your promises that bind you not the cords! But you get to keep the cord … for fun![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Thanks to the wonderful Luke Going for the beautiful images of this touching moment. His work is unique.
Cate and Dave were married by the lake. They wanted a relaxed wedding, something a little different, not churchy, but laid back like themselves. They embraced a Handfasting to express their vows.
How does it work?
Here are some ways to approach a handfasting ceremony. Of course I am here with many examples at my fingertips, a whole list of vows for you to choose from, and a wealth of creative spirit to write for you. Let’s mix it up, modernise the sentiments and reference the traditions that you want to hold onto.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
Traditional Handfasting vows
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38288″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”38289″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”38301″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]The traditional handfasting promises are a series of questions. They acknowledge that life is not always easy, that relationships sometimes have unintentional outcomes. But a good intent underlies the love.The classic questions begin like so:
Celebrant to groom: Will you cause her pain?
Groom: I may
Celebrant to groom: Is that your intention?
Groom: No
Celebrant to bride: Will you cause him pain?
Bride: I may
Celebrant to bride: Is that your intention?
Bride: No
Celebrant to both: Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?
Both: Yes
Celebrant to both: Please join your hands.
The first cord is draped across the bride and grooms hands.
Celebrant to bride: Will you share his laughter?
Bride: Yes
Celebrant to groom: Will you share her laughter?
Groom: Yes
Celebrant to both: Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?
Both: Yes
Celebrant: And so the binding is made
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Modern handfasting questions
But you can devise modern handfasting promises instead. Something along the lines of:
Do you vow in your married life together to continually break through your pre-conceived views of each other and see clearly.
Couple: We do
Do you vow to act wisely and compassionately with one another and with all beings.
Couple: We do
In my role as a writer, I can chat with you and then devise a series of questions that suit your very own values and ideals for approaching your relationship.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”38311″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]
Romantic Handfastings
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”38309″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Or perhaps you’d prefer something rather romantic.
Will you promise your deepest love, your fullest devotion, your tenderest care, and your faithfulness through the pressures of the present and the uncertainties of the future?
Bruce & Emma: We pledge
Do you promise to be an equal loving partner, in a loving, honest relationship, standing by each other’s side, making a shelter of your heart, a home of your arms, encouraging your partner’s daily endeavours?
Bruce & Emma: We pledge
As you face the future together will you pledge to grow in your love for each other, to nurture the love that already is, honour and cherish each other, being there always?
Bruce & Emma: We pledge [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Handfasting ribbons
You can get quite creative with the handfasting wedding vow format. Imagine having a different coloured ribbon for each promise. And each wedding promise sculpted around the meanings of those colours.
Red for passion and love
For example the handfasting could become a statement instead of a question:
I promise to love passionately and unwaveringly with my heart, my body and my soul.
A pink ribbon could symbolise unity, honour, truth, romance, and happiness, with the statement:
I promise you my undying love, honesty and commitment in creating and nourishing our loving equal partnership.
A yellow ribbon would mean charm, confidence, joy, balance
Black could equal strength, wisdom, vision and or success
Green stands for prosperity, health, abundance and fertility
Blue often represents tranquillity, patience, understanding and a safe journey
Of course purple is for power, healing, sanctity and sentimentality.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”38287″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”38322″ img_size=”large”][vc_single_image image=”38301″ img_size=”Large”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Contact me now to chat about your handfasting ceremony.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
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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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