Robyn Pattison

Simon & Chantel! (For Like Ever!)

2012-01-22T17:18:00.001+11:00

Meet Simon and Chantel! I love them. They are spunky and fun, and determined and easy-going, all at once. They married (with a little help from me) in October 2011, but we first met in February 2010, when they came home from London, for a wedding planning holiday. We met for a chat, and got on really well, and there began months and months of back and forth chatting. They changed their minds about their ceremony venue many times - "close to Boy Charlton Pool, but not cheesy, no Sydney landmarks in the background, good photo locations, something different..." and got disappointed when Chantel would discover something and find it was booked or she had too many guests to fit in it! Finally, they settled upon the Palm House in the Botanic Gardens, because we had a rainy day backup, and lucky we did!

Chantel was a big blogger, and somewhat addicted to the odd twitter rant, so by the time they arrived home from London in April 2011, I felt like I was working with old friends. (Which is such a nice feeling) I was determined to give them way more than they had bargained for. Which, is of course, exactly what they deserved.

I loved their big day. I loved that Chantel kept great humour, and laughed about it, as their way down the aisle was delayed by her mother's broken shoe. I loved that Simon warned me that he would probably be the blubberer, and he did - a little. I loved that even though they did their homework and we worked on the ceremony together, I could tell that hearing it, for the first time still caught them by surprise. I loved that they trusted me to do my thing, without question.

Chantel looked beautiful. Really beautiful. Simon was dapper and cool. The bridesmaids and groomsmen were friendly and delightful. The mums hugged me. Everyone hugged me.

There is nothing about this moment that I would change - and these two will always be very, very special to me. Fact. (Shame it's over, really)

Chantel thinks I look cheeky in this shot.....

Ok, so maybe I got a little carried away with photos, but Chantel sent me a ton, and much-adored Brisbane photographer Jonas Peterson did a great job, so why not share!

Gerald & Judy .....in the Rose Gardens

2012-01-10T22:26:00.000+11:00

When Gerald first contacted me about his September wedding to Judy, he told me that some of his best friends were one of my all-time favourite couples - Mark & Kweeyin, who I married in my first year of being a celebrant. I was so excited at the chance to help some of their friends - and to see them again.

I love a reunion! Everything was so easy in the lead up to the big day, though they did leave everything to the last minute ( They weren't the first to have me worried, and no doubt, they won't be the last, either!) Judy kept worrying about the weather, but Gerald wasn't worried about anything. He was going to marry the girl he had waited ten years for. Nothing would have wiped the big smiles off his face. Nothing!

As it was, the weather was a little iffy on the day and we decided to err on the side of caution and bring the ceremony undercover to the pavilion, which is such handy back-up of the Rose Gardens. So the smattering of rain didn't bother us at all - and everything else was beautiful. Judy looked absolutely stunning - all modern and traditional at the same time in off-white lace with bit of a fish tail. Gerald and the boys were every bit the gentlemen.

It was simple. It was heartfelt and it was just lovely to be surrounded by such delightful people. Did I get my reunion? Yes! I did. Hugs all round!

Thanks to Pepper Image for these photos. They were speedy too I looooove photographers who give me photos soon after the ceremony. Love it! Wish there were more.......

The day I married my father! ( No, no, not like that!)

2012-01-06T20:20:00.001+11:00

So, my father calls me into his office - at the end of September - and he says to me "Robbie, what Fridays do you have free in November", and I said to him "only the 25th!" He replied, "I'll take it. I'll get married on that day", and with that quick conversation, he handed the entire thing over to me. The planning. The organising. The guest list. Everything. Aaaah! In almost any other month of the year, this would have been a big job, but in November, it was a huge job.

So I called in my dream team. My friends..... Amy Chan to do all the hair and makeup for the bride and bridesmaids - and ever so kindly, she did me over too. Thanks Amy! xxxxxx And the delightful and super-talented Elaine Chew of Butterfly Philosophy for all the gorgeous flowers. I knew she would just know what I wanted, without me having to think about it. And Milena Dekic, sweet gorgeous photographer extraordinaire of I Love Wednesdays to capture it all. With me in charge of the ceremony - and everything else - we had it under control.
We planned to do the ceremony overlooking the water at Drummoyne. We planned for a sunshiny day - (of course we did) - but we got the wettest week we had had in ages. Torrential rain, for the whole day - except - miraculously - the 30 minutes or so we needed for a midday ceremony. It sprinkled a little, but only a little....
It wasn't the easiest ceremony to write. Dad isn't what you'd call romantic. Lily is very quiet. We had 60 guests that I knew - or who at least knew who I was. It had to be good. I had to get it right. It had to be believable. And once I got started, I really quite enjoyed it. Dad had to do as I told him - for once. I was able to get them all laughing - him too. And I got to see the reactions of all of them - because none of them really knew I had it in me! ( That was fun!)
As soon as the ceremony was over and poor Milena had stood as high on her toes as she possibly could to get a photo of everyone together, we raced back upstairs to the restaurant for what turned out to be a really great afternoon, on a really dark, unbelievably wet afternoon.

And all day, I had to keep reminding myself not to say the following "I married my father, today!" For obvious reasons.

thank you , thank you lovely Milena Dekic of http://www.ilovewednesdays.com/ for taking such lovely photos of my Dad's wedding!

Pete & Candi - and the day I became "the wedding pixie"

2012-01-03T22:10:00.001+11:00

I like it! "The Wedding Pixie!" I'm keeping it......

Meet the undeniably gorgeous Peter and Candice. They nicknamed me The Wedding Pixie.

(Maybe because I am a bit short. Maybe because I can't help but sprinkle happy dust over my weddings. Maybe because I flit around a bit......)

This wedding Pixie loooooves them to bits and pieces. For so many reasons.....

1. Everything about them is fun. They are friendly and warm - and absolutely huggable.

And so are their families. I hugged some of them, too.

2. From the moment I met them in a dodgy park in Beverley Hills, for our first chat, I knew we were a perfect match. I couldn't wait to celebrate them they way they deserved to be celebrated.

3. They did their homework. Really did it. They took the micky out of themselves, confessed to who they really are and had a giggle, and gave me the opportunity to truly celebrate them in every way possible.

4. Because Candice thinks every little bruise on her elbow might just need an x-ray, and because Pete always leaves a little bit of mashed potato on his plate for Candice.....

5. When Pete accidentally promised to "turn on" Candice instead of turning to her, they laughed, hysterically. Candice pretty much did a full backbend she thought it was so funny. We all did! It was one of the highlights of the whole day. Actually, they laughed the whole time. We all did.

It was a Gunners Barracks wedding. We did the ceremony down on the lawn, on the most beautiful August afternoon. It was warm and sunny, even though it was 4:30pm. Look at Candice's beautiful soft layered lace gown. She looked stunning - and somehow, all vintage elegant and modern at the same time. The bridesmaids had gorgeous short sequinned dresses that reminded me of 1920's flappers. All the details had a lovely DIY feel to them. A perfect, wonderful, day. Fabulosity at its very, very best!

Pete & Candi - thankyou! xxxxxxxx

I absolutely love these beautiful photos from Matt Johnson. Absolutely exactly the way I remember this beautiful August afternoon - with all the light and joy in the world.......

Merry Christmas! Thankyou for an amazing year.....(again)

2011-12-24T20:09:00.001+11:00

To all the wonderful people I have met and married over the last three incredible years - Thankyou. You have inspired me to challenge myself in ways I didn't know I could, to stay up late typing away every night, to say goodbye to weekends off and to embrace a new life made better every day, by each couple I am privileged to help. You give me the drive to make every wedding I do, feel like the only wedding I have ever done. You have brought me moments of sheer joy, and delight. You have wrapped me up in the love, I have wrapped you in, and sometimes, you have brought me to happy tears. This wedding pixie feels like a fairy godmother every single time.

You even turned me into an award winner, voting so furiously, with such determination that I just won the Australian Bridal Industry Academy Award for Best Marriage Celebrant in NSW. There aren't any words to describe quite how that feels. But believe me, it's good. Very, very good.

Merry Christmas Newlyweds! Please all of you, stay in touch. You are loved.

To the amazing people that I have met along the way - hurrah for you! You have made it a treat to show up at each wedding and find a friendly photographer shooting away. Or a videographer not too shy to help me hide that microphone under my clothes - and some that found it hilarious (and facebooked about it later). Florists, your beautiful flowers make my brides really, really happy. Makeup artists, you give my girls the courage to face all those people, as they come down the aisle looking like a more glorious version of themselves. You have turned a solitary job into one that feels more like a part of a community, with every wedding I do. I have people to chat with, people who share my lack of social life and revel in the joys that I do.

Merry Christmas everyone - I can't wait to see what the New Year holds for us all.

And PS. Thanks especially to my dear friend Len of www.ilovewednesdays.com for this lovely photo, taken at my father's November wedding (that's another story altogether) and to the utterly glorious Amy Chan who fixed the kink in my hair and worked her magic on me, too!

The biggest thanks of all to my lovely little family - my husband Tor - who reminds me quite often that there is only room enough for one person in our house that truly loves their work - and that is me - and supports me unfailingly. And my two little boys, Joshua and Aiden, who simultaneously drive me completely nuts and make me want to hug them all day long. Lucky xxxxxx

Beck & Harry - the things that make you go aaaah!

2011-12-17T22:33:00.000+11:00

Meet Beck and Harry. I cannot imagine a couple more loved up, more delightful, and more enthusiastic about...everything. I think I teared up in the first 15 minutes of meeting them, and writing their ceremony was one of those warm and gushy moments that made me so glad that I send out the right vibe. Whatever it is that I do, it brings me the most beautiful couples to work with. It's the reason I get so much joy from my work.
Beck and Harry brought me all their treasures when we first met. Its the first time a couple have done their homework BEFORE I asked for it! I was super impressed.... ( and really honoured that they be so excited to work with me).
The wedding itself was supposed to be at Blackwattle Bay, but this Sydney summer was not sticking to the script, so we made the decision to have the wedding at home, in a small garden abundant in blue agapanthus. It turned out to be absolutely beautiful, and funnily enough, everyone seemed to be colour co-ordinated to the garden - all in shades of blue and purple. This was a small family wedding - absolutely intimate, and romantic, and gorgeous, gorgeous, glorious.
Harry and Beck arrived hand in hand, together and came to join me. Beck's lovely short gown was beautiful and perfect for her - and showed off her fabulous teal suede stilettos - which immediately sunk into the ground. So I got down on my knees, pulled my starlettos off my own heels and stuck them onto her heels to save them. It was a giggle! I got back up off my knees and found that this beautiful and delightful and intensely moving ceremony was one of the best I have ever done.
As I slipped away to let them celebrate with their families, it was hugs all round, and I knew that I will never, ever forget December 1st, 2011.
It was too beautiful for words.

these glorious photos thanks to the lovely, lovely Yoori Rose .

Thanks Yoori - for sharing ( and sharing so quickly, too!)

beautiful Beck and Harry xxxxxxx

Shaini & Mauran - and the day I felt like a Sri Lankan Princess!

2011-12-05T22:19:00.000+11:00

This is the face of a girl having a ball!

Firstly, I absolutely love the beautiful bright colours and amazing embroidered fabrics at an Indian or Sri Lankan wedding. There is nothing so gobsmacking as a room full of saris. Better still, the opportunity to actually wear one. (But they are sooooo hard to put on, if you don't know what you are doing - and I really, really don't) So when Shaini asked me if I would wear a sari for her wedding, I was super excited!

I can't tell you how much fun it is to be "dressed", like a princess - swathes of fabric going everywhere and being bangled and bejewelled - I even had a bindi on my forehead. It was soooo much fun - and Shaini's mother and sisters, who were so helpful, were delightful.

So, all dressed up in a lavender blue sari and all the finery, I loved every minute of marrying shy Shaini and her equally quiet and reserved Mauran, at Shaini's family home with about 50 guests. Even though, Sri Lankan weddings are by nature, composed and somewhat reserved, I did manage to get a giggle out of Mauran and Shaini, and they were as relaxed as two shy people can be. After their simple ceremony was over, I joined the guests for lunch and later, two ( yes two) pieces of delicious chocolate wedding cake sneaked in with the girls in charge of cutting it - and eating it.

When I finally tore myself away, dressed like normal me, not Sri Lankan Princess me, I had had a wonderful afternoon, with an absolutely delightful group of people - ( one of which I would marry, only a month later - hello lovely Zoe! Hug fest!)

Look at Shaini's beautiful mulberry sari, embroidered in gold and bejewelled. She was absolutely stunning - head to toe!

Liz & Simon (and the funniest proposal story I have EVER heard)

2011-11-13T21:24:00.000+11:00

I looooove Liz and Simon! I had so much fun with these two, you could hardly call it work. Why? Because they made me laugh. All the time. Every time I saw them. Every time I read through their homework. The whole time I was writing their ceremony - and all the way through the Big Day.

Their proposal story is the most laugh-out-loud funny story I ever heard. So funny, so involved and so very, very thoughtful, that as I read it for the first time, at 10:30pm, first I retold it to my husband, who laughed uncontrollably, and then had to email Liz, late at night, to thank her, for the best laugh I can remember. All I can say is that it involved a video with two cats, some made up voices for those cats, a flat car battery on a very hot day, and a cruise boat. Oh, and then there were the sabre tooth squirrels.......

I loved everything about their wedding. Liz's gorgeous and super fun satin polka dotted organza dress and her completely unconventional beaded choker. Simon's huge grin - the whole time. The way they laughed and joked together through the whole ceremony. Me too.

Everything about this wedding was exactly as it should have been. Light and lovely and full of laughter.

ps - don't you just love Liz's fabulous choker? I do!

Clara & James - short & oh so sweet!

2011-11-04T09:49:00.000+11:00

Meet Clara & James!

I love, love, love a bride in a mini - there is something so fresh and fun and confident about a bride who shirks tradition and skips the long skirt. This whole wedding was just like that. Clara and James pulled their whole affair together in only a couple of months notice (well most of it - and definitely my part). When they first contacted me - we skyped - they were in Beijing - and James did ask me, would I have enough time to out something fabulous together for them, even at this short notice? I said yes, of course - and they held me to my word - we finished the ceremony with only days to spare.....

But on the day itself, everything was polished. The wedding was in the Palm House in the Botanic Gardens. There were moments of maybe, maybe not, outside - but we erred on the side of caution and headed inside. The flowers were fabulous - Aussie wildflowers - something we don't see nearly enough in a bridal bouquet. Traditional red and yellow Chinese lanterns were hanging from the rafters. A guitarist was playing in the background. The bridesmaids wore lemon and had corsages pinned to their dresses instead of bouquets. James and the groomsmen wore waistcoats - they looked pretty dapper and much more comfortable without a jacket. The red and yellow colour scheme was really working the room!

Clara made her entrance at the doorway, unaccompanied, so James walked to meet her and they came down the aisle together. Very relaxed and unconventional. The ceremony was a little bit funny, a little bit romantic - but no over the top stuff - and the guests really seemed to be enjoying it as much as we were.

I had a ball at this one - Clara and James, thank you, thank you! (Even though you made me sweat on it all right til the very last minute! xxx)

Thankyou oh-so-much to the delightful Anna Zhu of Anna Zhu Photography for these lovely light filled shots of Clara & James and their bright and breezy day.

Carly & Chris in the Chinese Gardens of Friendship

2011-10-15T20:51:00.001+11:00

Can a wedding be glamorous and laid back at exactly the same? YES! It can. This lovely March afternoons in the Chinese Gardens at Darling Harbour with Carly and Chris proved that - it was gorgeous!

It had to be, really - virtually all of the guests had flown in from every state of Australia - and New Zealand too - to be here for the Big Day. When people have gone to such great effort to be there, it better be good - it really had!

And there's the bit about it taking 14 years to get to the big day.......

Fortunately, pleasing Carly and Chris and all their lovely guests was easy. They are big travellers - so they gave me wonderful, real, funny stories to tell from their memories. Some good. Some kind-of-bad at the time, but funny now. All worth telling.

The glam factor? Oh, easy. Carly. Looking utterly screen-siren incredible in her gorgeous satin gown with her elegant 40s up-do and the smack of bright red lipstick, flanked by her bridesmaids in satin pewter. That little dash of red was everywhere. Red berries amongst cream roses. The tiniest splash on the boy's buttonholes. I matched up with red bracelets and a silver grey dress. Everything looked lovely - and as you can see, once they started doing their photos in the gardens, it all looked amazing amongst all the green.

The laid back bit? Carly and Chris wanted to have a great time. To celebrate with their friends and their family their good luck. The happiness was written all over their faces. No stress. Plenty of laughs.

And a very happy me that skipped away at the end, feeling once again, like I had sprinkled a little fairy dust behind me.....

a huge thank you to photographer Simon Harrington for the absolutely beautiful pics of Carly and Chris. When a whole disk of fabulous photos arrived in the mail with a thank you card from Chris and Carly, I was beside myself - completely and utterly spoilt for choice with all the amazing photos!!!!!!

Kylle & Greg - absolute sunshine on a dark, grey day!

2011-09-23T08:22:00.001+10:00

Every now and again, you come across someone who is so shiny and bubbly, they are like sunshine walking into the room. That's Kylle. I defy anyone not to smile on the inside whilst in her presence. From her very first email, I was determined that we were a perfect match!

I think (I hope) she thought so too...

Aussie girl-who-lives-in LA, Kylle, and her much quieter, but secretly terribly funny, Greg, were a delight to work with. We did almost everything long distance - with a few gentle nudges from me as they got sidetracked by their home renovations - but we got there, we really did. I was excited about this wedding - I knew it would be fun.

Sydney put on a fairly stormy June evening for the Gunners Barracks wedding, but I really don't think kylle or Greg cared. And why would they? Firstly, they had friends and family fly in from everywhere to be there. Secondly, Kylle's beautiful pink Vera Wang gown with a zillion ruffles, looked even more special against the darker skies and thirdly, the lovely Adam and Kim from Cavanagh Photography made the most of the dramatic skies and came up with gorgeous photos to prove it. ( That gown was absolutely a showstopper!)

(Oh and we had bagpipes to accompany Kylle, and her Mum and Dad down the aisle. In the dark light, it was haunting, kind of goose bumpy.....)

And lastly, this was a party-style wedding where fun was top of the list. So that's what we did. We had a ball. And at the end of the ceremony, completely unbeknown to everyone, up popped a few girls in the crowd and they started singing. It was the perfect way to wrap things up! ( It reminded me of the opening scenes of Love Actually, where the musicians just appear out of the pews and start playing)

They were so happy and excited that once the paperwork assigned, they headed straight inside - for celebrations with their friends. Who needs to be announced? "They already know we're married" said Greg. Let the party begin!

I could not have wished for a more delightful moment to brighten up a cold day - or a more gorgeous, bubbly, wonderful couple to share it with. Kylle and Greg xxxxxxxxxxxxx

yes, I do look a bit on the pale side here, but I was so cold ( happy, but really, really cold) that I can be forgiven!

here's a close up of Kylle's glorious pink ruffles - so beautiful!

Thanks again to Adam and Kim of Cavanagh Photography for the beautiful photos of Kylle and Greg.

Josh & Laura - happy, happy, happy!

2011-09-04T20:49:00.001+10:00

Meet Josh and Laura. Here we have a couple completely, absolutely and utterly loved up! When I asked them what they loved about each other , they told me "everything!" - and they really, really meant it. They struggled to find a single thing they didn't love about each other - so they were super cute to work with.
(They also told me the best celebrant stalker story I have ever heard - and I am still quietly giggling about it now!)
They picked the first Saturday in May, and after a fairly wet April, I was delighted with the beautiful sunshiny afternoon we got. The ceremony was over the pond at Nurragingy Reserve at Doonside, and it was lovely!
Josh didn't seem the slightest bit nervous when I arrived. The first thing he said to me was "wow! you really did get the perfect purple (flower) - it matched the bridesmaids. I had been searching for a long time....Laura looked incredible - and completely calm - even as the bridesmaids and I did a bit of last minute jigging to her dress. She was laughing and smiling and looking gorgeous.
Josh walked up and accompanied his bride down the aisle - both of them beaming. Everything went perfectly from there. Except for the odd moment when my heels got stuck between the boards of the deck and I couldn't move. (It happens a lot in such places, and usually gets a laugh - from the guests - after all it isn't their heels getting skinned!)
It was light. it was friendly. The weather was beautiful. The park was peaceful and very, very pretty. I don't think anything could have been better for this lovely, friendly, easy-going couple. Josh and Laura xxxxx!

Kristy & Krit among the roses

2011-08-19T20:04:00.000+10:00

Ok, Ok - the very first thing that springs to mind when I look at this lovely happy photo of Kristy, Krit and I, after their lovely April wedding, is - "wow, I really need a tan". The second thing that comes to mind is just how delightful they are, and how much I enjoyed spending my time with them. This thought lasts much longer!
Theirs was a busy day for me. I did three weddings on that day, and with Kristy and Krit in the middle, I couldn't have been more in the zone.

The wedding was simply beautiful. One of those moments where I breathe out and take it all in - and count my lucky stars that such lovely people want me to play fairy godmother on their big day. I practised my thai for Krit's relatives who had flown in just for the big day. (And I did ok!) Kristy's dress, with its lovely rosette at the front was just stunning. She was smiling all over - and Krit, too, was simply beaming. Even when they were tearing up, they were so happy and in the moment. Just seeing that makes everyone else sigh.

And, of course, as there are at all the best weddings, there were a couple giggles along the way..
Before Kristy arrived, there was a "decoration malfunction" as the water filled urn behind where we would stand sprung a leak. The flowers were lovely, but just imagine water spurting out of a couple small holes, while the desperate decorators tried to jam it with blu-tak. No, they were not happy.
Following our water theme, Kristy's hotel room flooded and the fire brigade arrived. (great photo opportunity though - how many brides get photographed with firemen in uniform, and their lovely groom, all in one day!) The bridesmaid's dresses were a lovely shade of soft mauve, but the designer called it "quail". It was a running joke between us, that they wouldn't look anything like a quail - and they didn't -but they did look very, very pretty. And when I called the little girl who was to bring Kristy and Krit their roses for the rose ceremony, I called and called- but she wasn't there. We found a replacement - and even though she spoke virtually not a word of English, she was cute as a button - and very helpful.
All in all - if every couple was as happy as this one, and every wedding was as lovely as this.......aaah!

a huge thankyou, thankyou, thankyou to the lovely Wyatt Song of www.momentsintime.com.au for these beautiful photos of Kristy and Krit amongst the roses on their beautiful big day

Annie & Will - sheer joy on Easter Saturday!

2011-08-14T08:11:00.000+10:00

Everything about Annie and Will made me happy. The fact that when we first met, we sat on the floor of their brand new home, with absolutely no furniture, shoes off and giggling. And that they were such good friends with a few other couples that I have married - or were still to do - so they kept popping up at each other's weddings. I am really attached to this bunch ( Annie, Will, Nancy, Patrick, Cindy, Stanley, Lien, Lars, Lucille, Andrew - big hugs to all of you ) - so the day itself was a hug-fest. (Yippee!)
I loved they trusted me so completely - even though they kept me waiting - for everything - all the time. ( Like all of their friends.) When they did their homework they gave me the real them - the way I like it - so there was so much to celebrate. I was excited about this wedding for so many reasons.
The ceremony itself was in the most beautiful place - Tumbling Waters Retreat - at Stanwell Tops. It was a little like a fancy modern balinese resort - very elegant, but very private, with ocean views and gorgeous gardens - and I am sure that it was the only place that day where there was no rain. I drove through an hour or more of it to get there - but the skies were clear above us - a wedding day miracle.
It wasn't the only one - the long walk for Annie to come down the aisle with her Mum and Dad, was a moment of breath holding for everyone. Annie's Mum was unwell and barely walked at a snail's pace. I think we were all tearing up before the ceremony began.

But once we got going, it was tears one minute and giggles the next. Absolutely one of my favourite moments of the year. We had a giggle when we sent two helium balloons up into the sky, as part of a Chinese story about the man in the moon and his clever match making skills - but they got stuck in a tree. They didn't quite make it to the moon - but I was quick to point out, that they didn't pop - and that the balloons were still together in the tree - it was good enough!

When they finished their vows, they high-fived each other. ( They have a special nose rub, too;) When they kissed, everyone stopped breathing and when all was said and done, we all sat down to a picnic in the garden before it was time to head off. ( How could I resist more time with all of these lovely people? Or a friand? Or a gourmet sandwich?) I also couldn't resist lining up Annie, Will, Nancy, Patrick, Cindy, Stanley, Lucille and Andrew with me for a photo - still waiting on that one!) But I left a very, very happy girl.

Annie and Will had told me, before the big day, that nothing could go wrong - they had assembled a "dream team". They had Daniel K Cheung to take these amazing photos ( gorgeous, even though the poor fellow had a terrible migraine on the day and couldn't drive - but he still managed to keep smiling like a trooper). They had the incredible, delightful, and gogsmackingly fabulous Ferry and Santo from Paper Cranes for video (whose pre-wedding video surprise on the night was to die for).I cannot wait to see what they did with the video for the wedding). And they said, they had me. That puts me in very, very good company. Smile. xxxxxxx

Amanda & Greg - one Autumn afternoon

2011-07-30T21:44:00.000+10:00

Aaah! Amanda and Greg. There was so much to love about this wedding in the Botanic Gardens - and it began as soon as we met. We sat, we chatted, and I thought - ooh! they're lovely - I could do something really special for them, and they called me from their car on the way home to say "yes! Let's do it". But my husband answered the phone, and he thought Amanda introduced herself as Samantha Brush. He called out, "Rob, Samantha Brush is on the phone and I was thinking "who the hell is Samantha Brush?" Every time I spoke with her after that, I giggled to myself.

Then there was the fact that they really picked up and ran with the idea of having real fun at their wedding. They did their homework really well. I was able to tell their story with excitement. Greg's sister, and his niece played and sang "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart" - and they were fabulous.

The guests were absolutely delightful - especially the older ones. One lovely man - Amanda's uncle, I think came to me after the ceremony, and took my hand, in the way that only a true gentleman would do - and told me that he "had been to many, many weddings in his life, but had never enjoyed one as much as that". Yep, I got teary.

And then there were Amanda's two beautiful sisters, who made me laugh, at the rehearsal and gave me their very funny story about a celebrant who started talking about " rainbow spirit fingers of love..." Oh dear. I won't be forgetting that in a hurry.

And the moment where they all started giggling in the middle of the ceremony, and I peered round to see if they were ok, and they pretended I was getting cross with them.....

All round an absolutely gorgeous afternoon, with fabulous, wonderful, huggable people. Amanda and Greg - thankyou!xxxxxxxxx

( And not a rainbow spirit finger in sight. )

Thanks to Louisa Seton for the lovely photos of Amanda and Greg's big day!

here are the three beautiful sisters - aren't they gorgeous?

Meri & Mubarak - utterly loved up at Taronga Zoo!

2011-07-17T21:37:00.000+10:00

This is the beautiful Meri and her wonderful Mubarak. And me, beaming away, after what was one of the most gorgeous stay-with-me-forever ceremony moments I have had. Everything about today made me smile on the inside. For a start, they are so besotted with each other that it was infectious. How could I possibly not want to celebrate these two in a way that they deserve?

I wrote them the best ceremony I could muster - and bought a dark purple dress for the occasion ( to complement the bridesmaid's beautiful bright purple dresses )- and had it not been for the weight of the PA that I lug around with me, I'd have skipped into Taronga Zoo!

I found Mubarak and his groomsmen, and his delightful Dad, chowing down on kebabs, while they waited and once again, it was a fight to get the buttonholes on. Those things are sooooo hard to put on. But then, the boys were evicted from the room, because the girls had arrived. Meri looked incredible and so excited - she just couldn't wait! She glowed her way down the aisle. And kept on glowing.

We had a lovely giggle when Mubarak tried to put Meri's ring on the wrong hand and I had to slide my own arm out to show where my own rings lived. " Dyslexic fingers" he called it!

And when it was all over and I went to say my goodbyes, and Meri was saying "thankyou, thankyou, thankyou", I was thinking that it was me that should be doing al the thanking. Meeting beautiful people, being invited to help create their memories and to be able to share in sheer joy... That's more than a job. Lucky , lucky me.

Meri & Mubarak ... Thankyou. Thankyou. Thankyou xxxx

these beautiful photos from Gordon Jovic who not only captured the delights of the day exactly as I remember them, but (bless him) emailed me a couple photos the very next day! Thankyou Gordon!

Belinda & Heath - so pretty and a little bit purple!

2011-06-24T10:29:00.000+10:00

This is Belinda and Heath.

(Actually, it's Belinda and Heath and me. Kind of like the tall and the short of it. I reckon if Belinda stood on my shoulders, we'd be about Heath's height)

Everything about them was easy. They were easy to please. Fun to work with. Eager to have fun and to really enjoy their lovely big day. That's all I need to get me in the mood! So of course I was delighted to help this lovely couple - with their two cute as a button kiddies , Lily and Campbell - who even though they are only 2 and 3, were super well behaved on the day.(With only a little wrangling required). Little Campbell hadn't seen Mummy since the day before, so the look on his little face when he saw her was just gorgeous. So cute.

It was all about purple on the day -"Cadbury purple", as Belinda described it it to me, and there were bright flashes of it everywhere. Dark purple lisianthus in the bouquets, purple ties on the groomsmen and dresses on the bridesmaids, and then, best of all, fantastic purple shoes on Belinda herself, only visible as a flash when the wind caught her gorgeous ballerina tulle skirt . She looked amazing - and so, so happy! I got myself a purple floral hairpiece and a purple bracelet just to suit the mood.

Despite the gusts of wind (Oh, I do hate you wind, you drive me crazy with my pages flapping everywhere) , this was a simply beautiful really, really happy and relaxed moment for all of us. The view from Freshwater View Reserve is stunning. We had beautiful clear blue April skies under which to enjoy it. We couldn't have asked for more.

The ceremony was all about family, and rightly so. After all, all the i do's and the legal papers in the world won't bind you in the way that sharing children will. So we celebrated Belinda and Heath, and Lily and Campbell and all the reasons that they make a wonderful team. And they do.

This is me showing Belinda and Heath how to sign , without letting any of the certificates fly away. One arm down on the papers, one hand to sign.......

I love this photo of Belinda all smiles and Heath sticking his tongue out as they make their way back up the aisle He got his girl! And now he can party!

A huge thankyou to Richard Payne Photography, for taking such gorgeous photos AND letting me share them with you (love the lovely afternoon light in this one)

Kim and Chris and the flash flood!

2011-06-16T22:13:00.000+10:00

Oh, how this day began! With will it?, won't it? skies. Chris decided that it wouldn't, so we set up everything at the end of Jones Bay Wharf and waited for Kim. One minute cloudy. The next, steaming hot and then, just our first little flowergirl, began to walk , the skies opened - and it was torrential.

So... a false start... a mad dash to cover, leading around 100 guests out of the rain and under cover and then, having hidden Kim from Chris, all through the back door of Flying Fish, and through the kitchen. Pied Pier style. ( and a very, very big thankyou to the staff at Flying Fish who were absolutely fabulous whilst all this was going on - so helpful, so friendly - and so very, very soaked to the skin)

Squished into the balcony area, we began again , just a little wetter than before!

In spite of its damp beginning, this was a lovely, lovely ceremony, light and sweet, with the odd giggle - and quite a few tears - from everyone.

I loved everything about Kim and Chris. The way they were so easy to please. The way they are almost completely different, yet entirely in-sync. They were cool as a cucumber about everything up to the day, and despite being a little emotional, took the whole downpour in their stride, and laughed about it later! Perfect.

PS Kim had the cutest pair of killer heels I have seen in a very long time - mauve tulle, with bows on her ankles. Fantastic!

these photos all thanks to Matt Reed Photography who had a big giggle at my expense as I ran for cover, microphone in hand, getting very, very wet!

Melissa & Will in Centennial Park (and yes, that IS Jack Thompson!)

2011-05-31T22:26:00.000+10:00

On a super hot January afternoon in Centennial Park, I was treated to delight after delight, as I married Melissa and Will. Firstly, there was Will and his protective groomsmen, who huddled behind the hedge playing Street Fighter, on their i-phones to relieve Will's nerves. This was the first time I have seen this method of stress relief and I have been recommending it to all my boys to calm the jitters. Then, I heard someone call out, "Robyn, do you remember me?" and when I looked up, I found Eva and Jimmy - whose wedding was only a couple of months away...(of course I remembered them - Melissa and Eva work together - I love those moments!) Then Melissa arrived, looking utterly gobsmacking in her stunning gown - and her beautiful beaming smile and Will was no longer nervous. The look on his face, as he first laid eyes on his gorgeous bride was enough to have me get misty-eyed too!

The ceremony itself was fantastic. It felt right. Relaxed. Friendly and romantic all at once.

Another extra special treat was the honour of having the one and only Jack Thompson to read for us - right by my side. I had that famous, gravelly, close-your-eyes-and-you-know-that -voice sound right in my ear. Better still, a post-ceremony chat with him revealed him to be a true gentleman, and a very nice guy, too.

Yes, this stinking hot afternoon in the Column Gardens, where there is no shade whatsoever, did take its effect upon my poor fair shoulders - despite many layers of 30+ - and I did leave a little lobstered, but I also left really, really happy. ( And smart things, they provided plenty of umbrellas for their appreciative guests)

Melissa and Will - every minute I spent with the two of you was oh-so-happy! Thankyou xxxxxxx

I love this fun photo!

Weiping & David - all sunshiny in yellow and white!

2011-05-27T22:18:00.000+10:00

Everything about Weiping and David made me smile! Everything! The way they were so easy to please, but happily did their homework and gave me lots of lovely stories to tell - including a very funny proposal story that had poor Dave nervous and carrying a foam wrapped engagement ring pinned to the inside of his pocket, all over France, while he tried to pick the right moment to pop the question.....
Their general warmth and friendliness and the way it never felt like work. The way Weiping said "Awesome!" all the time and her request that I wear something bright to the wedding. Everything really.

The wedding itself was at Doltone House, out on the balcony, overlooking Jones Bay Wharf at Pyrmont. My first ceremony there. The first thing I noticed was that the space itself is beautiful - very modern, very elegant, just fantastic. The second thing I noticed was that the flowers and the styling were absolutely amazing. Giant yellow and white helium balloons. Sunshine yellow and white stripes.Vintage touches. Half cut lemons amongst the flowers in the centrepieces. Bright yellow orchids. Superfine glass bubble candle holders. If I hadn't had a ceremony to do I would have spent a lot longer ogling the beauty.

I later quizzed Weiping to find out who was responsible for the gorgeous styling and found that it was Elaine from Butterfly Philosophy . I am now a huge fan ( and delightfully, a friend!)

And then it was time. Weiping and the girls came down the aisle, beaming, and it was nothing but smiles the whole time. They were so happy! Even when we turned to find that there was no wine for the wine ceremony, they didn't blink! "Just skip it!" I am sure that there was plenty of wine to toast them with later.....

One beautiful, sunshiny February evening, for two very special people! David and Weiping, thank you ( you are awesome!) xxxxxxx

I love this photo - an after wedding celebratory hug!

these lovely photos from Sugar Love Weddings and also the couple's photographer friend Steven Su

Claire & Brandon - one gorgeous January afternoon

2011-05-22T19:09:00.000+10:00

On a beautiful sun-shiny January afternoon, at Athol Hall, I married utterly delightful English couple, Claire and Brandon, with their three gorgeous kiddies, at our side.

I met Claire and Brandon earlyish last year, and I loved them immediately. With three small kids to compete with the conversation, it was chaos! (But I have small kids of my own, so I knew exactly how to join in the chaos, and enjoyed meeting all their dolls and cars and teddybears). It felt like home!

I love Athol Hall for a wedding - it is like being in your own private park, right next to the water - and far enough from the road that no-one knows you are there, so it was with great delight that I arrived at this, my 2nd wedding of 3, for that day. ( But I have learnt to wear flat shoes until I get to the ceremony spot - I have nearly tripped in heels a couple times at Athol Hall, and it is not the most elegant of ways to enter!)

The ceremony, light and perfect for a sunny summer afternoon, was all about family and the kids- after all nothing binds a couple like children. Little Finn, and his big sisters Isabel and Rhiannon were at our sides the whole time. They looked as cute as button, and tried so hard to be still.......

Although little Finn was pretty much doing figure of eights through his father's legs the whole time, and demanding up, up, up, from the middle of them both, right when Claire and Brandon were trying to get those rings on, nobody batted an eyelid. Some of the best moments in my memory of all my weddings, have been funny little kids, doing funny things. This was one of those times.

I felt so at home, and so happy with this lovely couple that I had that "don't want to leave" feeling - but if course I had to - One more couple to make smile on this gorgeous day.....

Claire & Brandon - thank you - your gorgeous wedding was a treat! ( and so are you) xxxxxx

Just look at this picture perfect scene!I could not have co-ordinated the colours better if I imagined it. The white petals on the lemony green grass; Rhiannon and Isabel in their soft beigey cream and the gunmetal bridesmaid. ( Even my dress seems to look if it was painted into picture)

I love these beautiful photos taken of the kids after the ceremony. Photographer Lara Hotz has done such a beautiful job of capturing all the joy of this truly special day. Thanks Lara!

Sonia & Alastair - the most fabulously, fantastically, fun wedding I can imagine!

2011-05-18T21:45:00.001+10:00

This is Sonia and Alastair...and this was one of the most joyful weddings I have ever, ever done. Everything about it was absolutely fabulous, but let me start at the beginning....
Here we have two fantastic, funky cool people - completely different, but simply fantastic. I tell every couple that the best thing they can do for me is to tell me the truth. The good. The bad - and everything in between. Real couples are not carbon copies of one another. Real couples are made up of individuals who find a way to make it work; individuals who, in spite of all the reasons they are different, find themselves on the same page when it counts. Like Sonia and Alastair. These two let me tell their stories, their likes, their dislikes and all their differences - in all their glory. To the sheer delight of over 100 guests.

Let me paint you a picture ( in red, and pink, and blue, and orange, and green)! The wedding itself took place in the Palm Beach home that Alastair and his family lived in when he was a small child. Walking in , it felt like the the bow of a ship, and walking down to the water, we were right on Pittwater. Fantastic!

Better than bridesmaids, we had goddesses. Fabulous, gorgeous goddesses in saris. One for each of 6 Indian goddesses. Red, jade, aqua, yellow, orange and hot pink. The colour was amazing - and the girls were stunning. Sonia thwarted tradition and laughed her way down the stairs to join Alastair, in full-skirted lemon lace. Alastair wore a blue suit, Indian beads and scarf, and his best man sported a turban.
We asked Alastair's mum to do a reading, and she had everyone in stitches when, with perfect diction, she recited Beyonce's Crazy in Love! Then there were the blessings from the goddesses, a secret from Sonia and Alastair, until the day. They exchanged floral garlands, in Indian tradition, and high fived each other after they did their vows!

And when all was said and done, and Alastair was proudly wearing a "Winner" rosette and posing for silly photos with Sonia, I dragged myself away from the most fun I had had in a long time, and spent 45 minutes stopping for chats on the stairs, with lots of very excited wedding guests, eager to tell me how much they loved the ceremony!
This was without doubt one of the brightest, most fabulously happy and laughter-filled weddings I have experienced and I am so grateful that it was me that that they trusted with the ceremony.

Sonia and Alastair, I could marry you two, every day! xxxxxx

these amazing, glorious, gorgeous photos were taken by ( fabulous ) photographer was their good friend and Chief Photographer for Time Out Magazine Daniel Boud - (see his amazing blog here - http://www.boudist.com )

Dave & Cecilia 11.1.11 !

2011-05-10T22:19:00.000+10:00

Lovely Cecilia and Dave stole my heart in the first few minutes of our first meeting. They were just so sweet. And eager. And smiley. Cecilia admitted to putting my website into her favourites when she found it, and I would have done anything to make them happy. Then the venue changed from Sydney Harbour to Bells at Kilcare , and they asked, would I? could I? Of course I can! And I was so happy I did. Everything I did with Cecilia and Dave brought me joy.....
Meeting with them and spending time getting to know them. Finding out the definition of "puppy pants". Driving myself to Kilcare on the Central Coast and finding Dave looking completely at ease and super excited as he waited for the time to pass. Looking around the beautiful Bells and finding it to be so stylish and superb that even the outdoor chairs had been painted blue to match the agapanthus. Exactly the same blue. I was sold! Finding Cecilia and her parents in their "cabin" and seeing Cecilia absolutely beaming and looking incredible - and oh-so-elegant in a one shouldered gown without frill or flounce, set off perfectly with a taupe satin ribbon. So beautiful!
The ceremony was intimate - 20ish very important guests, but all about the light and the joy - and a little laid back. And at the end, Dave smashed a glass, Jewish style. An absolutely glorious afternoon with absolutely glorious people. Cecilia and Dave xxxxxx

these photos courtesy of Milk and Honey Photography Thank you !

Chris & April - married under a rainbow!

2011-05-02T22:25:00.002+10:00

One early morning in March, I had a phonecall from a very distressed and very charming man in New York, who had been let down by another celebrant and wanted to marry in April, whilst on holiday, visiting his family. That was Chris. So I said, give me half an hour, I can sort this out - and I did. And we were on. I was immediately glad that it was me that Chris stumbled upon. He and his lovely April, were absolutely delightful. A few skype chats later and I felt like I was meeting old friends when they did arrive in Sydney, just days before. I put my wedding planner's hat on to help and arranged them the wonderful Amy Chan to do April's hair and makeup and even found them a fabulous photographer, Craig Paulson, also from New York, on holiday to do our lovely photos.

When the day arrived, I did a bit more than normal....( ok, quite a lot more than normal). I picked up Craig from Manly and settled in to tea and raisin toast, and a good chat before we got ourselves together and headed for the penthouse in The Establishment, where April was getting ready. That place is very fancy - and while Amy fussed over April and Craig set about taking photos of all the fussing, I slipped away to wait for Chris at Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve. The venue had been my suggestion - and all in favour were very pleased. Chris and April got their waterside ceremony and Craig got his quintessential Sydney skyline into the background.

We got off to a sunny start, only to find that a shower soon had us all running for cover under the big Moreton Bay figs, and grabbing umbrellas. It was a blessing - it really was, because shortly after that, we were rewarded by a perfect rainbow above. Chris and April were delighted. I don't think either of them would have cared if we were snowed on, they were so happy.

Couples like this.... days like this one...... remind me of why I love my job so much. Yes, it's my job, but its so much more than that. It's the delight that has me skipping away every time with a grin on my face. It's the chance to help make two people really, truly happy . It's meeting wonderful people and being given the chance to celebrate them in the way they deserve. I guess, for me, its the chance to make people's hearts sing- and there is nothing better than that. Chris and April gave me all of this - and I will never, ever forget them xxxx.

these lovely photos from fantastic photographer Craig Paulson www.cpaulson.com - thankyou!

Cindy & Stanley - love, love, love!

2011-04-28T13:04:00.000+10:00

Cindy & Stanley are gorgeous! Delightful! I have a string of five fantastic couples all connected to each other. It's wonderful, I love it - they keep popping up at each other's weddings, we giggle about each other and they really feel like family to me. Cindy and Stanley's wedding was the first of the five weddings, and I was, of course, super-excited about it!

It was a super hot steamy day that threatened rain - in a big way - and when I arrived at the Rose Gardens, I was a bit nervous. I was the only person there. I mean it. There was nothing. No table. No chairs. Nothing. And most concerning. No Stanley. And the ceremony was supposed to start in half an hour.

I shouldn't have been surprised.... I did have to chase them up a lot, they did leave things til the last minute.... but I was very happy to see someone else show up a little before we were about to start...

Yes, we did run late, but Stanley did appear, dragging helpers with decorations and it was action stations to get organised in time for lovely Cindy to arrive.

And when she did, looking lovely in ruffles, I started the ceremony with a bang. I pulled out the chinese welcome, got it right - got a huge round of applause - and did a little victory dance. ( Then remembered that behind me, pretending not to spy, were a group of wannabe training celebrants and their rather formal trainer watching the ceremony. Hmmm they would have thought I was mad, but the people I cared about, the ones in front, and beside me, well, they were happy. Super happy)

This was a really heartfelt, emotional ceremony - for them, for the guests - and for me, too. There were a few tears.....And a few laughs.

What do I love about Cindy and Stanley? Lots! The fact that once I had won them over to my side of thinking ( let's not bore everyone, let's get excited, let's celebrate!) they really got onboard. That they love watching crime tv and particularly like Law & Order SVU, mainly because they like the word heinous. (Me too......) That Stanley had all sorts of ways lined up to propose, and they all involved singing... and that Cindy describes them as " buy one, get one free". Bargain!

But most of all I love the fact that whenever I see them, I just want to hug them. Family.

Portia & Shane - wow, this was a wedding with spunk!

2011-04-24T21:04:00.001+10:00

From the moment I met Portia and Shane, sitting in a park on the grass, no shoes, and chatting at a million miles an hour, I knew this was going to be a perfect, effortless fit. Many a phone call later began with "Hi Robyn, its Portia, your crazy bride....." and we would chat for ages.

I knew the event would be a little different to the norm, when Portia asked if she could make me jewellery to wear on the day - jewellery with skulls - would that be ok? Simple answer..... if it will make you happy for me to wear skulls to your wedding, of course it's ok. And so I did.

Portia and Shane began my Spring wedding season, and I could not have asked for a better way to hit the ground running. Let me tell you what made this wedding one I will never forget.....

I was, as usual, the first person at Riverside Oaks Golf Club for the ceremony , so I had time to sticky beak my way around the reception room, and I was beside myself! I couldn't rush photographer in there fast enough to get photos for me. Aren't they amazing? Darkest purple tulips . Skull candles. A wedding cake that reminded me of a Tim Burton film - everything was absolutely unique. Suddenly my skull jewellery felt very cool.

Coming down the aisle to " We're going to the chapel and we're gonna get married" and every single guest was grinning - and if they were anything like me, fighting the urge to sing along! Portia and Shane laughed so hard through their vows they got me going. Usually, I can remain (fairly) composed no matter what is happening around me, but not this time. Their laughter was simply too infectious and I really had to struggle to keep a straight face. Portia's outfit was absolutely unique and absolutely her. The smile on her face lit the whole room.

Simply can't imagine a better way to start the Spring. Portia, Shane xxxxxxxxxxx

Joanna & Tim just couldn't stop smiling.......

2011-04-23T20:58:00.002+10:00

See the looks on our faces? Joanna and Tim's gorgeous smiley wedding on the Tarpeian Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens was a half hour of pure smiley joy! Everything about this gorgeous fun-loving happy couple made me want to smile. Their love of turtles. Their ability to laugh at everything that comes their way. And the sheer joy you can see in their eyes when they talk to each other. So infectious.

Theirs was one of three weddings I did on March 12th. The timing was tight, but do-able and I just had to hope that everyone ran on time, that I got a celebrity park each time and that the traffic ran smoothly.

Err not quite. The first wedding ran within five minutes of time and could not have been better. The traffic, however was horrendous - and my carefully timed thirty minute trip took closer to an hour, accidents galore on the road and traffic that clearly thought it was headed for Monday morning peak hour. I have NEVER ever been late to a wedding and the thought that I might not be there before I need to be fills me with dread. So, I made all the right calls, said all the right calming things and did a dodgy, utterly illegal park inside the Botanic Gardens and had about 17 minutes to spare. Tim absolutely took it in his stride, didn't panic and later, when Joanna arrived, absolutely beaming that glorious smile of hers - and looking gorgeous in organza ruffles, we completely forgot that a few minutes earlier, I was cursing Sydney traffic.

Joanna and Tim really let me celebrate them - and there was so much to celebrate that I could feel the crowd leaning in for more. Romantic and funny, honest and real, this is the kind of ceremony that gets me excited to be there. Add two simply delightful people to the mix and I am a very happy, happy girl!

And then....they topped it off by dancing their way back down the aisle in delight!

Joanna and Tim, every time I see a turtle - any turtle - I will always think of you xxxxxxx

Thanks to Scott Thomas for these gorgeous happy happy images of Joanna and Tim !
http://www.scott-thomas.com.au/

Nancy & Patrick - November Rain!

2011-04-10T18:59:00.002+10:00

Almost impossible to believe that today could have been the day that it was......
For the delightful Nancy, and her funny, funny groom, Patrick, it was a trip to Fagan Park, Galston, on a blisteringly hot day. Strangely enough, I was only metres from this spot, in the same park, on the same day, last year, when I married Carl and Nicola, and it was a zillion degrees, too. I arrived, and the photographer looked at me and said, " hi Robyn!" ( I guess I am getting around, these days - I keep seeing the same faces!)

Fagan Park is beautiful, huge and perfectly manicured. Today we had the ceremony right on the water, with ducks floating past. I love ducks, but I had a good giggle to myself as I watched one of Nancy's friends doing "duck-watch" to stop them, err pooping, on the red carpet, before the girls arrived.

I had promised Patrick, when I first met them, that I would do anything at all, to make them happy. It is a standard promise to every couple I marry - and I mean it 100%. Patrick decided that he wanted a tap dance - and he reminded me of it, over and over again, even during the ceremony. The closest I got to a tap dance was a bit of doh-see-doh between the 2 sets of parents, when I asked for the blessing, but I did hear him whisper, there's my tap dance!

Nancy looked divine, in an ivory gown with gentle ruching on the skirt, but her veil was the source of a giggle or two. A fly got caught inside it and kept buzzing around her nose. Same rotten fly later got attached to me and I had to try, try , try to ignore it!

But, the rain bit? Oh yes...... we finished the ceremony and got our paperwork signed and then the skies opened. Not a trickle. Not a shower, but without a doubt the most torrential rain I can remember in years. It was pretty funny - you always have to laugh, but you should have seen me. Worse than a drowned rat. Worse and wetter than the wettest thing you can imagine. ( I only wish there were more photos to laugh at!)

BUT......Nancy and Patrick, you know I will never forget you both - you always brought me cake! xxxxxx

Photos of Nancy & Patrick courtesy of Alex Lau Photographer www.alexlau.com.au

Sarita & Phil - and the hottest february day EVER!

2011-04-09T12:01:00.071+10:00

My first contact with Sarita and Phil was a 10pm email that went pretty much like this... "we have been going through your website and reading your blog and you are the clear choice for our wedding. Please say you are free!" When you butter me up like that I'll move mountains for you - and very, very fortunately, I was.

Sarita and Phil were funny and friendly and laid back - and an absolute pleasure to work with. I knew the ceremony would be great fun. And it was. But I can't tell you just how hot it was. Unbelievable - and of course, no shade. There's never a tree when you need one! The boys were sweating - I even tried to convince them to ditch the jackets and save them for photos in the shade, but Phil and the boys soldiered on. ( Poor things)

Sarita arrived with her Dad - and her bridesmaids, and Tristan the dog, on a boat and they made their way up into Rodd Park , just taking their time and smiling huge smiles. Tristan, had a few roles to play. Best Dog. Ring Bearer. Tie wearer - and , as it turned out, comedian. As Sarita and Phil were making their vows (which did include dog and cat care duties), Tristan was going in and out of Phil's legs. The result. A few good giggles - and some very funny photos.

Both Sarita and Phil and I practised our chinese - but their bit was much shorter than mine! Sarita's mum very kindly came to give me last minute tuition before the ceremony, and I think she was a tiny bit shocked that I wasn't nervous about it.... ( I am getting pretty good at it now!). I got the stamp of approval.

Sarita's lovely sister , Andrea, did a reading and found herself overcome - there was a lot of crying and hugging, but that just added to this lovely simple celebration of two very happy people.

It may well have been the part that came after the ceremony that I loved so much about today. All the guests had headed indoors and Sarita and the girls were waiting for Phil and the boys to come back for photos. Diet Cokes all round for the four of us, dresses hiked above their knees, completely relaxed, and laughing and enjoying the peace - for all the heat. And the the bit that gobsmacked me the most. Sarita's teenaged neighbour - a boy, and quite delightful - looked at me and then said, I remember you from Lisa and Chris's wedding , you did Dr Seuss with Chris for his vows.......) I couldn't believe it. That wedding was January 18th, 2009.

Oh happy, hot, happy day!

Chris & Karen, intimate & quirky at sunset on Balmoral Beach

2011-04-07T19:45:00.001+10:00

Aaah! Chris and Karen - just look how happy they are! You never would have known that this wedding was pulled together with only a couple weeks notice......( but it was). They didn't even hit Australia until the afternoon before.

Chris and Karen booked a yukky registry wedding at Manly Courts before they changed their mind and found me - and I was so glad they did. At very little notice, using skype and email - lots of email - we pulled off a small and very romantic wedding , just before sunset, one Friday, at the end of March, with all the bells and whistles of months of planning.

Lucky for them, not only did they find me, who simply cannot bear a quickie generic wedding, they also found wedding planner, Jennifer from www.bellsnwhistles.com.au who made sure all the details were as gorgeous as the words themselves. Flowers, candles, champagne, the lot. We even had live musicians playing Beatles covers. Actually, gotta say, between us, we were a bit of a dynamic dream team!

The evening had its moments. Our Balmoral Rotunda booking was for 5pm to 7pm, but the wedding party before ours showed no signs of leaving and I had to oh-so-kindly ask them to go, go,go. Then we found that they had scattered rice everywhere and we had a 93 year old grandma to seat. The rice was too slippery, really dangerous...... and Jennifer and I were battling over the broom to fix it! We wondered whether the rain would hold off and it did, mostly. We were even rewarded by a gorgeous full rainbow above.

Chris and Karen wrote their own heartfelt, romantic and somewhat quirky vows and had us all a little teary throughout. I told their story and watched as the few friends and family members present , laughed and nodded and cried and I knew that I had it right. Such a great feeling. Afterwards, we did cheese and nibbles and champagne - and chocolate - as the sun set - and as the rain started bucketing down, we packed up, hugged and said goodbye for now. ( there's always facebook)

a big thank you to Jay of www.photosbyjay.com.au for these lovely photos. The light was fading, the notice was short and he managed not only to capture the feeling, but also to turn them around super fast! (Love that)

Angela & Dave, laid back, loved up & very, very cool

2011-03-18T19:56:00.000+11:00

Just look at the delight on the faces of Angela and Dave -and that's exactly how I felt, too...

Everything about Angela and Dave was easy. And that is what made this such a special - super hot-January afternoon. I found the funkiest set of groomsmen I have ever seen. Four of them, dressed in skinny black jeans, red tartan bow-ties and grey and brown non-matching waistcoats. Shirt sleeves rolled right up and they were having a great time mucking around with Dave who was as cool as a cucumber. When the girls arrived, they too had a different dress in cream, brown or oyster - and they looked amazing.

But Angela, ooh! Glorious. Stunning. Amazing - in not-quite-oyster bias cut silk satin with low front and back and a long , long veil with not an inch of puff. Her lips? Bright red - and with that enormous smile beaming , she probably didn't need anything else.

The ceremony itself was perfect for them. A little bit funny. Very laid back with not a hint of stern formality to ruin what was really such a perfect celebration of who they are (so important). They double hi 5'd each other as I declared them husband and wife and at the end, I introduced them as their made up nickname The McLeongs! ( They even brought along a red & white polka dotted pen for signing) So cute.

When I arrived at Sargeants Mess, Chowder Bay, before the wedding, I worried a little. It was so hot and so bright standing at the front of the ampitheatre, I was worried that we would not be able to see the whole time - and the photos would be all squinty! I shouldn't have worried. www.inlighten.com.au have done an incredible job. I can't wait to work with them again ( I got a bit carried away with all these photos, I know - but honestly there were hundreds of beautiful shots)

look at these beautiful flowers, pink, purple, blue white - (so rich)

Dave & Angela, if every couple were as delightful and funny and friendly as you two.....wow!

Thanks for letting me have such fun with you xxxxx

Anna & Jackson 11.02.2011!

2011-02-23T20:09:00.002+11:00

2011 has a lot of special number days!

I married Mia and Peter on 1.1.11, Dave and Cecilia, and Helene and Muni on 11.1.11, and today, the glorious Anna and Jackson, on 11.02.2011. In the baking heat, at midday, at Bradley's Head Ampitheatre - which has the most amazing city harbour views. And it was beautiful. Just look at Anna! She was incredible.

I got the opportunity to brush up on my Cantonese and my Mandarin - again - and welcomed guests in both (and English). Later, I did my giving away questions in all three, too. No big deal - I am getting pretty good at this - give it to me in phonetics and I will get it right enough, that everyone understands - and usually, is so shocked, to see someone who looks like me, sound like that, that they tend to applaud. I like it - it lets the families know that we are thinking of them. As we should. But I do remember thinking, Purple Mum Cantonese Mum, Pink Mum, Mandarin Mum - what if I asked the Cantonese speakers, in Mandarin, or vice versa? - I wouldn't even know I stuffed it up!

In the lead-up to this wedding, Anna and Jackson did threaten to send my hair grey a little - I was a bit worried that they wouldn't get their paperwork to me, that they wouldn't get their homework done in time, but everything came together in the end, and the whole thing was perfect.

BUT I have to tell you about the unwanted guests that joined the party, because I laughed about it the whole time. To the left of the ceremony, right next to the signing table, were a couple of sunbakers. Eighty year old plus sunbakers - who absolutely staunchly refused to leave. Or move. Instead, they got in and out of the water, stretched out their towels, and fed the pigeons- just three metres from where Anna and Jackson did their vows. So crazy , it was comic - but I guess they were thinking that at their age, they can do exactly what they like. So they did.

I loved everything about today. Stunning, laidback, glorious Anna. Easygoing, friendly Jackson. And the delight of being the one who helped them say I do!

Oh, and look at these beautiful, gorgeous photos - I am desperate to see some more, too. They were taken by award winning photographer Daniel Griffiths (an all-round nice guy - and a pleasure to work with) from http://www.dgphotos.com.au/ Thanks Daniel!

Kylie & Matthew - elegant - but giggling - in Eden Gardens

2011-02-14T22:26:00.000+11:00

Kylie and Matthew's beautiful, elegant wedding at Eden Gardens, had us all staring at the hot grey summer sky and wondering if the rain would stay away long enough. It was the weirdest weather day I can remember - ever. Hot, steamy, raining, thunder, hot , sunny, drizzy, steaming - over and over - and I was hoping that we would dodge the rain and get Kylie down - and back up the aisle - without an umbrella. We did! Kylie was the ultimate in bridal style. Refined, classic and oh-so-elegant. She was just stunning, and smiling ear to ear, which was even better.

This lovely quiet couple who have-never-had-a-fight followed Kylie's family tradition by getting engaged in the kitchen - in front of their fridge, like Kylie's grandparents, who also did the same. Kitchen floor proposals aside, their wedding was full of lovely stories, references to dessert ( Kylie, like me, is all about dessert, the cake, the icecream, the white chocolate magnums......) and a few giggles.

Kylie got the silent giggles and teary at the same time, during her vows -but we had all the time in the world!

Almost.

Pretty much as soon as the paperwork was signed, and I sent them back down the aisle, followed by bridesmaids in lovely muted tones of dusty brown, grey and pink, with everyone clapping, and bubbles being blown in every direction, the skies opened and it started sprinkling again!

Thanks to Bronnie and Adam of www.cravenimages.com for taking these lovely photos

Kirsteen & Toby - under the trees in beautiful Bowral!

2011-02-06T21:18:00.000+11:00

As I drove through the gates of Milton Park, Bowral on a warm sunny December afternoon, I had a moment of "oooh! I'm in an English country garden". It was beautiful, and lush, and green, and huge, with a very formal stately manor in the middle. Glorious! The elegant setting, however, was the only rather formal part of this lovely afternoon under the trees.

Delightful Toby and Kirsteen are Melbourne dwellers. Everything we had done was via email and skype and on the phone, so even though we knew each other, today was my first chance to see them in 3D! I was excited, and bounced in to find Kirsteen and her bridesmaids getting their photos taken and looking beautiful, then sneaked off to find cool-as-a-cucumber Toby, in his black suit and matching black converse. (later I found to my delight that the little ring bearers had matching shoes - but theirs were red, green and purple, I think).

The ceremony itself went off without a hitch - just the way I like it - and it was good. They did their homework for me, really, really well so I was able to paint their picture perfectly. I know that Kirsteen, the counsellor, found this much easier, the Toby, the computer guy, but that just made me all the more proud of him!

I loved everything about this wedding; the lovely, fun couple, the beautiful dappled light coming through the trees, the way that both the dads came to me straight after the ceremony to thank me for getting it so right....and the excellent prawn canapes I nibbled before jumping back into my car and driving back to Sydney.

I don't often do long distance weddings, but every time I do, I am always so happy that I did! Thankyou Toby and Kirsteen, you gave me a lovely memory to keep!

these glorious photos courtesy of the lovely Ann Niddrie http://www.annniddrie.com/

(don't you just love the way the light coming through the trees just bounces around?)

Katrina & Sej - a glorious January moment

2011-01-29T22:07:00.000+11:00

For Katrina and Sej, their wedding was the best way they could think of to bring all the people they love - family and friends - from many countries of the world - together, into one place for a fabulous party. Apart from the fact that they could marry, too!

We organised much of this wedding via skype. Them in London, me in Sydney, all of us settled in with a cup of tea in our hands, and while I did need to hurry them along at times, everything was easy and a perfect fit from a start. The world is a tiny place in front of your laptop!

There was so much for me to love about this wedding. The fabulous indian musicians. The red, orange, pink profusion of colour - the flowers, the cakes, the decorations, Katrina's to-die-for red dress - and oh! the saris! There was the lovely indian traditions woven beautifully into the more traditional aspects, the "real" Katrina and Sej seeping through every element of every detail - and then the moment that completely blew me away. Sej's 11 year old nephew, Sahil, got up and sang a traditional Maori lovesong - and he was amazing. Gobsmacking. Beautiful.

Yep, I cried. I think everyone was crying- I had to call for a moment of tissue time to recover. Katrina and Sej had really done their homework properly, and given me plenty of real stories to tell - which meant I could do the ceremony they truly deserved. After all, people really did come from near and far, far away. Anyway, I had to make sure Katrina's mum was super-happy, as she had picked out another celebrant, another much older lady, before Katrina & Sej (delightfully) found me. I just had to make her feel good too.

I discovered later I had been given the big tick from everyone! And that made me smile!

laughing! just the way it should be.....

Angie & Chad & the most romantic kiss of 2010!

2011-01-25T16:11:00.018+11:00

Meet Angie & Chad. When did I realise that I would always love and remember this gorgeous couple? Ummmm, right when we first met, when Angie put her fantastic white chocolate and macadamia cookies in front of me. Best cookies I have had since. Really must ask for the recipe.....
I had a little giggle to myself in our first meeting when they tried to be really serious and official and asked for a minute to confer in the kitchen. They were back in 30 seconds, "can we book you in, now, please?". Of course!
Their wedding was on a Friday in October, at Athol Hall, Mosman, and I was really looking forward to it. I had written a great ceremony - and they had given me great stuff to work with. Quietly proud... Angie is an editor, and she professed to loving it! Big praise:) Being at Athol Hall is like having your own private park, it's so secluded, so close the water, and National Park. Perfect!
Angie arrived on the arms of both of her parents, and Chad had eyes for no-one else. She looked lovely - and absolutely her smiling, gentle self. Light and friendly, true to themselves and with the odd giggle, the ceremony went off beautifully, despite the hot afternoon sun. They did their vows softly, looking at each other the whole time ( I didn't even have to remind them) They were truly in their own moment.
And when they kissed......oh, so romantic. Like there was no-one else there. No-one else in the world. I think I held my breath.

Angie & Chad. One of my top 10 moments of 2010

there's that kiss......( sigh....)

...

taking a walk down to Athol Bay

and there's those cookies ......

Rosemary & Jeff in Parramatta Park

2011-01-23T22:25:00.000+11:00

When I first heard from Jeff, he said to me..." I have to tell you, my fiance is 21 years younger than me....". "Half your luck" I said. "Good for you!" But when I met them, I almost didn't believe him - he definately looked much younger than his birth certificate professed! I am always a little more chuffed when a couple (or part of a couple) who are a little older than my usual 20s, 30s, under 40s, ask me to marry them. When I ask, why me?, its almost always the same sort of answer. "Because you are always smiling, because you look like fun, because we want someone who makes us feel happy and relaxed" :)

I did need to educate Rosemary and Jeff a little. They thought they wanted it all over in a flash, and I wanted them to make it meaningful. I won. (So did they, really, because I did). I was able to point them in the direction of hair and makeup - Rosemary: Do I really want to pay all that money to get my hair done, and my face made up? Me: Yes, you do. This time you do" - and to photographers, Maria and Gabriel, from Alegria Photography http://www.alegriaphotography.com.au/ with whom I have worked before. (Lovely couple!) thanks for the photos.......

On the day, Jeff was a little nervous, so I sorted him out - I'm always 50% counsellor, 50% celebrant, on the day, and Rosemary looked simply lovely, smiling all over the place. Everything went without a hitch - just like I said it would.....

A few weeks later, I got photos and a lovely thankyou card in the mail, addressed to "the world's most wonderful wedding celebrant..." awww.. I just knew I liked them so, sooooo much xxx

Stephanie & Andrew - I think I'm turning Japanese........

2011-01-17T22:03:00.001+11:00

On this sunny Winter day in July, last year, I was very very proud! This is Stephanie and Andrew, mad fans of Japanese anime, who decided to theme their whole celebration a la Japan! They chose the Chinese Gardens for the ceremony and we were lucky with a sunny morning.

I did most of the planning for the wedding with Andrew, as he waited for Stephanie to arrive from England. When she did arrive, I met the shyest bride I had ever encountered - lovely, sweet, but really very shy. I was worried she might not make it down the aisle. We met a couple extra times, so that they knew that whatever happened on the day, I was there to help, with a friendly face. ( I think my cats helped a lot, too)

On the wedding day, I was so proud of her, I nearly cried. I told Stephanie over and again, just look at Andrew, just look to me, and she did it! She did it! Quietly, smiling shyly, dressed in costume, down she came. Andrew was beaming. They did their vows, they exchanged their rings, and when it was all over, and the paperwork was signed, I could see this lovely, quiet couple sigh with relief. They were married. It was done. And now they could relax. (I think the costumes helped.)

As I left, I felt so grateful for the experience. I was so happy to be there for them. It felt really good.

sighing and signing

and look how cute their cake was.......

Rebecca & Chase - one November afternoon.....

2011-01-11T22:28:00.002+11:00

Aaah! Rebecca and Chase......

Everything about these two makes me smile just to think of them. Two nerds - or so they say! Rebecca, the super smart aerospace engineer, who loves trashy TV and Chase, the down to earth mechanic with a thirst for documentaries. I just thought they were both gorgeous. A perfect match, completely in sync, and very different at the same time.

This was my first jaunt to Springfield House at Dural, but being the garden lover/nerd that I am, I just loved the place, and its lush gardens. I was there for just a couple minutes when a staff member came out and said, "weren't you the celebrant that married my friends, Aaron and Sam last year....?" Yep, that was me. Small world. Then I waited, chatting with cool as a cucumber Chase, for his bride. And she looked lovely. Super light cream ivory, no flounces or frills, and a beautiful black lace band and ribbon around the waist. Absolutely simple and very, very elegant - but nothing could top they way they looked at each other. Like no-one else existed.

I loved this ceremony. It was warm and friendly and relaxed and romantic, without being flowery and unnatural. They let me tell their stories and have a laugh and I really felt like I got it right for them - and for Rebecca's lovely Mum, Sue-Ellen, who I was lucky enough to meet too, as we planned and organised...

Chase and Rebecca, you two will always be in my fondest memories, for so many unforgettable reasons. You know why......but I'll never tell xxxxx

Clara & James - 4 seasons in 1 ceremony! (October was like that.....)

2011-01-07T23:20:00.001+11:00

I tell all my couples to buy clear plastic umbrellas, the kind that are shaped like mushrooms. Today, my advice really came in handy. I did my 100th legal wedding ( yippee! a bit of a milestone ) in Lion Gate Lodge in the Botanic Gardens today with the gorgeous Clara and James. It is a fantastic spot, with its cottage garden, secluded, private lawn and ( fortunately ) big verandah for cover.

Clara arrived dead on time, looking amazing in an off white strapless satin gown with a simple bronzed gold sash, much to nervous James' relief, and we were quickly into the swing. We were lucky to start with. The sun had come out after a rainy morning, and the air was full of steam. We started the vows in full sunshine and in the middle, the day changed. The sky darkened to black in five seconds, howling wind came out of nowhere and by the time the rings were ready to go on, it was really raining. Out came the umbrellas - just the kind I suggested - and we quickened our pace a little to get everyone under cover. It really didn't matter. I don't think anything could have wiped the smile off their faces - and I bet all their photos are fantastic........

Wanted to call James, "King James" every time we saw each other - his full name? James Edward George Patching. Pick a monarch. Any monarch.......

They were gorgeous. Delightful and so easy to work with. Loved every minute of it!

before the rain.....

still not raining....

who cares about the rain?

Margarita & Nikita - simple and oh so sweet.....

2011-01-02T22:10:00.000+11:00

This is beautiful Margarita. Just look at this gorgeous, elegant, understated, grecian, gorgeous dress. It was stunning. One of the best I saw in all of 2010 - she looked absolutely amazing for her lovely simple wedding to her love-at-first-sight fiance, Nikita.

I first met Margarita in August, as she planned for a last minute October wedding. Then she disappeared. I thought, oh, that's weird, everything seemed to be so easy. Then up she popped in November. October was just too hard, December was the month, could I help? Yes, yes, yes I said, and off we went.

From then, everything about this December afternoon was effortless. They arrived together, to join me and a small group of guests at the Harbourview Lawn in the Royal Botanic Gardens, overlooking the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and all in good time we stood together and I married them with the greatest of delight. One of my last weddings of 2010 - and an absolute pleasure......

I may well have been the only person there that didn't speak Russian... but that's ok!( I am used to that)

thanks to photographer Dasha Guseva, for these gorgeous photos www.dashka.com

aren't they cute? they were so happy......

Alison & Jason - loved up on Narrabeen Beach!

2011-01-02T08:24:00.002+11:00

Alison and Jason were my last wedding of the day for October 10th. It was a huge day - the first time I have ever done 4 in a day, so by the time I got to Narrabeen, I was well and truly in the zone!

The beach was extremely windy and I worried the whole time that nobody could hear me ( but apparently it was all good), but this was a really heartfelt, romantic celebration and I really don't think anything could have wiped the smile from the faces of Alison or Jason on their big day!

Alison was absolutely the princess in layers and layers of full skirted tulle - and hot pink thongs. The wind sent her veil flying everywhere and she looked gorgeous - and cute as a button all at the same time. Oh that wonderful happy, happy smile! Just like the girls, the boys matched their suits with thongs, and if you can't beat them, join them - I kicked my shoes off too. Heels and the beach do not mix.

We did the first dove release I have ever done - for Jason's mother - and in spite of the wind - the lovely bird did behave ( hope it found its way, home!)

I could hear Alison and Jason whispering to each other through the whole thing. "I love you ", "but I love you more...", "no, I love you more, baby".

Very very cute! Quite possibly my most loved up couple of the year (though Jason did threaten to leave if Alison turned up in her favourite colour - hot pink). She didn't. All smiles - a lot of tattoos and a few big fancy motorbikes to spice up the view and my day was done.

Happy Birthday to me!

(Told you they were cute!)

these lovely photos taken by Maria and Gabriel Machado of http://www.alegriaphotography.com.au/

Natalie & Anthony at Summerlees - (it was just gorgeous)

2010-12-15T23:07:00.002+11:00

It was a drive to Summerlees at Sutton Forest for the October wedding of utterly gorgeous Natalie and Anthony, but the moment I arrived I felt like I was in a huge, beautiful secret garden. And I loved it. Everything about today was lovely. The most delightful couple. Friendly, chatty guests and gorgeous parents to talk to. Anthony's dad was in a wheelchair after an accident, and 11 days in hospital, and I simply had to make a fuss of him. He deserved it! Natalie arrived looking every bit relaxed and glorious - and divine in a simple lace and silk gown.The ceremony was everything it should be - meaningful, engaging - and all about Natalie and Anthony - and delightfully, there were lots of tears, and a few giggles. After the ceremony, when it was photo time, the guests headed over to the cottage, and under a big tree covered in white blossom was the most gorgeous huge LOVE sign. Look really closely and you can see where the Summerlees goat, Billy, has eaten the corner! They have a peacock called Andrew, too!

this might be the bit where I tell everyone about their first kiss!

we did a simple blessing of hands after the rings were on

Natalie and I had a moment or two to giggle when it was all over

ok, so my nose is scrunchy - but I was just so very very happy!

these beautiful photos with thanks to Tyler Freeman Smith from Bowerbird Pictures. www.bowerbird.tv

Mwah! Natalie and Anthony, you are simply too divine for words........

Its even better on video! Daniel & Katie from No Limit Pictures did a brilliant job of bringing out all the gorgeousness of this light and lovely moment in time. They even made me look good!

http://www.nolimitpictures.com.au/blog/?p=1308

Today I marry my very first friend.....( and her lovely partner, Pete)

2010-12-11T22:44:00.000+11:00

This is Kristie. Kristie and I met on our very first day of school in Victoria - when we were 5. They put our chair bags next to each other so that is where we sat. No need to do the maths for you - it was a very, very long time ago. We have been friends ever since - and for the past couple years I have been teasing her - come on, come on, I'll marry you, I'll do it, go on........I never really thought she and Pete would say yes - they have been together twelve years and have two kids, but finally, a couple months ago, I got the call.They had decided to come for a Sydney weekend to get married. I was so excited. We picked the spot, I chased them for their homework ( don't think they got special treatment - they had to do it too!) and I prayed for good weather.

We had planned on using Clark Park, Lavender Bay. Such a lovely quiet park with beautiful Moreton Bay figs and harbour views, but the day before, we went for a walk, and found Lady Wendy Whiteley's Secret Garden , nearby. It is absolutely magic in there ( if you are a garden nerd, like us. Kristie is even worse than me - she is a horticulturist). It had to be there. But there are rules and we didn't want to do the wrong thing, so I sidled over to Lady Wendy herself, played dumb and told her what we were doing. She said yes! ( they was only 8 of us). Kristie was beside herself, beaming. The kids were more excited about going to Luna Park.....

Sunday morning, it is hot and steamy and we get all dressed up to do a simple ceremony that will hopefully include the kids, Flynn and Zoe, and things went a little awry from there. Kids will be kids and whatever you want them to do is exactly what they don't want to do - and if you really really hope they will behave, it is like waving a red flag in front of them, and saying GO FOR IT! Kristie gave me the funniest moment of any wedding so far, when she got down and very firmly started counting.....that's 1, that's 2.... don't make me get to 3 at my own wedding.......(hilarious)

That just added to the light and lovelies of this romantic, simple and private celebration of two of my dear friends and the family they share. How many people can say that they get an honour like I did, today? Very Very few, I imagine...but no... I am not going to do the maths for you........

Kirsty & Scott at Taronga Zoo

2010-11-30T18:02:00.000+11:00

As I kissed my crazy, busy October goodbye, I welcomed in leisurely November with Kirsty and Scott today.
To be honest, not only was I excited about this wedding that we had been planning for over a year, I was delighted to have a roof over my head - and walls. No wind. No rain to worry about, just a lovely over-the-zoo-view into Sydney Harbour, a rather nervous groom and a beautiful bride.
I had Scott's nerves fairly under control by the time Kirsty arrived, in a beautiful strapless white gown - simple with just a bit of ruching and a teeny bit of bling. Her bridesmaids wore lemony yellow - which looked fresh and springy and made a lovely change from pink. ( But you know that I do loooove pink).
The ceremony was fairly short - at Scott's request, but personal enough. Sometimes, you don't need a lot of words - it's all in the way a couple looks at each other. And these two were looking really really happy! It's all I need!
Lovely to see Sarah and Calli of Mint Photography, again. (They shot Hayley & Dene's wedding in September) www.mintphotography.com.au . I knew the photos would be fabulous!

Kate & Grahame, Welcome, windy October!

2010-11-20T07:16:00.002+11:00

I don't think I have ever spent as much time just chatting to a couple before their big day as I did Kate and Grahame - we just kept going - for hours, over and over again. How lovely! By the time it got to the wedding day, I really felt like I knew them ( even better than usual) - and so, I was super-excited about making things beautiful for them both. Theirs was the first of 18 weddings, I did in the month of October 2010 - the absolute busiest I have ever been - believe me, that is a lot of couples to delight, a lot of meetings, and a lot of scripts to chase up, but I was determined to start and finish with the same bang. The actual ceremony had it's challenges - it was freezing cold and windy up on the lookout to Shelly Beach, Manly - but we had no rain! None of those things mattered - just look at the gorgeous smiles on these delightful faces. ( It's what I want every time - beaming, massive, blissfully happy , laughing faces).

Their gorgeous little boy Oliver featured quite heavily in the ceremony, which was great - and he looked as cute as a button - though he he did have Grahame worried for a few minutes before Kate arrived, when a cut finger threatened to get blood all over his lovely clothes......Where's a band-aid when you need one?

Kate and Grahame had kept their vows a secret from each other - and to be honest, from me, right up to a day or two before. Come on, Kate - you can do it......Each of them had written a little joke into theirs and asked was it ok? What made me giggle the most about this secret, was that each had promised the same sort of thing..... Kate promised to stop organising social events while motor racing events were on tv, while Grahame promised to remember that at times he was not actually a rally car driver, himself. Laughter all round! And then a look at me to say, "so how did you keep that secret.......?"

By the time I left, (after a little champagne to warm, and celebrate) I felt really, really good - and ready to hit the rest of October the same way. Smiling!

Kate & Grahame & Ollie xxxxxxxx

these beautiful photos courtesy of the lovely, lovely Tom of www.tom-greenwood.com .

He really captured the laughter and the light of the day

and this is my favourite!

Doris & Michael - windswept in Observatory Park

2010-11-15T22:30:00.000+11:00

Wow! It is so windy up on Observatory Hill!
September 12th was a big day; a naming in the morning , then straight to another wedding, and finally, to meet Doris and Michael at Observatory Park under the fig tree.

It was a longish wait - I was early - and then we waited quite a while for all the guests to find their way. We were standing in the middle of a wind tunnel so it got a bit chilly - actually it was freezing - but I had plenty of time to chat to the lovely bridesmaids and the guests. This is the best thing about running late or arriving early. I get to talk to everyone and by the time we finally begin, I am talking to people who know me!

I met the lovely Lucy Leonardi, of http://www.lucyleonardi.com.au/ who took these glorious photos of our windy wedding, and the fabulous Martha of http://www.dmakeupstation.com/ who ever so kindly took pity on my shivering hungry self and fed me scooby snack biscuits. That's it. I will always love her!

Doris and Michael are delightful! I love to get the personality match right - and I always do. When the match is easy, everything is wonderful. The meeting and getting to know you is fun, the chasing up of homework doesn't feel so much like nagging and on the day I am every bit as excited to see my bride arrive as the guests. Doris looked so pretty in her light as air chiffon gown that the wind was blowing everywhere. Like her veil. Like the pages of my script! Try, try , try as I may to look elegant whilst reading in heavy winds, it is almost impossible. ( I do look a bit windswept, don't I?)

Maybe I got carried away with photos, but they are so beautiful, and Doris and Michael were so gorgeous, I just couldn't help myself!

Danielle & Mark - dancing back down the aisle!

2010-11-09T20:10:00.002+11:00

Finally, today - a couple who did the youtube aisle dance (you know the one......). Oh, how I have been waiting........

Danielle and Mark were super organised when they booked me for their September wedding, in May last year. They had plenty of time to do their homework ( but I suspect they left it the last minute!) No matter, we ended up with a ceremony that had Danielle's mum sobbing away - before we got to the vows!
Auburn Botanic Gardens are surprisingly beautiful - quite possibly the best pick of the Western Sydney outdoor venues. The japanese gardens are superb and if you are lucky you will be visited by the peacocks and a gaggle or two of geese. But it is a long walk to the car if you forget something!
I was glad to be a bit of a girl scout today. I had been told that there was a PA system I could use, so no need to bring my own. Hmmmm. When I got there, I found that the microphone was on a cord (which I hate) and that it wasn't working properly (oh dear). Lucky I had mine in the car, so I raced back, stalled the bride and lugged mine to the spot. THEN we found that the cd wasn't working , so back to get my ipod, and stall the bride again.
When we did begin, it was worth the wait. Danielle wore a strapless duchess satin gown trimmed with deep red lace and her bridesmaids wore the same red. After much gun-ho pre-wedding jokes, Mark was my first groom in ages to get muddled and say "awfully wedded wife". So what? He had everyone in fits of giggles - and a fair amount of heckling too. Danielle was a bit teary, but beaming happy at the same time. Lots of laughing between the two of them, and when it was all over, they did the daggy fun dance back down the aisle I have been waiting for. Exit laughing and a great time was had by all!

the kiss - just minutes after Mark says "awfully wedded wife". Oops

and then they danced their way down the aisle......

and kept right on dancing.......

they stopped dancing long enough for a happy snap!

Aale & Lawrence - he sang, I cried - it was divine!

2010-11-08T18:43:00.000+11:00

Everything about this ceremony was glorious! Everything about Aale and Lawrence was glorious! From the moment I first met them, I knew they were special. Aale's unbelievable sun-shiny smile literally jumps off her face and is absolutely intoxicating. Lawrence can't take his eyes off her. They are the one of the most loved-up couples I have ever met. I was excited about seeing them together on their Big Day!

Come wedding day - the only warm sunny wedding day of October - and Aale is stunning in a red gown, and Lawrence is nervous. He was planning to sing to his bride and right up til the last minute he was worried about forgetting the words. He need not have been. He was amazing - it was one of those gobsmackingly romantic moments that make mine the best job in the world. With only the tiniest bit of help, Lawrence sang "Just the way you are", and had everyone in tears. Especially me.

I really love the Chinese Gardens - every time I do a wedding here, I am overcome by the peace and quiet and beauty of the place. Today was no exception, but when I left this wonderful wedding, I wanted to sing, too!

ok, so I cried, but it was really, really romantic

Aale & Lawrence pour wine to share

three very happy people!

beautiful Aale and I, before the ceremony

Cindy & Cas - United Nations on Sydney Harbour!

2010-11-01T22:15:00.000+11:00

This one was always going to be fabulous - and lots of fun. From the first moment I sat myself down on the floor at Cindy and Cas' apartment and laughed at their cat trying to attack my handbag, I knew we were a perfect match. I was so excited when they thought so, too.

Early start for me on the day. 7:30am and I was sitting at the wharf to help load the water taxi with everything they needed - lots and lots of beer, plenty of chairs, three bbqs and a ton of fantastic food. And a cocktail slushie machine! Back again at 11:30am to meet the taxi with Cindy, her Mum and her bridesmaids. Cindy looked beautiful in a gumnut green strapless dress, that kept slipping down - aaah! - and we all huddled under umbrellas laughing about it.

Not everything was kind to us. Sydney weather did disappoint the guests who had flown in from Scotland, USA, South Africa, New Zealand and Holland to celebrate on Rodd Island for this lovely, laid back affair. I nearly had my head blown off in the wind, as I tried and tried (without success) to fight the flapping pages and the hair in my face and the gale force winds trying to lift my dress - but it was actually quite funny. So we laughed, as vases of flowers were knocked over and smashed around us. They giggled as I told stories of their second meeting, because neither of them could remember their first.

After it was all done, it was time for food - lots of fabulous food, a real Australian themed bbq with tuna steaks, kangaroo and the best bbq field mushrooms I can remember eating.

When my taxi arrived at 2:30pm to pick me up, I was really sad to leave. I could have stayed at that party.......

we nearly had our heads blown off in the wind........

but we had a simply lovely time!

Anton & Nadya - finally, a bride in a mini!

2010-10-27T17:01:00.000+11:00

A Wednesday wedding for the lovely Nadya and Anton at The Gunners Barracks. October is sooooo crazy for weddings that any day of the week is a great day! Theirs is a love at first sight, whirlwind, can't live without you romance - but their story began 47 years ago, long before they were born. Their parents went to school together and dated through university - in Russia, but Nadya only met Anton - in the US - at his sister's wedding - this year. It's practically a fairytale!

I love romance, I love celebrating this kind of story, so although they opted for quite a short ceremony, it was filled with the bits that matter. It was a small group of family and guests that had come from all over to be here for this lovely intimate celebration, so I had to make it good!

Nadya wore a gorgeous white mini. No frills, but not stiff at all. No veil. Adorable aqua flats. Elegant and cute, spunky and fresh all at the same time - she looked fantastic. My first bride-in-a-mini. Oh, how I have been waiting........

Kept wishing that the sky was just a little darker so we could make the most of the fairy lights above us, but I'm sure it looked simply divine later.

Love these two - they were completely trusting, delightful and so easy to please!

A big thank you to the delightful photographer, Emily Sandrussi for sharing these gorgeous photos with us....... xxxx
http://www.facebook.com/emily.sandrussi

love, love, love these free and easy shoes!

Anton &; Nadya xxxxxxx

Shirley & Cafa - one hot day!

2010-10-19T19:45:00.000+11:00

looking down the aisle as Shirley & Cafa make their vows

A hot, hot January day for Shirley and Cafa in the Rose Gardens at Auburn Botanic Gardens. It must have been at least 36 degrees that day and everyone was running late (not me, I am never late - but everyone else was). The decorators didn't start setting up until 10 minutes before the ceremony was due to begin. The guests trickled in late, and Shirley was held up, too. None of that mattered when she finally did arrive, looking like a tiny, perfect china doll - so very, very delicate and pretty. Poor Cafa was sweating away in his suit!

Despite the heat, I really enjoyed myself. (I always do).

And I learnt a valuable lesson, too. Umbrellas are not just for rain. I will carry one to every wedding I do this summer - and if I look like a nerd while I stay out of the sun, please forgive me......

Nobody likes the lobster-look!

after the ceremony, signed, sealed and delivered!

enjoying a spot of shade with Shirley and Cafa, before it was time to say goodbye

Hayley & Dene - at Loxley on Bellbird Hill

2010-10-15T19:45:00.000+11:00

Every time I drive up the driveway to Loxley on Bellbird Hill, Kurrajong Hills, I take a deep breath. The place is simply beautiful. Even more so in the Spring - the gardens were lush with azaleas and cherry blossom (almost gone, alas), may bush and cliveas. It simply couldn't be prettier.

So when Hayley and Dene told me that that was their spot, I was delighted -it's a bit of a drive, but so worth it! Hayley first contacted me last year, whilst living in Perth, (she is a polka dot bride girl) and she was busy planning. She reappeared at the beginning of this year, having moved to Sydney and ready to go. So off we went.

The wedding itself was beautiful. Hayley is a girl after my own heart - simply in love with finer details, beautiful stationery and with excellent taste. The wedding was styled around a very elegant colour scheme of softest dusky pink and palest mocha, with the loveliest little design touches. Nothing flash or over the top. Just simple , understated style - the best kind. I even matched my dress to the colour scheme quite perfectly so we all blended perfectly!

There was a tear in Hayley's eye as she came down the stairs with her Dad, in lightest flowing strapless chiffon - but a big hug from Dene fixed that. Who says you can't start the ceremony with a kiss?

Thanks to the lovely photographers Sarah and Calli at Mint Photography http://www.mintphotography.com.au/ for these absolutely beautiful photos.
( I know - I got a bit carried away - but don't you just love it?)

Hayley and Dene - September 17th at Loxley on Bellbird Hill. Simply glorious. xxxxx

Cat & Andy

2010-09-30T21:38:00.000+10:00

6th March, 2010, and I have rushed from Mary & Toby's wedding at Balmoral to be here for Cat &A ndy at 5pm. I needn't have rushed. Plenty of time to get there, but absolutely nowhere to park! Fairlight Reserve is absolutely lovely - the view is idyllic, the waters are clear light blue and it was a hot sunny afternoon. The access was awful - but fortunately that was the only bad thing about this fabulous afternoon. Andy is a real lad, a typical "naughty boy" , so of course that made him great fun. Catleya, absolutely beautiful, a little nervous, but laughed her way through everything.

We had a really funny moment, when I called for the rings and they arrived, tied to the collar of their dog! (I hadn't been told about this minor detail). When we opened the bag, Andy's ring was missing, and we thought the dog had dropped it somehow. Excellent guest participation was required to hunt on the ground for the "lost"ring. Everyone was laughing - we found the ring, got it onto Andy's finger and I reminded everyone that if that was the worst thing that happened on your wedding day - after 12 years together - then, who really cares!

A lovely, sunshiny, smiling afternoon for all - ( except Andy perhaps, for just a moment, when I banned him from beers at the signing table! It would have ruined the photos! I was thanked for this later by Cat).

Hannah & David at Curzon Hall

2010-09-29T18:57:00.000+10:00

Hannah and David's wedding at Curzon Hall was beautiful - and very individual - and very personal. I doubt any of the guests would have guessed we prepared and wrote the ceremony in about 3 weeks.........

Most of the running around and the pre-wedding to-ing and fro-ing was done by Hannah's lovely Mum, Jane - and I had promised her that everything would be beautiful. It was.

It was a really hot March afternoon, and David and the boys were sweating long before we began. ( and me, I could feel one drop running down the back of my leg, and there was nothing polite I could do to get rid of it!). Hannah arrived with her Dad, just after two cute-as-pie-bubble-blowing fairies, in a fantastic black lace and ivory gown. She looked amazing - all I could see was the gorgeous lace and her bright red lips. David only had eyes for her. Refreshingly emotional - no bravado - he didn't even try to fight it!

Funnily enough, Hannah and David picked their wedding date on a whim. Very early in their relationship they decided that the 21st March had a good ring to it - that would be their day. And so it was.
..

I love this gorgeous photo, taken after the ceremony - finally alone!

Justine & Doug - confetti in the backyard!

2010-09-25T21:21:00.000+10:00

I had forgotten confetti. You know, the old style stuff that used to be present at every wedding before eco-friendly was the buzz. Every venue, every park bans the stuff now, but you can have whatever you want in your own back yard! And it's fun. It gets everywhere - I'll be pulling it out of my books and my folders for weeks, but every time I do, I will think of today - and smile.

Whenever I think of Justine I smile to myself - when she first contacted me about her wedding, she told me that she had seen a little slideshow of mine with music and photos and it had made her cry. She said "it has to be you, no one else" and I said " how could I ever refuse?" So sweet.

It was a simple, emotional afternoon at Doug and Justine's home in Hebersham, today. They had a huge silk lined marquee set up , and everything was made by hand. Justine must have been folding napkins and tying hot pink bows onto things for months. It was all hot pink, black, silver and white, so I matched myself up to the groomsmen in their black shirts and hot pink ties, and tested out a new black dress for the occasion.

What I loved about today was the pared back Aussie approach. Lots of good friends. Really friendly down to earth couple with three refreshingly normal - and-not-always-perfect-kids (which I love, having 2 little terrors of my own!) Nobody pretending to be something that they aren't - and most of all, the way Justine only just held it together for as she followed Dad's giving away with a dedication back to him. I don't think there was anyone in that marquee that didn't want to cry too. I had one hand on her arm for support as she did it, half expecting to have to take over, but she did it without my help. The rest was easy after that......(did I tell you Justine was early, too?)

I wasn't there to see it, butI would not be at all surprised if someone tied tin cans to the back of a car and used shaving foam to write "Just Married" over the back of the windscreen, today.

Justin & Karina - August 28th 2010

2010-09-19T21:21:00.000+10:00

I warmed to Justin and Karina the moment I met them last year. They are just lovely! They wanted short and simple, so I had to talk them into around to short but personal, simple and special all rolled into one.

Justin wasn't exactly keen on being centre of attention, so I learnt a few tricks over time to keep him as comfortable as possible.

(I hope they worked) I do think he was most happy when it was over.

They made a beautiful choice of venue, Carisbrook House at Lane Cove, which had a lush, private garden, and no onlookers. 35 guests to keep it simple and everything went beautifully. We did a "reverse giving away" to surprise their parents; more of a "we love you too much to be given away" than the traditional thing and I saw a few tears from Justin's Mum, too.

Karina looked absolutely stunning in a champagne and mocha strapless gown and said she was surprised by how emotional she got - but if it all meant nothing, why would we bother?

Look at this beautiful photo - I love it!

Definately the kind of couple you want to give a big hug to...........

Karina's friend, Danielle Najdovski did all the beautiful photos - thank you!

wedding shoes!

time to celebrate..........

Romi & Adam - my first groom-in-a-kilt!

2010-09-16T16:39:00.000+10:00

Now, winter is always quiet time for weddings, but this wedding warmed my heart and made me feel like it was Summer. It was a moment of absolute delight - for everyone, and definately for me!

Romi and Adam's wedding at the Gunners Barracks was an absolute cracker - I couldn't wait to get started.

Great ceremonies bring every single person along for the ride. They are moments of delight, of laughter and surprise - and that is just what we had at this one. I had a ball!

Absolutely adorable sunshiny Romi and lovely groom-in-a-kilt, Adam, let me recount their arguments , tell their funny stories and celebrate everything that makes them tick. And yes, Romi - I agree, a beach has to be on the coast - not just a river with sand. (Sorry Adam)

There was nothing I didn't love about this affair - from the moment we first met, it was so easy. Me being me, determined to give them everything they could possibly want, and excitably enthusiastic Romi getting all excited. Adam made me laugh over and over, and we were on our way.

See the beautiful origami cranes? Adam folded 1000 of them, and I kicked off my shoes and got up a ladder to help hang them around the room - they looked beautiful - even the bridesmaids carried them instead of flowers.

A huge thankyou to the lovely Nerida McMurray who let me use these beautiful photos (and who, on the day, oh-so-politely tried to work out whether I would have my head in the kiss shot. Ah? Never!

http://www.neridamcmurray.com.au/

Romantic, heartfelt and totally quirky....( I wish they were all this amazing)

Edwin & Chitthida - aboard the Pontoon

2010-09-08T16:16:00.000+10:00

Aaah! The lovely Chitthida & Edwin. Getting to the bit where I could say yes! yes! I'd love! to was a little bit of a comedy of errors before this wedding. A clash of dates, a pregnant bride ( another one, not Chitthida!), a change of dates, six weeks passed and a conversation with a friend and I went from, "I'm really sorry but I can't" to " Yes, let's do it!"
And it was beautiful aboard the Pontoon in Farm Cove. And it was hot. And crystal blue on the harbour, with no wind.

Chitthida looking amazing, Edwin beaming, and bridesmaids in the most incredible shade of purple - a visual feast of Sydney Harbour glory. These two were such a delight of warmth and friendliness that everything was just so easy. We wrote a really beautiful, spiritual and romantic ceremony that was deeply personal and yet light ennough that everyone was entertained - and listening intently - and as 5:30pm came around, I declared them husband and wife

I loved the little straw fans they gave everyone for the heat, and the fabulous live music, and the way I felt just a little bit like royalty as my water taxi pulled off to take me home.

Waving and beaming all the way, I left knowing that I would always remain friends with these two. And I have. xxxxxxxxx

Alex & Pascale - Winter in Centennial Park

2010-09-06T21:56:00.000+10:00

For Alex and Pascale, an afternoon wedding in the middle of a Sydney winter was nothing to worry about! ( They live in Canberra!) What started as a wet and windy morning, turned into a windy, blue sky in the afternoon! Ok, I shivered, but that's not unusual - if I could find a way to carry a small heater with me everywhere I go - I would. But Pascale arrived in a lovely, elegant navy blue sleeveless dress! She didn't even notice the ice in the air. Centennial Parklands are always beautiful - even in the winter, and our small group had a lovely afternoon, in the gardens, without too much noise from the ducks and geese who watched from the pond shores.
Alex and Pascale were such a fantastic couple to work with, so easy to please, and so happy to be happy on their Big Day. I say it to everyone - laugh, smile, enjoy your wedding - it's your moment - and Alex and Pascale really, really did. ( And so did I) It was personal and intimate and romantic. We poked a little fun, had a bit of a giggle and they made vows that were heartfelt and real.
Just look at that wonderful, huge smile on Pascale's face in the photo above.
Could a bride possibly be more beautiful? I think not. xxxx

These photos thanks to www.stephenreinhardt.com

Welcome Spring!

2010-09-03T14:38:00.000+10:00

I just love the Spring.

I have always loved everything about it.

The sunshine. The flowers. No sleeves. The smell of summer in the air, just around the corner.

This year I am looking into Spring in a new way, and it's really exciting.

Tomorrow, is my first Spring wedding of 2010. The first of what is currently a figure hovering slightly above 30 . Yes, that is a lot of work, and not a lot of walking in the park, or feeding the ducks with my kids, but when I think of all the (metaphorical) fairy dust I will be sprinkling, and all the joy , the laughter and the delight I am about to bathe myself in, I feel very, very lucky!

So, to Portia and Shane, with whom I will begin my flight of Spring fancy, I send my love and a huge hug - and I just can't wait to begin!

(These absolutely gorgeous Spring inspired images have my need for aesthetics absolutely buzzing. Wish they were my weddings, but no http://www.betsywhite.com/ stationery and gorgeousness!

xxxxx

Rachel & Darren - they just wouldn't stop laughing!

2010-08-11T20:59:00.000+10:00

Rachel & Darren were all about a giggle. It's what attracted them to each other, what keeps them together and exactly what they did through the whole wedding! Everything was funny - and everyone laughed their way through this lovely afternoon.

Rachel and Darren are dear friends of my dear friend Sandra - so we already knew each other - and I was very excited to be able to do the "i dos" for them. The wedding was on a Friday afternoon in April, at Athol Hall in Mosman (which seems to be the popular pick for English Marry-makers, lately), and everything went perfectly.

During the ceremony - (of course) BUT I nearly made more than a spectacle of myself as I lugged my PA for miles from the car and managed to trip over three times on the pathway to the ceremony spot. Quite steep, uneven and high-heels-not-recommended, I very nearly landed on my butt. Oh dear.

So, what did I learn today? No more heels at Athol Hall. A laughing happy bride is more beautiful than the most beautiful dress she could buy - and it is doubly nice to marry people you know! Fairy godmother and all that! xxxxxxx

John & Iku - aaah!

2010-08-11T18:13:00.000+10:00

This beautiful photo of John & Iku is one of my favourites! See the gorgeous smile on John's face? He's laughing because he put Iku's ring on upside down, and now he has to get it off and fix it! These two were sheer delight for me. They were already married the year before in Japan, where they met, but I was able to renew their vows and perform "the wedding" for their friends and family - some of whom arrived from Japan just the day before.

I ran horribly late when I met with them for the first time ( their fault for living in Potts Point - not a car park for miles) and I hate to be late - even a minute - but I needn't have panicked - they were so lovely. Photographers, both of them, they chose the amazing Marzena Wasilewska to do their photos http://www.mw-photography.com.au/ and they weren't disappointed! ( I just love her work).

On the day we made the most of the rose arbor and I led all of the guests through the roses and into the gazebo in the Rose Gardens at the Botanic Gardens. It was great fun - a bit pied piper, really! The loveliest thingabout this ceremony was when John and Iku did their vows first in English and then in each other's language. John in Japanese for Iku. Iku in Chinese for John. Absolutely lovely!

Gina & Lee - unforgettable & amazing

2010-08-11T17:46:00.000+10:00

This one was quite some time ago - but there is no way that this wedding will ever leave my memory bank. It was gob-smackingly romantic and absolutely breathtaking. Imagine it. Only 5 of us, right on the cliff at dusk, at South Head. The waves are crashing, the wind is whipping around us and Lee stands and without a jog of the memory chants a native American Indian blessing that lasts for about 15 minutes (I could never remember something that long, so perfectly - but he did) Gina made an aboriginal blessing and thanked the land, the people everything. More a set of events with minor legal inclusions than a ceremony, we all said and did our part at the right times and before you knew it, they were married. But not before we observed moments of reflection, a circle of love and a silent handfasting.

Yep, I blubbered with the rest of them - it was a truly wonderful evening for me - and Gina and Lee are permanently etched in my heart.

Bula! Fiji marry me!

2010-08-04T14:13:00.000+10:00

Bula! Back from a week's holiday with my husband and my kids in Fiji. If I didn't have so many weddings to do, I think we would have stayed a bit longer. But I was on a bit of a mission, anyway....

When I arrived I had a letter in my hand from one of my grooms to his fiance, who works at The Shangri-La , where we stayed. It was my job to find her, meet her and deliver the letter, and tell her he was s-o-r-r-y-. I didn't ask the details, but it was rather nice to be entrusted with the perfume scented love letter! I carried one home - no perfume this time - and dutifully posted it as soon as I got home!

Look at this beautiful wedding chapel! I want to do a wedding in here! Everything I love - beautiful bright natural light, white walls, gorgeous gardens and ocean views. More Greek Islands than Fiji , I think! I played pretend inside for a while, until the caretaker came and found me and I made a quick exit.

I was banned from taking my laptop with me. I had a blackberry with no global roaming - thankyou Vodafone - and the hotel computers were very slow, so I had to enjoy my holiday without work ! So I played with my kids! ( That is 4 year old Joshy on the beach, 2 year old Aidey is with me) They had a ball . Me too......