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Inspiration & Expert Advice to Help You Create Your Own Wedding Ceremony!


Who Wears the Pants in Your House?

Monday, May 07, 2012

Bride wearing the pantsI was just going back through some old ceremonies and I came across this delightful one which I will always remember. This young couple were bright and vivacious and full of enthusiasm. I would like to share just one part of the ceremony that I wrote for them. I asked if they had any surprises planned (a great question for celebrants to ask!) and they said, 'well, actually yes!' When they told me what they were doing I was happy to support them. I have changed their names and a few details to maintain their privacy as it has been a long time since we have had contact.  ... read more


Butterfly Release for a Wedding Ceremony

Friday, April 20, 2012

I was recently asked for some information on the wording for a butterfly release for a wedding. With the butterfly ceremony I ask my couples to consider what the butterfly symbolises for them (some examples might be: beauty, transformation, freedom, softness etc) I then incorporate their ideas into the wording before the release. There is a well known quote about sending wishes on the butterfly wings (since they make no sound and can tell no-one this secret wish) up to the heavens for them to be granted. It is an  opportunity to invite the wedding guests to make a wish for the couple as the butterflies are released.  ... read more


The Power of Music in a Wedding Ceremony

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Roger and I watched a beautiful program yesterday on the effect of music on people. It was a insightful look through the eyes of the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra and their world tour. In one part of the program they were working with beautiful Chinese bells that when played captured my attention and lifted my spirits. They were delicate and yet commanding. It reminded me of a stunning ceremony I conducted down by the banks of the Never Never River at the Promised Lands in the Bellinger Valley.   ... read more


Values and Intentions for a Wedding

Monday, April 02, 2012

In my file clean-up I rediscovered another part of a ceremony that I had written some time back:

Since you first met your friendship has grown from strength to strength. You have shared many wonderful moments and created a fabulous history together. In the planning towards your wedding day and the writing your own vows you have become aware of your intentions and values that give meaning to this ceremony and also to the marriage itself. You have considered the direction you wish to travel and the vision that you wish to sustain.

You both deeply value the honesty, trust and respect that you uphold in your friendship; and your intentions are that you wish the very best for each other; that you will be kind and considerate in the ways in which you communicate; that you will be generous in giving thanks and, if conflict comes, that you will strive to fight fairly; that you will respect each other as the very best of friends; that you will share and care for each other through all that comes - the good times and the challenges; and that you both wish to have a beautiful family and grow old together holding hands for many years to come.

  ... read more


Wet Weather Changes to a Ceremony

Saturday, March 31, 2012

What happens when you have planned for the perfect day out on the headland and the weather has other ideas!  Well, with Frank and Shay this is exactly what happened.  ... read more


Do I want to marry this couple?

Thursday, March 29, 2012

MEMORIES OF WEDDINGS PAST - I remember being quite alarmed when I met this couple for the first time. When I opened my front door and welcomed them into my home the groom was holding their beautiful new born baby. He looked a little treasure fast asleep. I acknowledged their baby and the groom said, 'yeah, the little ##@!! didn't sleep last night'.  ... read more


Mother of the Bride Speech

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

I received an email from a dear friend, Trina, whose precious daughter is getting married. (Amy is now happily married by the time this goes to air). She wrote and asked me for help with her speech for the reception.  ... read more


A Renewal of Vows Ceremony

Monday, March 26, 2012

I received an email from a beautiful couple whose wedding I conducted ten years ago. Would I be able to conduct a renewal of vows for them in July?  I was so excited that I replied immediately saying, 'Yes, I would love to join them!' I sent them a few questions which I have in my renewal of vows ebook ... read more


Children at Weddings

Thursday, March 22, 2012

A celebrant from the south coast emailed me asking if I had any ideas on how to include a couple's two young children in a very simple wedding ceremony on the beach early in the morning. My response to her: I love the simplicity of children at weddings. I have recently been reading lovely stories with young ones at both namings and weddings. My favourite at the moment is Sam McBraggart's, Guess How Much I love you. I simplify the text down a bit as I show the pictures and engage fully the children, however I have noticed, and received feedback how much the adults like it too.  ... read more


When Someone is Missing

Monday, March 12, 2012

It is always difficult if someone has died in the family, and even more so, when it is just days, weeks or even months before a wedding ceremony. Talk with your celebrant about whether you would like to mention the person who has died and also with the rest of the family. It is important so that no-one gets a real shock when they hear the deceased's name.   ... read more





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