Michael and Chrissy’s Wedding

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Michael & Chrissy

Michael & Chrissy

Saturday 28 January, 2012

Tinaroo Lake Resort

Framed by the blue waters of Lake Tinaroo, Christine Aller was radiant as she joined Michael Hopkinson to celebrate their marriage.  A sea of bubbles blew gently over the bridal party as Chrissy and Michael joined hands and said “I Do”.  Mother of the Bride, Linda, lowered the Bride’s veil before Chrissy was escorted down the red carpet by her brother, Wesley.  Mother of the Groom, Ren, wished the couple a lifetime of happiness and cousin Jamie reminded us of the meaning of love.

Surrounded by family, their many friends and a beautiful bridal party there is no doubt much love and support goes with this couple.  It was a delight to witness their vows and declare them to be husband and wife.  May each day be a blessing and a fulfilment of your dreams.  Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Michael and Christine Hopkinson.

Michael & Chrissy Hopkinson with Bridal Party

Michael & Chrissy Hopkinson with Bridal Party

 

 

 

The Best Man

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The Best Man?!

Have you ever wondered why we have ‘the best man’?  Seems to go without saying that this person would be the groom’s best friend – but how far does this go?Way, way back in tribal times, it was common practise for couples from the same community to marry.  However, when a shortage of women occurred, suitors would hunt and capture a woman from a neighbouring community.  To fight off any resistance from the woman’s family was a two-man job so the prospective groom would choose the best man he knew to help out.

The threat from the bride’s family continued through the wedding ceremony requiring the best man to remain at the groom’s side, just in case.  Taking the best man scenario even further, he then stood guard outside the newlywed’s home.  Can’t you just see this happening today – you’d be locked up!

The best man is now responsible for safeguarding the rings.  It can cause uproar when he pretends to lose them.  Incidentally, we present the rings on a pillow as they are seen as precious gifts.  This tradition started when the ‘royal coronation crown’ was carried on a pillow.

The moral of this story is if you are asked to be the Best Man, ask the Groom what your duties are before accepting!

Merry Christmas 2011

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Happy Christmas

“Merry Christmas”

Sincere thanks to the Brides, Grooms, families and friends who have allowed me into their lives this past year.  I have been fortunate to meet some wonderful people in the course of being a Marriage Celebrant and each time, it is a privilege.

We have seen some spectacular weddings as well as quiet, intimate ceremonies.  We have experienced the usual ups and downs, from panic mode to fainting, but all in all, I am happy to say they ended well.  This year has seen ceremonies conducted on boats, the side of a mountain, in gardens, in restaurants, in lounge rooms, in a village chapel, at lookouts, at Herberton Historic Village, on the foreshore of Tinaroo Lake and of course in the beautiful Crystal Caves – a delightful mix of venues.

One of the lessons I learnt this year was from being a ‘Matron of Honour’ myself.  It provided an opportunity for me to realise how nervous the bridal party actually are and how much they rely on the direction of the Celebrant on the big day.  It is easy for Celebrants who do lots of weddings to overlook this aspect and I am thankful for the reminder.

Once upon a time, the wedding ceremony was simply the precursor to the reception.  Now, it seems the ceremony is the highlight of the day with so much more planning needed to achieve the wedding of your dreams.  Whether you are having a large traditional wedding, a small gathering, or eloping I am inspired by your thoughts and visions to prepare a ceremony that will leave you and your guests talking about long after the wedding is over.

I wish you good friends this Christmas and everything else in life will follow.  Go well.

Leslie

Christmas 2011

 

Tony and Imogen’s Wedding

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Tony & Imogen

Saturday 17 December, 2011

Tinaroo Lake Resort
I am privileged to meet so many lovely people in the course of my work and none more so than at the wedding of Tony Higginson and Imogen Newell.
Arriving to the violins of the Newell Family Orchestra, Imogen and her father, Bryan, walked down the red carpet preceded by flower girls, page boys and bridesmaids.  As Tony and Imogen joined hands for the ancient ritual of hand-fasting, the strains of a Celtic lullaby played in the background.  They were surrounded by so much love and support from family and dear friends.  May love always guide your path.  Congratulations to the happy couple, Tony and Imogen.

Steven and Megan’s Wedding

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Steven & Megan with son, Johnny

Saturday 10 December, 2011Mareeba

All that is good in this world – love, family, friends, support – was with Steven Petersen and Megan Scullen today as they said “I Do”.  Accompanied and given away
by her Grandfather, Alan Scullen, Megan joined Steven and their son, Johnny,
under a specially made pergola for their garden ceremony.  Many people, especially mother of the groom,
Lorraine, worked together to make this day so very special.

To quote the reading, “…I can promise a love that’s
ever true and ever growing, a hand to hold in yours through each tomorrow”.

Congratulations and warm wishes to Mr & Mrs Steven
and Megan Petersen.