Barry & Samantha

Saturday 18 February, 2012

Herberton Historic Village

Samantha Hayter looked every bit a princess as she wed her best friend and love of her life, Barry Collett.  On a carpet of rose petals Sam and dad, Kevin Hayter, made their way to the veranda of stately Elderslie House were in front of their nearest and dearest, Barry and Sam placed their hands in each other’s and pledged their love and commitment for all the days of their life.  In a heartfelt reading, sister of the groom, Miranda, said “you have given each other the most precious gift of love”, and their love shone bright.It was a pleasure for me to be part of Barry and Sam’s special day.  May your hands always reach out for each other.  Warmest wishes to Mr & Mrs Barry and Samantha Collett.

Reasons as to why “Broken Heart Syndrome” (called takotsubo) occurs are uncertain but intense grief bombards our system with stress hormones and other factors that can increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting plus other factors that place your heart at risk.  If you are grieving you are also liable to be losing sleep, eating less and missing your medications, all of which may increase the chance of a heart attack.

Some may ignore heart attack warning signs after the death of a loved one putting it down to stress or depression and do not seek medical care.

Is there anything we can do?  Allow others to comfort and support you especially at the beginning of the grieving process; don’t attribute heart attack symptoms to stress alone – treat the situation seriously and seek immediate medical advice; ensure your diet and medications routine are maintained.

Grief-related heart attack is still a relatively rare occurrence when compared to other causes but there is enough evidence to suggest that your medical practitioner should take it into consideration.

Heart attack symptoms include chest discomfort or pain, stomach pain, shortness of breath, nausea and lightheadedness.

Grief and loss may be soul destroying.  In this saddest of times, it is important you take care of yourself.

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

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!

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