And I tell you what, I’m totally sneaking in on Beth’s next free day on the Sunshine Coast – it sounds like heaven to me! Read on to learn all about it, and an exciting launch Beth has planned for this month…

Beth, you have a very important job – to say the least – on the wedding day. Take me through your wedding day process as the celebrant.

On the day of the wedding, I try to always try to do a tiny bit of yoga first. It settles me and gives me an opportunity to set an intention and narrow my focus for ceremony ahead. After yoga, I get more into the practical details of what’s required for the day. I double check all your paper work is ready to go (which I always prepare the week prior), give my PA system a quick sound check and then start to get ready with hair, make up and clothes.

I always arrive onsite an hour prior to the ceremony start time. This gives me a chance to set up my PA, check the sound levels and co-ordinate with the vendors onsite. I always meet with the photographer and videographer, and run through the flow of the ceremony, so they know when to expect, and then capture, the most photographic moments.

Each ceremony is different, but normally, the groom or partner would arrive about 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, and this is when I chat with him and get a feel for how the morning has been. I offer water (as the groomsmen always offer beer or whiskey), and settle any nerves he may be having. The guests would then start arriving, and whilst they mingle, I would casually discuss any housekeeping items, such a no cameras, timelines, hashtags etc. I always prefer to discuss this in small groups as the guests mingle, rather than blast the rules through my speaker – it’s just more my style.

With about five minutes to go, I gently guide the guests to the seats (if applicable). I then get the groom or partner in position, along with their peeps at the front, being careful to make sure the positioning is even and will look balanced in the photos once the other squad arrive over the other side of the aisle. Once I’ve got the thumbs up from the venue manager or co-ordinator, I cue the music, and off we go!

Elopements, micro weddings and ‘legals only’ ceremonies are huge! There is a definite shift towards smaller celebrations, for sure. But just because they’re smaller, doesn’t mean they’re any less opulent!

What do your clients always say after having worked with you?

My clients are always telling me they love how calm I am, and how relaxed and grounded I make them feel in what would would otherwise be quite a nervous, emotive situation. I put that down to my pre-game yoga sesh!

Share something people may not know about you.

I absolutely love tap dancing, I speak Japanese and can cook a damn good curry.

We heard you have an exciting new launch coming very soon! Please, do tell!

Love + Elope is a team of premium wedding professionals offering styled elopement packages and luxury intimate weddings from Noosa to Maleny. Launching in March 2019, we will be offering couples unique and elegantly styled spaces within which to begin their marriage, along with designer florals, an uber-creative photo and video team, and sumptuous grazing platters and drinks packages to suit any budget or taste. Register your interest now, and let’s create something beautiful together.

Images by Janneke Storm + Luke Middlemiss

The post Beth Stevenson | A-List Vendor Profile appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Today we have a very special guest blogger, Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant, Kari, who has a special story to share about a unique wedding ring exchange ritual at one of the weddings she officiated. 

Wedding bands are of course valuable in themselves.  Yet they are made so much more precious by our wearing of them, by knowing who placed them on our fingers, on our wedding day, and what they represent.

Kerrie and Andrew’s rings are super special.  It began with their engagement in Florence, Italy. On their wedding day, to honour of the significance of wedding rings they asked to create a unique ring ritual. There were several elements that contributed to this unique ritual, each one chosen carefully for the meaning.

Element One: Water

The plan was to use water, the elixir of life.  On the wedding day, Kerrie was up in the cottage room before the wedding ceremony, she looked down over the Obi Obi Creek and had an idea. Voila! There was the water, made extra special because it was collected from right behind the ceremony platform.  In this way they honored this place, the sacredness of the creek and locality.

Element Two: Vessel

They needed a vessel, a bowl to place rose petals… Andrew had decided to go the full Scottish, and be married in his family tartan.  At the kilt shop, he spied a silver bowl, a celtic quaich (pronounced Kwek). A quaich is a Scottish welcome bowl, crafted by artisans and intricately decorated with celtic curls and swirls. Imagine arriving to a household in Scotland, coming in out of the freezing cold and being offered a silver bowl with a dram of warm Whiskey to warm body and soul. On the wedding day the sliver bowl welcomed the warmth of a wedding promise.

Element Three: Rose Petals

To celebrate their engagement, Kerrie and Andrew had planted a Montville Rose in their garden. It was the first thing they had planted together, and held great meaning for them. Recalling that occasion of humble celebration of their union, on their wedding day in honour of that rose and the French tradition of roses in weddings, they added handfuls of petals to the Quaich.    

Element Four: Essential oils

 Essential oils have long been used for sacred ceremony. Once more Kerrie and Andrew found their own meaning, as the ring ritual evolved a step further.  They used special oil blends for joy and valour, for humility and compassion, for spice and passion.

Element Five: Friends

Into the bowl went much love and the best wishes of all the guests there.  Each guest had previously taken a moment to hold and bless the rings.  They arrived at the ring ceremony well warmed with love.

We blessed the rings, washing them in the fragrant water of the quaich, and personalising their wedding ritual. It was a truly joyous and fun ceremony.

Photography: Marion Jonkers Photography | Celebrant and guest blogger: Kari – Warm-hearted Celebrant

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It’s becoming more and more common for couples to move away from the traditional wedding vows and opt to write their own personal vows. However, it can be more complicated to write your own vows than you think. Many people know how they feel about their partner, but actually putting it into words is a tough task.

Mr & Mrs Celebrant, have put together some helpful tips on how to write your own vows, so you can make sure you say exactly how you feel and make an incredibly romantic and memorable ceremony.

What sort of ceremony is right for you

Firstly decide on the type of ceremony you want. Your celebrant can help you with this, making sure you cover all the right aspects of a marriage ceremony, but also keeping it personal. You may decide you want it to be sentimental with a touch of humour, or über romantic and soppy. Think about your personalities and how you are as a couple for inspiration.

Separate vows?

For vows to really resonate on your big day it’s important you and your partner are singing off the same hymn sheet. Before you put pen to paper, take a little time to work out if you want completely separate vows or you want a set of unified vows where you recite the same words back to each other.

Structure

It’s also important that both sets of vows have a consistent structure. If you start by talking about each other, how you met, when you first realised you were in love and how great you are as a couple. This gives a great basis for the vows and will allow you to develop on those feelings when it comes to pledging your lives to one another.

Think about the future

It’s also good to think about the life you have together and the common goals you want to achieve, as well as what you both want to give each other for the future, besides undying love of course. Think of the promises you want to make as a couple and what will make you both happy in marriage. You can also make it extra special and personal by including experiences you have had together or times you’ve really had to pull together as a couple.

And finally, try to keep your vows short and sweet, not only because it’s less to remember, but sometimes when it comes to love less is more. A succinct and touching account of your love and promises can have more resonance with you and your guests.

The post How to write your own wedding vows appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

When it comes to planning your wedding there are a million and one things to consider, one of which is whether your wedding should have a theme.

If you think of your wedding like any other event you might have been to, whether it’s a big beach party or an evening ball, most will have some sort of theme. It doesn’t have to be anything too garish or obvious, but a subtle theme will help to give your wedding consistency and unity throughout. So let’s take a look at whether or not to consider a wedding theme. 

Subtle themes

A theme for your wedding day can be as simple and subtle as a colour scheme throughout the room, table centrepieces and your bouquet or it can be more definitive such as a vintage tea party vibe, with plenty of vintage decorations and touches throughout the venue and even your attire.

Having a theme for your wedding day will not only help you marry all of the other elements of the day together, from the type of venue and ceremony you want to the colour of your bridesmaids dresses, but it will give you a good basis to work from with all your planning. There’s so much choice for weddings these days it can feel overwhelming, so having your theme clear in your mind should help you make more definitive decisions for the planning.

Choose your theme together

When choosing your theme, take the time to talk with your partner and figure out the type of ceremony and reception you want and where, as well as considering your own personal styles and personalities. This will make it look and feel even more special as a wedding is an incredibly personal experience and should therefore be a true reflection of the couple and their individual styles.

This should give you a good idea of how you envisage your day, the venue and everything else running and make it easier to decide on your theme. It’s also worth talking your ideas through with your wedding celebrant as they can help with ideas and discuss how it will work in relation to the logistics of the ceremony and reception.

Having a theme for your wedding is important, it makes planning easier and creates a wonderful and memorable day for you and your guests, as well as a true and personal reflection of the happy couple.

If you would like advice on how to choose your theme and plan the most unique and wonderful wedding ceremony, then Mr & Mrs Celebrant are here to help.

Images by Jane Gilbey Photography, submitted by Mr & Mrs Celebrant

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We have a spot of advice for you today, which has come from a woman very much in the know. Suzanne Riley is a savvy Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant, who always looks the part, so be sure to heed her advice, lovely brides…

So there is a list for everything!! But don’t we just love lists, we get everything done perfectly and we can tick things off! LOVE IT.

Its not every day we wear a lush gown,  have a room full of ladies helping us get ready and are preened from head to toe, so here are some tips to make the lead up to your walk down the aisle, flow as smooth as silk.

Here’s a common sense approach to getting dressed on your wedding day. Before you even reach for the gown, tick off this checklist. 

Holding your wedding here on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, the weather can be quite hot and sometimes sticky, so getting ready in air-conditioned comfort is something that can be pre-planned and is well worth the forethought.  This makes the process much more comfortable.

Here goes…

• Air-conditioning is on
• Your hair is perfect
• Teeth Cleaned
• If you have had your veil fixed by your hairdresser, then you will already have your veil attached if not, you can leave the veil until after the gown is fitted
• Pantyhose and shoes on – saves bending and creasing the dress or negotiating the gown if you put your shoes on first
• Underwear all in place
• Your makeup is complete – all powders (anything that can mark the gown) put away
• Deodorant on and dry
• Insect repellent on
• Sunscreen on
• Favourite fragrance on
• Jewellery can be fitted after the gown just in case of snags

wedding dresses available on the Sunshine Coast

NOW all of that is done…..  here are the last ‘must check’s’

• Do you need to go to the loo? This is your last chance realistically before you get to your reception so take advantage of one last visit!
• Any pets have been taken outside – we don’t want paw prints or claw pulls in the gown before we leave the house.
• Have something small and simple to eat, with nerves and excitement you may not have an appetite, but try to have something small, a sandwich, maybe have a protein drink or a small energy bar at least on hand and make sure you have ‘something’.  Your breath will smell sweeter, your blood sugar will thank you, you will probably find you are less emotional and there will be no fainting at the wedding.
• Many clean hands for the next step…. so everyone wash your hands, we’re about to tackle to gown….
• First choice for dress fitting is STEP INTO your gown if possible….. make sure your heels are securely on the floor and not on your gown at all before your gown is pulled up.  If your gown must be fitted over your head, wear a makeup saver over your hair/face whilst you’re being fitted into your gown.
• If your gown has a large separate underskirt, put this on first and fit the dress over your head.
• If your gown has many buttons or lace up ribbon, make sure to leave plenty of time for this as it can take longer than you imagine.
• If you need a nibble or to freshen up your makeup after the gown is fitted, protect the gown with a clean sheet, towel or makeup saver
• Final check….. Do you have your ‘something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue’?
• Take a deep breath!

Now you’re good to go.

Above images by Emma Nayler Photographer

Suzanne Riley has invaluable wedding knowledge by the basketfull. If you would like to learn more about this lovely lass and her wedding celebrant services here on the Sunshine Coast, you find all you need to know right here. 

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Today’s guest blogger, Noosa celebrant, Patricia Quinn, has been around enough wedding ceremonies in her time to possess some absolute gems of advice for brides-to-be. When it comes to handy little hints that could save you worry at your wedding ceremony, Patricia has thought of everything for you. 

Sun + Wind

If outdoors, check ceremony venue at a similar time of day for angle of the sun. Look at alternative options in case the weather is windy.

Veils

If you’re wearing a veil over your face, then your escort can lift it back before shaking the groom’s hand and kissing bride, then offering your hand to your groom. 

Bride’s Shoes

Practise walking on them at rehearsal to get used to them.

Bride’s Procession

Shoulders back, big smiles and pause, take your time. Acknowledge guests and your escort – there’s no rush!

Readings

Ask your readers if they would be kind enough to practise their readings a couple of times out loud before the ceremony.  (Most people speak too quickly, so ask them to slow it down.)

Using a Microphone

Always keep the microphone angled close to the mouth, speaking a little louder than normal when outdoors.

Photographs

Try to angle each other’s hands to the camera when placing each other’s rings. The groom should place one hand under the yours and take enough time for a lovely photo. Same with ‘The Kiss’ – if you don’t get it right for the camera and remember, then you can always just do it again!

Rings

If a little tight, nerves and excitement can make them even tighter, so you can lubricate beforehand with a little soap or Vaseline. Don’t force it if it’s not behaving, just wiggle it on properly a bit later. Note: if receiving rings before placement, often the bride’s ring fits on groom’s curled little finger and groom’s ring fits on bride’s curled thumb.

Bride’s Bouquet

Hold just below the waist (much more flattering in photos.) Don’t forget to ask your bridesmaid or someone to give it back to you before the recession.

Little Children

If they are guests, try to get someone or something to entertain them. If in the wedding party and they get restless, just let them sit down with their family.

Music

If using an iPod, make sure you have enough downloaded for pre-ceremony (at least half an hour) and signing (about five mins) plus post-ceremony. Rehearse bride’s procession and wedding party recession.

IMPORTANT: music should fade and stop just before ceremony begins. Be careful of devices sitting in full sun for a long time. If possible bring two in case one fails. If your device has a passcode – please don’t forget to share with your music person!

Hanky or Tissues

Bring along just in case of a few tears (of joy)!

Have Fun

Everything doesn’t have to be perfectly staged. Laugh if something goes wrong, what matters is having a great time! 

Photos by Lindy Photography

The post Everything You Haven’t Thought of Yet for Your Wedding Ceremony appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Firstly, don’t think of this as a daunting task, but rather an extremely rare and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to tell your beloved why you love him/her, what makes them the most special person in the world to you, and share that with all of your family and friends without them rolling their eyes and telling you to get a room.

Of course there are some technicalities to take into account. Firstly, you need to check with your wedding officiant to find out if there are any key words or phrases you must keep in your vows. Some officiants will have some very particular requirements that are non-negotiable, but many are very flexible.

Next, you can make life easier on yourself by writing down a few things about your partner to get the ball rolling.

1. The one undeniable thing about your partner that makes you love them beyond a shadow of a doubt.
2. What is the absolute best thing about the person you’re marrying?
3. How did you know you wanted to marry them?
4. How did you know when you fell in love with them?
5. What is your best shared memory?
6. What will change when you are married? What will stay the same?
7. How do you picture your lives together in 10, 20 and 50 years?
8. What are your shared dreams?
9. Most importantly – what promises and commitments are you making to your spouse by marrying them? This is the most important, because this is the crux of a vow, by definition!

Keep the Substance 

Once you have a good handle on the kinds of specifics of your relationship you can include, put a couple of them in your vows. One thing you want to be sure not to do is to take away from the true meaning of the vows themselves. Talking about how much you love each other is not technically the purpose of this exercise, but to make real promises to one another as you make your partnership in life official.

A good balance of sentiments and promises, with a focus on the latter, is the ticket. Feel free to throw in a few cute or funny personal details to keep it light and entertaining for your guests, but always remember why you are there – to make a lifelong commitment. 

Do Your Research

It’s time to do some research and figure out just how you can put these vows together to sound as beautiful as they feel in your heart. Your trusty old friend Google will be able to help here. You can find countless examples of wedding vows online. Try typing not just ‘wedding vows’, but a key phrase that is going to get you something as close to your specific requirements as possible. Eg. ‘Personalised Catholic wedding vows’ or ‘informal wedding vows.’

Consult an Expert

You can also consider consulting an expert. Your officiant is going to be the best person to ask first and foremost. You may also wish to enlist a professional wedding speech/vows consultant. They do exist! And they will be able to look at your individual case and help you every step of the way.

Strike a Balance

Putting everything together – the stuff you have to have, the personal stuff you want to include, and the beautiful wording to make it all come together – is the tricky part. Ensure you have left yourself enough time to go over and over your vows, so you will be 100% happy with them. The great thing about words is they are so very easily changed, re-written, deleted, etc. Up until the day of your wedding, you can make as many changed or do as many rewrites as you like, so don’t worry if you don’t get it all done in one hit.

Get on the Same Page

Lastly, go over your wedding vows with your betrothed. Even if you want to keep the actual words a surprise, it is a good idea to give each other an idea of the direction you’ve taken, so your vows will each stack up against the others’. You might even give each other a few ideas!  

Images by Chesterton Smith Photography

Celebrant for Jaimee + Matthew – Shona Anderson

For more helpful how-to articles, visit our Resource Guide. 

The post How to Write Your Wedding Vows appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

To get in contact with the lovely Suzanne, visit her vendor profile. 

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Local teacher, Jess, married her love, Travis, in a beautiful classic wedding at Sunshine Coast purpose-built wedding venue, The Lakehouse. Their wedding styling was inspired by the location and decor of the waterfront coastal venue, and Marine Engineer Travis’ affinity with all things nautical. Jess also included a hint of vintage in her fashion and with the inlusion of old family wedding photographs. 

Images by Lou O’Brien captured their day in a gorgeous fashion. 

“We gave our attendants their dresses and suits as well as nice bottles of champagne and scotch and the girls also had pretty robes for getting ready as well as earrings. My nieces and nephews all had presents on the table to entertain them during the reception.”

“My daughter, Lotte, did a reading during the ceremony as did one of Trav’s childhood friends, Melissa. We also gave the bridal bouquet to my grandparents as the longest married couple at the wedding. My three older brothers, Adam, Ben and Jarred were also our MCs for the day and this was very special to me.”

Jess and Travis said their vows by the water at Brightwater in a ceremony performed by celebrant, Suzanne Riley. 

“We have identical values, love for family and admiration for each other as people. We wanted to keep everything simple but have a wedding that reflected who we are as people, a couple and things that were important for us to share.” 

“My dad also surprised us in his speech by acknowledging our wedding day as the same date my Mum and Dad got engaged. Not having Mum with us physically was very difficult but she was there with us in so many other ways. Her wedding photo featured in our decorations.”

“Trav is a huge ‘boaty’ so the nautical theme worked and we combined this with my love of teaching… and chalkboards became the feature for this.

“A highlight for me was a special father daughter dance that Dad and I had worked out together and singing a song to Trav with my brother Ben on guitar was pretty special (once I got in the right key!)”

Wedding Secrets

Biggest money saver: Doing so many things ourselves – invitations, bonbonniere, thank you cards

Bridal gown: Ferrari Bridal and Formal wear – $1900

Shoes: I had a pair that I hadn’t really worn much which were perfect! I wanted a neutral colour to theme with vintage style.

Bridesmaid dresses: Forever New $200 each

Bridesmaids’ accessories: Angus and Coote Jewellers, Bras and Things robes

Groom’s suit and shoes: Male Manor, Carindale $1600 for all three

Groomsmens’ suits and shoes: Male Manor, Carindale

Rings: Selig’s Jewellers in Caloundra $1400

DIY: I work with wonderful people where I teach at St John’s and the amazing ‘Arty’ teachers Fiona and Jas, who happen to be great friends, made our centrepieces, which were incredible. 

Number of guests: 110

Wedding budget: $35,000

A-list Vendors

Celebrant: Suzanne Riley

Venue & Catering: The Lakehouse

Florist: Willow Bud

Photographer: Images by Lou O’Brien / Videographer: Wildbunch Weddings / Cake: Lee Berryman Cake Designs / Bombonnieres: Miniature heart chalk boards on pegs (ordered online) and doubled as name setting / Transport: Noosa Limousines / Makeup Artist: Pru Edwards  / Hair Stylist: Katrina from Universal Hair / Entertainment: Rockin You Wild DJs

See Jessica & Travis’ full wedding album. 

The post Real Wedding: Jessica & Travis at The Lakehouse appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Today we have a Guest Blogger, the lovely Kari, a Sunshine Coast Celebrant we simply adore! 

Congratulations to Hayley and Wade with their darling children, Charlotte and Kobi, married in the delightful Tiffany’s Chapel in Maleny.  Charlotte gave me a priceless opportunity to catch the bridal wrap, as she stood wrapping herself in Mum’s stunning bridal gown, while Toni was organising the group picture.  Too delightful to miss!

We seek ceremony when there is something profound happening.  We do things in ceremony that are symbols of a deeper meaning in our lives.  Some things are not easy to express every day, as we live it.  Some things are best expressed by ritual.  A wedding does this.  It creates an opportunity to gather the important people, and to enunciate deep feelings in the form of promises or gifts.

Hayley and Wade's wedding day was a dream come true.  And it was a wedding about family.  Hayley and Wade believe that family is first, family is everything; family is LIFE.

Often a wedding is not simply about two people.  It is about a wider group of people; community, family, heart families.  This wedding was for everyone there.

This marriage was about a family unit, yet was a recognition of the important relationship that holds the family together, the parents.  For Hayley and Wade wished to give the gift of marriage to each other.  They had already promised forever, in their kids, but on their wedding day they showed it to each other.

A key to understanding this was their choice of reading “The key to love is understanding…” taken from an unknown author in 1st century China. Read it on my blog.

Thanks to Toni Snell Photographer for the glorious images.

Today's article is by Kari, from Kari Celebrations. Kari is a wonderful celebrant on the Sunshine Coast. 

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