Tag: Vicki Coghill Bendigo Celebrant

Surprise Wedding

A Surprise Wedding!

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

A Surprise wedding can be a lot of fun… particularly if you can combine it with another event such as a milestone birthday or engagement! They are also cost effective and can be less stressful than a more traditional wedding!

Here are my top tips to make it run smoothly…

My Top Ten Tips for a Surprise Wedding

1. Planning: Choose a location that you like but will lend itself to an element of surprise i.e. has another entrance/room to prepare or move into.

2. Work with your celebrant– they will have ideas on when and how to announce the marriage, ceremony ideas and the things you will need to make it all work. Decide on the cover story or plan the entrance of the celebrant.

3. Work with the venue: they may be able to offer you a room to change, supply of equipment ( sound system, disguised signing table etc) or even a set up in a separate room.

4. Invitations– be specific about time, dress code etc Try to add a reason to be there on time e.g.dinner served at 8pm.

5. Keeping the secret: Who will know, as you may need help to get things done. Decide who you can trust and word them up. Decide whether you are going to tell your parents/siblings. if not, be aware that they may be upset.

6. Missing guests: What are you going to do if someone is late or doesn’t turn up? Pick a cut off time and stick to it.

7. The reveal: who will make the announcement? How will it be done?

8. The ceremony: worked out with your celebrant. You could have a rehearsal at another venue e.g home or celebrant’s office so you know what you need to do.

9.Witnesses: Make sure the people you have chosen as your witnesses can see and hear during the ceremony and signing.

10.  You are MARRIED! Get ready to enjoy your party!

Disney wedding

Disney Wedding for Melanie and Kyle

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

A Disney Wedding for a Disney Girl!

Beautiful Mel has loved all things Disney since she was a little girl so it was natural that she would wish to include Disney readings  in her wedding to Kyle! And with all the amazing Disney romances to choose from there was plenty on offer. I aim to create a wedding that reflects you and your  dreams so of course I was on board straight away. More on that later…

The Rehearsal

At the rehearsal all the bridal party were present, along with Photography by Sarah J  and Tracey from the staff of the Grounds of Ravenswood Homestead. Having everyone together meant that we could have a really good discussion about the logistics of the day- where the ceremony would be, entrances and exits, timing, requirements etc. It was good to have a frank discussion and answer each other’s questions so everyone knew what was happening!

Then came our practice time! As I stood chatting to Kyle it came up in conversation that I had known Melanie’s family 30 years- before she was even born! How amazing that I was now able to be part of such a special day.

We practiced the entrance of the bride and bridesmaids, where to stand, the outline of the ceremony, etc. We can’t practice the legal vows but we did do a pretend exhange of rings and signing. Always good for the couple to know where to go and what to do! Saves a lot of stress!!!

The Big Day...

Mel’s and her girls began their  preparations  early in the day with hair and makeup by Jess from Be Beautiful  by Jess. 

The bride tribe wore blush  dresses  and the groomsmen wore tan chinos and white shirts. Melanie looked an absolute Disney Princess in her gown from Love Bridal. Proud Dad Tyrone escorted her down the aisle while her emotional mum Raewyn, watched from the front row. 

Melanie’s Prince, Kyle, waited under the arch for Melanie to join him. It was decorated with florals including roses and the trendy pampas grass with their feathery goodness. These were the work of the talented Ash from Style by Ashleigh K. Her team also decorated the reception area as well.

Personalised Readings

A highlight of the day was the previously mentioned Disney theme. Mel had chosen some unusual but very apt readings and excerpts from her favourite movies,

One example was the following quote from the story of Pocahontas:

Groom and Bride, Your two hopeful hearts, once worlds apart;
 Together there is no end to what your dreams can start.
 Like two eagles soar as one, upon the river of the wind
 With the promise of forever, you will take the past and learn to begin.

May your lives together be filled with love and laughter, and may you live happily ever after! ..(Pocahontas)

What a lovely way to personalise your ceremony by choosing the ideas that are close to your heart!

I hope you and your lovely man enjoyed your ceremony, my Disney Princess. xxx

Garden of the Future

Ebony and Simon’s Wedding at The Garden of the Future.

Posted on by Vicki Coghill
Garden of the Future

An unusual love story...ending in a Wedding at The Garden of the Future!

Ebony and Simon share an unusual passion for young people…lawn bowls! It is becoming a more popular pasttime for the younger generation and it is very important to these two…

They met during a lawn bowls tournament.

They initially started chatting about lawn bowls.

Lawn bowls gave them the opportunity to keep meeting.

Simon proposed on the balcony of a lawn bowls club.

Simon works as a greenskeeper.

The wedding day

After stormy weather the day before Ebony and Simon were lucky to have a near perfect day for their wedding at the Garden of the Future! Simon looked handsome in his navy attire and, although a little nervous he enjoyed chatting with family and friends as he awaited the arrival of his bride.

The first to arrive were a very cute trio…little Allira was escorted  down the path of the Garden of the Future by her two older cousins as page boys.  They held tightly to a hand each which was probably a good idea as Allira had enjoyed exploring the vast gardens during the rehearsal .

Ebony looked stunning in her gorgeous gown as she arrived on the arm of her proud dad. The picture she made was enough to bring a tear to Simon’s eye.

Just as we started the ceremony a strong breeze began to blow Ebony’s veil all over the place. I put my hand out to brush it back and the whole lot came off in my hand. Thankfully Leah came to the rescue and a crisis was averted! Ebony just laughed…she was such a gem to work with!

Ritual: Sand Ceremony

The rest of the wedding at the Garden of the Future was less eventful, although Allira had to be coerced to take part in the Sand Ceremony. If the finished product is indeed a symbol this little family will never be separated as Allira gave it a really good shake and mixed the layers to create a unique blend. Room was also left for any future additions to this lovely family!

It was indeed, a magical day!

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Photographer: Rick Bentley

Hair and Make Up: Zoe from Teaze n Tanglez

Reception: All Seasons Resort Bendigo

Wedding at the Rifle Brigade Hotel

Sheena and Scott’s Wedding at The Rifle Brigade Hotel

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

The Rehearsal for the Wedding at the Rifle Brigade Hotel 08/01/2020

Sheena and Scott are one of the funniest couples I have had the pleasure to work with…absolute crack up! Sheena is an accomplished talker (code for never shuts up!) and Scott has a dry sense of humour that comes out at often inappropriate times. Together they are hilarious!

Their wedding was originally scheduled for Rosalind Park but the forecast of inclement weather combined with bats literally dropping from the trees (due to extended heat wave) there was a quick rethink of venue. Thankfully the Rifle Brigade Hotel were able to host the rehearsal and wedding on their beautiful balcony!

The rehearsal progressed smoothly until we got to the part where I move away out of the frame for the first kiss! What a kiss! As you can see Sheena is quite athletic and Scott quite strong! I have a feeling they may have done it before!

The Big Day: 10/01/2020

Waiting for the wedding at the Rifle Brigade Hotel to begin I was chatting with Scott’s family. The love that flowed from his mum, Rosie, for her son was beautiful. She is so proud of the man he has become!

It was very humid and steamy on the balcony of the Rifle Brigade Hotel  although a random breeze threatened to take off with my paperwork! Scott would insist that he was drinking vodka from his water glass! I probably could have done with something other than water myself!

Before long the bridal party arrived and the ceremony was underway! My husband/roadie, who was enjoying a beverage downstairs, told me that one of Sheena and Scott’s little boys handed him the sign he was carrying. If it was the one that said “I’m still single” …too late!

It was a very emotional ceremony! Both cried during the vows which were very personal and meaningful! Scott mentioned how he had fallen for Sheena physically and literally (he fell out of a tree) but it was obviously one of the best things that happened to him! Sheena made references to Doctor Who and how much she loved Scott and what real love looks like!

A sand ceremony followed that included both boys, as well as their mum and dad. It was a very special moment.

I wish Scott and Sheen all the happiness possible as their love story continues into their future together! 

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Venue: Rifle Brigade Hotel

Photographer: Christine Treacy Photography

Videography: Twenty-four 18 Productions

Reception: Marong Family Hotel

A Family Wedding at Home

A Family Wedding at Home for Kasie and Dean

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

A Family Wedding at Home

A family wedding at home (Kasie’s parent’s home where she grew up) seemed the perfect option for Kasie and Dean. Since I had known Kasie and her family since Primary School it came as no surprise when our first meeting included her partner, Dean, two of their children and Kasie’s mum and dad. Not only would the venue be the family home but  It wasn’t hard to see that this ceremony needed  ideas to include as many family members as possible.

Including the family

To start with Kasie and Dean included many family members in their wedding party. Kasie had her two sisters, Dean’s sister and their four daughters as bridesmaids, junior maids and flower girls. The groomsmen included Dean’s brother, Kasie’s brother , friends and young son and nephew as pageboys.  Kasie’s mum and Dad both walked her down the aisle to meet Dean. Both sets of parents were then called upon to welcome their children’s marriage partner to the family.

Involving the children...

During the ceremony Kasie and Dean made a beautiful pledge to their children which promised to nurture them and care for them as long as they need them. The family was visually represented by creating a beautiful sand bottle  into which each family member poured a layer of  coloured sand. In doing so, they made something  new and beautiful but like any sand, difficult to separate…just like their family!

The ceremony concluded with a short reading by Kasie’s sister in law.

What a memorable day for all at  this special  family wedding at home! 

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Elegance and style at weddiing

Elegance and style at the wedding of Angelique and Drew

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

Planning a wedding with elegance and style...

Elegance and style at the wedding were high priorities when I first met Angelique and Drew after they spotted me on Facebook. We talked about their ideas and came up with some lovely inclusions for their ceremony. These  included  a traditional Celtic Hand fasting with a gorgeous reading  and an elemental blessing. For those who may not have heard of Hand Fasting it is the origin of the saying “tying the knot”. In olden times it was often used to signify the couples intentions . They would then live together as husband and wife until a clergy man could be found to complete the deed. Today it adds a beautiful element of difference. It is  a moment to treasure in the words that are said and the symbolism of “binding together in marriage.” I also used the knotted cord to bind and decorate the ceremony book after the wedding!

The groom turns his back for the surprise reveal..

Drew waited for Angelique with his back turned. Angelique wanted him to turn and see her when she was at the arbor.Angelique’s uncle was serenading her as she stood waiting for her cue to proceed down the aisle.  He sang to her all the way as he escorted her to Drew’s side! Such a delight! It really made me smile!

The Ceremony

Angelique and Drew  provided lots of information about their relationship which entertained  the guests.  Drew and Angelique were able to take a few moments to relax and breathe.

The ceremony went off without a hitch! (pun intended) ! Angelique  and Drew were  overjoyed to become husband and wife! Afterwards, the lovely Christine (Christine Treacy Photography ) and I asked the guests to stand and blow bubbles as our couple proceeded back down the aisle to be greeted and congratulated! What a wonderful ending to a beautiful ceremony! It truly was an elegant and stylish wedding!

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Venue: Waratah Weddings

Photographer: Christine Treacy 

couples are happy

Why my couples are happy!

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

Why are my couples happy? There is one very good reason why my couples are happy and I get good reviews…

I listen carefully and do what people want!

Simple…

You have a particular idea in mind…I help you to implement it!

You don’t know what you want…I offer suggestions and guide you!

You get as much or as little help as you need with things like writing your vows, adding readings and inclusions …things that make your ceremony special!

You can have ANY style, Any venue and I will help you make it work.

The one thing I won’t do is pressure you to have anything you don’t want!! That’s not me!

My couples are satisfied and that’s all that matters!

Reviews: website

Reviews: Facebook