Surprise Wedding

A Surprise Wedding!

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

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

Romantic wedding in the vines

Romantic Wedding in Harcourt Valley!

Gabrielle and Daniel's Romantic Wedding

Harcourt Valley Vineyards is a romantic wedding destination less than 30 minutes from Bendigo. It was the setting of the wedding and reception for Gabrielle and Daniel.

It was a  sunny day,  although a bit breezy, and the rustic setting for the ceremony was delightful. Harcourt Valley Vineyards staff had organised barrels for each side of the arbour and it looked gorgeous. One of the barrels held the bride’s bouquet and the signing documents during the ceremony.

The rest of the seating  and tables for guests were decorated with jars of colourful flowers and I can just imagine what a  beautiful sight it would have been in the evening with the twinkling fairy lights above!

Music by Luke Owens

Luke Owens played the music for the ceremony. For the brides arrival and   walk down the aisle he sang  a new song from the John Butler Trio. Luke sang and played acoustic guitar during the signing of the wedding certificate. He also provided music for the guests before and after the ceremony. 

Gabrielle and Daniel's Love story ...

Dan and Gabe met at school and have been together for over ten years now. It was a privilege to tell their love story during the ceremony as they pledged their love to each other. 

The Ceremony...

The groom and his attendants chatted to the guests until the prompt arrival of the bride and bridesmaids in classic Toranas. There was a slightly nervous moment for the groom when the best man revealed that no one remembered who had the rings. A quick check with the bride and the best man was back with rings in hand. Catastrophe averted…although one of the groomsmen and I had already offered to lend our rings if need be!

The bridesmaids and tiny flower girl entered then. The bridesmaids were wearing blush pink dresses with splits… which turned out to be quite handy as they made their way up the last few steps. The little flower girl did her best to throw petals on to the aisle.

Gorgeous Gabrielle arrived on her father’s arm. The breeze caused a few dramatic moments with her veil but her dad was able to reattach it and they laughingly continued to meet her handsome groom in front of the arbour. Gabrielle’s two sisters presented readings during the ceremony and Dan and Gabe  read personal vows and made promises to each other. Before long they were united in marriage and heading back down the to be greeted by their guests.

It was a romantic  wedding but full of fun and laughter…particularly the heckling from the bridesmaids as I battled the wind to try and get the Marriage Certificate into the envelope! Cries of “Hold onto it, Vicki” and “Don’t let it go! It’s irreplaceable!” proved they had read their Rehearsal Tips! Well done, ladies!

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Venue: Harcourt Valley Vineyards

Music: Luke Owens

Photographer: Shaun Guest

Stacey and Nick’s Stylish Wedding Ceremony at Cammeray Waters

Stacey and Nick had a very stylish Wedding Ceremony at Cammeray Waters. Just exquisite!

Cammeray Waters Wedding and Conference Venue was a new venue for me! Just minutes from Woodend it is a stunning, yet very private, complex with ceremony locations, permanent marquee for the reception, accommodation, lakes and a nine hole golf course! A Wedding at Cammeray Waters is absolutely beautiful!

On Saturday February 22nd Nick and Stacey stood on the steps of the rotunda, overlooking the lake. The weather was cool but sunny…perfect wedding weather! 

Guests chatted and enjoyed some beverages amid the picturesque grounds prior to the very stylish wedding  ceremony. The bride and her attendants arrived in three classic cars ( I think a Rolls Royce and 2 Jaguars but not totally sure) which were elegant and stylish!

The bridesmaids were pretty in pink and the groomsmen in blue suits. Stacey, arrived on her father’s arm, resplendent in a slim fitting dress which suited her perfectly. Their two small sons also arrived at this moment.

Nick was suitably impressed with his beautiful bride as he met her and assisted her up the steps to his side. 

During the ceremony their smallest son spent much of the time sitting on his mum’s feet! He was very quiet and it added to, rather than detracted from, the ceremony.

 

Ritual: Love Lock Ceremony

A highlight of this stylish wedding ceremony was the Love Lock Ceremony. Nick had made his own large metal wall hanging of the Tree of Life. In turn the family members locked engraved padlocks – signifying their love and commitment to the whole family. It was a perfect moment  for Stacey and Nick to include their children.

Stacey and Nick chose to stay for the weekend with their friends and family after their wedding. I imagine a great time was had by all!

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Review:

Nick J: ” Such a lovely lady to deal with, got everything done without any stress, everyone was very impressed.” listed on Easy Weddings.

Chrystal and Matt’s Family Wedding

A Great Venue for an Intimate Family Wedding

Bendigo Botanical Gardens

A Family Wedding is a very special event! This gorgeous area of the Bendigo Botanical Gardens provided the back drop for Chrystal and Matt’s Family Wedding. The pond area was a lovely  feature behind the ceremony. The little ones enjoyed the ducks and searching for “dinosaurs”! Seating in the shelter was used by the guests who were then able to hear and see everything. It is a great option for a smaller, more intimate Family Wedding!

 

Children at Weddings

Children at weddings!!❤️❤️❤️

Matt and Chrystal’s wedding was a true family affair . Their  boys  had  roles of  carrying  the rings and a sign. They  were right up in the action to hear and see everything! At one stage, the whole family formed a circle holding hands! So cute!

Pledge to Children:

 Chrystal and Matt made a special pledge to the boys. They promised to care for and nurture them as long as they needed their parents!

Ritual: Sand Ceremony

Chrystal and Matt chose to include a Sand Ceremony into their Family Wedding. It provides a visual reminder of the family. Each family member poured a layer of different coloured sand into a jar. Something new and beautiful was created. Just like sand…this family would be difficult to separate! It is a perfect way to involve children in a wedding.

Ritual: Family Certificate

It is often asked whether anyone extra can sign the Wedding Certificate. Unfortunately, because this is a legal document, it is illegal for anyone but the couple, witnesses and the celebrant to write on it! But what I can do is create a Family Certificate that anyone can sign.  The children, bridal party, guests can all be included .And the bride can use her married name for the very first time!

Family Certificate This Family Certificate was created by the children for Chrystal and Matt’s Family Wedding.

What a wonderful memory for the whole family!!!

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Photos courtesy of Bec Gray- Bendigo Wedding Photographer

Rachel and Corey’s Country Wedding

Plan A or Plan B at our Country Wedding?

 

Rachel and Corey planned their Country Wedding for February 1st 2020 thinking that it might be 44 degrees but they could cope with that! Little did they expect that instead they would be hit with thunderstorms, torrential rain and even hail!

However, our gorgeous, but equally practical, couple had a plan for every eventuality! They also had a stand by team of family and friends ready to step in and save their country wedding!

The afternoon before their Country Wedding was hot and dusty and, when the forecast looked threatening Rachel and Corey discussed their Plan A and Plan B. I was overjoyed to find an outdoor area set up with archway etc but also an inside area with a plain white wall. Wine barrels, hay bales and florals were able to be moved between locations as the weather dictated. AND WERE WE GLAD!!!

Ten minutes before the ceremony the sky darkened and the rain fell in sheets in the distance. The quick thinking groom and guests ran out and hauled the decorations and seats inside and the guests gathered out of the weather! Corey was soaked but a quick change of his shirt saved the day!

The weather cleared long enough for the beautiful bride and their equally beautiful daughter Indie, to make their way down the aisle accompanied by Rachel’s proud dad.

The ceremony  venue was humid (my hair suffered badly) but nothing could detract from the love, emotion and pure beauty of this beautiful country wedding!

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Sharp!

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Photo courtesy of Bec Gray Photography 

Alicia and Steve’s Wedding On Mt Alexander.

Alicia and Steve married in an afternoon wedding ceremony on January 25th 2020 on beautiful Mt Alexander.       

The   spot is called Powell’s Quarry and it is quite spectacular!

It was a  sweet moment for me personally as Alicia was a former student. It is the most wonderful feeling to be a part of the next step in their life journey.

Steve and Alicia have known each other for about 15 years but it was not until they met again as adults that they really connected and a relationship began. Love followed quickly. They celebrated their marriage in a truly romantic and joyous ceremony before family and friends.

Before the Ceremony

When I arrived prior the ceremony the handsome groom and his groomsmen were sitting comfortably under a tree having a cold drink and listening to “tunes.” They were relaxed and having a good time. This set the tone for the afternoon as they chatted and greeted their guests.

The Arrival of the Bride

Alicia and her ladies arrived in style in vintage Fords with a throaty rumble. Nothing quite like the burble of a V8 engine to get attention. The gorgeous bridesmaids stepped down the red carpet before Alicia made her way on the arm of her very proud dad! Her stunning dress had a long train so one bridesmaid followed the bride to assist

Ritual:Hand fasting

A highlight of the ceremony was the Hand fasting ceremony. I made a cord from the colours of the family tartans of both the bride and groom to symbolise the joining of families.  The ceremony continued  without incident and it didn’t seem long before our couple were being greeted as husband and wife by family and friends.

It was a great honour to be part of their day…even if I am afraid of heights! Thankfully, it was perfect weather and I did not need to worry about being blown off the edge!

 The Hand fasting cord used  during Alicia and Steve’s Wedding on Mt Alexander.

Celebrant:Vicki Coghill

Reception: Harcourt Valley Vineyards

Garden of the Future

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

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

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

Wedding on the River

Ange and Adam’s Wedding on the River at Moama

A wedding on the River:

On December 7th 2019, Ange and Adam married on the idyllic river bank of Murray Gums Estate in Moama.

 

 

The Rehearsal

When we first drove up to this magnificent property #murraygumsestate for the rehearsal I had no idea how to get in. I was surprised to find an intercom on the electronic gateway. After announcing myself to the owner the gate slid back and we were on our way. But where to? The driveway seemed to go on for ever…past the sheds, the house, down a track …until it opened out into the most beautiful lush, green a river bank. Perfect for a wedding on the river!

After meeting the bridal party and having a few laughs the rehearsal all went as planned

The Big Day

The next day we (my roadie Greg and I) set up the PA and  documents amid the hustle and bustle of the girls from #eventsmatterhireandstyle setting up. The florals and styling looked magnificent. The videographer, Ellena of #ellenalouisefilms and I chatted about the ceremony.

The groom and his men looked resplendent in their navy pants and white shirts. Adam also looked the part in a pale blue jacket and was doing well to keep his nerves in check. Ange’s Nana Mary joked with Adam that she was single and would step in if Ange failed to show!

Guests Arrive by Bus

The bus arrived with guests and I was thrilled to get a big hug from previous bride and groom, Matt and Kate. It is always so lovely to see old friends…particularly the ones with a new bub on the way!

The Bride arrives...

The burble of a V8 engine signalled showtime! Ange and her girls were on their way!! The bridesmaids were gorgeous in their navy blue dresses but nothing could diminish Ange’s beauty as she floated in on her proud dad’s arm. I think Adam may have been a bit overwhelmed by the picture she made!

The Ceremony

The ceremony commenced…with a few laughs, lots of emotion and a whole heap of love! The  highlights of the day were the two readings chosen by the Nanas, Jill and Mary. They each researched and read  poems…The Magic of Love and Marriage is Madness. 

After the ceremony there was a group photo taken by LJM Photography before the guests moved to start the celebrations.

It looked like it was to be an epic night! Thank you for letting me share your joy!

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill