Category: Weddings

Wedding news

Stacey and Nick’s Wedding Ceremony at Cammeray Waters

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

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 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.

A highlight of this 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!

Chrystal and Matt’s Family Wedding

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

Venue: Bendigo Botanical Gardens

The gorgeous pavilion area of the Bendigo Botanical Gardens provided the back drop for Chrystal and Matt’s wedding. The pond area was a lovely water feature behind the ceremony and the little ones enjoyed the ducks and searching for “dinosaurs”! Seating in the pavilions was used by the guests who were able to hear and see everything.

Children at weddings!!❤️❤️❤️

Matt and Chrystal’s wedding was a true family affair . The boys not only had roles of ring bearer and carrying a sign but were right up in the action to hear and see everything! A special pledge was made to the boys by Chrystal and Matt promising to care for and nurture them as long as they needed.

Sand Ceremony:

Chrystal and Matt chose to incorporate a Sand Ceremony to provide a visual representation of the family. Each family member poured a layer of different coloured sand into a jar. Something new and beautiful was created and just like sand…this family would be difficult to separate!

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 officiant to write on it! But what I can do is create a Family Certificate that anyone can sign…children, bridal party, guests can all be included…and the bride can use her married name for the very first time!

What a wonderful memory for the whole family!!!

Photos courtesy of Bec Gray- Bendigo Wedding Photographer#littleredrobinphotography #includingchildreninyourwedding#familyfun#weddingday#bendigowedding#bendigoweddings#marriedinbendigo#bendigocelebrants#love#weddinginspiertificateration

Rachel and Corey’s Country Wedding

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

Corey and Rachel planned their 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! 

The afternoon before 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 the occasion. 

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Sharp! 

 

 

Alicia and Steve

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

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

It was a particularly sweet moment for me personally as Alicia was a former student and 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 and 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 beverage and listening to “tunes.” They were relaxed and having a good time and this set the tone for the afternoon as they chatted and greeted their guests.

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.

A highlight of the ceremony was the Hand fasting ceremony which used a cord made 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!

 T

Ebony and Simon

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

An unusual love story...

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! 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  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!

The rest of the ceremony 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

Sheena and Scott

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

The Rehearsal 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 ceremony 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 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

Ange and Adam

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

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.

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:

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 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 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  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!

Emily and Nic

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

Emily and Nic married on the last day of November in the picturesque garden of Bishop’s Court, Forest St,  Bendigo. They are a lovely young couple and writing their ceremony was easy; romantic, modern but semi traditional, relaxed and light- hearted.   They are very much on the same page and look forward to building a happy life together. One of the main traits they both possess is love for their family.  Nic and Emily wanted a way that their three grandfathers could participate in their ceremony. I suggested that two could be witnesses and sign the marriage certificate . The third grandad was pleased to be asked to do a short reading just after the signing.

After rain the previous night it was wonderful to wake to a fine, if cool, day for their ceremony. Everything progressed smoothly; the guests arrived promptly and had time to mingle and chat to the groom. I met some of the grandparents and we chatted about Emily’s home town of Boort. ( My husband was born in a country town not far from there.)

The bridesmaids arrived just minutes after the ceremony was scheduled to start and their burgundy dresses were gorgeous. Then Emily arrived on her father’s arm, looking absolutely divine! I believe Nic thought so too.( I’m pretty sure I saw him wipe a tear from his eye! )

It wasn’t long before their story was told, vows read and they were declared husband and wife…to deafening cheers!

Then it was time for the signing! The two witnesses were not told prior to the wedding and were overjoyed when Nic and Emily walked over to their front row seats and asked them to join them for the signing. It was such a lovely, emotional  moment. When the third grandad completed his reading all of them gathered behind the signing table. This gave the photographer  (from AJ Taylor Images) the opportunity to capture all three with the bride and groom before they returned to their seats. It will be a wonderful memory for them all!

I received high praise during the signing when Nic told me laughingly (referring to the ceremony)  “It was nowhere near as bad as I thought!” 

That’s my job! Keeping things as stress free as possible!

 

 

Kayla and Harley

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

Kayla and Harley are the most lovely couple. They have already been together for twelve years and have two of the most delightful little daughters imaginable!

When we started chatting  Kayla  was very unsure about what style of wedding she wanted or where it could be held. She knew she wanted a very private, intimate ceremony with immediate family and a few of their closest friends.

Kayla described her idea as a cross between vintage and boho…so we brainstormed some ways to make that happen.We decided to incorporate a hand fasting in the boho/ traditional style and  then we decided on some ways to include their little cherubs. I suggested that the girls were each given a role to pass the rings to mummy and daddy. They could also   “sign” a Family Certificate after the official signing.

I also found out after the ceremony that Kayla wore the same wedding dress that had been made by her grandmother for Kayla’s mother 40 years ago! What a beautiful honour! Kayla looked absolutely stunning and it was the perfect blend of vintage and modern styling!

It was a magical day!

Kasie and Dean

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

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.  It wasn’t hard to see that this ceremony needed  ideas to include as many family members as possible.

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 daughter 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.

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 the family!