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

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

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

A Family Wedding at Home

A Family Wedding at Home for Kasie and Dean

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.

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

meet a celebrant

Meet a Celebrant:what happens then?

How to meet a celebrant

After checking out some websites, googling or just asking around you will come up with names of some celebrants you may wish to meet. If you contact them most will be able to find a convenient time to meet. I personally prefer to meet in my home office as I have all my resources but I am happy to meet at a cafe or your home . Perhaps you have young children and would prefer to be in your own environment and that i ok too!

First Meeting

The first meeting is really about getting to know each other and finding out what I offer (in terms of experience. equipment provided, my services etc), what you are looking for in a celebrant etc. I would provide you with a welcome pack with information about getting married and explain my pricing, inclusions and payment options. You may decide to book on the spot or you may wish to meet several celebrants to see who you make a connection with.

Booking a Celebrant

Once you have decided to book a non refundable  booking fee is required to lock in your date and pricing. I also email a link to begin your Notice of Intended Marriage online and a copy of my Terms and Agreements. They may seem a bit overwhelming but never fear, I will talk you through everything.

Second Meeting

At the second meeting you will need to begin the legal paperwork and sign your Notice of Intended Marriage. This document can be lodged with your celebrant 18 months before your wedding and MUST be lodged no later than one calendar month before.  Evidence of your place and date of birth and photo ID ( birth certificate, passport for place and date of birth, licence or Proof of Age etc for ID) will need to be  provided. You may  have been married before  and evidence of termination of the marriage must be shown. Your celebrant can advise you on how to get it  if you don’t have all the documentation needed. If time permits we would then move on to the ceremony but often another meeting may be needed. Alternatively, much can be achieved by email if distance or time is a factor.

The Ceremony Planning and Writing

Once I know what you want in your ceremony ( I have lots of ideas and suggestions and ask lots of questions) I begin to write your very own PERSONALISED  ceremony! It will include all the things you want…and none of the things you don’t! There will be no surprises and nothing you are not completely happy with!  I know this because I email you drafts at various stages in the writing with choices of readings, ring vows etc ..

Writing your Vows

You may choose to write your own vows, choose from samples provided or you may need a little help. That’s where I come in! I will give you as much or as little help as you require to put your thoughts into words.  

Celebrant: Vicki Coghill

Need ideas: Try Pintere

couples are happy

Why my couples are happy!

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