Tag: Bendigo weddings

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! 

 

 

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

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!

 

 

Angelique and Drew

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

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 in 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!

As Drew was waiting for Angelique to arrive I asked him to turn his back. Angelique wanted him to turn and see her when she was at the arbor. I couldn’t help but smile as I witnessed Angelique’s uncle 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!

Angelique and Drew had provided lots of information about their relationship which entertained some of the guests. It allowed Drew and Angelique a few moments to relax and breathe.

The ceremony went off without a hitch! (pun intended) and our couple were  overjoyed to become husband and wife! Afterwards the lovely Christine (Christine Treacy Photography ) and I conspired to ask 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!

Elley and Aaron

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

All my weddings are special but when you have known the bride since she was a chirpy two year old coming into your classroom it becomes even that little bit more exciting!

I was overjoyed when Elley first contacted me…wondering if I still remembered her! We caught up and got the ball rolling to plan their dream wedding. They wanted to create a simple, romantic but personal ceremony so that is exactly what we did!

At the rehearsal we were worried because heavy rain was forecast! The set up was so gorgeous with a large marquee with  dance floor, gorgeous gardens with fairy lights in the trees and the ceremony area with an arch, hay bales and decorations to go in. The rehearsal went seamlessly!

That night the rain set in and it did not let up. Upon arrival the hay bales were covered with tarps, there were three more marquees set up and everyone was trying to be optimistic. 

We set up the signing table  and PA system under the marquee and waited. Messages were being relayed via phone. Guests arrived and took shelter under the marquees and started enjoying the refreshments. I caught up with some people I knew (including the amazing Matt Giri who was handling the music) and the rain came down.

After a while the message came to take the tarps off in 10 minutes! The family were obviously watching the weather radar and our moment had come. The tarps came off, the shepherds hooks and decorations went in and we were underway!

Our handsome groom Aaron and his trusty groomsmen entered, guests assembled. The bridesmaids made their way down the slope and then our beautiful bride, Elley arrived on the arm of her proud dad, Garry. Mum, Annemarie cried happy tears and the ceremony was completed just as a shower came over!

It was such a romantic and emotional wedding and it showed that even rain cannot dampen true love!

Why my couples are happy!

Posted on by Vicki Coghill

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!