Last Saturday my Husband and I celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary. 

We felt it was a pretty significant event and we decided to honor the occasion by renewing our wedding vows! We wanted to keep it simple and fun with our Sons having a significant role rather than simply watching on.
Our 7 year old Toby was the celebrant and we worked together to write a little introduction to the ceremony for him to read. Our 5 year old, Rory didn't want to talk so he was the "Chief Ring Holder".
Donning our original wedding attire (I was stoked that my dress still fit!!) we went down to the local park which has a massive old fabulous fig tree with a picnic table underneath. We set the table with a table cloth, we decorated the area with flowers (Roses, daisies, bougainvillea, pansies) picked from my garden and hung jars holding candles in the branches of the fig tree., I made a wedding cake decorated with fresh roses, we ordered pizza and popped a bottle of Moet!
After devouring our wedding feast we were joined by our photographer (Karin from www.thedrunksnail.com ) and my Beautiful friend Willa who offered to film the ceremony. 

The ceremony itself consisted of Toby reading his little introduction and then Nick and I shared a little love letter we had written to each other for the occasion. There were tears and laughter. Toby asked us to exchange the rings that Rory presented with great reverence. The ceremony was then closed by Toby announcing us Husband and Wife again!!

The ceremony was just a short and simple gesture. But to my little family it represented love and unity. It encompassed the joy and respect we have for one another everyday but we took just a little time out of our lives to shine a light on something we think is so special. We also wanted to have a little fun and create some beautiful memories. It was wonderful to be able to share something so pure and honest with the people I cherish most. I especially loved the way my sons enjoyed themselves too.

Sending a Huge Thank You to Willa and Karin for helping us capture the memories and of course to my amazing boys Toby and Rory for just being yourselves. And to my Gorgeous Husband Nick, You know how much I love you, thanks for making my life so awesome!  xxx 

Scroll down for the pics......

I just wanted to write a quick post as I was so fortunate to share a very intimate and unique wedding recently. When I say intimate I mean tiny. There were five of us. The Bride and Groom, a witness, their photographer (the other witness) and myself. It was a wild and windy day. The rain came and went, then there were extremely short periods of sunshine and then the clouds would loom once again. The ceremony took place in one of my favourite local spots, right by the beach, tucked away next to cliff overgrown with trees and vines which blessedly provided shelter from the relentless wind. The ceremony overlooked the beach which was heaving with one of the biggest swells we have seen on the coast this winter, the energy was incredible and created a wonderfully dramatic atmosphere for the ceremony.

I have never seen a more relaxed couple. The ceremony itself was simple, funny, lovely and sincere. My Bride and Groom couldn’t keep their eyes (or their hands) off each other. A Sand Ceremony concluded the wedding and after the certificates were signed they asked me to stay for the photos. When it was time to go I asked them what was next for their day, “Home for ham sandwiches I think” was the answer. And then, when I thought I had already witnessed the most unique wedding experience so far in my career the Bride and Groom insisted on carrying my equipment back to my car for me!!

 

I have a confession to make. I am currently completely and totally obsessed with winter weddings!! Now I want to make it very clear right from the start that I also love spring weddings, I love summer weddings and of course I adore autumn weddings but as I find myself in the cooler months I am more than a little inspired by the season!

I absolutely love the idea of a wedding in the snow. It’s so enchanting, so magical, so ethereal……......
And so never going to happened on my particular part of the coast!! The closest snow fields to me are over 500ks away!
So I started thinking about beach weddings in winter.

I know that most people don’t necessarily like the idea of hanging out at the beach in winter, especially in NSW southern regions but I spent nearly the whole day down at the beach today. It’s June. And it was glorious!

I took this photo at Mollymook Beach this afternoon.

The Sun was wonderful, warm and relaxing. The air so clean, fresh and invigorating. The colour of the water was crystal clear and blue and at 22 degrees extraordinarily warm. I watched a pod of dolphins playing in the waves, they were there for ages and they were awesome. To make things even better I spotted a whale cruising by – so cool!
My son and I had nearly the entire beach to ourselves for pretty much the whole time which is not at all uncommon for this time of year. Bliss.

This gorgeous day on the beach made me wonder why more people don’t get married down here this time of year. The reasons I came up with were; it gets dark earlier, cooler temperatures ……

Well that was all I could think of and to be honest these could also be positive things for a wedding day.

Hear me out.

The fact that is gets darker sooner may be a concern for getting those amazing wedding photos.
Yes I admit there may be a shorter timeframe for that natural light. The answer of having the ceremony earlier in the day also creates its own problems such as less time for hair and make-up. But that’s where the cons end. The pros out way them significantly, for example; an earlier wedding means less chance of getting blown off the beach! I’m not joking. The thing about beach weddings is that the wind nearly always picks up later in the afternoon, especially in spring.

Let’s talk lighting. If it gets dark earlier you get to take advantage of amazing lighting to set the whole vibe of your reception. Even your ceremony if you want to have a night wedding (I love this idea so much I think I will do a blog post on night time weddings alone). There are so many beautiful, subtle or out there stunning lighting ideas. Pinterest (Yes I have a small addiction) is saturated with amazing wedding lighting ideas. There are so many options that will go with any wedding style, colours or theme. Fairy lights, candles, lanterns, chandeliers, those awesome bare bulb strings that are SO hot right now.  Lighting can make a celebration space magical. It’s warm and inviting and oh so romantic. Ask your photographer about low lighting photography. If it’s done well it’s spectacular!

The winter sun is much less harsh than the summer sun. It’s softer and clearer and for some reason feels cleaner. You won’t have to worry about squinting at the camera lens or constantly asking the groomsmen to “Please take off your sunnies” and there will be no having to cover up that bright red sunburn because amongst all the last minute duties you forgot to use sunblock the day before the big day. Grandma and Grandpa won’t be passing out from heat stroke, nor will the groomsmen from too many refreshing beverages in the sun!

The cooler temperature (and when I say cooler I’m talking mid to low 20s as opposed to high 30s so it’s not exactly cold) means that the guys are a lot more comfortable in their suits while standing out in the sunshine – especially if for whatever reason the Bride is running a little more than fashionably late. The girls Makeup will stay put. Long sleeved dresses are fabulous and if your more into the short sleeve, strappy or strapless variety there are some amazing boleros, shrugs, fur (Faux of course) stoles, not to mention gorgeous formal coats, jackets and cloaks.

And now that I mention it winter weddings can be more formal. If you are wanting a laid back, casual wedding where everyone is wearing thongs and boardies, well yes, a summer wedding is probably more for you. But winter weddings make way for debonair three piece suits, classic long gowns, fabulous closed toe shoes or better still fabulous boots!
It means you can dish up delicious hearty meals – with gravy - and it’s more likely that people will eat them.

You will also have a much better chance of getting the venue you want. As well as the decorator, photographer, make-up artist, hairdresser and most importantly The Celebrant.
Since most people plan their weddings around spring and summer you will have the luxury of deciding what you want rather than fitting in with the provider or settling for option ‘B’ or sadly even ‘C’ or ‘D’.

I’ve heard women joke about paying the deposit on their dream venue for the date they wanted then rushing out to find Mr Right before the next payment was due!
With a winter wedding there is far less chance you will have to worry about that.
It’s also probably worth mentioning that since beach weddings are predominately destination weddings the accommodation will be cheaper. Being the off season, accommodation owners are far more likely to do a much better deal for you and your guests. Win Win.

So as fabulous as spring and summer weddings are (because they really are, I do love them I swear) I hope that I have also given you a moment to think about the endless possibilities that winter weddings possess.

And if you are planning a wedding in the snow….. Pick me, Pick Me!!
I promise I won’t even charge extra to travel to get there.

So enchanting, so magical, so ethereal……..

For more fabulous winter wedding pics check out my pinterest Marriage board http://www.pinterest.com/ebonymillard/

Or my Facebook page www.facebook.com/EbonyMillardMarriageCelebrant

Photo cred to:

Style me pretty via Pinterest http://www.stylemepretty.com/little-black-book-blog/2013/06/10/new-york-wedding-from-brian-dorsey-studios-ang-weddings-and-events/

Her white wardrobe http://www.pinterest.com/pin/571112796469173743/

And

http://www.confetti.co.uk/tag/winter-real-weddings/ also via Pinterest

I can think of loads of fantastic jobs. Water slide tester, tropical island caretaker, travel blogger, luxury bed tester, ice-cream taster!
I’m sure they would all be awesome, but I have to say not one would come even close to how awesome my job is.

Imagine heading off to work knowing that the people you meet that day are celebrating one of the happiest, most anticipated and exciting periods of their lives. Whether it’s the first, second or even their fourth marriage there is no denying the positive vibe that comes off the couple.
It’s like walking out of a dark room into the sunshine. They exude a
sense of joy that is contagious. And that’s just the initial meeting – times the whole thing by one million and you get their wedding day!

And oh how I love a Wedding Day.
Imagine turning up to work at yet another fabulous location, usually overlooking something gorgeous.

Imagine being the person standing there cracking daggy jokes and
making inconsequential small talk while the groom nervously fiddles with his cuffs and straightens his tie. Greeting the excited guests as they arrive and take in the glorious surroundings that the couple have chosen for the backdrop of their big day. 

Imagine having a front row seat when the bride makes her entrance. To hear the collective gasp from her guests and the look (you know the one) on her grooms face when he sees his future wife walking towards him. But wait it gets better.

Imagine watching them interact silently (or sometimes not so silently) communicating through a look, a giggle, a wink or a touch. It’s the first time they have come face to face, their excitement about finally getting to this point is almost bubbling over. Sometimes there’s tears, sometimes laughter. Sometimes the nerves are evident but a calmness arrives once I begin the ceremony and the Bride and Groom start to take it all in.

 Imagine how wonderful it feels to be standing right next to a couple professing their endless love for each other. Watching the faces of beaming pride from onlooking family members and friends. To be the one who hands them the rings and most gloriously gets to say the words “I now pronounce you Husband and Wife!” You can literally see the weight of months of planning lift from their fabulously attired shoulders. And to witness that very first kiss? Well I can’t really explain it, it’s truly is something else. 
 
So you can keep your Ice-cream tasting although I’m sure it’s delicious. Enjoy your tropical islands and your travel adventures, feel free to send me a post card. And although snoozing on luxury beds or testing water slides would be pretty hard to beat, I think I’ll stick with having the Best Job in the World – The Marriage Celebrant, because it honestly is totally awesome!