WEDDINGS

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A CEREMONY

As a celebrant I need to offer you sound ideas and resource material, so that you can explore alternatives for your ceremony.
Without question, a ceremony that is truly a reflection of you and your partner’s values is the best ceremony to choose.
If you both value tradition then that is a starting point.
A very personalised wedding ceremony can then be created by delving more deeply into your shared ideals.
You and your partner could write a list of ideas and values you share in common about the expression of your union.ie; mythology, symbolism and culture.

Here are some suggestions:

HANDFASTING

Began in the British Isles. The Handfasting gesture makes a figure eight with the hands[symbol of eternity], right to right, left to left. The celebrant blesses the couple whilst weaving thread/twine around their hands reciting text that relates to the uniqueness of the couple.
There are 16 different ceremonies to select from in the Handfasting Tradition.

BALINESE/ZEN

This ceremony does not have the exchange of rings ritual, rather, there are white threads distributed amongst the guests and they tie this thread on the groom and bride as a blessing. Chanting, and particular music evokes the ecstatic joy and peace of the couple. Incense, candles and food offerings are made to protect the newly wedded.
Again, there are so many variations to this theme.

WHERE TO BEGIN

As your celebrant I will send you, by e-mail/fax resource material, that reflects some of the elements of ceremony that you would have already discussed in the initial consultation with me.
After reading this material and discussing some of the preferred key components of your ceremony with your partner, another meeting is held to go further into the creation of the text/choreography.
Meeting in person more than once helps both the us to relax and get to know one another.
A questionnaire may be given to you both about your journey together as a couple.
From these personal answers the personalised ceremony will emerge.
During the following months before the ceremony, phone calls and e-mails will be exchanged with ideas and drafts, until you are both truly satisfied.

LEGAL DOCUMENTS

The Notice Of Intended to Marriage is required to be signed and witnessed by the celebrant, one month and one day before the actual date of the wedding ceremony.
This entails the celebrant viewing original birth certificates of both parties and or passport information. If the original certificates are not available a request needs to be made to The Register of Births, Deaths and Marriages in your state of birth.

If there was a prior marriage the celebrant needs to view the divorce documents and note the details.

CREATIVE ELEMENTS

Contemporary society isn’t necessarily bound to a religion, and therefore can express its unique spirituality more freely using different creative elements in ceremonial practice.
Symbols and Rites used in today’s ceremonies are recognition of the participants’ true philosophies and personal values.
Here are just a few examples;

NATURE;
Clearing of the sacred ceremony space by the burning of eucalypt leaves[ in a safe manner],the scent from the leaves has a calming effect on the atmosphere and sets a mood for the ceremony.
Using leaves, potted roses, or any symbolic flower/plant of your choice as a decorative path.
Stones can be arranged in a circle or symbol. Sand or limestone as a border for the ceremonial space.
Water in urns, a small pond, or water used as a sprinkle for the cleansing of the space.
Fire has always been a symbol of rebirth and spiritual connection in ceremonies throughout the world. A small fire contained in an urn, kept burning with flames during the ceremony, adds a certain sacredness to a ceremony.

MUSIC;
LIVE or C.D.
Live Gospel Singing. Kerri Simpson.
Phone Kerri. 0412 149 284.

Gypsy music, sounds of Eastern Europe.
Female trio. Violin. Accordion.Double Bass.
Go to www.vardos.com.au

Your favourite piece of music/song.

DANCE.
A unique concept, to ‘welcome the bride’/ ‘bringing the bride to the groom’. The dancer opens the way with organic movement and gestures of love and ecstatic joy. Bells and chimes ring as the bride enters.
Dancer’s name /phone no; on request.

POETRY, PROSE AND LYRICS.

The Essential Rumi. Coleman Barks.Castle Books.
Selected Poems.T.S.Elliot. Faber Books.
Ceremonies and Celebrations.Dally R.Messenger. Lothian.

Borders Bookstore. Lygon St or Chapel St.Melbourne.

THE VOWS

The vows are possibly the most important part of the wedding ritual. They are a public and private affirmation of the couple’s intent.
Spoken vows involve the couple facing each other and making those vows to each other directly without the aid of the celebrant.
Repeated vows are when the celebrant reads the vows while the couple repeats them back.
Spoken vows are more personal. The two individuals look into each other’s eyes and speak directly and intimately. They have control over the space and energy of the ritual.
Vows can be created by the couple themselves or with the celebrants help. Another guide is to read through a resource text, such as Ceremonies and Celebrations.{ Author Dally Messenger. Lothian Books.]

WHY CHOOSE CAROLINE?

I provide you with choices and ideas in an organized way.
The creative element in my service comes from my deep understanding of the power inherent in ceremony and ritual. I am enthusiastic, original, and open to the new and traditional styles of ceremony.
I have a warmth and generosity of spirit towards my clients that is both refreshing and organic. I want to get to know you, so I can reflect back to you what values and concepts you may have in mind and work towards making these visions possible.
I am acting as a functionary for the couple, expressing their sentiment, their love and their words.
I want to make your ceremony uniquely yours, and express your thoughts and emotion in the best, and most natural way for you both.
I love to travel for ceremonies and have a naturalist approach when it comes to outdoor ceremonies.