Discovering your story
Crafting a bespoke ceremony often develops over several days and can take hours, because I absolutely want you to love it. I love working with and engaging with my couples, as I learn more about them discovering their love story and how they met.
After our initial meeting of discussing dates/venues and listening to your ideas about your special day, I send out identical questionnaires to you both. The information collected from the questionnaires is paramount to be able to intertwine your love story into a specially crafted ceremony.
I encourage all my couples to embrace love in all its layers and forms. To let me know all the fun stories, even a brief encounter with the cops or driving lesson chaos. I want you to giggle and laugh. Let us have some fun!
I ask questions similar to the following:
"What qualities does the other bring to your relationship" and "what do you both enjoy doing as a couple"
"What will the future bring for you both? Will it be a big business idea? Would it be to buy a boat and sail the world?"
I will ask you to give me five or more words that describe your personalities - i.e. dream catcher, bonkers, poetic, imaginative, earthy, creative, adventurous, overworked, workaholic.
Marriage Vows
I encourage you to write your own individual marriage vows. I am always available to help. From where I stand as your celebrant it is such an honour to witness the words of commitment and dedication that are spoken during your marriage ceremony.
The vows are one of the many legal parts of your ceremony, and it's my job to ensure all the legals are adhered to. There are many websites that can help you get started with your vows. Often once you start the rest follows naturally. Check this link out www.offbeatbride.com/funny-honest-vows.
Ring Ceremony
The ring ceremony vow is different. I introduce this part of the ceremony around the reference to a wedding band having no end and the fun references around this enactment. For example "A ring is perfectly symmetrical, it signifies the perfection of true love. As you place it on your finger, I give you all that I am and ever hope to be" or "I give you this ring as a symbol of my love, my faith in our strength together, and my devotion to continue to learn and grow with you."
There are many different ways to add this enactment into ceremony. I have witnessed rings being tattooed onto fingers. My couple enlisted the services of a relative present at the ceremony who was an accomplished tattooist, who was happy to provide a service.
I have also witnessed tying the knot with a cord of leather onto ring fingers during the ceremony. And the beautiful hand ceremony, tying hands together with words like "These are the hands that will work alongside your hands as we build a future together" with the bride's mother's veil.
On your Wedding Day
My professional role is to lead the ceremony we have co-created. You can count on me to guide you, and to ensure your ceremony is meaningful, personable and one that your guests and you both will always remember. "I will bring the paper so you can tie the knot".
Planning your big day? It would be an honour to share your journey. Let's chat first, we could meet for coffee, or chat via zoom. Erin Hill +64 27 538 8776 I am always available at the other end of an email.