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Matt & Steph
GARDEN WEDDING
23 JANUARY 2021 - BRAMBLE GROVE, KAIAPOI
Matt and Steph were married at the lovely Bramble Grove in Kaiapoi. I was so excited to finally get a chance to visit and I was not disappointed! The intimate backyard setting complete with an outdoor bar had a relaxed atmosphere that the guests absolutely loved.
One of my favourite parts of Matt and Steph’s ceremony was chatting with Matt and his groomsmen beforehand… hearing how the morning had been, doing a final run-through of the script, and calming those pre-ceremony nerves. I love it when a groom acknowledges and allows himself to express his emotions in the lead up to one of the most significant experiences he is ever going to share with his future partner. And who could blame him for being completely overwhelmed with love? Steph was glowing… honestly, the only word I can use is ‘radiant.’ Her smile throughout the day was simply the best and Mel from Mel’s Moments captured her perfectly. The photos speak for themselves.
“Steph, as I stand here with you today, I feel like the luckiest man in the world. I want nothing more than to share my future with you…”
“Matt, you are everything that I could ever dream of in a man. You are my lover, my best friend, my protector, my soulmate, and my home…”
A few other highlights…
The most gorgeous wee flower girl and ringbearers - such a great way to include children in their special day!
Finally meeting Mel. I was so grateful that she looked after me in the heat - what an absolute gem.
One of the guests approaching me after the ceremony and saying how much he had enjoyed it. He explained that he struggles with his hearing but had found my delivery clear and easy to understand. I was touched that he took the time to come and chat - it really meant a lot getting positive feedback.
Thank you both so much for sharing your special day with me xxx it was magical.
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
P.S. Get in touch if you want to know more about the ‘Shoe Game!’ (pictured above).
Photographer - Mel’s Moments
Venue - Bramble Grove
“Vic, you were amazing. We really couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant. Thank you sooo much for making the process very easy and answering all of our emails and questions. Thank you very much for all the hard work you put into making our day perfect. We didn’t have to worry about a thing - you had everything covered.”
Ben & Marchelle
Registry Ceremonies are perfect for couples wanting a short, sweet and legal ceremony with their nearest and dearest :)
REGISTRY CEREMONY
2ND OCTOBER 2020 - PARKLANDS, CHRISTCHURCH
The traditional ‘big wedding day’ isn’t for everyone and Registry Ceremonies are perfect for couples wanting a short, sweet and legal ceremony with their nearest and dearest :) Ben and Marchelle held their ceremony at home with just their parents and fur babies to witness their special union. They started their day with a walk together and spent the weekend relaxing as husband and wife!
“No ceremony can create a marriage; only the couple can do that—through love and patience; through dedication and perseverance; through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other. What this ceremony can do is to witness and affirm the choice they make to stand together as life mates and partners.”
What’s super cool is that Ben is a videographer! His company is called Moustache Media - check out his awesome portfolio here. He captured his own wedding day AND we ended up working together today (10th October!) at another wedding. Stoked!
Images from Moustache Media gallery
Registry Wedding Details
I will…
Offer a choice between two scripts with standard vows (provided by Births, Deaths & Marriages - read both options on pages 2/3/4 here)
Help you to apply for a marriage licence and ensure that legal requirements are met
Travel within the immediate Christchurch area
Print your paperwork to sign on the day
You will…
Provide the venue, two witnesses and optional guests (up to 20 only)
Show me a copy of your ID and pay a set fee of $90 prior to the ceremony taking place
More information about registry ceremonies can be found here.
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Videographer - Ben from Moustache Media
“Victoria was our celebrant for our registry ceremony and she made it so stress free and easy going - was just like an extra friend! She was everything you could ask for; caring, punctual, informative, organised, and with an engaging ‘stage’ presence. 100% would recommend!”
Josh & Jessie
BACKYARD WEDDING
MARCH 21, 2020 - PARKLANDS, CHRISTCHURCH
“Today, the two whānau become one. Josh and Jessie thank you in supporting them before, during and after their wedding as they come to terms with being a husband and wife. Their home will always be a place where you, their whānau, will find welcome, peace, love and support.”
Josh and Jessie chose to join their lives in the union of marriage at their home in Parklands. Josh, who creates beautiful handmade wooden products, had spent hours ensuring that their backyard would be the perfect location for their ceremony - and it was! Despite the grey skies, everything was picture perfect… a lush green lawn, bunting lining the playhouse, and lanterns dotted in the trees… Josh had even built the archway himself and created a handmade stand for signing the paperwork! This groom is clearly a ‘details’ kind of guy and it totally paid off. The love and care that went into setting up was obvious the second I walked through the gate. Jessie is one lucky lady!
Josh and Jessie’s nearest and dearest had travelled from around the country to celebrate their love. Jessie got ready down the road and when I arrived at their home, Josh was chilling in the lounge with his whānau. He introduced me to everyone and read their wee boy a story while waiting for the 10am ‘kick off’.
Josh and Jessie wrote their own vows which were shared with each other for the very first time during the ceremony. Josh vowed “I will dream with you, celebrate with you, and walk beside you in whatever our lives may bring. You are my person, my love and my life. Today and always.” Jessie promised “As your wife, I promise to love you each and every day. I promise to be the best wife and mother I can be. I promise to support you and always be in your corner. And I promise to respect you as the father of our children.”
My favourite part of the ceremony was when Josh’s Uncle Paul stood and moved down the aisle to deliver a karakia. It was so moving to hear the emotion in his voice as he blessed Josh and Jessie, encompassing the love of their whānau surrounding them. There is something incredibly powerful about listening to te reo, our native language, and it always brings me to tears. Thank you for sharing xx
I wish you both the very best in your marriage and the next chapter with your two beautiful children. I will definitely be in touch when we are ready for some handmade wooden baby toys!
AROHA NUI,
Vic xx
“Vic was bubbly, happy and outgoing. Her presence and personality was so warming. Vic was always there to help with fine details and questions we had, and gave a lot of good advice. She was an amazing celebrant for us. Vic ticked all the boxes! We can’t fault her service.”
Mark & Cindy
THE OLIVE GROVE
FEBRUARY 29, 2020 - WAIPARA, CANTERBURY
“This ceremony will not create a relationship that does not already exist between you. It is, instead, an opportunity to celebrate your journey - as individuals, and together as a couple - surrounded by the people you love the most.”
Mark and Cindy were married at their home in Waipara, the beautiful ‘Olive Grove’. When I arrived, I was blown away by the gorgeous scenery. The marquee was set up on the lawn for the ceremony, as well as inside seating for the reception, the dance floor and DJ. I loved the understated elegance, enhanced by the olive branches and greenery in the florals. With the sides of the marquee up, the view of the olive trees was the perfect backdrop for the ceremony. The courtyard was decorated with festoon lights, wine barrels and wooden benches which tastefully complimented the stylish rustic theme.
I had a special moment with Cindy before the ceremony. She held my hands and told me she was ready. Her serenity was beautiful. Mark was overcome with emotion when Cindy walked down the aisle and I loved seeing his reaction - a very precious moment that I will treasure.
Mark and Cindy were surrounded by their family and friends, some travelling from the other side of the world to be there! Cindy’s mum was even able to share the experience through video call from Canada. Ah, the magic of technology… The family dogs were also included, adorned with sequinned bow ties (which they did not rate at all).
Mark and Cindy wrote their vows together, choosing to make promises based on their shared values and beliefs.
“I promise to respect and support you, to be patient and loving towards you, to work with you to achieve the things we value and dream of. I pledge to you all of these things from the bottom of my heart.”
Mark and Cindy really wanted to have a fantastic party with everyone and if the special sangria recipe was anything to go by, I have no doubt that their reception was an absolute ball! Melissa, their close friend and wedding planner from Social Events, organised everything SO well to ensure that Mark and Cindy had the best experience with all of their loved ones. Full credit to an amazing woman!
All the best for the next chapter in your already very special relationship xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
“Such a great experience to share our day with Vic, everything was perfect! She was so lovely to work with and took care of all the requirements for our marriage.”
“A huge thank you for the role you played in making Cindy & Mark’s wedding such an awesome day. The ceremony was just as they wanted and you created a beautiful energy and atmosphere. Such a pleasure working with you and I look forward to doing it again soon.”
Nadav & Kimmi
Nadav and Kimmi were married on a sunny day at their home in Kumeu, surrounded by their closest family and friends.
BACKYARD WEDDING
OCTOBER 26, 2019 - KUMEU, AUCKLAND
Nadav + Kimmi’s Wedding
“Marriage is a promise between two people who love each other, and who trust in that love, who honour each other as individuals, and who choose to spend the rest of their lives together.”
Nadav and Kimmi were married on a sunny day at their home in Kumeu, surrounded by their closest family and friends. When I arrived, both Nadav and Kimmi were relaxing with their guests - Nadav dressed in his suit and Kimmi waiting to change into her dress. The small backyard wedding suited the down-to-earth couple to a T.
Nadav and Kimmi chose to write their own beautiful vows which were shared with each other for the very first time during the ceremony.
“Getting married isn't just a ring or a piece of paper. It's a promise. Promising to be with you through all of life's adventures, promising to love and support you unconditionally, promising to be here always and never let go.”
“I don’t like to make decisions. But if there is one decision I make in my life that I know is the right one, it’s to spend the rest of my life with you.”
Nadav + Kimmi's Wedding
Nadav and Kimmi’s ceremony was particularly significant for me because it was the first ceremony that I have officiated! Thank you both for sharing your special day with me - being your celebrant was a wonderful experience that I will treasure always. Congratulations, I wish you all the very best in your marriage!
aroha nui,
Vic xx
“Vic is such an amazing celebrant. She is extremely passionate and organised. She made the day so easy and smooth. Would 100% recommend her.”
Photographer - Wanting Huang