Your Custom Text Here
Luke & Viv
Luke and Vivienne’s journey began on the night of the Year 13 Burnside Ball, where they were matched by their friend, Leroi, who was also a groomsman. They met just before the ball, and spent most of the night being incredibly awkward around each other. It was the start of a great friendship that, with the right timing, turned into a relationship... a short 4 years later.
COURTYARD WEDDING
02 OCTOBER 2021 - COSSARS WINESHED
Tegan Clark Photography
Luke and Vivienne’s journey began on the night of the Year 13 Burnside Ball, where they were matched by their friend, Leroi, who was also a groomsman. They met just before the ball, and spent most of the night being incredibly awkward around each other. It was the start of a great friendship that, with the right timing, turned into a relationship... a short 4 years later.
The pair were married on a still, sunny day in the beautiful courtyard at Cossars Wineshed. We were so grateful that the wedding was able to go ahead with Covid restrictions in place, with overseas guests joining us through a live stream. Safia, the owner of Cossars, had done a magnificent job of setting up the space to be warm and inviting. The colours were spectacular - the green of the trees, terracotta pots with flowers, and bright yellow lemons… it was simply glorious.
Tegan Clark Photography
Viv entered with her Mum on one side and Dad on the other. She looked stunning. As the music built, the tissues came out! And the guests didn’t know what hit them when Luke and Viv chose to share vows they had written themselves… I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house.
“You'll often be asked the question, when did you decide you wanted to get married? I don't know the day, the time or the moment when I figured out I was ready, but I know that I've been ready since we got engaged a year ago, since a few months before that when I was picking out the ring, and definitely some time before that when I was wondering what our life was going to be like together in the future. I don't need to wonder anymore, because we're here, living each day together, and I get to look forward to each and every next day, with you by my side.”
“I want to thank you for pushing me to follow my passion and dreams, even when it’s out of my comfort zone. Without you, I wouldn’t have had the courage to start over and be the person that I am today. You knew how scary it was for me and you continued to support me through it all. Because of you, my life has been filled with joy and happiness.”
Tegan Clark Photography
After the ceremony, I bumped into Joe and Abbey, a gorgeous couple whose wedding I officiated last year. It was so nice to catch up and hear what they’re up to now!
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Tegan Clark Photography
Venue - Cossars Wineshed
“Honestly, you have been so amazing and great to work with! Our ceremony was exactly how we envisioned it to be and we couldn’t be any happier with how everything went! The planning and communication was really straightforward and easy. You were very prompt with emails which meant that there were no delays when it came to planning. The tips sent to us on how to write our vows and how to create what needed to be said during the ceremony was really helpful too!”
Isaac & Nina
COURTYARD WEDDING
20 FEBRUARY 2021 - COSSARS WINESHED
Isaac and Nina took Covid restrictions in their stride - no longer able to have the Fiji beach wedding they were hoping for, “Take 2!” was instead held in the beautiful courtyard at Cossars Wineshed. The vintage couches and festoon lights set the scene… and it was utterly gorgeous.
Throughout Issac and Nina’s relationship, they have learned that true love is not a fantasy, but something that they must consciously choose every day. As well as everyday adventures, they have experienced the hardship of family loss, and the joys of parenting together - and are stronger for it.
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.
Isaac and Nina’s ceremony was full of laughter. We all cracked up when Isaac had to dash from the ceremony to find a forgotten page from the handwritten vows… and when I asked Matthias for the rings, but he had cooler things to do and had disappeared to play (Alyssa shouted for him at the top of her lungs and he came running!).
These two were some of the nicest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I just know that you will have a beautiful marriage xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Cassandra Kovacs Photography
Venue - Cossars Wineshed
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.”
Andrew & Jess
Self-professed ‘Star Wars Nerds’ Andrew and Jess were married on a hot, windy day at Westhaven Gardens, after postponing their ceremony due to Covid earlier in the year.
COVID CAN’T BEAT LOVE!
31 OCTOBER 2020 - WESTHAVEN GARDENS, CHRISTCHURCH
Self-professed ‘Star Wars Nerds’ Andrew and Jess were married on a hot, windy day at Westhaven Gardens, after postponing their ceremony due to Covid earlier in the year.
The venue was simply stunning! I was blown away by the manicured gardens, lush green lawns and intimate wee chapel. Andrew and Jess set up a marquee for the reception, as well. There were plenty of trees for shade before the ceremony, and a variety of lawn games for entertainment afterwards.
Andrew set up a live stream for guests who were unable to attend due to Covid restrictions, and Emma Smart did an amazing job of capturing the day. I thought that Jess’ veil looked stunning as it floated in the breeze.
Both Mums were invited to share a reading, which was a really nice way of involving them in the ceremony. There were lots of happy tears, especially when Andrew and Jess shared their vows with each other.
“…I promise to love you with all I have to give and all that I am, completely and forever.”
“…I can’t wait to continue to make a life with you and have many adventures. With you by my side, I know we can get through anything.”
Something particularly special for me was feeling my baby fluttering while we were signing the paperwork. It was a magical experience and I am so grateful that this Little Bean has been surrounded by love and happiness as it grows.
All the best for married life, Andrew and Jess!
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Emma Smart
New Zealand Marriage Celebrants
Learning a little bit more about Marriage Celebrants…
Only those persons appointed by the Registrar-General as Marriage Celebrants and whose name appears in the List of Celebrants in the New Zealand Gazette have authority to solemnise marriages in New Zealand. I was excited to become registered as an Independent Marriage Celebrant on 5th June 2019 and later, to join the Celebrants Association of New Zealand (CANZ).
Why should you book a CANZ member as your Marriage Celebrant?
CANZ members create and facilitate ceremonies and rituals which respond to the diverse needs and values of New Zealand individuals, families and communities. In engaging a CANZ celebrant, you are gaining the assurance of employing a celebrant who belongs to the national professional body, a celebrant who has passed the association’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards test, and a person who, more often than not, is committed to ongoing professional development with a strong network of fellow celebrants to call on if needed.
So, what is VCANZ?
CANZ has introduced a celebrant validation process known as VCANZ, which is a structured recognition of celebrant training, experience and professional development based on the CANZ body of knowledge. This gives couples additional certainty and greater comfort that a CANZ celebrant meets the professional standards of competency required for celebrant work. Also, only validated celebrants can legally perform Registry Ceremonies, no longer held at Births, Deaths and Marriages offices. I received my VCANZ status on 3rd June 2020 (and I cried LITERAL TEARS of joy!!!).
Why are Registry Ceremonies being held in the community?
Vaughan Millar (Senior Advisor at Services and Access - The Department of Internal Affairs) tells us more through a short history about the concept of validated CANZ celebrants performing registry ceremonies.
Like most change these days, it started with the Internet. In this case, marriage licence applications could be completed fully online from October 2018, which resulted in less walk-ins to a public counter. Other than signing declarations, the only other major work for the 47 registry offices was performing registry office marriages. With 10,000 appointed marriage celebrants, it made sense to give couples more options and a better customer experience by making better use of this pool of talent. It also provided an opportunity for more work for celebrants. Over the following 12 months the groundwork began to enable the outsourcing of registry weddings to celebrants in the community.
On 1 July 2019, the registry celebrant service was launched with 59 celebrants signed up in areas outside the centres where BDM had large offices – Christchurch, Wellington, Manukau and Auckland. The next step was taking advantage of the Wellington BDM office move early in 2020. The last day registry wedding ceremonies were held at the Wellington counter was on Friday, 31 January 2020 and on 1 February 2020, that work was handed over to VCANZ celebrants. The plan was to move registry office ceremonies in Christchurch, Manukau and Auckland to validated CANZ members on 1 December 2020 – similar to the process that had been successfully executed in Wellington. However, due to Covid19, this date was brought forward to early March 2020.
As of 12 May 2020, there are 129 registry celebrants spread across the length of New Zealand - BDM are out of the business of performing registry marriages, now sitting entirely with celebrants (including yours truly!).
What does this mean for YOU?
A celebrant is a deeply personal choice - someone who can connect with you and capture the essence of your true self. Their role is to share your story, encompassing your values and beliefs in a way that reflects your relationship. One of the most significant moments of my own wedding ceremony was when our celebrant, Sally, blessed us in te reo, grounding and connecting us to a particular place and time. For you, it may be a reading or a song, maybe a funny anecdote - your ceremony should be uniquely yours. In ten or twenty years time, you may not remember the exact words, but you will remember the way they made you feel. As a validated member of CANZ, and a lover of people and their stories, I am committed to creating something beautiful with you xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
*Please note: You can find out more about the different ceremonies I provide here.