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.”

— Matt + Steph

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.”

— Josh + Jessie

Josh & Shelly

CANTERBURY ELOPEMENT

MARCH 24 - CHRISTCHURCH

I woke in the early morning to a message from Shelly, one of our long-term family friends…

“Hey Vic, as you know Josh and I were meant to get married in two weeks but with yesterday’s news, we have decided to get married today. We would love to have someone there for an hour or two to take photos.”

…and I was instantly wide awake! A different role than usual but a wedding!? A spontaneous elopement?! YES!!!

A little background… Shelly’s parents, Dave and Cindy, and her four siblings, played a significant part in my upbringing - attending netball and swimming tournaments, school events, shared holidays at the beach, and numerous special family occasions. I still remember Dave’s kindness and patience when he taught me to sail at Kawau Island on school camp. As a young child, he helped me to feel brave and capable of anything. My husband, Dan, and I were honoured to have Dave as the MC at our own wedding in February last year and we are exceptionally grateful for the support that Shelly’s family gave us on our special day. 

Despite planning a large wedding to be held in April, Josh and Shelly knew that all they wanted going into lock down was to be husband and wife. Thus, a new dream was born - a whirlwind elopement in the Christchurch hills with only their very closest ‘home team’. 

Josh and Shelly were married in the shelter of the trees at the Sign of the Takahe. My heart was racing a million miles an hour as Shelly walked down the track on Dave’s arm - I can only imagine how Josh must have been feeling! There is something so precious about the bond between father and daughter, and it was difficult to stop the tears from flowing. 

As a celebrant, I love the part of the ceremony when it is time to ask for consent and exchange vows. There was a huge amount of laughter when Josh replied “I do” to Michelle and Shelly said “You’re supposed to look at me when you say that!”.

Josh and Shelly share strong family values, and are blessed that both of their parents have had long, healthy marriages. One of my favourite parts of the ceremony was when the two families joined together in prayer. This was a ceremony full of joy - it was natural, intentional and best of all… it was about two people who just wanted to be themselves with each other. 

After the ceremony, we braved the wild winds and rain in the Port Hills. I was hoping we could capture a few moments before Shelly froze in her dress but there was nothing to worry about as this she-warrior didn’t even feel the cold! Talk about a bubble of love… she was on Cloud 9! 

Thank you so much for letting me be part of your special day xx it was an absolute privilege. 

AROHA NUI,

Vic xxx

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New Zealand is now at Alert Level 4 which means anyone who is not involved in essential work needs to stay home in order to prevent the spread of Covid19. Though there may be restrictions in place, CANZ has advised that marriages can take place when we are back to Alert Level 1 or 2. This information is subject to change.

Celebrant - Michelle Diprose

Photographer - Victoria Thomas (woohoo!)