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Simon & Vanessa
Simon and Vanessa’s ceremony was held on an absolute scorcher of a day at a stunning spot in Methven!
METHVEN WEDDING
19 FEBRUARY 2021 - AWA AWA RATA RESERVE, METHVEN
Simon and Vanessa’s ceremony was held on an absolute scorcher of a day at a stunning spot in Methven! They had an epic team of vendors on board - I’ve linked them below so that you can check them out.
Simon and Vanessa's relationship began on a Facebook ‘singles’ page. After a few days chatting, Vanessa decided to take Simon some lunch. They met on the side of the road near where he was working in Waipara... As Vanessa says, "A way to a man's heart is through his stomach!” - One dinner later, they were officially boyfriend and girlfriend, and the rest is history.
Before the ceremony started, Simon was extremely emotional. He is head over heels for Vanessa and couldn’t believe their wedding day had finally arrived. Best Man, Nick, was a great support - taking Simon to one side and having a chat with him in the shade before the bridal party made their entrance. I was touched by their strong friendship. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Vanessa made her way down the aisle!
A wedding day is often a day when couples miss those who can’t be with them. We acknowledged Des, Simon’s groomsman and Vanessa's brother, who couldn’t make it due to Covid travel restrictions. Vanessa’s Aunty Joy also lit a candle in remembrance of Vanessa’s Dad, Ian.
A great way to include loved ones is through readings. Simon’s gorgeous wee cousin shared ‘Love is Giving’ with us.
“Love is giving not taking,
Mending not breaking,
Trusting, believing, never deceiving, patiently bearing and faithfully sharing,
Each joy, every sorrow, today and tomorrow.
Love is kind, understanding, but never demanding,
Love is constant, prevailing, its strength never failing,
A promise once spoken for all time unbroken,
Love’s time is forever.”
Simon and Vanessa chose to write their own vows which they shared with each other for the very first time during their ceremony.
“…You are beautiful, smart and strong, and I will love you every day for the rest of our lives together...”
“…My heart still skips a beat when I get that phone call - that you are on your way home from work. I love you today, tomorrow and for the rest of my life…”
Afterwards, the guests had nibbles and drinks together then made their way to Ski Time for a wonderful evening of yummy food, speeches and dancing.
All the best to this loved-up couple! xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Catering - Smoke ‘n’ Barrel
DJ - Boogie Beats
Photographer - Focus Photography
Videographer - Frame Boy
Cam & Ione
OFFICIATING FOR ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS!
6 FEBRUARY 2021 - WINSFORD GARDENS, AUCKLAND
Aside from my own wedding, Cam and Ione’s was my favourite of all time! As someone who has known Ione since the early days of high school, this ceremony was particularly special for me. She is such a treasure, and our friendship is one I value dearly. I’m choking up just re-living their beautiful celebration now… in fact, I really have no idea how I held it together on the day! This was also my first ceremony where I knew a number of the guests, making it all the more significant to me.
In the months leading up to the ceremony, we worked closely together to create a script that perfectly captured the essence of Cam and Ione’s relationship. We included details about how the pair met, some relationship milestones and Cam’s epic proposal (that Ione did not make easy!).
On the day, Ione chose to enter from the side of the garden, not down a traditional aisle. I always love to highlight to couples that the beauty of a personalised ceremony is that you have the freedom to do what works for you! She looked absolutely stunning.
It was important to Cam and Ione to share what marriage means to them and to acknowledge that it requires conscious effort. “As time and life changes you, remember that continuing to nourish your relationship is a choice - and when you choose to find your greatest joy in the company of each other, marriage offers opportunities for sharing and growth that no other human relationship can equal.” They also chose to write their own vows and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Perfection.
“…Ione, you are my best friend and soulmate, and you make every day of my life a surprise. Your energy and ambition are what drew me towards you, and I love the feeling of always being on the go with you. You can’t sit still. I love that when I’m with you there is never a dull moment. We’ve been to so many places and achieved so much already but I know today is only the beginning…”
“…Cameron - God, I love you. How incredible that we both get to be on this earth right now, and that among billions of people alive, and the zillions that came before us, we managed to collide in this strange, beautiful whirlwind of life. How sweet it is to be here with you today and to declare to the world that I adore you. You’re my best mate, my favourite person…”
After the ceremony, I had the privilege of attending the reception which was a super chilled out ‘walk-and-fork’ affair. Think classy house party… complete with lawn games and a bonfire. A major highlight was listening to the MC - Cam and Ione’s seven year old nephew - who was hilarious. I was so impressed. I got to hang out with my Mum, Dad and gorgeous husband, as well as catch up with some of my best mates who were also there to celebrate. Best night ever!!
Thank you so much for sharing your day with me. I love you both and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Richard Ng
“Vic was wonderful to work with from start to finish. She was enthusiastic about our wedding and was super supportive and knowledgeable when it came to questions we had. She had some great suggestions and tips for how to make the ceremony run smoothly, and really listened to what we wanted out of the day.
We felt so confident during the lead up to our wedding, and on the day, knowing that she had everything in hand. We both loved how encouraging and supportive she was at the ceremony itself, reminding us to take our time and focus on each other, as she guided us through the process. Vic is an all-round delight to work with; if you’re looking for a celebrant, stop, you’ve found her. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story can make all the difference.”
Kurtus & Lily
GARDEN WEDDING
4 MARCH 2021 - HALSWELL QUARRY
Kurtus and Lily were married in an intimate ceremony surrounded by their closest family and friends. They chose a secluded spot in the beautiful Songpa-Gu Gardens at Halswell Quarry. If you haven’t visited, I highly recommend going for a walk around the ‘Sister Gardens’. This particular garden has a botanical collection that represents Korea, as well as our own landscape here in Canterbury.
Kurtus and Lily chose to break tradition in a few ways! That is the beauty of a personalised ceremony, my friends… you can make it totally your own. Instead of an archway, the pair set up in front of one of the monuments, using a framed photograph of themselves to mark where they were going to stand. They also opted not to have a first kiss - an epic, and rather spontaneous fist pump sealed this marriage!
This was my last ceremony of the season before beginning my maternity leave… and I was ready to pop! Maia Elizabeth Jo arrived 9 days later and I have since been settling into life as an earthside māmā. Our wee whānau is doing really well! I have been sharing a few updates over on Instagram @victoriathomas.celebrant - if you’re interested, prepare your ovaries and head on over for some super cute baby snaps.
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
“Everything was great! Couldn’t have asked for a better person to help us continue our next chapter.”
Nitin & Krina
Nitin and Krina celebrated their love with a full wedding weekend. They held their Hindu ceremony at the Lincoln Events Centre on Saturday and their legal ceremony at Pemberton Gardens on Saturday.
GARDEN WEDDING
06 DECEMBER 2020 - PEMBERTON GARDENS, CANTERBURY
Nitin and Krina celebrated their love with a full wedding weekend. They held their Hindu ceremony at the Lincoln Events Centre on Saturday and their legal ceremony at Pemberton Gardens on Saturday. After hearing so much about Pemberton Gardens, I was really excited to officiate Nitin and Krina’s wedding ceremony there. It was well worth the wait! Such a stunning venue - lush gardens complete with bunny rabbits hopping around, a range of different spaces to use - and best of all, blankets and hot water bottles on a chilly day!
Nitin and Krina are a super relaxed couple and wanted their special day to be full of laughter. We all cracked up when the mic cut out just as Nitin said ‘I do!’ and Krina had to reassure the guests… ‘HE DOES!’
Their vows were funny too…
…from the opening lines…
“Nitin, the day has finally come - who knew that when we were introduced and spoke for all of 30 seconds before you ran away that we’d be standing here today.”
“Krina, I'm so proud to be sharing this special moment of our lives with our friends and family today. From the weekend I came up to Auckland to hang out with you for the first time, to the time you craved a trip to Nandos for a feast, I knew you were a keeper!“
…to their promises…
“…And lastly, I promise to try and be more comforting when the Crusaders beat the Hurricanes even though I’m rather pleased on the inside…”
“I promise to listen to you (even if you have to repeat yourself three times)…”
Nitin and Krina were so much fun to work with! I only wish they lived in Christchurch so we could hang out!!
All the best for your next chapter xx I know you won’t be strangers.
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Mala, Paul Tatterson
Venue - Pemberton Gardens
“We had the absolute pleasure of having Vic as our celebrant and sharing our ceremony with us. We had our initial meeting via Skype during lockdown and instantly knew she was perfect for us! She made the process so easy and catered to what we were after, we really couldn’t have asked for anything more - thank you so much Vic xxx”
Nic & Rose
Rose and Nic were married in an intimate wedding ceremony with their closest family and friends.
GARDEN WEDDING
12 DECEMBER 2020 - PEMBERTON GARDENS, CANTERBURY
Rose and Nic were married in an intimate ceremony with their closest family and friends. The sun was shining and everyone was stoked to be there. In my opinion, it was the perfect garden party - the setting was elegant and classy, and all the ‘little details’ complimented each other beautifully.
Rose and Nic broke tradition in a number of ways. They had a ‘first look’ before the ceremony, Rose walked herself down the aisle, and the pair shared a kiss and cuddle when she got there. It was exactly how a personalised wedding ceremony should be… uniquely their own, a perfect reflection of their values and beliefs.
“Rose, I couldn’t be happier than I am standing here today, about to take another step along the winding road with you. This does not mark the beginning of our adventure, because we have already been through so much together, but the continuation of our story that started the day I met you. This day will solidify the bond that we’ve always had, and bring us into the next chapter in our lives.”
“Nic, I can’t be certain of what our future may hold, but I am certain that we will face it together, with our love for each other as the foundation of every success and setback. I am inspired by who you are; persistent, thoughtful, generous and sensitive. I will always be grateful that you show your love for me with these qualities. I stand here today, and every day ahead of us, to give myself to you, promising to weather whatever will be as your loving wife and best friend.”
Right from the word ‘go’, Rose and Nic treated me like a friend they had known for years. I loved our communication throughout the planning process - flicking quick messages back and forth, or chatting on the phone about the order of service, wording of vows, and back-up plans incase Covid decided to rain on our parade. On the day, I felt so appreciated by these two beautiful humans. I was overwhelmed with hugs, kind words and was even invited to be in the group photo after the ceremony. It meant a lot to me.
I am already so excited for the adventures you are about to have. All the best for your next chapter xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Jayden Wall
Venue - Pemberton Gardens
“Thank you so much for all your help. The Google doc to create the ceremony was a real asset and easy to navigate. Vic, you have a real gift for hearing what couples want and helping curate something really personal. From day 1 you had ideas and ways of bringing it all together to perfect a modern ceremony.
It was a pleasure to share our wedding day with you and we felt so well supported by you through the entire process. We had guests say how impressed they were by you and also note that you stood to the side the whole time and how that was visually much more impressive than typical celebrants.
Can’t wait to see you become a mum to your gorgeous pēpi, wishing you all the best.”
Liam & Sara
Liam and Sara were married on the lush green lawn of Whispering Oaks, surrounded by family, friends, and farm animals - including bunny rabbits, horses and one particularly vocal donkey!
BARNYARD WEDDING
28 NOVEMBER 2020 - WHISPERING OAKS, CANTERBURY
Liam and Sara were married on the lush green lawn of Whispering Oaks, surrounded by family, friends, and farm animals - including bunny rabbits, horses and one particularly vocal donkey!
The beauty of Whispering Oaks is that it is a ‘DIY’ venue… and Sara is SUPER crafty so it suited her to a tee! The reception was held in the barn and she did an amazing job with the signage, decorations and favours. I loved the way the whole family pulled together to get everything set up, too - it reminded me of my own wedding.
The ceremony itself was beautiful. I love it when a bride and groom allow themselves to be vulnerable and feel into all of the emotions of the occasion. Happy tears are the best! Little Connor was a gorgeous ring bearer and I loved inviting Liam and Sara’s Mums to be the witnesses.
“…Although I may not be perfect, I vow to support you throughout life’s ups and downs, and make sure I wrap my arms around you every night before we go to sleep. I love you Sara, and I am excited to see the future we create together...”
“…You are my better half and my best friend. I will love you, honour you, respect you, and cherish you though all our adventures and challenges. I am yours forever and always…”
Another big highlight for me was working with Sarah Clements, who is not only an amazing photographer but has also become a friend. As always, she did an incredible job capturing all of the special moments throughout Liam and Sara’s day. She books out well in advance so make sure you get in touch soon if you want her to be part of your wedding!
All the best for your next chapter, Liam and Sara xxx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Sarah Clements
“We’d like to thank you again for helping make our day that much easier and for your personal touch!”
P.S. Hot tip! We had a few issues with the sound system and I think it’s helpful to let you know that it doesn’t worry me at all when a sound system isn’t playing ball. As a primary school teacher, I am used to speaking to large crowds without a mic! However, it can make it tricky for your guests to hear your vows (particularly as you don’t really want to be shouting into your partner’s face, and are usually quite emotional during this time!). To ensure that everyone has the chance to hear them, you may choose to share your vows again during speeches later on in the evening. Totally up to you!
Alex & Kate
WOOLSHED WEDDING
10 DECEMBER 2020 - TIPAPA ESTATE, GRETA VALLEY
Alex and Kate were married at the beautiful Tipapa Estate on a gloriously sunny day. It was the perfect garden party - guests dressed to the nines and ready to celebrate in style! Musician Lee Martin set the scene, and photographer Susie Blatchford was there to capture every delicious moment. The bride and groom had worked closely with Kate from Collective Concepts to plan their bespoke ‘All for Love’ wedding package… and it was absolutely magical!
One of my favourite parts of the ceremony was Kate’s entrance with her Dad, Gavin. This is always such a significant moment between father and daughter - I am pretty sure every single person was reaching for the tissues (including me!).
I love getting to know couples and the journey they have shared leading up to their wedding day. Alex and Kate’s story began when they were just 15 - though Alex, thinking Kate was older than she really was and wanting to make a good first impression, lied and said he was 17. If ever there was a sign that two people were meant to be together, it would surely be the fact that these two lovebirds were born in the same hospital on the very same day… and years later, living in the same neighbourhood, their paths were destined to cross.
The pair chose to write their own vows - each starting with the qualities they loved about the other, and finishing with the same promises. “I promise to continue to love you, to respect and support you, to be patient with you, to work together with you to achieve our goals, to accept you unconditionally and to share my life with you forever.”
I loved everything about this couple and their wedding day. All the best for your next chapter - stay in touch! xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
I highly recommend checking out Collective Concepts ‘All for Love’ wedding packages - “Collective Concepts is proud to introduce Canterbury’s first bespoke all inclusive wedding packages where you can custom create your perfect day that is uniquely you, with the personal and professional guidance of Kate and the team at Collective Concepts, while working in collaboration with an experienced and talented group of wedding vendors all handpicked by you. We can’t wait to get to know you and support you on your wedding planning journey. How good does a wedding day sound where you just bring yourselves, your wedding rings and your marriage license, and let us take care of the rest!”
Musician - Lee Martin
Photographer - Susie Blatchford
Venue - Tipapa Estate
Wedding Planner - Collective Concepts
Ryan & Katie
The Sign of the Bellbird is a stunning location, situated near the top of Summit Road in the Port Hills. It is perfect for elopements and intimate ceremonies!
REGISTRY WEDDING
20 NOVEMBER 2020 - SIGN OF THE BELLBIRD, CHRISTCHURCH
The Sign of the Bellbird is a stunning location, situated near the top of Summit Road in the Port Hills. It is perfect for elopements and intimate ceremonies! The views over Lyttelton Harbour and Hoon Hay Valley are breathtaking and make for beautiful photos (even on my average phone camera!).
Choosing to get married in the evening, Ryan and Katie’s registry wedding was simply magical. They had only their very closest family members and friends present. Despite the windy weather, the stone heritage hut where we held the ceremony was sheltered and offered complete protection from the elements. It was cosy and intimate. There was laughter, tears and even a toast (yes, pack your chilli bin and champagne, friends!!). A perfect way to kickstart the weekend - and of course, the marriage of a lifetime.
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.
There is nothing more exciting than beginning a new adventure together. I wish you both the very best for your next chapter! xx
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
“Ryan and I would just like to say thanks again for making our day happen! Everything went perfectly. You have great communication, and were very easy and helpful to deal with! Best of luck with your pregnancy and your whānau. Hope to see you again in the teaching world! ”
Corey & Sarah
After 15 years and two beautiful children together, Corey and Sarah were stoked to finally become Mr and Mrs Baker! They were married on the manicured lawn at Larcomb Vineyard, with a rustic red barn as the backdrop to their ceremony.
FIRST PERSONALISED CEREMONY OF THE SEASON!
10TH OCTOBER 2020 - LARCOMB VINEYARD, CHRISTCHURCH
Corey & Sarah - captured by Whimsical Wedding Photography at Larcomb Vineyard
After 15 years and two beautiful children together, Corey and Sarah were stoked to finally become Mr and Mrs Baker! They were married on the manicured lawn at Larcomb Vineyard, with a rustic red barn as the backdrop to their ceremony. I loved the entrance of the bridal party, lead by the cutest little Flower Girl and Page Boys you ever did see.
We acknowledged special family members and friends who are no longer with us, and those unable to travel due to Covid restrictions. Despite the rain, the smiles were bright - especially during Corey’s cheeky vows! And… instead of traditional confetti, the guests blew bubbles over the newly married couple as they walked down the aisle. Perfection!
“Sarah, my best friend, my love. You are the lucky one that gets to grow old with me… After being together for almost 15 years now, you have helped to shape me into the man I have become, and I am very grateful to have you by my side. With your kind heart, beautiful eyes and nice arse... I couldn’t ask for more!”
“Always remember I'd choose you, in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality… I'd find you and I’d choose you.”
One of the coolest things about Larcomb Vineyard is that there are plenty of different locations to take portraits. The contrasting colours of the bright red shed with the deep greenery of the forestry made for beautiful photos, and Charmayne from Whimsical Wedding Photography did an amazing job capturing this badass crew!
Congratulations Mr and Mrs Baker! #finally
AROHA NUI,
Vic xxx
Photographer - Whimsical Photography
Venue - Larcomb Vineyard
Videographer - Moustache Media
“Thank you so much for being a part of our special day! You were very chilled and relaxed like us, which made the vibe so good. I will definitely be recommending you to anyone who asks! Once again, thank you.”
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.