I have moved - just my blog, not my wedding venues.

I have moved my blog site to more fully integrate it with my website - for my latest weddings, please take a look at 'Recent Weddings' at: http://www.ceremoniesinmontville.com.au

I look forward to your ongoing comments.

Wed under Clovelly's Jacaranda tree

With our run of wet weather this year, it was touch and go whether or not Brad & Cathy would get their garden wedding.  The weather gods played nicely and so under the mighty Jacaranda tree in the beautiful Clovelly gardens, Brad and Cathy became husband and wife.

This was a beautiful family affair with their girls being VIP guests.  After the guests were in position, Brad with his two lovely on either side, entered, followed by Cathy,also escorted by her two beautiful girls.

Cathy was very relaxed, having enjoyed some special pampering at the hands of the lovely fold at   Clovelly Spa and a morning with Mel of Velvet Hair, Montville having her hair and make-up done.

I just love this photo - the clasped hands say it all - we're now married and that's how we intend to stay!

Congratulations Cathy and Brad, I wish you much happiness and long years to enjoy each other.

Spicers Clovelly Estate Montville

Dropped into, the always lovely, Spicers Clovelly Estate  this evening to have the last minute paperwork completed for tomorrow's wedding.   The bride had just come for a very special spa treatment and joined her groom and some close family and friends in the library for drinks before heading off to dinner at the Long Apron Restaurant.  I know they are in for a real treat with dinner tonight.
Clovelly Estate is one of our country's most delightful get-away spots - whether it be for a wedding or just  luxuriously relaxing time out from the cares of the world- I do love Clovelly wedding ceremonies.
Thanks to John Reymont for the beautiful photo from a recent wedding at Clovelly.

Ideal for an intimate family wedding

I was chatting with the owners of Mala Kita, a beautiful home in Montville that is available for short term letting.  Ever since first setting foot inside this award winning house over 3 years ago, I thought it would be a perfect venue for a small intimate wedding.  The two terraced lawn areas are huge and, being very private with the beautiful views across the valley, would make a lovely setting for a wedding ceremony and cocktail reception in the warmer months.  In the cooler months you could venture inside for a lovely dinner catered for by one of our fabulous out-caterers or chefs such as Senor Paella or Capelli Foods or you could all pitch in and  do it yourself in the marvellous chef's kitchen.  The verandas are large enough to allow a sheltered ceremony space should the weather turn inclement.

With 4 huge bedrooms, there is room enough for close family to stay, an enormous open plan dining living kitchen area that opens onto the verandas is big enough for a small sit down reception to be perfectly possible.  A stand up, drinks and canape style reception would also work for up to around 30 - 40 guests.  Mystic Mountain Tours will provide transport to and from your guests accommodation at a very reasonable rate.

Of course, all of the important people you need to ensure you day is a success are available right here in Montville - from hair and make-up artists, musicians, photographers and Montville's original Marriage Celebrant - yep, that's me, very close by - so call (0418 980500)  or contact me today to discuss all the possibilities.

Red Roses and Romance at Flaxton Gardens

Imagine your groom waiting at the end of this aisle, with that lovely view for all of your guests to enjoy as they share these special moments with you.  This is what awaits you for your wedding at the ever lovely Flaxton Gardens - this view never ceases to amaze me, especially on a lovely blue-sky,  fluffy cloud day like this one.  

Saturday's wedding was a wedding garden party - such a relaxed and romantic way to celebrate your love - beautiful red roses and candles adorned the ceremony area as well as the tables for guests to relax at as they enjoyed a Flaxton Gardens special - champagne high tea!   

This young couple wanted a simple, fuss free garden wedding, yet wanted to keep it private and amongst their dearest family and friends.  They achieved just this as their ceremony, although a little different from the norm, went off without a hitch.  Of course the bride looked simply stunning in her ivory gown set of with gorgeous rose-red shoes.  And  her groom - so very handsome - and not the least bit nervous, just beaming with happiness and pride.

Flaxton Gardens is a place where I always look forward to working - with the professionalism and graciousness of Georgina, Allen and their staff, one can always be confident of a wonderful occasion with every little detail taken care of.

Love in the Air at The Spotted Chook, Montville

Jon and Suzi, along with gorgeous baby Willow chose the romantically quirky "Spotted Chook" for their wedding ceremony and reception afterwards.

With their loving and very close family gathered in the gazebo, the ceremony promised to be an emotional journey - and it was.  The beautiful flowers and bouquets lovingly prepared and arranged by Jon's sister, her husband Bob singing and playing guitar and their daughter presenting a beautiful reading on Love during the ceremony and Suzi's close friend and sister-in-law as matron of honour, this was really a special family affair.

As always, Leroy, Jane and family from Spotted Chook ensured the celebrations went without a hitch as they served delicious canapes and champers immediately after the ceremony with everyone then experiencing unique and private dining experience, "Chook" style afterwards.

Take a look at the 'Chook' if a romantic, country-style wedding for up to 45 sit-down wedding reception  or a cocktail function for up to 80 guests.
 I do love the antique French chair that The Chook provides for brides to sit upon as they sign those important marriage documents - it adds a lovely touch of elegance.

The Elopements Continue - such a romantic way to tie the knot....

Photo from Whispering Valley Website

Last weekend saw another romantic elopement at Maleny's delightfully secluded Whispering Valley cottages.  Set deep in the forest about 15 km west of Maleny, these cottages provide the perfect escape from the cares of everyday life.  Perhaps more suited to a romantic get-away or a honeymoon, they were, nevertheless, a perfect place for a romantic elopement.

Anne-Marie and David chose to leave all their cares behind them, and treat themselves to a very special weekend away, and in the process, tie the knot in a very private, but romantic ceremony.  There was just them, myself, Anne from the cottages and Brian Rogers, the indomitable Sunshine Coast Photographer present.  Anne-Marie looked glowing and resplendent in her flowing gown tied with bronze sash and simply gorgeous high heels!  When Brian had them traipsing out through the bush paths, I was glad it wasn't me in such lovely heels!  With the very handsome David as her side, I am sure all went well and I am really looking forward to seeing the photos that Brian has produced.

David and Anne-Marie, thank you for entrusting such a special occasion to me and I wish you much happiness in your years together.

A wedding at Spicers Clovelly Estate is always special

I love going to Spicers Clovelly Estate to celebrate a wedding - David and Steph, along with the the indomitable Sam go out of their way to ensure everything is just as the happy couple wish it to be - and then some!
As we gathered for a rehearsal the day before Rebecca & Wesley's wedding the weather was threatening, but promising to clear as we all hoped it would because Rebecca really had her heart set on a garden wedding.
However - when we awoke on the morning of her wedding, showers that continued on into mid-afternoon were the order of the day.
Sam pulled a rabbit out of a hat by suggesting that we use the library verandah as the venue for the ceremony as, even though the rain had stopped, the ground was wet and risked spoiling Rebecca's beautiful dress.  In next to no time Sam had the verandah set up so that it looked elegant and quite lovely and, with the blinds up, Rebecca had her garden wedding whilst still being protected from any possible rain and the chilly wind.

Rebecca was a stunningly beautiful bride and her beaming face told us all that absolutely nothing, not even a bit of rain could spoil her wedding day.  And Wesley, when he first caught sight of his beautiful bride, well, I thought he was going to burst with love and pride!
Wesley and Rebecca - such a gracious couple, so in love and lovely - I wish you both many, many long years of joy together.

Married at last - they waited almost 40 years!

What an amazing story - as young teenagers in the sixties Allan & Helene were a 'couple' until life and jobs intervened and they each went their separate ways.  Almost 8 years ago they met up again and discovered the old spark was still quietly burning and it didn't take a lot to fan it back into full blazing wonderful life again.  And so they married, under the very special giant old tree at Halfmoon Hideaway in Maleny before their closest family and friends.

Working with this couple was quite an amazing journey from many perspectives - not the least being, that as we got to know one another,  we discovered many mutual friends from years past so that by the day of the wedding if felt as though we were truly old friends!

Dear friends have been such an important part of their journey so it was quite wonderful that so many were engaged in different ways, as best suited their personalities, in the wedding ceremony.
With a movie theme - Helene dressed as, perhaps Lara,  from that great love story, Dr Zhivago,  escorted by Jadryn the alpacha,  and Allan stepped straight from the Blues Brothers via the open topped Morris Minor that he arrived in!   What a couple!  What a celebration!

Their ceremony was as unique as they are as a couple and as individuals.  This is a love story that has spanned the decades and finally the wheel has turned full circle and they are finally back in each other's arms, where they will stay for the rest of their lives.
Gillian from Halfmoon Hideaway was an absolute star offering help, assistance and good advice as they planned this most unique wedding ceremony and celebration.
Allan and Helene - seize each and every day!

Winter Elopements in Montville

Winter seems to be the time for elopements inMontville - whilst all couples must to lodge their 'Notice of Intended Marriage' with their celebrant the required one full calendar month beforehand, (it can be done by email with the original then posted) with an elopement there is little else to organise - a photographer to record your special day, perhaps some flowers to uphold some traditions and somewhere to celebrate with a delicious dinner and finally warm, romantic accommodation for a day or two away -  all  available in Montville.

Wayne & Sue kept their elopement very simple - they arrived at my house late morning, we completed the final paperwork and they then got changed into their wedding clothes.  My lovely neighbours popped over to act as witnesses and we then proceeded with the ceremony.  This lovely couple have been together for 25 years and just never quite got around to getting married, even though they always intended to do so.  We celebrated with a glass of champagne afterwards, Wayne & Sue then changed back into their street clothes and headed off into the village for a spot of shopping (I believe 'The Candle Shoppe' was high on their list of places to visit) followed by a relaxing lunch at Elements before heading back home to Redcliffe to let their family in on their secret!

Simple, uncomplicated, very special and just what they wanted.

You see, a Montville Wedding can be just what you, as a couple, want to have as your celebrate your relationship.

Katrina and Chris wedding at Spotted Chook, Montville

Katrina and Chris choose a rustic country, vintage theme for their wedding and so Spotted Chook, Montville was the perfect location.
Approximately 50 family and friends gathered under the Spotted Chook Gazebo for their delightful ceremony.
A very handsome Chris, with his two close friends by his side waited for Katrina to make her way from Amelie's Cottage to the gazebo.   Katrina looked lovely in a champagne coloured antique lace gown and she was admirable supported be her 'brides-man' and matron of honour.

Both Katrina and Chris's Mums presented special messages for the couple as a part of the ceremony and all parents were invited to offer their personal blessings and support.

Immediately after the ceremony, Jane and Leroy from Spotted Chook, Montville served champagne and delicious canapes to the wedding party and their guests.

Doesn't Chris & Katrina's wedding cake look divine!  It was made by Libby from Eden Cupcakes - another quality Montville wedding service provider.

Another romantic wedding at Flaxton Gardens, Montville, Sunshine Coast

When I first met David and Alexzandra over a year before their wedding, I know they were a special couple and subsequent meetings confirmed this. David met his wee Irish lass in Sydney and from that moment he couldn't take his eyes off her.  The glorious moment when David caught his first glimpse of Alex as his bride, when first stood in the doorway of Flaxton Garden's Barrell Room by her Dad's side is a special memory for me - he knows she is beautiful, but on her wedding day she surpassed all of his expectations!

The warm woolly scarf that David lent Alex on that first night brought them together initially and so we used it in the ceremony to permanently bind their lives together. This was such a touching, fun-filled moment that guests were both laughing and crying because they knew what it meant to Alex and David.

Handfasting using the warm woolly scarf that brought them together.

I just couldn't resist popping a couple more of these lovely photos, all compliments of Sunshine Coast photographer,  Brain Rogers Photographics

Flaxton Gardens indoor option, The Barrell Room,  for a wedding ceremony on a rainy day is just as special as out on the edge of the escarpment.
The Winery all decked out for the reception offers a warm and lovely place to celebrate the the special event that took place at the ceremony - the union of a loving couple in marriage.

A rustic wedding at Kenilworth

Kenilworth is just a 30 minute, very beautiful drive from Montville so I was delighted to be asked to officiate at Andrew and Heidi's wedding at Kenilworth Homestead.  Andrew and Heidi have spent many relaxed weekends camping in the grounds here and so this is a special place for them.

They wanted a simple, relaxed and friendly ceremony under a gorgeous huge raintree by the cattle yards - actually in the middle of the yards.  Heavy rain the day before meant a last minute change of plans and the ceremony was held in a marquee beside the old barn where they had gathered their family and friends for  pre-ceremony drinks.

At the appointed time everyone wandered outside to the verandas and marquee and gathered for the ceremony.  Heidi looked beautiful in her strapless, beaded gown and both she and Andrew positively glowed with smiles that threatened to burst from their faces!

With many of the guests staying the night at the Homestead, and others staying just a short drive away, I can only imagine the joyful celebrations went on well into the night.  The old barn was beautifully decorated - the rustic timber walls and old tools set of the soft, gentle wedding decorations to perfection.

Intimate wedding in Secret's garden, Montville

The Queensland floods, meant that Steve and Abby's wedding became an intimate family affair - nevertheless I wanted to ensure it was to be a really special and memorable occasion for them.

The gardens at Secrets on the Lake, Montville are truly spectacular and amidst all the rain we have had lately, we awoke to a spectacular, blue sky, sunny day.  After wandering around the gardens the afternoon before we decided to make use of these wonderful decks - the views are spectacular and the surrounding streams and waterfalls give a calm, relaxing ambiance.
We held the ceremony out on the decks to make the most of the background and then proceeded tot he shady gazebo for to sign the Marriage Register and Certificates.

Steve, along with his Mum and Dad and young son Riley, enjoyed the sunshine on the decks as we waited for Abby and her parents to arrive.  When they did - it was worth the wait - Abby looked simply stunning in her gown with its 'olive' green sash that was to compliment the bridesmaids dresses.
Young Riley really enjoyed exploring each of the garden decks, the bubbling stream with its tiny fish and tadpoles and the waterfall.  He made his presence known, when right in the midst of Steve's vows he tumbled into a marsh garden right next to us - just doing a little more exploring.  It certainly gave Steve and Abby something to remember!  He picked himself up and was quite ready to present the rings just moments later.  What a boy!
Steve and Abby - I wish you all the best and can't wait to see some photographs of your special day and look forward to the time when you can celebrate your marriage and your bridesmaids get to wear their dresses.

Romantic Wedding at Montville Country Cabins

A good romance in real life is better than any book - and that is Keith and Debbie's story!  They met through Murphy, Debbie's dog and after a few dinner and movie dates, they never looked back.  Family and friends came from as far afield as Melbourne to celebrant with them.

Keith and Debbie choose Montville Country Cabins for a real country garden wedding.  They and many of their guests stayed in the luxurious cabins and Anton and Christine, from the Cabins, had the grounds looking sparkling and wonderful, in spite of the tremendous amount of rain we had experienced in the previous week.

A shady spot under the lovely Jacaranda trees, with the beautifully flowering agapanthus in the background was the spot Keith and Debbie choose for their ceremony.  After they exchanged their vows and enjoyed their first kiss as husband and wife, we ajourned to the nearby wagon-wheel seat to sign the Marriage Register.

'Flaxton Gardens' provided delicious cocktail food for their immediate celebration after the ceremony and they all enjoyed a delicious dinner there that evening.

Montville Mountain Lodge Wedding

With such spectacular views is it any wonder the very new Montville Mountain Lodge is becoming a popular place for weddings.  It is big enough for a sizeable gathering with enough bedrooms for close family or friends to stay on as well.

This was where Smiley and Robyn chose to gather their closest family and friends to celebrant their marriage.  The ceremony was held on the lawn overlooking the rainforest and Lake Baroon in the near distance and they celebrated later in the massive dining room.

The day threatened to rain, but we were lucky to encounter just a few drops in the minutes leading up to the ceremony and none throughout!

I did wonder a little at Robyn's choice of "Lady in Red" as their arrival music - until I saw her. And, didn't she look spectacular in her vivid red dress! It really matched her personality and colouring.  I am looking forward to seeing their photos taken by Jason and Mandy at AWPP Studios.

Robyn and Smiley wanted a light hearted ceremony that captured their sunny personalities - and by the laughter amongst their guests, I guess that's what they got.

 Robyn and Smiley - may your love stay strong and your joint sense of fun stay with you as you travel your life path together.

A Wedding on Chambers Island, Maroochydore

When I met Daisuke and Cate for our first meeting at rehearsal on New Year's Day, the day before their wedding, the rain was falling from the sky in bucket loads.  Cate had returned from Japan for Christmas with her family and Daisuke had arrived just that morning so much of the preparation was done via email.
We rehearsed the wedding at Cate's parents home as that was their back-up venue and just talked through what we would do on the Island should the weather gods smile - and smile they did.  May be Daisuke and Cate made some 'teru teru bozu' and hung them in the windows and sang: てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず
明日天気にしておくれ, いつかの夢の空のように,晴れたら金の鈴あげよ. (Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu, Do make tomorrow a sunny day, Like the sky in a dream sometime, If it's sunny I'll give you a golden bell)

Whatever they did, it seemed to work as Sunday dawned fine and clear and the wedding went ahead at Cate and Daisuke's favourite Maroochydore spot.  Cate looked quite lovely in a flowing gown with fabric roses over one shoulder and matched by her bridesmaids who wore a similar style in a teal colour.   To reflect the Daisuke's Japanese heritages, all of the bridesmaids and flower-girls carried lovely white parasols.

This wedding was conducted in both English and Japanese to cater for the Australian and Japanese guests.  After a lunch-time reception, Cate and Daisuke honeymooned at the lovely Rosebrook Cottages in Maleny.

大介とCate、しゅくふく　して　あげますね。

A Romantic Wedding at Flaxton Gardens

Flaxton Gardens, 'Barrel Room' Wedding

Once again Flaxton Gardens excelled itself with an after Christmas wedding.  The incredible amount of rain we have experienced in Queensland's 'big wet' meant that the escarpment gardens were not a viable option for our couple, Luke and Melissa.  Georgina and her staff arranged for the ceremony to be held in the Barrel Room.  Quite different from outside in the gardens, but what a lovely, atmospheric location for a romantic ceremony!

Alisdair finds the wedding rings .
 photo compliments of Jason & Mandy at
AWPP: Montville Wedding Photographers

The rich red embroidered curtains made a beautiful backdrop for the lovely couple as they exchanged vows and joined with Mel's two boys in a Family Unity Candle Lighting Ceremony after the 'grown-ups' were pronounced husband and wife.  This ceremony was such a warm loving family affair and it was lovely to see how the two boys took great pride in participating in the ceremony.  Alisdair, Melissa's younger son supported Luke and helped to quell his nerves as he waited for Mel's arrival.  Melissa, looking quite stunningly gorgeous,  beamed as she was escorted onto the room by her elder son, Hamish who in a very gentlemanly manner passed her hand to Luke.

Luke and Melissa, along with Hamish and Alisdair - I wish you every happiness in your life journey together.