By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant
“Come my love, I'll tell you a tale
Of a boy and girl and their love story
And how he loved her oh, so much
And all the charms she did possess…” ‘Storybook Love’ (Mark Knophler)
Clementine and Jack were married in Melbourne’s grandiose Mural Hall in a ceremony that celebrated their modern day love story. Clementine, with her porcelain complexion and balletic poise, wore a beautiful blush tulle Moira Hughes Couture gown with a dramatic cathedral length veil. She immediately reminded me of a ballerina from Giselle or A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Jack complemented her handsomely in his classic black tuxedo.
The evocative song Storybook Love, from ‘The Princess Bride’, accompanied the procession of six beautiful children the day Clementine and Jack wed. The song gently faded and Peter Gabriel’s stirring orchestral arrangement of the Bowie / Eno classic Heroes gently filled the space.
Four elegant attendants then entered the hall and greeted a smiling Jack. After they had taken their positions alongside him and his Groomsmen, all guests turned to the back of the art deco ballroom in anticipation of Clementine’s entrance.
As violins and violas reached their crescendo, Clementine appeared at the top of the long aisle. She walked with confidence and joy, laughing with her much-loved father while rarely shifting her gaze from Jack. She took to the first flight of stairs and joined her Groom on the landing without a traditional “hand over”.
Flanked by sweeping staircases and surrounded by candles and blooms in hues of red, burgundy, pink and violet, the stunning couple stood hand in hand as parents were honoured and important friendships were acknowledged. They grinned and laughed as I shared stories of their courtship and other pivotal relationship events.
As a learned english literature devotee, and as the daughter of celebrated Australian film and television screenwriters, it came as no surprise that Clementine chose to include words penned by Shakespeare, Margaret Atwood and E.M. Forster on the day she’d marry her Jack. The pair listened intently as guests delivered readings with gusto and then turned their full attention to each other as they exchanged vows and rings with sincerity.
As we signed the marriage certificates, guests were transported to a dancehall in Dover in 1976, when a recording of Clementine’s Nanny Elsie’s band played. Sadly, Clementine and Elsie never met, so having Nanny Elsie play at her grand-daughter’s wedding was a meaningful inclusion.
After a happy snap with yours truly, the accomplished and sweet-natured couple received an almighty cheer, a shower of colourful confetti and a serenade by Florence + the Machine.
The newlyweds and their wedding party then took to the streets with highly sought-after photographer Tess Follett, before returning to Mural Hall to kick start their reception with Horns of Leroy - the coolest brass band in Melbourne.
Clementine and Jack’s celebration was a perfect union of romance, sentimentality, elegance, joy and humour. The combination of traditional and contemporary elements ensured that their ceremony reflected their values, passions, personalities and of course, their very special love story.
Love Note…
“Sally, we can never thank you enough for our beautiful ceremony, which was everything we dreamt of and so much more, and for all your expert help and advice.
We valued your experience and input in the whole process - you always had the perfect answer to any questions we had. Initially I was really set on having a ceremony that was very serious, because I thought of giving vows as a serious thing, and I'd been to few weddings where I'd found the whole thing a bit too 'jokey', but I am so glad you were able to show us how our ceremony could also be fun and happy and warm, and funny, whilst also being serious and meaningful at the appropriate times. We wouldn't have been able to achieve this without you, and I'm so glad we did!
… we remember all your thoughtful touches that meant so much and the warmth that you brought to our day. We can remember throughout the reception, and the next day at the pub, so many people coming up to us to say how wonderful you were!
We really agonised over just about every wedding decision we had to make, big or small, except for hiring you! As soon as I saw your website, I knew that you were the only celebrant we wanted! You really went and above and beyond with fitting in our wedding rehearsal, planning ceremony seating charts, and I was so amazed when you greeted all our family by name!
Thank you again, Sally. … You made our wedding something that was so meaningful to us and we’re so grateful.”
Clementine + Jack
Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Tess Follett // Videographer: True Story Wedding Films // Venue: Mural Hall // Catering & Event Management: The Big Group // Floral Stylist: Victoria Whitelaw // Clementine’s Dress: Moira Hughes // Clementine’s Shoes: Kate Sylvester // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Shona Joy // Groomsmens’ Suits: Peter Jackson // Flowergirls’ Dresses: Arabella and Rose // Hair: Valentina Arjona // Make Up: Jasmyn West Beauty // Rings: Larsen Jewellery & Keshett // Jewellery: Alex Monroe // DJ: Dan Hall // Band: Horns of Leroy // Cars: Triple R // Cake: Zephyr & Bloom Cakes