By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant
It was just a typical Saturday in 2014 when eighteen-year-old Ash finished her shift at Max’s Burger Bar in Montmorency and made her way to the Perseverance Hotel in Fitzroy.
Vinnie, then twenty-one and at his physical peak, had spent the day playing for the Fitzroy thirds, accruing thirty and three from the car park…. (I didn’t fact-check that statement). He too, made his way to the Persa, unaware that life as he had known it was about to change forever.
And that’s because upon arriving, he was introduced to Ash and her bestie. Within minutes, he bought them a round of vodka raspberries… the first of four… and did his best to impress. Whether it was his killer smile or his chocolate and red wine-stained shirt, Ash can’t be sure, but Vinnie did make a strong first impression.
An exchange of witty repartee ensued, as did a stint on the dancefloor (whereupon Ash exhibited a dance style that can be best described as “breaking through a pack”) and then, to the highly sentimental soundtrack that is Mr Brightside, they shared their first kiss. When their evening came to a close, they parted ways on Brunswick Street with new contacts saved in their respective iPhone 4’s.
A decade later, Ash and her Vinnie were married on the top floor of The Craft & Co; a light-filled urban industrial brewery, distillery and event space in Collingwood.
Their ceremony brief was enticingly simple; “Party vibes and laughter”, so needless to say, I couldn’t have been more excited to get to work on their script. As one of the most affable couples on the planet, I knew they’d let me push their brief as far as I could. They answered my many questions with playful humour and allowed me to play to the crowd on the day.
Guests arrived to welcome drinks, DJ Dani Smarrelli playing Ash and Vinnie’s favourite tunes and a particularly excited Celebrant (because Ash is my niece).
The energy in that space was palpable. When I invited Vinnie and his Groomsmen to take their places at the top of the aisle, Vinnie’s cheer squad roared, at which point it was clear to me that the scene for an interactive ceremony had been well and truly set.
But for all the pre-ceremony excitement that filled the space, it was Ash’s entrance that proved most powerful. She caught us all by surprise when emotion took hold and her eyes welled with tears. The touching moment had many of us reaching for our tissues. It was the first of a few.
As their processional song Simply The Best drew to a close, Vinnie led Ash to stand with their wedding party.
From thereon, we laughed and laughed as I roasted… err… introduced their wedding crew, acknowledged their much-loved parents and shared a little of their relationship story.
The mood took a sentimental turn as vows were exchanged - though Vinnie did weave a fair few hilarious insights into their relationship into his. They landed VERY well.
Ring Bearer and North Melbourne AFLW celebrity Kane drew the loudest applause of any Ring Bearer I’ve ever introduced. He was a definite crowd favourite.
And then they kissed, signed their certificates and allowed their sentimental celebrant to have a moment.
The newlyweds strutted down the aisle to an almighty cheer, hugged their loved ones and then followed photographer Jerome Cole outside for a stroll along Smith Street.
A nod to the North Melbourne AFLW Football Club in the form of a blue and white Kombi van. Ash is a midfielder and Vinnie, a strength and conditioning manager. Pretty clever, huh?
While guests were seated in the reception area, Ash and Vinnie spent a private moment rehearsing their first dance.
Speeches, espresso martinis, love and laughter.
A quick costume change and then over to the dance floor to entertain the crowd.
Ash and Vinnie, you fit, funny and altogether fabulous couple!
Thanks so much for inviting me to celebrate your marriage with you and congratulations on cementing the Ash and V-man duo with the likes of Romeo and Juliet, Barbie and Ken and Stuey Dew and grand final third quarters. (See what I did there, Vin?)
“Sal, you’re an amazing celebrant! You went above and beyond to give us the most enjoyable and stress-free experience imaginable.
You were organised from the beginning and very easy to communicate with throughout and we’re so grateful to you for giving us so many wedding tips and supplier recommendations along the way - which saved us so much time and expense.
Your ability to entertain our guests with clever humour and confident delivery and your sensitivity in knowing when to pull back and allow sentimental moments to play out was masterful.
We are so grateful Sal. You’re the best celebrant ever!”
Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Jerome Cole // Flowers: Babylon Flowers // Venue: The Craft & Co Collingwood // Videographer: Kate Newlyn Videography // DJ (ceremony and reception): Logan Entertainment // Ash’s dress: Made With Love Bridal // Suits: P Johnson Tailors // Bridesmaids’ dresses: Bridesmaids Only // Hair and make up: Magical Makeovers // Transport: Kombi Haus