JULIA + KIT - Midweek Micro

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

When Julia and Kit shared their vision for their wedding with me, it was clear: they wanted a relaxed and joyous gathering where family could come together, enjoy good wine, delicious food, and lots of laughter. Their wish was for a celebration that truly embodied the spirit of Melbourne, and I couldn't have been more excited.

On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Autumn, Julia and Kit and about twenty of their nearest and dearest gathered at the Melbourne Supper Club to enjoy wine, canapes and lively conversation. About half an hour later, as the final song in their pre-ceremony set played, I invited guests to replenish their glasses and gather near while Julia and Kit took their places before the iconic arched window.

Julia and Kit chose a micro ceremony, preferring not to delve deeply into the story of their relationship. However, they did allow me to share a few significant and amusing moments, which helped create a ceremony that was both personal and interactive, mirroring their easy-going and sociable natures.

What truly stood out during the ceremony was the range of emotions that swept through the intimate gathering. There was an overwhelming sense of happiness, but also deeply moving moments that highlighted the love and connection within this small group.

After heartfelt and humorous vows were exchanged, Julia and Kit’s scene-stealing son kept the laughs rolling with some off-the-cuff commentary and his unique style of ring presentation.

Julia and Kit were keen to include a further three children in their ceremony. When we discussed their ages and comfort levels I suggested that they be the ones to declare them married. I was confident that it would add a sweet and memorable touch to the proceedings.

Though I was ready to step in if needed, I knew after my pre-ceremony pep-talk that they’d nail it. They did.

After one of the funniest certificate signing sessions I’ve ever known (awesome banter Leanne and Leigh!), I closed the ceremony with a toast to the newlyweds.

As their guests refilled their champagne glasses (their celebrant included), Julia and Kit took to the streets of Melbourne for a photo session with the talented Julieanne Perara. They later rejoined their adult guests for a long lunch, their favourite pastime, bringing a perfect end to a perfect day.

Reflecting on Julia and Kit's wedding, I'm reminded of why I love being a celebrant. Their day was a beautiful blend of love, laughter, and genuine connection—a true celebration of family and togetherness in the heart of Melbourne.

Congratulations Julia and Kit. What a joyous and heartfelt celebration that was. Thank you for placing your trust in me to prepare and present your ceremony. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and your lovely family. xx


LOVE NOTE

Sally is an exceptional Celebrant. She is engaging, funny, warm and thoroughly organised. She made sure that all the admin happened seamlessly in the background which took a lot of pressure off us and was greatly appreciated. ⁠⁠

Where her real value lies, though, is in the personal touch she offers and the ways she helped us plan and run our ceremony. She has a wealth of information available that helped us with our vows, and the order of ceremony - as well as great recommendations for photographers, florists and other service providers which we used. ⁠⁠She also helped with practical, logistical things such as furniture placement, where to stand and how to best put on our rings to ensure the best photos, patiently coaching the kids involved in our ceremony on their roles and lines… it really felt like she went way above and beyond expectations to ensure the day went exactly as we wanted it to. ⁠⁠

She then delivered the most heartwarming, humorous and fun ceremony we could have hoped for. She was warm without being cheesy, funny without stealing the show, flexible and adaptable and a lot of fun. She even went so far as to dress so as to match our autumnal theme.

⁠⁠We feel very lucky to have found Sally and don’t think there’s anyone who could have done a better job of making our day so perfect. ⁠⁠Thank you Sally, we are forever grateful.
— Julia & Kit

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Julieanne Perara Photography // Venue: Melbourne Supper Club, Managed by Spring Street Events // Julia’s Outfit: Scanlan Theodore // Julia’s bag: Kit’s Suit: Calibre // Flowers: The Road Stall

NAT + PETE - A Rooftop Elopement

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

 

I have long admired Nat’s work as a stylist. On countless occasions I’ve seen her transform ceremony venues into jaw-droppingly beautiful spaces. When I met her many years ago, I was equally as impressed by her warmth and humility. When Nat and Pete asked me if I would conduct their elopement ceremony, I felt so very honoured.

Nat and Pete were married on a warm Autumn afternoon on a rooftop terrace in Sandringham.  Nat entered the rooftop with her mother to Evermore's I'll Never Let You Go  wearing a sheer lace gown she designed and made herself. She even assembled her own bouquet of white O'Hara roses.  She's seriously clever!

With the brightest of blue skies above them, Nat and Pete stood before their parents, grandparents and siblings to celebrate a relationship that began on the slopes of Mount Baw Baw some fifteen years prior. 

Nat and Pete’s ceremony unfolded in such a relaxed way.   Their small gathering of guests (including their good friends John from Warrenphotography and Marcus from C2 Films) involved themselves throughout - laughing, crying and commenting without reservation. Their love for Nat and Pete, their unrestrained displays of emotion and the strong sense of celebration is something I shall always remember.

"My thoughts go out to you my immortal beloved, I can live only wholly with you or not at all. Be calm my life, my all. Only by calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together.  Oh continue to love me, never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.   

Ever thine. 

Ever mine. 

Ever ours.”

(Ludwig van Beethoven)

Congratulations Nat and Pete and thank you for inviting me to share in the beauty and excitement of your intimate celebration.  I sincerely loved every moment spent with Team Jordan!

 

Celebrant: Sally Hughes

Photography: Warrenphotography

Videography:  C2 Films

Venue styling: The Bride - Natalie Jordan

Nat's gown:  The Bride - Natalie Jordan

Nat's hair: Dani North Wedding Hair

Pete's suit: Peter Jackson

 

OLIVIA + NATHAN - Kisses in the Rain

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Liv and Nath shared their very first kiss in the rain.  Six years later, in the Italian Garden at Coombe Yarra Valley, history repeated itself (fortunately to a far lesser degree) as they shared their first kiss as Mr and Mrs.  

When Liv arrived at the beautiful Yarra Valley estate and stepped outside her black Mercedes wearing a Pallas Couture gown, I wasn't the only person to gasp.  She looked absolutely breathtaking.  She beamed as she stood with her bridesmaids, dressed in classic white, excited to be marrying the man she had known for over a decade.

Liv, her proud father Vincent and six attendants entered the Italian Garden to Little Buster Brown's evocative rendition of Angels by XX.  Vincent warmly embraced his beautiful daughter and future son-in-law before Liv and Nath together walked toward the magnificent green hedge.  They stood before a white screen (made by the Father of the Groom), artfully decorated with the classic combination of white and green flowers and foliage by Sugar Bee Flowers.

And so began Liv and Nath's romantic, sentimental and joyous marriage ceremony. It was a ceremony that honoured family and friendships and the very deep love and respect they have for one another. We sighed and laughed interchangeably as I told the story of a friendship that began in their teenage years, the bond that was strengthened during university study dates and the romantic relationship that they were destined to realise.  The story of Nath's well planned Royal Botanic Gardens proposal was particularly well received.  It was a proposal which included both a surprise performance by an acoustic duo the moment Liv said, "Yes", and photographer friends hiding in bushes.... until an oh-so-excited Nath outed them!

Midway through Liv and Nath's ceremony distant rumblings of thunder sounded and spectacular bolts of lightning pierced through the clouds.  Fortunately, we only experienced a few drops of rain so decided to continue as planned.  Liv and Nath exchanged vows and rings; rings that were contained in a wooden box carved by Nath's Nunnu, blessed by immediate family and brought forward by a rather charismatic Best Man!  And then, to a tremendous cheer, Nath and Liv were declared to be husband and wife.

Given the likelihood of rain, we decided to move the marriage certificate signing to a sheltered area after the ceremony.  While guests happily made their way to the cellar door for canapes and refreshments, the bridal party, parents and grandparents gathered under the canopy of tall trees to witness Liv and Nath's final step toward newlywed status.

Liv and Nath by Beck Rocci 27.jpg

Liv and Nath, the relationship you have is so very special. Your kindness towards one another and the importance you place upon family is clear to all.  It was an honour to share your day with you. Congratulations Mr & Mrs L. 

Celebrant: Sally Hughes

Photography: Beck Rocchi Photography

Venue: Coombe Yarra Valley

Flowers: Sugar Bee Flowers

Chairs: Feel Good Events

Screen: David, Father of The Groom (Contact me if you'd to hire it.  I'll connect you!)

Musicians:  Little Buster Brown

Olivia's gown:  Pallas Couture

Nathan's suit: Herringbone