CLEMENTINE + JACK - Storybook Love

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.

Clemmie & Jack by Tess Follet - Pre ceremony 3.jpg
Clemmie & Jack by Tess Follet - Pre ceremony 8.jpg

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

KAZ + MATT - Vodka, Tears, Laughter and Cheers

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Have you ever met a person and decided, within a minute of meeting them, that you REALLY like them? This was exactly the case for me when I met Kaz and Matt last year. That morning, they bounded into my office with a level of energy and excitement that was contagious. Our conversation flowed with ease and we laughed like old friends. They were so darn likeable!

Not surprisingly, planning Kaz and Matt’s marriage ceremony couldn’t have been more enjoyable. They weren’t looking for a solemn or overly sentimental affair, but rather, a celebration that would reflect their happy relationship and easy going personalities and set the scene for a lively night ahead. I knew they’d want to laugh a lot, cry a little and involve themselves throughout, so I set about crafting a ceremony that was mostly lighthearted and humorous, but also meaningful and romantic when it needed to be.

Kaz and Matt were married at Rupert on Rupert, an urban industrial gem, tucked away in the backstreets of Collingwood. The former warehouse encloses a lush indoor garden, quirky vintage furniture, polished concrete floors, vaulted ceilings and loads of natural light. With a lush conservatory that is perfect for intimate ceremonies, a cocktail lounge for pre and post nuptial refreshments and a dining hall to host either a sit down or cocktail reception, it’s a fabulous all-inclusive inner-city wedding venue.

Kaz and Matt’s ceremony began with an emotional processional and a vodka toast in honour of Kaz’s Polish heritage. It continued with the retelling of Kaz and Matt’s meeting on an Airbus A330 (and a lesson regarding the importance of checking that phone numbers on a business cards are accurate) and ended with an almighty roar from supportive family and friends.

And because Kaz and Matt were so easy going and so open to telling me a great deal about themselves, I was able to get to know them on a level that enabled me to throw in a few personal observations and light-hearted quips. Our connection was such that both scripted and unscripted moments landed perfectly. Keep scrolling and you’ll see what I mean.

(If you zoom in on the tray I’m holding, you’ll notice a disparity in serving sizes. Knowing that Matt’s not a fan of Polish vodka neat, I may have tampered with the glasses…) Na zdrowie!⁠⠀

Congratulations on your marriage Kaz and Matt and thank you for the many, many laughs shared. It was wonderful working with you. xx

Love Note…

Sally... you were amazing!!  We couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant.  You made our day!!
Beautifully done, with humour, romance and emotion. We loved the way you put our day together.

The times we met face to face, leading up to the event was appreciated, and the way you deconstructed our story to engage our family and friends in fun banter made the whole wedding experience memorable.

Love your work!

Kaz + Matt

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Venue:  Rupert On Rupert // Photographer: Matt Johnson - The Loved Ones // Kaz’s Dress: Mariana Hardwick // Matt’s Suit: Calibre // Florals: The Arrangement // Hair + Makeup: Kerry Tseros // Musicians:  Lydia Rose Music + Sammy Sax // Cake: Little Frenchie & Co // Kaz’s Wedding Ring: GoldeNet Australia  // Engagement Ring:  Custom made in New York // Stationery: Paperpoint South Melbourne // Transport: Uber Premium 

Looking for further wedding inspiration? Take a look at Emma + Simon - Panama Party

EMMA + SIMON - Panama Party

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

Emma and Simon were married before the iconic arched windows of The Panama Dining Room in Fitzroy, one of my favourite inner-city venues. Flanked by a super stylish wedding party of ten (including Superbloom By The Style Co Stylist Susie Jenkinson), Emma and Simon stood before their nearest and dearest as I delivered one of my funniest and most interactive ceremonies yet… if I do say so myself!

Taking the crowd on a ride through the retelling of Emma and Simon’s fourteen-year-long relationship story was so enjoyable. From their meeting as teenagers at Colombos Pizza and Emma’s honest assessment of Simon’s potential, to their pineapple Cruiser-infused courtship and Simon’s fondness for red bed linen (#firstfight), we laughed so much.

Their guests presented speeches that had us in stitches, their romantic vows made us sigh and their recessional raised the roof. It was a ceremony that well and truly got the party started!

Unplugged audience interaction right there, folks!

One of my pet peeves is poorly positioned wedding parties! It’s such a shame when attendants are positioned in front of floral installations and gorgeous windows and when signing tables dominate ceremony spaces.

Fortunately, Emma and Simon allowed me to indulge my need for symmetry and unobscured florals and position their attendants in a way that allowed only their suberb 10 foot high floral installation to frame them.

After their loud and lively ceremony, the entertainment baton was passed to Rutherford Entertainment so the stylish newlyweds could duck downstairs for a stroll along Smith Street with photographer extraordinaire Beck Rocchi (check out the gold Gucci’s folks!). 

They returned shortly afterward to drink espresso martinis with their guests (served in lieu of a wedding cake… SUCH a great idea!) and carve up the d-floor to a little old-school RnB.

Congratulations Emma and Simon and thank you so much for inviting me to your loud and laughter-filled Panama party. I absolutely loved it!

Love Note…

Sally, we had nothing but amazing feedback about you and the way the service was conducted…..you really kicked off the wedding in the best way possible and we couldn’t be more grateful!   

You took so many extra steps to support us which you didn’t need to do….we were actually reading the booklet you printed off of our ceremony last night….we will treasure that forever!

Anything we can do to recommend you as the amazing celebrant you are, we will!

Emma + Simon

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Photographer: Beck Rocchi Photography // Venue: Panama Dining Room // Stylist: Superbloom By The Style Co // Emma’s Dress: Christie Nicole Bridal // Simon’s Suit: Oscar Hunt // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Manning Cartell, KITX by Kit Willow, Carla Zampatti + Rebecca Vallance // Groomsmens’ Suits: Politix // Hair: Joey Scandizzo // Make Up: Monica Gingold // Musicians: Sean Marrachietti (Guitarist) for Rutherford Entertainment // Stationery: Mickey Loves Jacqui // Rings: Ellissi Rings & Jewellery // Cars: Uber

Looking for further wedding inspiration? Take a look at KRISTINA + JOHN - Authentically Beautiful

Wedding Day Regrets

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

If I had to do it all again, I wouldn’t change a single thing…

Yep, Kylie’s late eighties chart topper sprang to mind the moment I sat down to write this blog. While we know the pop princess wasn’t singing about her wedding day (insert sad face here), it’s something I hope you’ll sing from the rafters after yours.

When your big day is done and dusted and you’re sitting on a beach sipping mojitos and margaritas, reliving your celebration with your significant other, I hope you both agree that every single choice you made was spot on.  I’m pleased to say that this tends to be the case with almost every couple I work with.  Perhaps it’s because I attract easy going couples who trust me to do what I do best and who are open to advice. However, on occasion I run into married folk who tell me that if they had their day again, they might change a thing or two.

And so I thought I’d list the six most common wedding day regrets, as shared with me over the past decade..

1. We regret not hiring a videographer

Hands down, this is the regret I hear most. And for the record, it’s the only thing I would have changed about my wedding day. To be fair, when I walked down the aisle in 2006 social media wasn’t anywhere near as big as it is now. Insta didn’t exist, nor did those wonderful two minute highlight reels. Heck, Photoshop was a very expensive optional extra, so the hideous powerlines that feature in some of our portraits sadly remain. But I digress. My point is, back then we thought photography would be enough and relegated videography to the “if the budget allows” category.

However, if I could go back in time I’d make sure our wedding was filmed so I could show my daughters footage of their mummy walking down the aisle giggling, of their daddy’s voice cracking when we exchanged vows, of our friends singing musical theatre songs during the certificate signing, and of our guests carving up the dance floor before an eight piece swing band.

And so, if you can, compromise on your floral centrepieces, ditch the expensive cuff links, earrings and engraved invitations and hire a videographer. In ten years’ time, you won’t care about the styling as much as you will reliving the words, music and emotion during one of the happiest days of your life.

Chloe + Jake’s emotional exchange of vows at Mon Bijou. Captured by Jerome Cole.

Chloe + Jake’s emotional exchange of vows at Mon Bijou. Captured by Jerome Cole.

2. We regret not hiring a professional photographer

Just because you’re a chilled-out, easy going couple who want a simple and low-key ceremony (you’re fab!), it doesn’t mean you should neglect having it captured professionally. Even though you both sound like you have your priorities in check, I bet you’ve splashed a reasonable amount of cash on outfits, hair and make up and I guarantee that you’ll be emotionally invested in your day. Whether you’re hosting a 150 person bash or opting for an intimate elopement, you’ll want great photos. So please, don’t ask a friend who dabbles in photography. Hire a pro!

Chloe + Jake at Mon Bijou ceremony. Captured by Jerome Cole. Wow!

Chloe + Jake at Mon Bijou ceremony. Captured by Jerome Cole. Wow!

When I hear, “We’re thinking of asking our friend to take the photos. He has a pretty good camera…”, I worry. Does your friend (let’s call him Larry) know how to work in poorly-lit venues? Does Larry know how ceremonies play out, and therefore where to quickly position himself during the key moments? Does Larry know not to take those cheesy mood-killing posed photos during the certificate signing, but rather, read the play during the ceremony and know when to photograph you and when to photograph the crowd? And let’s not overlook the possibility that Larry may not want to do it, but is too polite to decline your offer of working for several hours while everyone else is having fun. It’s a big ask. The pressure would be huge for a novice photographer. At least it should be.


3. We regret not having an unplugged ceremony

For the past decade I’ve found that asking guests to put their cameras, phones and other distracting devices away in order to fully participate in the ceremony has been a rapidly growing trend. The motivation is twofold; the experience for all present (the couple and guests alike) and the quality of the photos and footage.

Imagine walking down the aisle and not being able to make eye contact with some of your guests.

Imagine standing at the top of the aisle during the processional and having your view blocked by gran, who’s standing in front of you with a cheap digital camera, attempting to take a sub-standard photo. (I call it “aisle-creep” and it happens all the time!)

Imagine receiving your photos and discovering pictures that would have been amazing but for an arm or a selfie stick in the aisle, or a guest who’s looking at his/her lap, checking how good their iPhone photo looks.

Commit to 30 minutes of true guest interaction and to helping the pros do their best work. Guests can snap away for hours afterwards and hey, you can even pose with them!

All eyes are on Kristina at Stones of the Yarra Valley. Captured by Theodore & Co

All eyes are on Kristina at Stones of the Yarra Valley. Captured by Theodore & Co

No cameras in sight at Kristina + John’s ceremony. Captured by Theodore & Co

No cameras in sight at Kristina + John’s ceremony. Captured by Theodore & Co

4. We regret having our ceremony outside… in Melbourne… in Winter.

This is closely followed by, “We regret having our ceremony outside… in Melbourne… in Summer.”

Doesn’t it sound like a recipe for disaster? OK, I’m being a tad dramatic, but given how reliably interchangeable Melbourne weather is at any time of year, please don’t just “hope for the best” when planning the biggest social event of your lives. If you know the mercury is going to hit 30 degrees, or if the chance of rain rain is high, please hire a marquee. Wishful thinking and half a dozen market umbrellas will not do the trick!

Better still, bite the bullet and move the ceremony indoors! All the hard work you and your celebrant will have dedicated to creating an entertaining and meaningful ceremony can be somewhat wasted when guests are distracted by a constant “Hurry up, I’m melting” or “Hurry up, I’m fuh-reeeeezing” thought. Looking out onto a sea of people with their arms crossed, trying to keep warm, or watching people apologetically walk away from the ceremony space to find shade is disheartening. I may need to cut parts of the ceremony if I feel I’m losing them, which would be a big shame.

Remember, guests will always remember how they felt during your ceremony. No one wants their ceremony to be remembered as “the one that was so cold we almost froze” or “the one where it was so hot, someone fainted”. Aim for a “that’s the best ceremony I’ve ever experienced!” feeling.

When ‘Plan B’ doesn’t cut it. Image by Jason Kaczorowski

When ‘Plan B’ doesn’t cut it. Image by Jason Kaczorowski

5. We regret not thinking enough about our Plan B location.

It’s imperative that you know at the time of booking your ceremony suppliers whether your ceremony location and time could change if you revert to a plan B location.

Whenever I receive an enquiry for a ceremony in a Heritage Listed garden - the Carlton Gardens for example (where marquees are not permitted), i’ll always ask the couple to confirm their alternative ceremony venue and time. If you need to move your 3:00 PM ceremony from a public garden to your indoor reception venue, keep in mind that, no matter how much notice you give, the reception venue manager might not allow you and your guests onsite until they can accomodate you, which is usually from around 5:00 PM.

If you’re marrying outdoors in Melbourne, talk to your celebrant, stylist, musicians and drivers and find out how flexible they can be on your wedding date. Unlike photographers and videographers, who are usually booked for a whole day, they’re usually booked for an agreed time.


6. We regret not having a photo with you.

Look, I do try to jump in during the certificate signing or interrupt your post ceremony snaps, but sometimes the light is fading or the rain is coming and I can sense that the photographer needs to get on with his/her work. If you want a pic with your celebrant (or anyone not staying on after the ceremony), let them and your photographer know that it’s important to you. If it’s important to you, I’ll definitely hover until it happens. Just ask Daniel and Elisha.

Interrupting Daniel + Elisha’s post ceremony portrait session with Briars Atlas at Zonzo Estate.

Interrupting Daniel + Elisha’s post ceremony portrait session with Briars Atlas at Zonzo Estate.

Remember, wedding day regrets can be avoided when you have an experienced and forward thinking celebrant, a realistic attitude and great suppliers on your team.

If there’s anything you would have done differently on your wedding day, please comment below!

Sally Hughes, Melbourne Celebrant

For more wedding tips take a look at TRENDING - Rose Petal Recessionals

KRISTINA + JOHN - Authentically Beautiful

By Sally Hughes, Melbourne Marriage Celebrant

When I entered the Stones of the Yarra Valley chapel one warm Saturday afternoon earlier this month, I immediately stopped and smiled. It’s not uncommon for me to do this whenever I open the grand timber doors as it’s such a stunning space and couples who choose to marry at the high-end venue often source the most talented of stylists. But Kristina’s romantic vision, so beautifully realised by Stasia Fox , was breathtaking.

Blooms in soft pinks and creams complemented the soft apricot sandstone walls magnificently, as did the golden flames of the candles, carefully placed on the polished concrete floors. The setting for an elegant event had been well and truly established.

But Kristina and John’s marriage ceremony was so much more than that. It was authentic. It was joyful and it was funny, it was emotional and it was loud. The atmosphere we were able to create in that gorgeous space was palpable. As I stood before 194 guests, welcoming them to the most important part of Kristina and John’s day, introducing Kristina and John’s favourite people and recounting memorable relationship events, I observed so much. Parents cried, grandparents nodded in approval, groomsmen commented freely (which gave rise to some hilarious unscripted banter), and Kristina and John, standing hand in hand, looked happier than I had ever seen them.

So, while the setting was exquisite, while Kristina looked flawless and John so very handsome, it was the genuine sense of celebration within that space that impressed me most. I loved the way we were able to honour family and friends, I loved that guests interacted without reservation and I loved that, for all the laughter and spontaneous applause, we immediately hushed to listen to two much loved people, commit to a shared future.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs C. Thanks for inviting me into your lives to ask a ridiculous number of questions, to retell your love story and have an absolute ball along the way. It was such a pleasure. x

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Love Note…

My husband and I didn't think we had a love story worth telling - that was until we heard Sally tell it.

Sally is all class and a true professional. She is the best at what she does and that's because she truly loves it. From the moment we met Sally, we knew she was who we wanted to stand in front of our most important people in sharing our biggest day of our lives. She made us feel comfortable and at ease during what is truly a crazy time. She is so down to earth, funny and honestly the most organised person we have ever met. She ran us through every single step, heck - she was even the first person to walk me down the aisle (aka the hallway in her home) and the only thing that kept me remotely calm during our ceremony, was knowing that Sally had it all under control.

I think the thing that sets Sally apart is how genuinely she gets to know her couples. We spent many hours with Sally as she learned about who we are as a couple, as individuals and as part of our broader family and friendship groups. Our ceremony was the most important part of our day and Sally absolutely nailed it! Thank you for making our day incredible.

Kristina + John

Celebrant: Sally Hughes // Venue: Stones of the Yarra Valley // Photographer: Theodore & Co // Videographer: Annette + Dani Films // Floral Stylist: Stasia Fox // Styling: The Small Things Co // Kristina’s Dress: Elly Sofocli // John’s Suit: Adriano Carbone Master Tailor // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Elle Zietoune // Groomsmens’ Suits: Formal Red // Hair: Hair By Neveen // Make Up: Isabella Quinn // Musicians: Adelaide Clarke, DJ Claire Elliott & Rob Muir // Cars: Kristina and John’s friend Bob // Rings: Jewellery By Anita & Arman Jewellery // Cake: Sweet By Nature