2009, the year that (really, really)  was (amazing)!

Sunday 13th December

I wrapped up my 2009 wedding season with the lovely Giselle and Wayne today at L'Aqua, Cockle Bay Wharf. We were almost blinded by the sun, even though it was 5pm, but nothing could take the shine off Giselle! Big bridal party, not enough room to move as we squished up on the stairs  - but who cares? Wayne was beaming. little 2 year old AJ was spectacularly well behaved, Giselle was beautiful and I was as happy as can be. A gorgeous way to finish off my last wedding of the year.

Almost want to write my own highlights package! 2009 - what a year!

Tuesday 8th December 

ABIA Awards night! Tor and I got dressed up and went out for the big night! ( This is a rarity on its own, these days) We had fun. I didn't win, but you know what? There are1000's of  celebrants in NSW, only 102 were nominated, 24 Finalists and I came 13th. I got a ranking of 97% , based upon product, quality of service, attitude and value for money. The winner has been doing this for over 15 years, and was only ranked 2% higher than I was.  I reckon that means I did GOOD. 

Saturday 5th December 

My second last wedding for the year! And it was gorgeous...... Beautiful, beautiful Caitlin and Darien celebrated their marriage in the gardens of Vaucluse House this afternoon. Poor Darien was all a-fluster trying to get his button-hole straight, (those things are always top heavy and a big pain in the neck for the boys.) Darien's sister Sian was Darien's "groom's person" - and had the best shoes I've ever seen on that side of the bridal party!  I bumped into the fantastic Marzena who was photographer at Jon and Iku's wedding in March - and she remembered me! Simple,  elegant, delightful couple and no blistering heat - an absolute pleasure. Can't wait to see the photos of this one.....

Saturday 28th November

CC and Ulysses had me worried when they didn't finish their vows until this morning! ( Actually they were lovely - and both remembered nearly all of them by themselves) Once done, everything ran like clockwork this evening for this creative couple at their Spanish wedding fiesta. CC looked glorious in one shouldered emerald satin (Ulysses was expecting pink!) 11 year old Julian approved the marriage in a pretty spunky set of sunnies, and I was treated to glasses of the best punchI have drunk - maybe ever! Overlooking the water at Birchgrove, laidback, light and lovely!

Thursday 26th November

I made the finals in the Australian Bridal Industry Awards, NSW Celebrants! There are thousands of celebrants, - and it is voted by brides - so this is a really big deal. 

Saturday 21st November

This sun is getting in the way........ From one extreme to the other today. Two gorgeous couples - two completely different venues, two totally different ceremonies.

Wedding no.1, 3pm at Fagan Park, Galston, for Carl and Nicola. Beautiful park in the middle of nowhere - or so it seemed as I was driving there. Exceptionally hot, and no shade to speak of except for the square inch of it I shared with photographer, Cindy, while we waited for Nicola to arrive. Not the easiest ceremony I have ever done - 2 year old Ruby, overcome by heat and exhaustion screamed her way through the whole thing,  a few stop starts! I've got two kids and nothing anybody else's kids can do could possibly bother me, but it does make it hard to keep everyone's attention.

Wedding no. 2, 5:45pm in the Tea Room at QVB. Aah! Airconditioning, absolutely organised, refined, elegant and beautiful. I got my groove back - and I cooled right down - for Kwee Yin and Mark's lovely, lovely wedding. Everything about this wedding was divine - especially the bride and groom.Lucky Kwee Yin gets not only her wedding ring, but a beautiful Tiffany necklace to match.  I can't imagine a sweeter couple.

Exhausted. But happy

Friday 20th November 

Wow! Here comes the sun! - and how..... Got hot sand in my shoes, and a bad case of sunburn today, as we celebrated the marriage of Rebecca and Jason on Turimetta Beach this morning. We ran really late, so we copped the full brunt of the midday sun - but I did get to chat to lots of the guests so that was !a plus. It was so hot, the sand was boiling - I wanted to jump up and down the whole time! Rebecca, Jason and 4 year old Chloe did a sand ceremony  - Chloe had to be pink, of course! This is an absolutely delightful family who have really stuck together through thick and thin. I was really proud be the one to help them on their big day. Burnt, but proud.

Saturday 14th November

A perfect day for a harbour wedding. Gorgeous Chitthida and Edwin celebrated their marriage today aboard the Pontoon. It was hot and clear and blue and everything went beautifully. No problems with wind this time! You would think I'd be used to it by now, but I still get a bit misty eyed when the bride arrives.  I just love these two! Big hugs when my water taxi arrived !

Friday 13th November

My first real quickie wedding. Legals only - at my house. A bit weird really. All over and done with in ten minutes. Not sure I liked it really - but so long as everyone is happy - who am I to complain?

Friday 6th November

Sand in my shoes this afternoon. Lots of it! Extra fun today as I married Joshua and Joanne on the beachfront at Whale Beach. I went to school with Josh ( seems like a lifetime ago!) and his lovely bride was simply delightful. And glam too! They decided in the middle that the vows were a bit long, Joanne begged to just say "ditto" and we all had a giggle - but she did say them properly in the end. More of a joy than a job!

Friday 30th October

Wow! My last October wedding for the year. It has been flatchat and fantastic! I finished the month with Rebecca and Chris' wedding at Old Government House, Parramatta. This one was super-important to me. Rebecca was the bride who posted comments on the vogue chat forum about me (thanks Beck) , so it had to be perfect! It was. Rebecca was absolutely cool and calm - and gorgeous in her allover lace gown. Her bridesmaid Kylie had me in stitches and everything went beautifully. A brilliant way to end a great month!

Bring on November!

Monday 26th October

Found out my brides have been voting for me in the Australian Bridal Industry Awards. Absolutely chuffed. I won't win - ( too many others out there) - but so lovely that my girls have taken the time. xxxxxxxx girls!

Saturday 24th October

For Elle & Chris' wedding, I went to the Stamford Grand at North Ryde, today. This was the biggest bridal party I have ever encountered  - 17! We all had a bit of a giggle as I did a bit of a cross country run behind them all to get to Elle and Chris for their vows - absolutely no room left to move! Elle was lucky enough to have two dads give her away and I managed to remember everyone's name. ( huge familiy!) Simple, traditional and romantic - just  the way they wanted it! 

Saturday 17th October

Well, I am really finding parts of Sydney that I didn't know before! Today I journeyed to Menangle Park, out past Campbelltown to the wedding of  Donna and Justin. ( It's rural, and really very, very nice!) This one was so easy. Both bride and groom were relaxed and happy  - and really , really sincere. Their vows were some of the most heartfelt and honest I have heard in some time. With only one ceremony to perform all weekend, practically a holiday!

Saturday 10th October

Happy Birthday to me! I celebrated with some cross-country racing around. First stop North Sydney to Captain Henry Waterhouse Reseve to marry Mauricio and Maria. So eager were they that they fastforwarded to the kiss  - over and over again! I practised my Spanish accent and I really, really tried to roll my r's and my f's - but I really struggled! I was pleased that when I arrived in Mulgoa to marry Kylie and Adrian, there were no difficult names to learn. Kylie's mum, Glenda, resisted the urge to  blubber whilst reading, and her Grandfather, Colin, gave some very wise advice as he read from Banjo Paterson.  Lots of laughs for everyone! Great birthday.

Friday 9th October

Today we dared the skies to open over  lovely, lovely Bridget and Mal's wedding at the Newport Mirage.  They didn't - until after we had finished making the most of beautiful Pittwater views. A second wedding for each, we laughed a little, got a bit teary and sent a mate of Mal's racing back to the room for the rings - mid ceremony. (That will teach me to joke that the best man only ever pretends to forget them!). Got tough on Mal mid vows as he didn't want to say Malcolm, because only his Mum calls him that  - and I won - of course! It was friendly, all about family and a real pleasure to have been chosen to be a part of it all. Lucky lucky me.

Saturday 3rd October

What a day! It poured. It was cold. It was windy. And I learnt all about thinking on my feet - and improvising, as I went! A naming ceremony for Alearah's 1st birrthday went beautifully this morning at Baulkham Hills, then onto Balmoral I went.

Ray and Chloe were extremely organised, but nothing could have prepared us for the foul weather. Our strings trio couldn't play, so we sang, da da da dah, da da da dah and everyone got a laugh.We made walls of umbrellas to protect us a little from the rain. It was a bit "concert in the round" , but we managed to squeeze well over 100 people into the tiny space, with us in the centre. But so what? Chloe still looked like a lovely China Doll and Ray got his girl. 

Jumped back in the car, absolutely soaked and freezing, and defrosted on my way to the Chinese Gardens at Darling Harbour for Stacey and Jeremy.  The highlights? One of Stacey's bridesmaids is a guy. Emmett reads part of Rihanna's Umbrella, and we all join in on the ella ella eh eh eh bit. AND Stacey gets out the scissors and cuts off Jeremy's mullet, before the kiss! The premarital mullet gone forever, and the crowd won't forget that wedding in a  hurry. Neither will I!

Friday 2nd October

We just beat the rain today, as Nise married Emanuel, in the (beautiful) Auburn Botanic Gardens. This lovely pair have just celebrated 20 years together! Before exchanging their own rings, Nise and Emanuel presented their children Qasia and Xyrus with bracelets of their own. We were watched by a family of curious geese and one unfriendly swan, while we kept an eye on the skies. Bit worried about tomorrow........

Sunday 27th September

Short and sweet was the theme of the day for Marisa and Steve in the Botanic Gardens today! Oh, and wind, which is driving me mental. The page boys carried a little white lantern with a Tiffany box inside  - a really cute way to present the rings. Steve and Marisa promised never to go hungry and not to fight over the remote! Light , simple and very, very quick!

Friday 25th September

Got the most beautiful thankyou letter today from Elisha and Cameron. I got a bit teary!

Sunday 13th September

It was Happy Birthday Bride Day today, when Elisha married Cameron in a beautiful spiritual ceremony, to celebrate her 30th birthday. We stood  under a huge old fig tree, in Ashfield's Yeo Park as we took shelter from unseasonally hot sun at midday .Both bride and groom wore white and held hands. White bali flags flapping around us, the wind was playing havoc with my pages and Cameron had to hold them down for me!. There was something about today - it was just so peaceful and lovely. Cameron recited from the Desiderata to close the ceremony and I left feeling really, really happy.

Saturday 5th September

My first Spring wedding of 2009! OK, so we ran a teensy bit late, but I made myself useful by helping to hang ribbons of flowers in the tree that Leah and Chris married by, in Camperdown Memorial Park. Three years from their first kiss, Leah arrives in a fabulous pale pink 50s gown - matched to Chris' funky pink and aqua tie! We had some laughs, they did the dip for the kiss twice and they were glowing! At the end, Chris said some thankyou's - and at the end, "a big thankyou to Robyn because she is really lovely"! Aww shucks! 

Saturday 22nd August 

Two weddings today!

First I get a flat tyre, and then I head off to Wetherill Park to marry Jessica and Tian in their home. I arrive after their tea ceremony, and spend the first hour wrestling two adorable little girls in cheongsams for helium balloons. Miss red dress let off at least twenty. I think she won! When Jessica arrived I forgot the balloons , we all got emotional and everything went off beautifully. (Can't wait to see the video footage of Jessica running down the aisle, gorgeous dress billowing - my first running bride!)  Pity I had a car accident on my way home!

A beautiful sunny day on the harbour suddenly turns freezing as Samantha and Aaron do their vows on the Pontoon this afternoon. The wind picked up , the boat was rocking and between chattering teeth, a few giggles as we hold on for dear life!  I felt my head spin as we perform the ceremony, sign the paperwork and my water taxi is waiting. I barely get a chance for a kiss goodbye. The only thing I didn't love about today!

Sunday 16th August

A simple, relaxed ceremony for Feifei and Seafeet in their own home, today. No fancy outfits, no bells and whistles - just the two of them, a few friends and me. I was treated to delicious chinese tea and a funny little story about tea and coffee! Every wedding counts - and every one is different.

Friday 7th August

This morning I woke up with the worst head cold I have had in ages. Aaah! This is not the sort of job you ring in sick for, so after numerous cold and flu pills, I soldiered on! An unseasonally warm sunny day shone down over  Blues Point Reserve for the marriage of Tony and Monique. Monique looks like a beautiful china doll. Tony is relaxed and proud. You'd think I would have seen so many brides arrive by now that I would be used to it - but no, I still catch my breath every time. My cold? Oh I forgot about it .

Tuesday 28th July

Tonight, by candlelight, I married a gorgeous couple in a private ceremony in their own home.It was really romantic - some of it was in Spanish ( and I don't speak Spanish) I can't tell you every word that was said. I can't tell you their names - they are not even telling their families and friends. My two best girlfriends came along to be witnesses. My first "elopement". It's a secret!

Saturday 11th July 

After a few weeks of winter holiday - after all, who thinks weddings in the cold and the rain? - I get back into the swing with Mary Joyce and Sherwin today. Everything runs to Filipino time but so what! No fancy decorations, no grand entrance , just  a simple romantic gathering of two people that love each other, and their close family and friends. When I first met Sherwin, I promised to make sure that his Mum, Fe would be happy , that she would be proud. At the end of the ceremony today she came to me and told me how happy she was  - and inside I felt good, really good. Job done. Mum was proud.

Sunday 24th May

Yesterday, as I huddled under a huge Moreton Bay Fig at Captain Henry Waterhouse Reserve with Nicole and Patrik, and their kids Shelby, Flynn and Tierney, in pouring rain, I really did worry that my perfect weather record was under attack. That was our rehearsal.

Today, I stopped worrying! Nicole and Patrik married, with their kids by their side, in the sunshine, by Sydney Harbour. It was beautiful, light, relaxed and intimate. The kids gave Nicole away and the whole family performed a sand ceremony together. A couple of seagulls performed opera behind us and we all had a giggle. This couple were so warm and friendly, and the kids were fantastic - I just loved them!

Sunday 17th May

Back to Banjo Paterson Park for the glorious morning wedding of Son and Mai. Mai is absolutely stunning in ivory strapless chiffon - a beautiful Vietnamese princess-for-a-day. Son is a little nervous, soft spoken, and hates the wait! All is good when Mai arrives on her mother's arm. We do a ring -warming ceremony and it takes a little longer than we expect. No problem. The crowd have a few extra questions for Son. Will he take out the garbage? Will he do the dishes? Will he help clean the house? A resounding" I will" and we are back on track! Later this year they will return to Vietnam for a traditional Vietnamese wedding. ( I hope they send me some photos!)

Wednesday 13th May

Chuffed! Just found out that one of my brides had been saying nice things about me to other brides in Vogue's on-line chat forum. Feel very honoured ( and a teensy bit famous)! 

Saturday 9th May

Wow! Big day today. Two weddings back to back . Both completely different, but both really good fun. For Carol and Neil, at Clarke's Point Reserve, Woolwich, we laugh our way through a light and relaxed ceremony in which they read a poem they have each written for the other. Neil promises "to love Carol with all that a man can muster!". Snowy the dog pays a visit to check on the authenticity of signatures. Second wedding for both, and 150 guests are delighted to be there.

Next stop, Balmoral Beach Rotunda, to marry Juli and LIam , who arrived in Sydney yesterday ( just in time for their big day). Their 4 year old son, Emmett, gives Juli away with a big double thumbs up!  Super cute.  Juli is utterly stunning in an off the shoulder gown, and beach-ready thongs. Liam is beaming with pride.  It would appear that my good weather guarantee provides a perfect day if there are two weddings to do. Today was a stunner!

Friday 8th May

I visited beautiful Loxley on Bellbird Hill in Kurrajong Hills, this afternoon, for Louise and Judd's wedding. Such a pleasure! Judd promises "happy wife, happy life" and Louise looks amazing in ivory satin. Both Mums read a blessing and Louise's Dad is proud as punch. The view is extraordinary, the Autumn air crisp and Louise's favourite colour, purple is everywhere. This couple were a delight to be with - I do hate saying goodbye!

Saturday 2nd May

A treat this morning. Little Laura's naming ceremony went off without a hitch! Lots of small children - all of them quiet. No squealing. No tantrums. Amazing. Big sister Kayla is cute as a button when she presents Laura with the picture she has made for her , and a flower. Everyone is having a lovely relaxed time of it in parents Troy and Lysette's backyard. Laura was adorable . I think she might be my postergirl!

Saturday 25th April

We could be in the middle of nowhere! Brooke and Harry's beautiful Murrurundi property is so peaceful , we can hear nothing but ourselves. Huge gusts of wind take over and threaten to send us flying - but apart from that - perfect!. I love it  - we are in the place that Harry proposed, with 50 close friends and family, and Brooke looks fabulous in a gorgeous teal cheong sam dress. They are having so much fun, half an hour later, I have to march them over to sign the papers! This is such a treat. I feel so honoured. Lucky me.

Friday 24th April

Very excited. Heading up to Murrurundi in the Hunter Valley tomorrow so that I can marry my dear friends , Brooke and Harry. Can't wait.....

Sunday 19th April

Today's informal, family wedding celebration for Michelle and Anthony is lots of fun. A little heckling from the crowd (nothing I can't handle), lots of jokes along the way and all the kids involved in some way or the other. I worry that my good-weather-guarantee may be null and void as a 2 minute sunshower threatens to send everyone inside - but only for a moment. Just as well. The ceremony is held in the beautiful gardens of Michelle's parents home and it would have been a shame to waste it! When I leave, everyone is laughing and toasting each other. So happy!

Tuesday 14th April

I am a weather girl! Again, all predictions lead to rain and I am determined that it won't. It doesn't.So far, no rain on any of my weddings. It's the rule. Good Weather Guaranteed. The weather over Banjo Paterson Park, Gladesville is perfect at 4pm for Eve and Kevin's wedding. This spot is idyllic, the light is beautiful and this couple are quiet and gentle and happy. I did a lot of running around for Eve, as Kevin was overseas until only a couple days ago. It pays off. Happy couple, happy family, happy me.

Saturday 11th April

Tonight, I am reminded of why I love my job so much! I helped Brad and Claudia marry at their home in front of about 15 guests. Claudia is a lttle nervous and misses her family so much - it really is hard for her to be away. It is my first "internet wedding" - Claudia's parents are watching from their home in Romania. Claudia speaksto them in her own language, and the ceremony is simple, heartfelt and traditional. A guest asks me later if it is hard to remember all my couple's names? Not at all - in fact, it is hard to forget them. (Actually, I fall a little bit in love with them).

Thursday 9th April

A great day for me. Back to the Rose Gardens for Chris and Samara's wedding. Samara is the happiest, most relaxed and excited bride I can remember. As she makes her entrance with her Dad by her side, she punches the air  with her bouquet as she comes through the crowd. Samara's dress is gorgeous ( pity I accidentally stepped on the train - oops..), but the feathered fascinator in her hair is so, so stylish. We all laugh our way through a fabulous romantic and relaxed ceremony. Light  and lovely - just as it should be.

Sunday 29th March

John and Iku renew their vows in the Rose Gardens at Botanic Gardens, this afternoon. Each reads their vows in the other's first language. Japanese Iku reads hers in English and John has been practising his Japanese for days. So special. John's sister Jessica sings for us and she is fabulous! John's friend, Derek, tells us a couple stories and has us all laughing. He is right - there is a light shining from Iku that cannot be explained. This is a lovely celebration of marriage, friendship and family and I am so happy to have been a part of it. 

Saturday 21st March

When I got up this morning, it was pouring! Big black clouds and heavy rain. Unacceptable. By the time 4pm rolls around , the sky is clear blue and the sun is hot. Liverpool Golf Club looks shiny and new. When Tessa arrives to marry Glynn, she is utterly stunning, and I can hear the crowd draw in a breath. The ceremony is simple and their vows are truly heartfelt. Everyone is teary. I have the honour of making a fuss of Tessa's grandfather, who was married for over 61 years, and a true gentleman. I loved it.

Saturday 7th March

Today, I went cloak and dagger undercover to Kim and James' engagement party! For two hours I Iied ( as little as possible ) about my identity - and I keep the big secret. When I call everyone's attention and Kim arrives as a beautiful happy bride, the huge cheer is deafening! The ceremony itself is relaxed - and noisy - and lovely! Little Jordan is not impressed when Kim asks him to hold Mummy's flowers. Boys don't do flowers! 

Saturday 28th February

Quite a hike to Kurrajong pays off when I arrive at the rustic, peaceful Turpentine Tree for Cassie and Beau's wedding by the dam. A couple of small hitches  - the floral arch collapses prior to the ceremony and some timing issues have Beau and the guests wondering when Cassie would arrive, but when we begin, it is all forgotten. Lovely, pregnant Cassie is simply beaming. We are all captivated by Beau's Nan, Leila , as she shows us that a woman in her 80s can have serious spunk.

Thursday 19th February

I hiked my skirt, kicked off my heels and climbed a tree to decorate it with lanterns and ribbons for Melinda and Dina's commitment ceremony in the Bible Gardens, overlooking Palm Beach headland. After a week of solid rain, the sun shines, the sky is clear and we can hear the surf crashing. The girls are shy but happy. Their guests have arrived from across the world in support of them. I am delighted to be a part of this quiet celebration.

Tuesday 3rd February

Wow! Gina and Lee marry on the cliff at South Head, Watsons Bay at early sunset. Only five people, including myself, and quite possibly the most moving, intimate ceremony I will ever witness. From the beginning, when Lee chanted an Apache blessing to the moments of silence, and Gina's tradtional Hawaiian song, I am gob-smacked. A silent handfasting, a circle of love. Time stands still. I may never be a part of anything quite like this again. Feeling really honoured right now.

Sunday 1st February

Beautiful, glorious Tatyana and John - an absolutely picture perfect couple! ( Tatyana - that dress! Stunning!) It is a scorching hot afternoon in the Rose Gardens at Centennial Park. Simple ceremony. Relaxed, heartfelt and romantic. John's sister Josephine reads her own words and moves us all to tears. Delightful. 

Sunday 18th January

Lisa and Chris' wedding at North Sydney is everything a wedding should be. This was a warm and friendly gathering in which all their friends pitched in to help - and the result was relaxed, intimate and so, so happy. Chris and I recite Dr Seuss and Lisa recites her favourite song by Depeche Mode. Their vows to their three year old, Violet are just gorgeous. Everybody loves it!

Saturday 3rd January.

My first weddings of the year. Debbie and Neil in the morning, at beautiful Palm Beach. What a way to start the year.... I could not have hoped for a better start to 2009. Debbie absolutely glowed with happiness. Neil, well, he was proud as punch, and Trudie, Neil's mum was absolutely lovely as she read for them. What a delight!

Later, Sara and Henry marry at the Gap Bluff at Watsons Bay. This was one of those ceremonies where friends take control and I focus on the vows.Sara looks incredible in a backless satin gown. The ceremony is beautiful, intimate and full of personality. Perfect. And Ed's Fishing Song - superb...........