January 31, 2016 by Glenda Ashleigh

Garden Wedding – Glenda J Ashleigh Celebrant

Garden Wedding with Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant

A Garden wedding with Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant, Glenda J Ashleigh, is just delightful! The sun is shining, the birds are singing and everything is as it should be – perfect! All is well in the garden.

Peg & Pog garden wedding

Parks and gardens in Brisbane, Queensland (fantastic one day, perfect the next!) make great venues for outdoor wedding ceremonies.

Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant, Glenda J Ashleigh, conducts the wedding ceremony just the way that Peg and Pog want.

Everyone feels relaxed and happy. They really enjoy the charming ceremony and the garden setting. The roses are blooming, the grass feel like carpet, and there is plenty of space for all to see.

Garden Weddings & Weather

Providing the sun keeps shining, all will be well for the wedding party, service providers, and of course those very important people, the guests. Delightful! But then, who can control the weather?

A few clouds drift over, and then some more… Quick! Here comes the rain, run! Where do people run to? What do they do when they get there? What do you do with soggy people? A bedraggled bridal party does not look good, especially in photographs and videos.

If you consider holding your wedding ceremony in a garden or one of the many delightful parks in and around Brisbane, be prepared with a ‘rainy day’ option. Is there shelter close to the ceremony area? Is the shelter large enough to provide cover for everyone? You might want to tell guests to bring their ‘brollies or you can provide umbrellas for them.

Be prepared. Check out the shelter option in your chosen park. Avoid becoming a ‘soggie’ on your wedding day! Delight your guests, they will thank you for your good planning.

January 27, 2016 by Glenda Ashleigh

Wedding Ceremony Venue & Amenities

Does your Wedding Ceremony Venue have Amenities?

Does a wedding ceremony venue need to have amenities? Picture this – You dream of having your romantic wedding ceremony on a cliff high above your favourite bit of ocean or landscape. The wedding party is OK; you are arriving in a helicopter. Your Guests (and your Celebrant, Photographer, etc are not so lucky. They have to drive, or walk up a road that leads off another road that is quite a way from anywhere!

Look After Your Guests

Recall, you invited your guests! They expect that you will at least consider their basic needs. Basic needs can only be met by having amenities available. Amenities include services such as toilets, showers, electricity, shelter, drinking water.

Seaside Wedding Ceremony Venue

Your chosen wedding ceremony venue may not have amenities on site. This does not mean that the venue is unsuitable for your wedding ceremony. However, you do have to think about your guests and service providers.

Where are the closest public amenities located? How do you tell people about what is, and what is not available on site? This map of national public amenities is a good start. You can check the availability of amenities in public parks and areas. Even if your wedding ceremony venue is in a private venue, this information can be helpful.

As a Brisbane Marriage Celebrant, it is my responsibility to ensure the welfare, not only of myself, but also of your guests at your wedding ceremony. One of my key questions is about the availability of wedding ceremony venue amenities. I also ask you how you will be advising your guests about your wedding ceremony venue. Here are some questions for you to think about.

How easy is it to get there?
Do we need to bring umbrellas?
Do we need to bring drinking water?
Where are the nearest toilets?

Your Guests are VIPs (Very Important Persons). Look after your guests’ needs and your guests will be happy! Happy guests make for a happy celebration.

You will find other helpful links and resources for choosing a venue for your wedding ceremony on the Links & Resources page of this website.

January 19, 2016 by Glenda Ashleigh

Wedding Ceremony Rituals & Traditions

What Wedding Ceremony Rituals & Traditions are used Today?

Some wedding ceremony rituals & traditions are used so often that we expect them. The ‘kiss’ is one of these traditions that we see in most ‘western culture’ weddings. Further, these ‘expected’ rituals are often regarded as ‘must have’ wedding traditions.

Exchanging or giving of wedding rings is a popular ritual or tradition that is part of many wedding ceremonies. The bride may receive a wedding ring, or the bride and groom may exchange weddings rings. Wedding rings are regarded as tokens or symbols of the loving vows made in the marriage contract. However, couples may choose to exchange or give other some form of love token rather than rings.

But back to the ‘kiss’ and its significance. What is its history?

The Kiss Wedding Ceremony Ritual

The ritual and tradition of kissing is believed to be the action that sealed the marriage contract for a couple in Roman times. Mind you, the Romans used the act of kissing to ‘seal the deal’ in any legal contract!

As time went on, the ritual of ‘the kiss’ in the wedding ceremony took on a more romantic touch. Some cultures regard the wedding kiss as the first time that the bride and groom actually touch each other as husband and wife.

In modern times, the bride and groom may hold hands during the exchange of vows, so the kiss as the ‘first touch’ doesn’t really apply. Today, the kiss ritual is most often performed immediately following the pronouncement of the couple as husband and wife. The kiss is still regarded as ‘sealing the union’ between the bride and groom in today’s wedding ceremonies.

There are many other rituals that you can use in your wedding ceremony. As a Brisbane Marriage Celebrant, I am very happy to include the rituals and traditions of your choice in your wedding ceremony. You can find information about wedding ceremony rituals & traditions on the Rituals page of this website.

November 27, 2015 by Glenda Ashleigh

Flower Girl Attendants in Bridal Party

The Role of Flower Girl Attendants in the Bridal Party

Bridal Party Attendants the Flower Girl

Flower Girls are delightful! What is the role of Flower Girl? Flower Girl attendants in the Bridal Party assist the entrance of the Bride. A Flower Girl is a great addition to the Bridal Party, and the delight is doubled when there are two of them!

Here are Pip and Pepper, those two-and-a-half-year-old twin nieces of the Bridegroom, Pog at Peg & Pog’s wedding.

Peg and Pog hope that Pip and Pepper will skip along happily in front of them as they enter the Rose Garden for their wedding ceremony. However, Pip and Pepper have other ideas!! The little Flower Girls take a shortcut to the Rose Garden. After all, weddings are exciting and little girls like excitement. Pip and Pepper race ahead and alert everyone that Peg and Pog are on the path! The Bride and Groom approach and enter the Rose Garden on their own. Pip and Pepper stand in the wedding area and clap excitedly as Peg and Pog enter. Everyone appreciates such a novel bridal procession. This lovely touch sets the warm and happy tone for the wedding and everyone smiles and feels the love.

Flower Girls as Bridal Attendants

Are Flower Girls in the Bridal Party a good idea? What do you really expect of Flower Girls? Choosing Flower Girls can be a way to include young girl relatives and friends in the wedding. The big questions are, “Do they want to be a Flower Girl?” “Are they old enough to understand what is expected?” and “Are they reliable?”

Pip and Pepper are two-and-a-half-year-old girls who do exactly what they want to do!

As long as the Bride and Groom and all other Bridal Party attendants prepare for anything, then it is a good idea. Children are unpredictable however, and the chance of ‘different behaviour’ is very high.

Girls who consider themselves to be too old to be a Flower Girl have the role of Junior Bridesmaid. The Junior Bridesmaid’s role is actually less complicated that that of a Flower Girl. Junior Bridesmaids have a more relaxed time and do not have any specific tasks on the wedding day.

Will you include Flower Girls or Junior Bridesmaids in your Bridal Party? Will you prepare for ‘different behaviour’ on the day? How will you cope with unplanned events on the day? What will you say or do when such unplanned events occur? Keep smiling, treasure the precious moments on your big day and spread the love.

November 15, 2015 by Glenda Ashleigh

Bridal Party Attendants the Best Man

Bridal Party Attendants

Peg and Pog consider who to have as bridal party attendants at their wedding. Apparently, it is ‘traditional’ to have attendants.

Glenda, Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant, asks Peg and Pog why they want to have bridal party attendants. Peg and Pog haven’t actually thought about the why, they just think they should!

Glenda, Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant describes the various roles that traditionally, are included in the bridal party.

Peg and Pog learn that the bridal party can consist of just the Bride and Groom! The two witnesses can be guests and do not need to be in the Bridal Party. Peg and Pog can choose whether or not to have Bridal Party Attendants. Bridal Party Attendants are optional.

Peg says that she definitely wants flower girls as her bridal party attendants on her wedding day. Pog suggests that his nieces, Pip and Pepper are just right as flower girls.

The Role of the Best Man in the Bridal Party

Best Man

Pog chooses his brother, Milo, to be his ‘Best Man’ at the wedding of Peg and Pog. Milo feels very honoured to be Pog’s ‘Best Man,’ and wants to be the best, ‘Best Man’ he can be!

However, Pog is not too sure about the responsibilities of a ‘Best Man’, so he asks Peg, the blushing bride-to-be, if she knows. Peg says that Palo’s role, as ‘Best Man,’ is to assist Pog, the Groom, get ready for the wedding.

Although Pog thinks this is a great idea, Pog is still unclear about what exactly the ‘Best Man’ does. Peg asks Glenda, Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant, for help.

Responsibilities of the Role of Best Man

The responsibilities of the role of ‘Best Man’ vary, and depend on what the rest of the bridal party expect. Glenda, Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant, answers the many questions that Peg & Pog ask.

Pog learns that the wedding party is really a team and that he is not on his own on his wedding day! Peg is happy that Pog’s confidence is lifting and Milo is happy that his role as ‘Best Man’ really means a lot to Pog. Milo tells Pog that he is thrilled about his ‘active’ role in the wedding.

Milo aims to be the best, ‘Best Man’ for Pog. Being ‘Best Man’ comes with very important responsibilities and Milo wants to do a great job! Pog needs all the help he can get on his wedding day and he knows that Milo is just the ‘Best Man’ for a successful day.

October 23, 2015 by Glenda Ashleigh

Choosing the Wedding Party can be a disaster if you do not choose wisely

Who wants to be in the Wedding Party?

Everyone wants to be in the wedding party!

Peg & Pog Wedding Party

Peg & Pog had to hold back the nominees for the various traditional ‘roles’ in their wedding party. Of course they didn’t like to disappoint anyone, or in their case, any dolls. Feelings need careful handling.

Peg & Pog knew what they wanted, and what they didn’t want for their big day. Unfortunately, their ideas and wishes were not always shared by family and friends. Fortunately, Peg & Pog, assisted by Glenda, the Very Good Celebrant, got the wedding they wanted.

Choosing the Wedding Party

This is the tricky part. Members of the wedding, or bridal party are usually people who are important to you such as family and friends. For those of you who are blessed with large, extended families and a lot of great friends, this can become a nightmare! Whatever you do, choose very carefully. Your attendants can make or break the best of well-laid plans.

Adults in the Wedding Party

Adult attendants need to be reliable and trustworthy. Ask yourself the question, “How can this person support our needs leading up to and on our wedding day?” After all, that is what attendants do – support the Bride and Groom in the planning and organisation of the big day both before and on your wedding day.

Milo, Pog’s brother, supported Peg & Pog in organising people on the wedding day and introducing Glenda, the Very Good Celebrant to the parents and the witnesses. Peg & Pog had asked two adult family members to be their witnesses – Peg’s Ma and Pog’s Ma! Both mothers wanted to be front and centre during the ceremony so that they got the full experience of watching and hearing their children say their marriage vows.

Children in the Wedding Party

Be prepared for the unexpected when choosing children as attendants! Little ones may look ‘cute’ on the day, however their welfare is the most important consideration. Expecting young children to walk down paths on their own is daunting enough. Asking them to carry precious items such as ring cushions etc. only adds to their stress. Pip & Pepper, Pog’s two-year-old twin nieces were fine as they accompanied Peg on the flower boat but as soon as they hit land, they took off! Luckily the shortcut they took to the Rose Garden didn’t become a disaster and they arrived just as Peg & Pog were coming up the path.

How Many in a Wedding Party?

As many as you like! Bride and Groom only if you prefer. The two witnesses don’t have to stand or sit next to you, unless you think you might be given to an attack of the vapours and faint. Oh, and it’s not an equal sharing competition either! Just because the Bride has three attendants, it doesn’t mean that the Groom has to have three attendants. Gender is not important. A ‘Matron or Maid of Honour’ can easily be a ‘Man or Mate of Honour’ – the choice is yours.

More wedding party news later. In the meantime, check out some things you may or may not know about Glenda, the Very Good Celebrant!

September 16, 2015 by Glenda Ashleigh

Marriage Certificates in Australia

Most people think of their official Marriage Certificate as the one they receive on their wedding day. Actually, the number of Marriage Certificates signed at a wedding varies depending on who officiates at the wedding ceremony. For example, there are only two Marriage Certificates at State Registry Office Wedding.

There are three Marriage Certificates at a civil or religious weddings. A Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrant (CMC), or a designated person of a religious organisation approved by the Australian government officiates at these wedding ceremonies.

Australian Marriage Register

The first Marriage Certificate is in the Marriage Register book which I keep securely as the authorised Celebrant. This certificate contains all the personal identity details of the Bride and Groom, including their birth dates.

The second Marriage Certificate is the Presentation or Ceremonial Marriage Certificate and this is the certificate that I present to the Bride and Groom at the end of the ceremony.
This certificate is a legal document, however it does not prove identity as it does not show the birth dates. This certificate does ‘prove that the persons named were married at a given place on a given date.’

The third Marriage Certificate is the Official Marriage Certificate. This certificate contains all the personal identity details of the Bride and Groom, including their birth dates.
The Commonwealth-registered Marriage Celebrant (CMC), or a designated person of an Australian government approved religious organisation, submits this third certificate to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the State/Territory where you marry. I send this certificate as soon as possible after the wedding ceremony.

Legal Document of Identity

The legal document that not only establishes your identity but also shows the details of your marriage, is the copy of the Official Marriage Certificate certified by the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry of the States/Territory where you marry. There is a charge for this certificate and prices do vary across State Registries. This Registry Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate is the legal document that establishes your identity and shows the details of your marriage.

Finally, State Registries offer a decorative, Commemorative Certificate for a fee. This certificate is for display purposes only and is neither a legal document nor a proof of identity document.

How many Marriage Certificates do you need or want?

So, how many certificates do you need or want? That is up to you! If you want a certificate that you can use to change your name, then you need the copy of Official Marriage Certificate certified by the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry of the States/Territory where you marry.

Do you want more information about getting married and marriage documents? These links will help you to ask the right questions to get the right information.

May 23, 2015 by Glenda Ashleigh

Episode 7: Peg & Pog’s Rose Garden Wedding

Peg & Pog’s Rose Garden Wedding

Peg & Pog’s Rose Garden Wedding is Episode 7 of the micro-series, Dolls are Different…or are they? a pegdoll production.

Peg & Pog are marry in the Rose Garden

Wedding Rose Bell

Peg & Pog survive the ‘helpful’ ideas and suggestions for wedding planning by the Doll family members.

All Peg & Pog just want to marry in the Rose Garden where their love first bloomed.

Doll family members and friends have their own ideas however, and are determined to ‘help’ in making the wedding plans.

Before Peg & Pog know it, the Doll family members and friends take over (or so it seems)!

Peg & Pog’s Wedding Helper

At last, Peg & Pog find their ‘ray of sunshine’ in Glenda, Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant. Peg & Pog fear hurting the feelings of Doll family members and friends by refusing their offers of ‘help’. Glenda, being Brisbane’s very good celebrant, listens patiently to their concerns. Glenda guides Peg & Pog through ideas, options and practical strategies and smooths the troublesome situation.

Peg & Pog are reassured by Glenda’s wise words and the opportunity to discuss what they really want for their wedding ceremony.

The Rose Garden is abuzz with excitement! It is Peg & Pog’s Wedding Day

Peg & Pog’s wedding day arrives! All dolls (and bees) gather in the Rose Garden for a very special wedding ceremony. Doll fashionistas strut their stuff, showing off their latest creations. Doll kids run and play and chase bees, and Doll parents and family members and Doll friends chat and admire the roses. Glenda, Brisbane’s really good Celebrant, arrives and everything is ready!

New, fascinating Doll family members join the cast members of episodes 1-6 in episode 7.

All dolls and the creator/director/producer etc etc, Brisbane’s Really Good Celebrant, Glenda J Ashleigh, hope that you enjoy Episode 7: Peg & Pog’s Wedding

January 31, 2015 by Glenda Ashleigh

Wedding Tips

Wedding Planning Tips that Make a Difference

Use great wedding planning tips to make a difference! As Brisbane’s really good professional Marriage Celebrant, I am often asked about wedding hints and tips for ceremonies. Every ceremony is different, however some tips apply to all wedding ceremonies.

Goodluck Horseshoe

We often overlook the really important areas of planning a wedding. Some areas are so commonplace that we take them for granted and we hope that they will ‘look after themselves’. We hope that we will have ‘good luck’ and that everything will go smoothly. Brides often carry wedding charms or keepsakes such as a horseshoe to assure good luck on the day. These are fun, however they do not guarantee that good luck will follow.

Of course you want your wedding ceremony to be breathtaking! After all it is your special day and you expect that your ceremony will flow smoothly and be absolutely delightful.

Important Wedding Areas

Wedding ceremonies must contain the legal requirements, however just meeting the legal requirements for a marriage ceremony does not meet the requirements for an enjoyable ceremony. Here are a few helpful wedding planning tips that I hope will help you to make your ceremony, simply the best!

Choose the people and services for your wedding ceremony very carefully. The success of the occasion depends on the choices you make. How well do people understand each other? How respectful they are of each other’s wishes?

Communicate at all stages of the process – planning, arriving at the venue, entrances, where people are required to stand, what they do during the ceremony and what happens at the close of the ceremony. Don’t fall into the trap of “Oh I though you knew that…” or “Why wasn’t I told…” or “I didn’t know you wanted me to do that…”. Keep everyone in the communication loop, including your guests.

Inform your celebrant of the arrangements. A really good marriage celebrant works with other service providers, eg photographers, event planners, directors and venue staff. They encourage your guests to feel comfortable. Everyone is there to help make this very special occasion a memorable one for all the right reasons. Your celebrant has a big responsibility. He or she is in charge of the ceremony!

September 15, 2013 by Glenda Ashleigh

Episode 4: A ray of sunshine

Dolls are Different, or are they?

a pegdoll production

Peg & Pog are swamped by suggestions from Doll family members who are only interested in getting in on the action, or so it seems!

Peg Doll

Pog Doll

Not only do Doll family members push their ideas, but also new-found friends, such as the exotic Madame Noscova and the ballet class who catch the wedding planning fever!

Of course, all dolls want to ‘help’ make Peg & Pog’s wedding the very best.

Peg & Pog feel completely sidelined! Apparently their wedding is a community event and they are merely the bride and groom.

The Doll family and friends are so eager to lend their particular talents to make Peg & Pog’s wedding an event to remember, that they forget about Peg & Pog’s wishes.

A ray of sunshine

Peg & Pog find Glenda, Brisbane’s really good marriage celebrant, who is the ray of sunshine the lovebirds have been desperately seeking.

Glenda J Ashleigh, Brisbane’s very good marriage celebrant

Glenda, Brisbane’s really good marriage celebrant, listens carefully to Peg & Pog before giving them some ideas to think about.

At last Peg & Pog feel that they are in control of planning for their special day!

Peg & Pog have great fun as they start to plan their special wedding day!

Perhaps Glenda can shine a ray of sunshine on your wedding plans!

All dolls and the creator/director/producer etc etc, Brisbane’s Really Good Celebrant, Glenda J Ashleigh, hope that you enjoy Episode 4: A ray of sunshine