Glenda J Ashleigh

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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

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.

 

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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.

wedding ceremony venue wynnum north

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.

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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?

wedding ceremony rituals & traditionssbride and groom kiss

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.

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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

bridal party attendants best man

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.

 

 

 

 

 

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Wedding Ceremony Keepsakes – keep them safe!

Wedding Ceremony Keepsakes

Wedding ceremony keepsakes are those items that make your ceremony special.  Your wedding ceremony script, personal wedding vows scripts, and bridal favours are good examples.  Keep these precious items and the Presentation Marriage Certificate safe on your wedding day.  Those something old, something blue, something borrowed items, perhaps a handkerchief, a brooch, or necklace that you carry or wear for the ceremony are very special keepsakes.   Further, these keepsakes are irreplaceable.  Also, how do you explain their loss if you borrow these items?

Some Unique Ceremony Keepsakes

I take the time and care to design special wedding keepsakes for your ceremony.  These keepsakes are unique to your ceremony. Fortunately, these keepsakes are replaceable, for a fee of course. I photograph these keepsakes as a record so that if they are misplaced, I can replace them for you.

wedding ceremony keepsakes

Wedding Ceremony Keepsakes

I present the script of your ceremony as a scroll inside a cover, and I hand-make and decorate the sleeve that secures the scroll.

Delightful booklets contain your personal wedding vows and both the scroll and booklets reflect the theme colours of your wedding.

As a special touch, I hand-make a special keepsake as a  ‘good luck’ symbol.  This is a ‘surprise’ on the wedding day.

When do Wedding Keepsakes go Missing?

At the end of the ceremony everyone is excited.  Everyone congratulates the happy couple or gathers for photographs, and this is the critical time when keepsake items are misplaced or overlooked.  Small items such as keepsakes, and the Presentation Marriage Certificate are treasured items that are easily lost in the excitement of the day.  The Presentation Marriage Certificate is not replaceable and if it is mislaid or damaged, apply to the Registry for advice.

You can avoid the stress and worry of locating misplaced items if you prepare well.  After all, you want to enjoy those wonderful moments of your wedding and make beautiful memories of your special day.

Appoint a Wedding Ceremony Keepsakes and Documents Official

Here is a great wedding ceremony tip!  Appoint a reliable person as the wedding ceremony keepsakes and documents official on your wedding day.  This is an essential part of successful wedding planning!  Your wedding ceremony keepsakes and documents official is someone you trust to follow your instructions exactly!

Wedding Ceremony Keepsakes and Documents Official

Following is a basic checklist of instructions to give to your appointed Documents Official.

  • Identify yourself as the appointed  ‘wedding ceremony keepsakes and documents official’ to the Celebrant before the wedding ceremony.
  • Be available and receive the ceremony keepsakes and documents immediately after the wedding ceremony.
  • Check the contents of the envelope containing the wedding ceremony keepsakes and documents with the Celebrant.
  • Take charge of the envelope containing the ceremony keepsakes and documents, and
  • Follow instructions immediately for safe storage.  (specify exactly how, when and where.)

I meet your wedding ceremony documents official before the ceremony and check the instructions carefully.  Following the marriage documents signing, I hand over all keepsakes and the Presentation Marriage Certificate securely and safely to your appointed official.  You relax and celebrate the special moments of your wedding day with family and friends, confident that your precious items are safe.

Official Marriage Documents

Do you want to know more about Australian official marriage documents?  Do you know that the Presentation Marriage Certificate is not a personal identification document (ID)?  Personal identification documents show your date of birth and this information is not shown on the Presentation Marriage Certificate.  Although it is a legal document, it is however, not the official marriage certificate.

The Official Marriage Certificate shows your date of birth.  You purchase a certified copy of the official marriage certificate from the Marriage Registry in the Australian state or territory of your marriage.  This certified copy is a personal identification document and serves to verify your changed legal status as a married person.  Check out the Australian government page for the most up-to-date and accurate information about Australian marriage documents.

 

 

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Marriage Certificates in Australia

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.

  • 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.

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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

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

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Romantic Wedding Ceremony Ideas

Romantic Wedding Ceremony Ideas

How romantic are you?  Do you love romantic moments but need some help with some romantic wedding ceremony ideas?  A personalised ring ceremony is not only a lovely and special touch but also makes for a romantic wedding ceremony.

wedding rings

The bringing of the wedding rings

On 4 January I conducted the most delightful, romantic wedding ceremony!

A small and very excited group of guests gather in a high-rise apartment in the inner Brisbane City for a very romantic wedding ceremony.  Lots of smiles, laughter, taking of photos and introductions all round.  We are very relaxed and thoroughly enjoying the moment!

The most romantic wedding ring ceremony

Gasps of delight from the guests and the widest of smiles from the Bride and Groom express the happy, warm feelings!  Everyone is sharing the love.  This ring ceremony is based on the Celtic tradition of ‘bringing’ and ‘placing’ of the wedding  rings and is quite different to the traditional exchanging rings.  This charming ring ceremony expresses the significance and symbolism of wedding rings shared by the Bride and Groom.  A very old, traditional ring ceremony lost in the mists of time, yet very modern!

The wedding rings are brought by the Bride and Groom and are touched by only them.  See the Bride’s ring in the photo, it is the one with the pink bow!  The Groom places his wedding ring in the Bride’s hand and gives his personal wedding vow, then it is the Bride’s turn.  Beautiful moment!

I just love to create these magic moments for couples.  Personalise your romantic ring ceremony with your unique bringing of the rings, giving and receiving of the rings, and exchanging the rings.

I love to hear your ideas, hopes and dreams and share with you many more romantic wedding ceremony ideas.

Are you are a true romantic who delights in the personalised touches to weddings?  Now is the time to lodge the Notice of Intention to Marry with me!

Contact me now to secure your booking.