Wedding News Blog

November 16, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Wedding Tips

Wedding Planning Tips that Make a Difference

Use great wedding planning tips to make a difference! As a professional Registered Marriage Celebrant, I am often asked about wedding hints and tips for ceremonies. Every ceremony is different, however the following 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. They are in charge of the ceremony!

November 12, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Episode 2: Whose wedding is it anyway

Dolls are different, or are they?

a pegdoll production

The path of true love never does run smoothly, even in Doll families! When Doll family members get the great news of Peg & Pog’s engagement, they spring into action!

Wedding Planning with the Family

Peg & Pog find that family wedding planning is not a simple activity. Everyone wants to have a say! Ideas come thick and fast. Culinary delights, creative pursuits and special talents are offered as the excitement grows. All is not plain sailing in the wedding planning department. Their families and newfound friends are eager to ‘help’ in the wedding planning. Peg & Pog feel left out!

Whose wedding is it anyway?

Peg & Pog want to have their say in the wedding planning, after all it is their wedding. The ‘help’ that their families and friends are so keen to offer is not exactly what Peg & Pog want. They pluck up the courage to ask the question, “Whose wedding is it anyway?”

What Peg Wants

Peg dreams of a romantic wedding day.

Peg loves to picture how she will look as a radiant bride on her special day.

Not only does Peg want to be a princess on her wedding day, she also wants a wedding ceremony in her favourite place, the Rose Garden.

Peg loves unique and personal touches that bring joy and delight! Peg really looks forward to celebrating with family and friends.

What Pog Wants

Pog doesn’t really know what he wants for his wedding day. He’s never been married.

Weddings and marriage is serious business, and Pog feels that it requires careful thinking.

Being a single bloke, Pog doesn’t quite know how to plan a wedding and what he should think about.

Pog wants to make his wedding day the best day ever, however planing and thinking takes time, effort and patience.

Wedding Planning can be a headache

Peg and Pog struggle with wedding planning!! How do they plan a wedding that everyone will enjoy and feel included? Do they risk hurting feelings and insist that things are done their way? Do they try to please everyone, or do they just elope and avoid all the fuss? This wedding planning task gives Pog, in particular, a headache.

It all gets a bit too much for Peg & Pog. They decide to regroup and think about what they want for their special day. What are their ideas, their dreams, their wishes? Whose wedding is it anyway?

Peg & Pog retreat to their ‘secret place’ for some peace and quiet. Time to smell the roses and relax.

All dolls and the creator/director/producer etc etc, Brisbane’s Really Good Celebrant, Glenda J Ashleigh, hope that you enjoy Episode 2: Whose wedding is it anyway

November 11, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Bush Wedding Gumdale Brisbane

Bush Wedding in Gumdale

Celebrate your bush wedding in Gumdale, a delightful Brisbane suburb in Queensland. The Gumdale Historic Museum is an authentic pioneer’s house right in the heart of Gumdale.

So near to Brisbane and the southern Bayside areas, this charming venue is just perfect for an Australian bush wedding.

House in the Bush

Experience the feeling of the Australian bush in the early 1900s. The house is constructed of depression-era, 1920s-1930s, tin shingle and weatherboard. It has furniture, clothes, books and tools that are authentic depression-era, and these are just delightful.

The house sits in an Australian bush setting with grassed level ground and is next to a sealed car park. This makes for easy access, especially for the Bridal Party and guests.

There are lots of fantastic natural bush photo opportunities too! Create your own Australian bush experience with some props from the museum’s collection. This truly is the authentic bush adventure!

The adjacent Gumdale Progress Association Hall is also available for hire, either as a ceremony venue, or reception venue.

I Love Bush Weddings

I love bush weddings! Not only are they relaxed and fun, but everyone feels welcome at a bush wedding. I create unique wedding ceremonies that capture the true essence of an Australian bush setting. Contact Glenda to book for your Australian bush wedding.

Bush Bride

Meanwhile, please enjoy the following tale of a ‘Bush Bride’ as she settles into domestic life in the Australian bush. She may be new to the bush, however this Bride is no shrinking violet! She is always cheerful as she comes to grips with the various challenges of life in the bush.

7 New Cleveland road

October 25, 2023 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.

Rose Garden Wedding

Wedding Rose Bell

The Rose Garden is the special place where Peg & Pog’s love first bloomed.

Doll family members and friends have their own ideas however, and are determined to ‘help’ in making the wedding plans. They swamp Peg & Pog with ideas and suggestions for wedding planning.

Before Peg & Pog know it, the Doll family members and friends take over the wedding planning (or so it seems)! Peg & Pog need their own wedding helper!

Peg & Pog’s Wedding Helper

At last, Peg & Pog find their ‘ray of sunshine’ in Glenda the Best Brisbane Celebrant. Peg & Pog do not want to hurt the feelings of Doll family members and friends by refusing their offers of ‘help’. Glenda, being the Best Brisbane Celebrant, listens patiently to their concerns.

Glenda helps Peg & Pog to find ways to resolve this troublesome situation. She asks what Peg & Pog really want for their wedding ceremony, and guides Peg & Pog through ideas, options and practical strategies. Peg & Pog are happy that the wedding planning is at last on track!

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, the Best Brisbane 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, the Very Good Brisbane Celebrant, Glenda J Ashleigh, hope that you enjoy Episode 7: Peg & Pog’s Wedding

October 24, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Romantic Wedding Ceremony Ideas

Do you love romantic moments but need some help with ideas? A personal ring ceremony is not only special but it also adds that romantic touch to a wedding ceremony.

The bringing of the wedding rings

Delightful, romantic wedding ceremony!

A small and very excited group of guests gather in a high-rise apartment in the inner Brisbane City for an intimate, micro wedding. Lots of smiles, laughter, taking of photos and introductions all round. We are very relaxed and thoroughly enjoying the moment! The widest of smiles from the Bride and Groom express their happy, warm feelings! Everyone is sharing the love.

Romantic Wedding Rings

Gasps of delight from the guests as the romantic wedding rings ritual begins! 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!

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!

Are you are a true romantic who delights in the personal touch to weddings?

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

Tell me your ideas, hopes and dreams and I will assist you to plan your wedding ceremony, and share with you many more romantic wedding ceremony ideas.

Contact me now to secure your romantic wedding booking.

October 9, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Bridal Party Attendants the Best Man

Bridal Party Attendants

The Doll families are eager to help Peg and Pog in planning for the wedding in the Rose Garden. Apparently, it is ‘traditional’ to have attendants in the bridal party! Peg and Pog don’t even know if they want any bridal party attendants at their wedding.

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, or if they want any, they just think they should!

Checkout 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 states 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 Milo’s role, as ‘Best Man,’ is to assist Pog, the Groom, get ready for the wedding.

Although Pog thinks this is a great idea, he is still unclear about what exactly the ‘Best Man’ does. Pog asks Glenda, Best Brisbane 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, Best Brisbane 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 ‘Best Man’ for a successful day.

October 7, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Garden Wedding – Glenda J Ashleigh Celebrant

Garden Wedding with Brisbane’s Best Celebrant

A Garden wedding at home or in a park with Brisbane’s Best 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.

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 Best 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 warm and personal ceremony and the charming garden setting. The roses are blooming, the grass feels like carpet, and there is plenty of space for all to see what is happening.

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! If you are planning an outdoor or garden wedding park in a park in the Brisbane area, 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.

October 7, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

What if it rains on your Wedding Day?

What about Rain on a Wedding Day?

Rain on a wedding day can be tricky! For outdoor wedding ceremonies, it can go either way. Even if the weather does clear for the ceremony, the ground may be too soggy. This situation will apply in many outdoor locations in Brisbane and the Bayside areas (at least!) in these days of unpredictable weather.

Do you have a Wet Weather Plan?

Do you have a wet weather backup plan for your outdoor wedding ceremony? This is essential for your wedding ceremony to go ahead, rain or shine! If the rain decides not to fall, and the ground is not too soggy, then the outdoors it is!

If it does rain, then the backup, wet weather plan swings into action.

Is the reception close by? Are arrangements in place for the wedding ceremony? With some adjustments, the ceremony will proceed as planned.

Of course, decisions need to be made no later than 6 hours before the ceremony. This allows family and friends to help in the setting up (either outdoors or indoors) for the start of the ceremony.

Where the wedding ceremony is conducted at a different venue and there is no time to change the information on the Presentation Marriage Certificate, I complete a spare form 15 and fill in all information by hand.

Rainy Wedding Da

Of course, if it does rain on your wedding day then according to myth, “happy is the bride who has a rainy wedding day!” So rainy day weddings are good luck! Are you planning a wedding in a park? Check out the Garden and outdoor wedding post .

September 28, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Brisbane Autumn Brides & Weddings

Brisbane Autumn Brides & Weddings…beautiful

Brisbane Autumn Brides really do have the best of everything! Autumn is a delightful time of year in beautiful Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. Autumn is an ideal time for weddings. Not too hot and humid during the day, not too chilly in the evenings.

Brisbane outdoor home garden wedding setting

An Autumn wedding ceremony in the great outdoors is a popular choice for Brides & Grooms in Brisbane. Fresh air, natural surroundings and relaxed.

When is Autumn in Brisbane? The Australian Autumn is from 1 March to 31 May. However, as Brisbane enjoys a sub-tropical climate, the weather often feels more like summer. The Autumnal Equinox for 2022 is 21 March. This is the time when there is an equal number of daylight and night-time hours. It is said that this is when the world is ‘in balance.’

Brisbane Autumn & Easter Brides & Weddings

Brisbane Autumn also means Easter. This is a popular time for weddings. Easter holidays in 2024 are celebrated from Friday (Good Friday), 29 March to Monday (Easter Monday), 1 April in Brisbane.

Planning a Brisbane Autumn Wedding

Planning for a Brisbane Autumn Wedding? Planning to invite guests from outside Brisbane, perhaps from overseas or interstate? Here are some important points to keep in mind:

The state of Queensland (as well as Western Australia and The Northern Territory) does not currently observe daylight saving time. The Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, however, do observe daylight saving time for part of the year. In these states and territory, daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday in April.
The daylight hours get shorter during Autumn. The later in Autumn, the shorter the daylight hours. This is important when planning a daytime outdoor wedding ceremony. Knowing when it is daylight in Brisbane is very useful!
Your Notice of Intended Marriage must be in the hands of your Celebrant at least one month before the date of your wedding ceremony.

Book Brisbane’s Really Good Celebrant now!

Dates for some Saturday and Sunday Autumn wedding ceremonies are still available!

Don’t wait (or at worst forget about it). Uh, oh, you did forget, didn’t you? Don’t panic, contact me now! If you have already made your wedding arrangements, and the wedding is less than 1 month away, you may be able to apply for a shortening of time in certain specified circumstances.

September 28, 2023 by Glenda Ashleigh

Wedding Keepsakes

Wedding Keepsakes for Very Important Brides

I wonder if many people know about the tradition of giving wedding keepsakes or charms to the Bride for good luck? Different cultures use different charm shapes as symbols of good luck.

A horseshoe shape is a traditional keepsake. Carry the horseshoe with the ‘arms’ turned upwards. This prevents the ‘good luck’ from spilling out! Carry the horseshoe with the ‘arms’ turned downwards, the good luck is said to spread everywhere the Bride walks.
A miniature shoe or slipper shape is also a popular wedding favour. Also, place a coin in the shoe or slipper for extra good luck!
Tiny locks and keys are attached to the bridal bouquet. These little ‘love locks’ make delightful decorations. Furthermore, they are also safer than attaching a padlock to a bridge or other public structure!
Another kind of attachment to the bridal bouquet is that of miniature portrait charms of family members who are not present at the ceremony. These may include loved ones, who although having passed away, are present, honoured and loved.

Wedding Keepsakes Made with Love

I make special wedding keepsake favours or charms for very important Brides. Book Glenda, the Really Good Brisbane Celebrant, and you are a VIB, very important Bride!

All brides should have at least one good-luck wedding keepsake or charm, and so I make my signature satin hearts. No two hearts are the same! I decorate each heart to compliment the style and colours to appeal to the bride.

I give these unique bridal favours to Brides as good-luck keepsakes to take into their married life. These truly are unique wedding mementos that I make with love and care. They are not for sale! Book Glenda J Ashleigh, Brisbane’s Very Good Celebrant for your special bridal keepsake!