Trusted advice from your Sunshine Coast Celebrant.

Your Dedicated Sunshine Coast Celebrant

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 04:05:53 GMT

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For couples seeking an idyllic and enchanting setting to say "I do," the Sunshine Coast stands out as a dream wedding destination. The Sunshine Coast's breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, beautiful hinterland, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly magical place to celebrate love. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why the Sunshine Coast is a fantastic wedding destination, capturing the hearts of couples from around the world.

The Sunshine Coast boasts a breathtaking array of wedding settings, and a dedicated Sunshine Coast Celebrant is well-versed in utilising these diverse landscapes to create magical moments. Whether you envision a beachfront ceremony with the waves as your witness, a tranquil garden celebration surrounded by nature, or an intimate riverside exchange of vows, your Sunshine Coast Wedding Celebrant will be able to help you find the canvas for your dream wedding.

Choosing the Sunshine Coast as your wedding destination is an invitation to embark on a journey of love amidst unparalleled natural beauty and a serene, romantic atmosphere. With a Sunshine Coast Celebrant by your side, your wedding becomes a carefully crafted masterpiece, where every moment is a testament to your unique love story. Say "I Do" at your dream wedding location on the Sunshine Coast, with a Sunshine Coast Wedding Celebrant guiding you through a ceremony that captures the essence of your love and sets the stage for a lifetime of happiness.

Selecting the right Sunshine Coast celebrant is a pivotal decision in crafting your dream ceremony. With Philippa Holness, you have a trusted partner dedicated to creating a heartfelt, personalised experience that reflects your love story. Trust in her expertise to make your wedding day a truly unforgettable occasion.

Contact Philippa Holness today to start planning your perfect wedding ceremony on the Sunshine Coast.

Your Dedicated Noosa Celebrant

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 05:01:59 GMT

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For couples seeking an idyllic and enchanting setting to say "I do," Noosa stands out as a dream wedding destination. Nestled on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, Noosa's breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly magical place to celebrate love. In this blog post, we'll explore the reasons why Noosa is a fantastic wedding destination, capturing the hearts of couples from around the world.

Noosa boasts a breathtaking array of wedding settings, and a Noosa Celebrant is well-versed in utilising these diverse landscapes to create magical moments. Whether you envision a beachfront ceremony with the waves as your witness, a tranquil garden celebration surrounded by nature, or an intimate riverside exchange of vows, Noosa's diverse settings provide the canvas for your dream wedding.

Choosing Noosa as your wedding destination is an invitation to embark on a journey of love amidst unparalleled natural beauty and a serene, romantic atmosphere. With a Noosa Celebrant by your side, your wedding becomes a carefully crafted masterpiece, where every moment is a testament to your unique love story. Say "I Do" in Noosa, with a Noosa Celebrant guiding you through a ceremony that captures the essence of your love and sets the stage for a lifetime of happiness.

Selecting the right Noosa celebrant is a pivotal decision in crafting your dream ceremony. With Philippa Holness, you have a trusted partner dedicated to creating a heartfelt, personalised experience that reflects your love story. Trust in her expertise to make your wedding day a truly unforgettable occasion.

Contact Philippa Holness today to start planning your perfect ceremony.

Unforgettable Christmas Engagements with a Noosa Celebrant: A Love Story to Remember

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 11:50:25 GMT

As the festive season envelops us in its warm glow, Christmas becomes a time not only for exchanging gifts and creating cherished memories with loved ones but also for taking significant steps in the journey of love. Imagine the magic of a Christmas engagement, where the joy of the season blends seamlessly with the promise of a lifetime together. In this blog post, we'll explore the enchanting world of Christmas proposals, weaving in the expertise of a Noosa Celebrant who adds a touch of magic to these unforgettable moments.

The Perfect Setting:

Noosa, with its stunning beaches, lush hinterland, and picturesque landscapes, provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic and memorable proposal. Imagine walking hand in hand along the golden sands, the gentle sound of the waves creating a serene melody as the sun sets in the distance. With Noosa Celebrant, you can transform this dream scenario into a reality, creating an intimate and personalized experience that reflects the uniqueness of your love story.

Why Choose Phillipa as your Noosa Celebrant:

A Noosa Celebrant plays a pivotal role in turning your engagement into an extraordinary event. Their expertise lies in crafting ceremonies that capture the essence of your relationship, ensuring that every word spoken is a reflection of your love story. With Philippa as your Noosa Celebrant, you can rest assured your wedding day will be a truly unforgettable occasion.

Personalised Ceremonies:

One of the key reasons couples choose a Noosa Celebrant for their Christmas engagements is the ability to personalise every aspect of the ceremony. Whether you envision an intimate beachside affair, a quaint garden proposal, or a festive gathering surrounded by twinkling lights, a Noosa Celebrant can bring your vision to life. The emphasis on personalization ensures that your engagement is a unique and meaningful experience that resonates with both you and your partner.

Creating Lasting Memories:

Christmas is a season of joy and togetherness, and a Noosa Celebrant understands the importance of infusing these elements into your engagement ceremony. From the exchange of vows to the symbolic gestures that mark the beginning of your journey as a married couple, every moment is carefully curated to create lasting memories that you will cherish for a lifetime.

A Christmas engagement in Noosa, orchestrated by a skilled Noosa Celebrant, is a magical and unforgettable experience. As you take the plunge into a new chapter of your life, surrounded by the beauty of Noosa and the warmth of the holiday season, you are not just creating a moment but a timeless memory that will be etched in your hearts forever. So, let Noosa Celebrant be the guide in crafting a love story to remember this Christmas, making your engagement an enchanting celebration of love, joy, and the promise of a future together.

Contact Philippa Holness today to start planning your perfect ceremony.

Nuptial Joy or Festive Frenzy: the Pros and Cons of Christmas-Time Weddings

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 06:45:00 GMT

Planning a wedding around Christmas is a unique endeavour that blends the magic of the holiday season with the celebration of love. While the idea is enchanting, it comes with its set of pros and cons. Here's a closer look at the considerations when contemplating a Christmas-time wedding with the assistance of wedding celebrants on the Sunshine Coast.

Pros:

Christmas brings a naturally festive ambiance. Wedding celebrants on the Sunshine Coast can weave the joy of the season into your ceremony, creating a magical and heartwarming experience.

Venues are often adorned with holiday décor during Christmas, saving on decorating costs. Wedding celebrants can incorporate the festive setting into the ceremony, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Many people are in a celebratory spirit during the holiday season, making it easier for guests to participate and enjoy the festivities.

Cons:

Christmas is a busy time for many, and guests may have conflicting commitments, impacting attendance. Wedding celebrants can help coordinate a schedule that accommodates the holiday rush.

While décor costs may be reduced, other aspects can become more expensive due to high demand during the holiday season. Wedding celebrants can assist in budgeting effectively.

Depending on the location, Christmas can bring unpredictable weather. Wedding celebrants on the Sunshine Coast can help plan for potential weather challenges, ensuring a smooth ceremony.

A Christmas-time wedding is a unique and magical choice. With the guidance of experienced wedding celebrants on the Sunshine Coast, couples can navigate the pros and cons to create a celebration that seamlessly combines the spirit of Christmas with the joy of matrimony.

Selecting the right wedding celebrant in Noosa is a pivotal decision in crafting your dream ceremony. With Philippa Holness, you have a trusted partner dedicated to creating a heartfelt, personalised experience that reflects your love story. Trust in her expertise to make your wedding day a truly unforgettable occasion.

Contact Philippa Holness today to start planning your perfect ceremony.

Elevate Your Love Story: Inspirations for Your Noosa Wedding

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 06:21:55 GMT

Nestled along the pristine shores of Noosa, your wedding day becomes a canvas for timeless romance and breathtaking moments. To transform your vows into an unforgettable celebration, consider the guidance and expertise of the best wedding celebrant in Noosa. Here are inspirations to elevate your love story in this idyllic destination.

Beachside Bliss: Exchange your vows with the rhythmic melody of the waves as your backdrop. The best wedding celebrant in Noosa can craft a ceremony that seamlessly integrates the beauty of the beach, creating an intimate and picturesque setting.

Sunset Serenity: Noosa is renowned for its stunning sunsets, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Envision saying "I do" as the sun dips below the horizon, with the best wedding celebrant in Noosa orchestrating a ceremony that harmonizes with the colors of the evening sky.

Riverside Romance: Choose a serene riverside location for a tranquil and elegant affair. The Noosa River offers a sophisticated backdrop for your ceremony, with the best wedding celebrant guiding you through a personalized and meaningful ritual.

Lush Garden Nuptials: Noosa's lush gardens provide a verdant and enchanting setting for your wedding. Collaborate with the best wedding celebrant to weave the natural beauty of the surroundings into your ceremony, creating an atmosphere of timeless romance.

With the best wedding celebrant in Noosa by your side, your wedding day becomes a manifestation of your unique love story. From intimate beach ceremonies to garden extravaganzas, Noosa's scenic beauty becomes the perfect canvas for the celebration of a lifetime.

Contact Philippa Holness today to start planning your perfect ceremony.

Elevate Your Noosa Wedding: How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Celebrant

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 05:33:46 GMT

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Celebrant

Your wedding day is a cherished milestone, and selecting the right wedding celebrant in Noosa is crucial to ensure your ceremony is a memorable and meaningful affair. With Philippa Holness as your dedicated 'Wedding Celebrant in Noosa,' you're in expert hands. Here's how to make the perfect choice:

Personal Connection : Your celebrant plays a pivotal role in your ceremony. Choose someone who resonates with your values and understands your vision for the day. Philippa Holness brings a warm, genuine connection to every ceremony, ensuring a personalised experience.

Experience and Expertise : An experienced wedding celebrant brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to your special day. With Philippa's extensive background, you can trust that your ceremony will be executed with professionalism and precision.

Customization and Flexibility : No two weddings are alike. Look for a celebrant who offers a range of ceremony options and is open to tailoring the script to reflect your unique love story. Philippa Holness excels in creating bespoke ceremonies that capture your essence as a couple.

Legal Knowledge and Documentation : Your celebrant should be well-versed in the legal requirements of marriage ceremonies. Philippa ensures that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted promptly, giving you peace of mind.

Reputation and Reviews : Research your potential celebrant's reputation by reading client testimonials and reviews. Philippa Holness has garnered praise for her heartfelt ceremonies and impeccable attention to detail.

Communication Skills : A great celebrant is an excellent communicator, capable of engaging your guests and conveying the significance of the occasion. Philippa's warm and eloquent presence ensures that your ceremony is both meaningful and memorable.

Location Expertise : If you've chosen Noosa for your destination wedding, having a celebrant familiar with the area is invaluable. Philippa's extensive knowledge of Noosa allows her to suggest picturesque ceremony locations that perfectly complement your vision.

Contact Philippa Holness today to start planning your perfect ceremony.

How much does a Celebrant charge?

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:28:46 GMT

What is the average fee for a Noosa Wedding Celebrant?

So, you're planning your dream wedding in beautiful Noosa, you've set the date and you've found the perfect scenic spot (if not we can help with that as well!) One of the first questions couples ask is "What does a Noosa Celebrant cost?"

At Noosa Wedding Celebrant, I believe in creating meaningful, relaxed, and authentic ceremonies that truly reflect your love story. Prices vary depending on the date, size and style of your wedding, but rest assured, I offer competitive rates that will definitely be one of the lowest of your wedding costs! But the unforgettable, heartfelt ceremony I create will have a lasting impression on you both and all your guests long after the cake is eaten or champagne finished and of course you can rest assured that all the legal aspect is expertly taken care of. With over 10 years of experience my prices are not the lowest (do you really want cut price on a day this important?!) but my service is of the highest calibre and I have hundreds of Google reviews (all five star!!) to attest to this!

I believe in transparency, so pricing starts at a reasonable rate, with a package to suit everyone, we want to ensure that every couple can have the ceremony they've always dreamed of without breaking the bank. Let's make your big day truly magical!

We are all about creating meaningful, relaxed, and authentic ceremonies, making your wedding day truly unforgettable. Let's make magic happen!

Let's chat about your vision and find the perfect package to make your day unforgettable!

Amazing Noosa Mountain View Wedding at Pomona with Steff and Danny

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:28:44 GMT

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Noosa North Shore Wedding with Kyle and Reina

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Sat, 22 Jul 2023 01:11:50 GMT

Romantic Noosa Wedding for 2 loves from opposite side of the world.

Kyle and Reina are a beautiful couple who have come together from opposite sides of the world decided to unite their lives on the stunning Noosa North Shore. With their families joining them from both sides of the world, this wedding celebration was a true reflection of their diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Reina and Kyle's super romantic beach wedding in Noosa was a dream come true. With the breathtaking ocean as their backdrop, they exchanged heartfelt vows, surrounded by their loving family and friends. The ceremony was made even more special by the inclusion of Reina's adorable daughter, who played a part in their journey of love.

Reina and Kyle's post-wedding photoshoot captured the essence of their love and joy as the sun set below the horizon. With a backdrop of golden hues and a gentle breeze, their enchanting photos radiated romance and happiness. As they gazed into each other's eyes, their shared future seemed limitless. Noosa Wedding Celebrant Philippa Holness was honored to be a part of this couple's journey, crafting unforgettable moments that reflected their unique love storys.

Noosa Elopement at Sunset of Sam and Jamie

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 10:13:15 GMT

Stunning, authentic, raw and heartfelt, this elopement had it all!

Jamie and Sam, accompanied by their beloved fur baby, embarked on a truly enchanting journey as they celebrated their love in a luxurious and intimate elopement. Surrounded by the love and support of their two closest friends, this romantic event was a testament to their deep connection.

Jamie and Sam's love story unfolded through handwritten and secret vows, exchanged amidst tears and heartfelt laughter. It was an honor to witness this beautiful moment, as these two souls promised their forever. Their words, spoken with utmost sincerity, captured the essence of their commitment and the depth of their connection.

Ceremony photos and a couple shoot afterwards by Bird and Boy Photography ensured their memories of their wedding day will last forever.

The Noosa Wedding of Myles and Gemma - Stunning Elegance

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:23:14 GMT

Maison la Plage, MV Catalina Noosa and Ricky's - the perfect Wedding Day!

Two pilots from Perth, Western Australia met during their flight training course and soon became friends. They shared a passion for aviation and exploring the world. As they spent more time together, they realised their connection went beyond friendship. They fell in love and decided to embark on a new journey together - marriage. With their shared sense of adventure and love for each other, they began their exciting next chapter as husband and wife with the help of Noosa Wedding Celebrant Philippa Holness.

Myles and Gemma's wedding day was a dream come true. With a romantic marriage proposal leading up to their special day, they exchanged vows at Maison la Plage surrounded by 100 of their closest family and friends. The bridal party was fabulous, and the live music added to the joyous atmosphere. It was truly the best day ever, filled with so much fun and laughter.

Myles and Gemma's Noosa wedding celebration was magical. Their guests had a breathtaking sunset cruise aboard the Catalina, while Myles and Gemma enjoyed a romantic couple shoot with Beccy from XOX Wedding Photography. Their reception at the iconic Rickys was nothing short of fabulous. They even enjoyed a romantic ride in a gondola before dancing and celebrating into the night with their loved ones.

Gemma and Myles' best day ever was choosing to have their dream wedding with Noosa Wedding Celebrant Philippa Holness . Surrounded by breathtaking views and the love of their family and friends, they exchanged heartfelt vows and became one forever. It was a day they will never forget, filled with joy, love, and happiness. "Philippa's attention to detail and professional guidance made their wedding day truly unforgettable

"May you have the love only two can know. May you go where only two as one may go. May the sun rise and set in your bonded hearts and the moon never find you too long apart."

With these amazing suppliers:

Photography: XOX Weddings

Reception: Rickys Noosa

Ship: MV Catalina Noosa

Transport: Gondolas of Noosa

Make Up: Evoque Make Up Artistry

Live Music: Dave West Music

Ceremony Styling: Lovebird

Noosa Elopement of Tara and David

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 08:16:11 GMT

A Sunset Elopement Ceremony in Noosa for David and Tara

Tara and David's love story culminated in a breathtaking elopement ceremony by the ocean in Noosa. As the sun set on the horizon, they exchanged heartfelt vows and became one. Wedding Celebrant Philippa Holness made sure their special day was everything they wanted it to be and more. With the sound of the waves crashing against the shore as their backdrop, Tara and David's love shone bright and left a lasting impression and one they will never forget.

Looking for an incredible photographer to capture your special day? Look no further than Dave Gleeson of Sunny Coast Photos! Dave's stunning and unique style of photography perfectly captures the beauty and magic of Noosa, making him the perfect choice for David and Tara's elopement. From breathtaking beach shots to intimate moments, Dave's work will leave you speechless! Don't miss out on the amazing local talent of Sunny Coast Photos for your Noosa wedding celebration.

Contact Noosa Wedding Celebrant Philippa Holness today to learn more.

Looking for an intimate and personal way to tie the knot? Noosa Wedding Celebrant Philippa Holness and Noosa Photographer Dave Gleeson of Sunny Coast Photos offer Tiny Wedding Celebrant/Photography packages perfect for elopements. With nearly 10 years of proven luxury elopement experience and hundreds of happy couples, say "I do" with just your closest loved ones and let Philippa and Dave capture the special moments with his expert photography skills. With a passion for love and connection, Philippa will work with you to create a beautiful and meaningful ceremony that reflects your unique love story.

Choose from a range of packages to suit your needs and start planning your dream elopement today.

Noosa Beach Wedding

celebrantnoosa@gmail.com (PHILIPPA HOLNESS) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 10:25:11 GMT

Relaxed and Beautiful Sunset Beach Wedding in Noosa for Dee and Anthony!

When two families come together through marriage, it's a beautiful thing to witness. Recently, we had the honour of capturing the memories of a relaxed second wedding at Noosa Beach. The couple and their teenage children were the heart and soul of this special day. Contact me for how to bring your elopement vison to life with our amazing celebrant/professional photography packages!

The ocean breeze and sound of waves crashing against the shore created a romantic atmosphere that was simply perfect. As the two families came together, you could feel the love and excitement in the air. It was as if nothing else in the world mattered in that moment.

We are passionate about capturing all the special moments that bond couples and families together. The joy and happiness that came through in these intimate moments was truly inspiring. Seeing the children interacting with each other and their new step-parents made my heart swell.

This wedding was a reminder that love is the glue that holds families together. Love brings people from all walks of life together, and in that moment, nothing else matters. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to capture these beautiful moments and hope you can feel the love and joy that radiated from this day. Amazing photography Noosa Photographer - Sunny Coast Photos.

Does a Wedding in Noosa or on the Sunshine Coast Really Need To Cost The Earth?

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Definitely a marriage ceremony on the Sunshine coast is among the most desirable places on Earth to say your marriage vows, but need it cost the Earth?

Definitely a marriage ceremony on the Sunshine coast is among the most desirable places on Earth to say your marriage vows butneed it cost the Earth?

It is all too easy to get quickly carried away and themeaning of the entire event can get lost in translation when tempted to splashout, please respective families rather than follow one’s heart or indeed budget.

I interviewed beautiful bride Kirstie Wallace at whosemarriage I had the pleasure of officiating in Sir Leslie Wilson Park, DickyBeach, the beauty of ocean and nature behind, as her and fiancé Geoffreyexchanged their vows. A Sunshine Coast council permit of $80 was the onlyrequirement to secure the setting as theirs for 2 hours. There are so many amazing Sunshine Coast locations to choose from!

People think “Wedding........ B-I-G dollars and it reallydoesn’t have to be that way” says Kirstie

From our first phone conversation Kirstie had a clear idea inher mind of the budget she had allocated to her wedding day and was determinednot to go over it. The occasion was fabulous in every way; in fact it was pureelegance.

I asked Kirstie to share some of her thoughts:

The help of friends was enlisted to decorate the area using anatural arbour.......an overhanging tree which was adorned with hearts and minimason jars with candles looking spectacular against the ocean backdrop. Sheabandoned her initial idea of providing guest seating for a reasonably shortceremony, instead guests stood close by for an intimate occasion and thesigning table and chairs were included in my Celebrant package. Kirstie was notpersuaded to add to her initial gust list as is too often the case, and onlyimmediate family and close friends were present.

Kirstie looked a million dollars in her dress but throughsmart shopping she managed to find her dream dress on sale locally. Geoffrey andthe rest of the bridal party looked equally stylish.

One cost area that Kirstie was not prepared to compromise washair and make-up. Besides wanting to look her best she felt that thephotographs that would record the event for the future would be enhanced withprofessional makeup and hair artistry.

A family friend took charge of photography and perfectlycaptured the occasion producing some divine images to capture Kirstie’s theme.

A roving dinnerreception (without the usual minimum number of guests required) at a gorgeousvenue in Meridan Plains, provided a huge selection of tantalising menu itemswhile guests were able to mingle freely in the backdrop of lush greeneryprovided indoors and out.

Having a clear plan from the outset allowed Kirstie to relaxand enjoy the anticipation and not lose the true meaning of the occasion andthe whole process was in her words ‘plain sailing’. The only factor outside hercontrol was the weather; however, having a pre-arranged solid Plan B in case ofinclement conditions ensured this concern was taken care of as well.

In Kirstie’s words her day was unforgettable, without stressand the nagging of looming credit card bills and importantly, the true meaningof the momentous occasion was preserved. This was the achievement many couplesaspire to, a beautiful and memorable wedding that doesn’t drain the bank butleaves funds for the future.

For all kinds of practical advice and an amazing ceremony, contact Philippa today!

Sunshine Coast and Noosa Registry Style Marriages

Sat, 06 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

'The Red Tape Ceremony'

Red tape definition: The Red Tape adherence to official rules and formalities. Origin: early 18th century: so named because of the red or pink tape used to bind official documents.

New name but same official service performed wherever you wish on the Sunshine Coast and whenever I am available. This is a five minute ceremony consisting of just the minimum legal wording, without personal vows, ring exchange or readings, but ensures you are legally married according to Australian Law. It is ideal for couples who want to choose their own location rather than the registry office or who may be having a celebration at a later date or perhaps one overseas.

This is many times more personal than the Brisbane Registry, significantly more scenic, allows you to have loved ones with you if you wish and to choose one of the many amazing Noosa Wedding Locations . In approximately 2 weeks you will receive your Official Marriage Certificate in your mailbox or to any address (Australia or overseas) that you choose.

All the legalities are taken care of and you will receive a ceremonial certificate and a copy of your ceremony. At least 2 witnesses of any nationality (but who must understand the ceremony) and who are over 18 years of age are required (which I can supply if you wish) however a couple of family and friends are more than welcome to join us for this Legal Marriage ceremony.

Stunning natural backdrops are fitting for the significance of the occasion which actually requires very few words to convey the depth of emotion felt by each partner. Devil’s Kitchen and Hell’s Gates in the Noosa National Park, particularly at Dawn or Sunset, are exactly the kind of location that we are lucky enough to have as idyllic possibilities for a unique venue for your Legal Marriage Red Tape Ceremony that you will remember forever and I will make the legal process super easy for you. Find out how to get started!

My Red Tape Ceremonies are swiftly gaining in popularity as couples from diverse countries and continents meet and fall in love! Even though they live in Australia, they may wish to marry while away on holiday (in SE Asia is a good example of this) or perhaps wait to have family and friends present at a larger celebration or even a religious ceremony in thehome country of one partner. Yet they desire the ease and security of a valid Australian Legal Marriage which is recognised worldwide. Marriage in some countries, Italy, in particular, is one that comes to mind, is a very complicated process, so having a celebration or blessing there as opposed to a marriage, after a beautifully simple Sunshine Coast or Noosa Legal Marriage ceremony is the obvious answer and many times easier.

This is exactly what Tom and Lucia chose to do, with family around and in a beautiful Noosa setting, but nonetheless saving themselves for a bigger celebration in Lucia’s home country of Brazil. Itl asted all of 5 minutes but still was moving enough to get both mothersreaching for the tissues; the amount of love between them all was abundant andpalpable.

Jiah and Eldo did just the same at the spectacularPoint Arkwright just South of Coolum Beach, heading overseas a few days laterto a large family celebration in Italy.

If you require something a touch longer to includesome romance or intimacy and your own vows to each other and a ring exchange,the Elopement Package for up to 20 guests (including the marryingcouple) will be the one for you. My full service package is the Deluxe or how about one of my super popular Celebrant + Photography Packages?

Looking for a Noosa Marriage Celebrant ? - Contact Philippa Today!

Tips For Finding the Right Celebrant…..For you!

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Get the choice of Celebrant right and the rest of your Sunshine Coast Wedding planning should fall easily into place!

There is a general order of booking or organising the wedding suppliers you will need for your Noosa Wedding or Sunshine Coast Elopement so after having picked your all-important date to marry on the Sunshine Coast or elope to Noosa, number one on your ‘to-do’ list is to choose a marriage celebrant. Beside the Celebrant being the ONE thing that you cannot get married without, a great one is a mine of information having literally hundreds of the best local trusted suppliers as contacts for all the other items you will need.

Start by asking friends and and google to get a few ideas. Once you have narrowed down a few you like the sound of, thoroughly explore their websites, read their reviews on google and other platforms, call or email to make contact, see how quickly and warmly they respond and if you want to, see if you can setup a meeting or zoom call to get the feel if they are a good fit for your wedding vision. Sometimes to get your Celebrant of choice you may have to tweak your wedding date slightly as many of us are booked well in advance for weekends but mid-week dates are often available.

There are many different Celebrant personalities around; you want someone who will match what you are looking for and one who take all the wedding day stresses away and create a ceremony to be remembered…for all the right reasons!

Please do not go on budget alone, your Wedding is one of the most important days of your lives, and their experience in setting the tone for your entire day as well as dealing competently with very important legal practices cannot be underestimated. Undoubtedly the celebrant is one of the cheaper parts of your day - usually costing less than your dress, flowers, venue and photography, but is an area not to be compromised. The hours of work a celebrant devotes to making it all perfect for you will be evident in how the rest of your wedding day unfolds and you will not regret a cent of it!

Contact Philippa for a no-obligation phone chat!

Thank you to these lovely photographers for their images:
Amy Higg Photography
Sunny Coast Photos
Matt Rowe Photography
Giselle Images

What Does a Sunshine Coast Celebrant Actually Do?

Wed, 12 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Unless you have been on the receiving end of the service of one of our amazing celebrants on the Sunshine Coast, you may not realise just how much they can enhance your entire 'getting married on the Sunshine Coast' experience!

So, we all know that a cake maker designs and creates a delicious and possibly decadent cake for you and your guests to admire, enjoy and EAT!

Your hair and make-up artist will come to your accommodation and make you feel perfect for your walk down the aisle and the entire celebrations, your photographer will be there to build a creative connection with you and produce a lifetime of digital memories of every important second of the day including all the seemingly small unnoticed candid moments.

But the celebrant??..... Let’s think for a moment about what many couples believe (I know this from some of the enquiries I receive) that the celebrant is there merely for 15 minutes to read a few words and pronounce you married at the end. Few know unless they have been on the receiving end the service of one of our amazing celebrants on the Sunshine Coast, just how much they can enhance your entire getting married experience!

Quite often the Celebrant is the first point of contact when you are making an initial enquiry about your wedding on the Sunshine Coast or Noosa. They will fulfil all the legal obligations of the getting married formalities for you, as well as suggesting amazing Sunshine Coast Wedding locations, recommending other suppliers and organising council permits (if required) for you.

Some (like me!) will even go as far as booking all the extras for you if you wish, especially if you are coming from interstate or want the simplicity of a one-stop shop so that all you need to think about is your dress and suit! Find out more about this here!

We are also there as an emotional support and sounding board throughout the time leading up to the day, always ready to assist and answer questions, really getting to know you both so the ceremony reflects the two of you and of course on the day, presenting a beautiful ceremony that is perfect for the two of you and ticks all the legal boxes to ensure you are legally married…just the way you are hoping for!

The Celebrant sets the entire tone for the rest of your celebrations, welcomes and chats to family and guests, helps the waiting groomsmen and bridal party to relax before you arrive, has second guessed any little issues that can be quickly fixed before you even notice, liaises with and frequently coordinates the other suppliers on-site on the day, communicates with you after the ceremony ensuring you know exactly where your certificate is and follows up afterwards to ensure you know when your marriage has been officially registered.

Without the care and support of your Celebrant it really would be just a very expensive party!

Thank you to:

Sunny Coast Photos

Matt Rowe Photography

Everlast Studios

Marry in Noosa in less than 1 month!

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT

A 'Shortening of Time' approval may enable you to marry in under 1 month!

Did you know that the minimum time to legally marry is 1 month? Most couples choosing to have their wedding on the Sunshine Coast or to marry in Noosa give a few months’ notice. A Notice of Intended Marriage is required to be lodged with your celebrant so if for example you do this on May 12, you can marry on June 12 or later, as this form is valid up to 18 months. Find out what to do first here!

Sometimes couples need to marry in less than 1 month and did you know that this can be possible?

It’s a process known as ‘shortening of time’ put in place by the Attorney General. It can only be approved by a prescribed authority which may vary according to the state in which you wish to marry. In Qld this is very straightforward as the application is submitted to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

There are 5 very strict categories under which shortening of time approval may be considered and occur but this is at the sole discretion of the prescribed authority.

1. employment-related or other travel commitments

2. wedding or celebration arrangements, or religious considerations

3. medical reasons

4. legal proceedings

5. an error in giving notice

I regularly assist couples marrying in Noosa and on the Sunshine coast with this process.

To marry in less than 1 month, firstly contact your celebrant to complete and sign the NOIM. Write a brief letter/email outlining the circumstances to be considered,this must be submitted along with proof of the reason so if it is travelfor example, an E-ticket clearly showing all the travel details or a letter onvalidated letterhead from a medical institution showing medical reasons. Thereis a shortening of time application fee payable to Births, Deaths and Marriages regardless of whether the shortening is approved or not.

Your celebrant can do all the rest for you and an answer is usually returned within 2 business days or sooner if it is for compassionate medical reasons.

I can help if you think you have good reason to marry in less than 1 month, CONTACT ME TODAY!

Wedding Celebrant Top 10 'Not to Forget' Things When Planning Your Wedding.

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Practical advice from a Wedding Celebrant on those sometimes overlooked elements that can make your Wedding run so much more smoothly!

1. Your Wedding Date! Have you checked there are no sporting, music, culture events, markets or festivals in the area? School holidays on the Sunshine Coast are also busy times and best avoided if possible. Saturdays and Sundays are very busy and book well in advance; consider having your Sunshine Coast Wedding on a weekday which is generally quieter. Get an idea of a range of dates that may also suit friends and family guests. Have you allowed plenty of time with your work/commitment schedule to properly celebrate; there’s nothing worse then marrying on the weekend and going back to work at 8am on a Monday!?

2. Did you get your all-important Sunshine Coast Council or Noosa Council Permit and have you forwarded this to your Celebrant, photographer and stylist?

3. Guests - What will the guests do while you’re having couple photos taken? Give them clear instructions about what the plan for the ceremony/reception/transport/timings will be. The best way to phrase this for example is: ‘Please arrive at 3.45pm for a 4pm ceremony start time’ This allows time to find parking and walk to the location. What is accessibility and access like at the location for your guests. Will any of them require special assistance in getting down beach steps or climbing that mountain!? And please have available at the ceremony location for them: cool bottled water, shade and sunscreen. Have you sent them a list of nearby accommodation? You can ask your Wedding Celebrant to mention a few housekeeping points that cover the after-ceremony timings, facilities and transport etc.

4. Have you organised someone to assist the photographer with the list of who you want in family/guest photos? You will be in all the photos so this needs to be someone else who knows the names of most of the guests.
5. Are your pets taken care of either at home, or if they are at the ceremony as ring bearer, who will look after them into the evening? Are children catered for at the ceremony and reception, they will need things to amuse and occupy them.
6. Who will take the ceremony flowers for you to the reception venue? Who will hold your phone, keys, make-up touch-up kit, the marriage certificate that your Wedding Celebrant presents you with at the wedding?

7. Do you want a ‘Recessional’? (Walking back down the aisle while everyone stands to congratulate and cheer) usually to upbeat tunes with either sparklers, petals, leaf confetti or bubbles. Others prefer a quieter conclusion to their ceremony that comes to its natural end at the signing table where someone can bring you a glass of champagne! Ask your Marriage Celebrant all about this.

8. How are you getting from your getting ready accommodation to the ceremony venue and then on to the reception and back to your accommodation when the party ends!? Does the AirBnb you are booking allow weddings/reception/groups of people for a party, many do not, this may need a special call to the owner to approve?

Most Importantly:

9. Make time to greet/hug/chat with each older family relative, they will not be able to whizz up to you and say ‘Hi’ as easily and it will be important for them to have some one-on-one time with you.

10. Have you factored in time for yourselves on the day, each hour will go by in whirlwind of energy and emotion, make sure to take plenty of time together sessions to be in the moment together.

Sunshine Coast Registry Style Weddings Done Right!

Sun, 22 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Aligning with the current trend for smaller more intimate weddings are our hugely popular Registry-Style Weddings or Elopements.

Aligning with the current trend for smaller more intimate weddings especially since overseas/interstate guests may not be able to be with you in person are Registry Style Weddings or Elopements . Combining the simplicity and ease of a registry style wedding with the intimacy and glam of a beautiful elopement in Noosa for example, yet costing a mere fraction of the price of a larger wedding, they are loaded with love and meaning and so intimate and heartfelt, you’ll wonder why huge weddings were ever popular?!

A few 'must have' items:

Look and feel your absolute best - Hair and Make-up at your accommodation
Beautiful Dinner afterwards
Great Professional Photography
Luxury Accommodation
Fresh Flowers Bouquet and Buttonhole
Live Music
Simple Styling (I provide a signing table/2 chairs, naturaljute rug and can even arrange 2 witnesses)
Include family/friends via facetime/zoom/ Love-Cast
And lastly: A great celebrant! who will plan, organise, and takecare of legal work as well as officiate a beautiful and meaningful ceremony youwill remember forever! If you wish, I will also arrange all the extras youcould wish for: flowers, hair & make up, luxury picnic, even a cake!

Contact me for a brochure for our all-in-one amazing Celebrant/Photography packages to which we can add flowers and hair & make up and anything else you wish.

Keeping the Traditions...What is 'In' and 'Out' at Sunshine Coast Weddings?

Fri, 30 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Sunshine Coast Wedding, New, Old and Current Traditions

Amazing 'Mondo Floral' Flower Installation

Some things in life really need to be done the traditional way, age-old way. We all want to write our own history, forge our own path and do it ‘our way’ but very few things in life evoke as much tradition, expectation and emotion as a wedding. These conventions are usually preserved with the rest of your Wedding Day running as you wish:

A Proposal (yes, this can be either partner) so many perfect places on the Sunshine Coast to do this!
Asking the parents or father of the bride for permission to marry the bride
The bride walking down the aisle with a parent (usually dad but it can be mum and dad) Other options are with a sibling, children, alone, or one I particularly Iove is the couple together; this a great and powerful statement of two people already entwined in every way
Each partner and their bridal parties getting ready before the wedding separately
Not seeing the bride until the moment she walks down the aisle
The First Dance together
Exchanging of wedding rings as a visual and tangible reminder of the day
‘The Kiss’ after being declared as a newly married couple!
Changing your name to that of your partner (either partner may do this)
During my Wedding Ceremonies ,legally there are only just a few things we are required to do within the ceremony, the rest can be exactly as your hearts desire!

Trending at Sunshine Coast Weddings NOW and into the future....

Sunrise and Sunset elopements
Luxe elopements
Brides-mates and grooms-gals/brides-men, grooms-maids...anything goes!
Natural confetti petals or leaves
Eco friendly/sustainable everything
Floral installs…beyond beautiful….and prettier than an arbor
Live ceremony music….this takes the occasion to another level!
Veils
Luxurious Tiny weddings with amazing photography, flowers & hair & make up
Mismatched bridesmaid gowns
Asking guests to put away their phones for the ceremony...BUT giving them all 10 seconds when the couple arrive, just before the ceremony starts, to snap away and then put away!
Having a witness lottery...having all guests names in a box and the couple drawing out two names at the end to be the 'official' witnesses and sign the paperwork! This is so fun!

A Honeymoon…yes the perfect opportunity to escape and enjoy being together after all the celebrations
Smoke bomb photo
Sparklers, festoon and fairy lights….YES SO pretty!
Eloping while on your Baby-Moon
First dance with each other and then parents
Something old, new, borrowed, blue
White gown
Marrying exactly where and when you want to
Grandma flower-girls
Pet ringbearers; we love your fur babies to deliver the rings! Make sure you have a nominated pet service or family member to take care of them on the day!

Sorry…these things are decidedly OUT at Sunshine Coast Weddings

Receiving line
Bouquet toss
Inviting every family member your parents think you should invite
A boring ceremony with things included that you don’t want, that goes on for over an hour!
Favours/bonbonniere
Giving away of the bride
Changing outfit several times
Leaving to Honeymoon straight after reception
Dove, Butterfly release
Floor size Light up letters
Entire teams of Bridesmaids and groomsmen. Keep it simple
Themed weddings

Photo Credits: Frankie Gomez Photography, Laurene and the Wolf , Lauren C Photography

Sunshine Coast and Noosa ‘Surprise’Weddings

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

How Can We Keep Our Wedding....a Surprise?!!

I have had the pleasure recently at officiating at no less than 8 surprise Sunshine Coast Weddings! Some disguised as milestone birthday parties, another as a house warming where the couple had also just purchased and moved into their new home(considering the rigmarole that goes with this feat, it is not surprising that planning a wedding as well may have just been all too much!) Lastly, one disguised as an engagement party by a couple who had been together a long time and in essence, just wanted to have one giant celebration....one with a surprise element thrown in. But before going any further, let’s clear up any possible legal misinterpretations of the word ‘surprise’ as far as matrimony in Australia is concerned.

All of the other above scenarios are completely fine and heaps of fun if they can be successfully pulled off. The Attorney-General, who is responsible for the performance and conduct of marriage celebrants in Australia, defines ‘Surprise weddings’ a little differently: They involve one of the parties to the marriage being ‘surprised’, either at or shortly before the ceremony. The most popular scenario involves one member of a couple wishing to ‘surprise’ the other party by organising the marriage without their knowledge and then presenting them with the complete ceremony as a romantic gesture. This is categorically not acceptable practice because it would place undue pressure on the ‘surprised’ person to agree to the arrangement at the time the surprise was revealed. This could place in doubt the validity of the marriage under the Marriage Act 1961.

So, as long as this is not the intent of one half of the couple, surprise weddings are particularly special and will be talked about for years to come by the guests who have come to the party/housewarming/engagement.....sorry, it was actually a wedding!

Generally couples will be seeking a simpler style of occasion, maybe the intense planning of a elaborate large wedding and trying to please countless well meaning family members just all was too overwhelming so they may bail and opt instead for a lower key more understated but very meaningful elopement style event that they can have exactly as they wish, while most importantly, preserving the true meaning of what they are actually doing and saving money at the same time!

They are definitely gaining in popularity as a form of extreme party idea when the couple are engaged anyway and decide to combine the reasons for celebration into an intense energy ultra-party!“It was fast, suspenseful and exciting,” the bride said. “The shock in the room made for more of an interesting affair.”- at Lauren Pienkowski and Corey Chavers’s engagement party turned wedding in Syracuse, New York.

It certainly takes willpower to be able to keep the secret until the day and at times it will be difficult. Along the way there may be countless opportunities that tempt the secret to be divulged, having a close friend in on it with you is fairly important to be able to bounce ideas with and to assist you in resisting the urge to blurt it out when your overwhelming excitement about the forthcoming nuptials maybe just gets too much! You definitely need this confidant to help you to decide what to wear, how to have your hair, fielding ideas and plans and you may also be able to delegate a few tasks to ease the burden of planning a once in a lifetime event such as this. Keeping your vision of the look on your guests faces at the big reveal will assist you to maintain the charade until the day!

Whatever the reason written on the invitation, it absolutely must be compelling enough to ensure that nearest and dearest family and friends will accept and turn up to the occasion! It would be heartbreaking if a guest didn’t turn up because it clashed with their favourite night of TV, only later to discover they had missed a marriage!

Good Luck with planning your surprise wedding what better place to do it than at one of the many glorious wedding locations in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast .

Until next time, xx Philippa

10 Things You Need To Know If You’re Planning a Noosa or Sunshine Coast Elopement or Small Wedding….Tips on Getting It Right

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Elopement - wrapped up in the perfection of it being just about you two. It’s creating a magical moment in time where the world stops, just for a moment, and is entirely your own.

Location

There truly is no better place on earth to say

‘I do’ than the Sunshine Coast or Noosa ; with an infinite number of choices of stunning natural locations to capture the beauty of the surrounding area, blending perfectly with the overwhelming love you feel for each other cemented in your marriage ceremony!

Season + Time of day

Sunrise or sunset when nature is at its most picturesque are beautiful times when it’s just the two, or a handful of you. Winter is particularly lovely on the Sunshine Coast, with Autumn and Spring very close behind and of course those long hot summer days are perfect for elopements right on the beach. If possible, try to plan outside school holiday times if you can.

Number of guests

Elopement is traditionally just the minimum, the couple (and your2 required witnesses) to evoke the rawness of emotion; a very small handful of guests with you is fine.

Fresh Flowers

Nothing quite compares to the look, feel and mesmerizing scent of a bouquet of fresh seasonal flowers with matching buttonhole which I will include for you in an all in 1 easy package. Check out our packages here!

Photography

Definitely one thing you cannot pass on, you will want these to treasure your memories but to be able to share with those who may have missed you day. Check out these amazing value packages.

Hair &Make up

An absolute must, you want to be looking and feeling your most amazing. I will include this professional service to come to your home or accommodation prior to your wedding, in an all-in-1 easy package.

Destination

Where do you feel your most amazing and can recreate those loved up feelings of when you first met or got engaged? Noosa and the Sunshine Coast have the most stunning choices and many private and secluded locations

Dinner

Not the day to be budget conscious; you want to have a celebratory meal you will remember! Noosa has some of the best restaurants with amazing views or how about a deluxe beach picnic brought to you? You can’t quite match the romance and charm of a luxury, bohemian-style picnic.

Legal

Not a thing to worry about here! Your celebrant will take care of it all and guide you through step by step making it an easy and totally stress-free experience. The only thing to be mindful of is the 1-month minimum legal notice to your celebrant before your big day. For example, if you wish to marry on June 16, the first form has to be signed by May 16. This can be done remotely if you are not on the Sunshine Coast at the time, so no worries here at all. The 2required witnesses (18+) can be supplied if necessary. This is how to get started!

Emotions....be prepared

Even though you are doing it simply, perhaps just the 2 of you, the emotion of marrying in paradise with your love totally at the forefront is often overwhelming and something you will remember forever. Tissues supplied by me!

Photo Credit: Sunny Coast Photos

Changing Your Name after Your Sunshine Coast Wedding ~ It's EASY!

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT

You've had the most amazing Wedding day, you’re back from honeymoon, so now onto the task of officially changing your name! I am now making this super easy for you!

Contact your Noosa Marriage Celebrant with any wedding questions!

Your Wedding day is done, you’re back from honeymoon so now onto the task of officially changing your name! Your Celebrant will have assisted you to obtain your Official Certificate of Marriage from the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry in the state in which you married; this hopefully should be waiting for you in your mailbox 3-4 weeks after your wedding day. So far, so good!

Have you changed your address and recalled it to be quite a daunting process? Understandably many people put off notifying all those official agencies about their change of name for as long as they can, as it is time consuming and not one of the fun things in life!

I make the process as easy as possible for you by giving you a step by step guide and there are various companies who will do the entire process for you! Check out these two: Easy Name Change and After the Wedding

Wet Weather Planning for Noosa and Sunshine Coast Weddings

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Rainy Day for your Your Sunshine Coast Wedding

My thanks to the very talented Janneke Storm, Sunshine Coast Photographer for the use of her beautiful images.

Mother Nature has a will of her own, the fact that we have in place a failsafe contingency plan known to all involved and your wedding suppliers alleviates possible stress in taking a gamble with the weather and crossing your fingers for the best outcome. Despite how many times you have heard it doesn’t rain on the Sunny Coast, yes indeed it does! and Mother Nature does not differentiate when she decides a deluge of the wet stuff is due! I have officiated at entire weekends of wet weddings, meaning each wedding that weekend has had to put their plan B into action. Beside the technical equipment being at risk, the legal forms just cannot get wet; your guests will not enjoy standing in the rain getting their carefully chosen outfits and hair styles sodden. Yes rainy wedding photographs are phenomenal, so very beautiful and you can always brave the elements with your trusted photographer to claim some of those amazing images afterwards, however you need to keep your guests and yourselves dry, within reason, for the best part of the day. Particularly during the ceremony when the beautiful words you will say to each other and legal proceedings need to be the focus and not the possibility of mascara running down your cheeks, except because of tears of course, that is to be expected ;)

So with this in mind here are a few Rainy Day Sunshine Coast Wedding alternatives for you to consider:

The Restaurant with whom you have booked your reception maybe willing to accommodate you and your guests for an undercover ceremony if necessary, depending on the day and time and the of course the restaurant you choose. The Surf Clubs are particularly forthcoming with this offer I believe, and naturally a weekday evening would be more likely than a Saturday at sunset during the Easter holidays for example.

With this in mind here are a few Sunshine Coast/Noosa/Rainy Day Wedding Plan B Options

A marquee on private property is always a good bet. This is can be done by yourselves, purchased form a DIY store and then re-used or one of the lovely styling companies will arrange and put up for you.

Your Own Home! Do you have outdoor decking with adequate cover that family and friends can style for you?

The Upstairs Lounge at the ‘J’ Noosa Junction

The Sofitel Noosa

Noosa Springs Resort Function Room

The undercover area on one of the private cruise ferries where I perform the ceremony on the boat, it's different and everyone loves enjoy it!

Noosa River and Canal Cruises

Catalina Noosa

The accommodation you book would usually be ample space for a small number of guests, especially if you upgrade to a Penthouse suite with large balcony.

A private holiday home rental, Air BNB or large apartment with lovely views is another option and beautiful for you and your guests to enjoy while you are there. Definitely this would be my preferred choice, as you are getting the benefit of enjoying staying there as well, even though paying maybe a little extra.

Sunshine Coast Council has its own wet weather venue in Mooloolaba, the rather unceremoniously named “The Loo with a View”. It is undercover and has ample space and an inexpensive council permit can be purchased as a backup regardless, to give you added peace of mind.

The accommodation you book would usually be ample space for approximately 10 guests for a smaller wedding of which I conduct many, especially if you upgrade to a Penthouse suite with large balcony. A private holiday home rental or large apartment with lovely views is another option and beautiful for you and your guests to enjoy while you are there. Definitely this would be my preferred choice, as you are getting the benefit of enjoying staying there as well, even though paying maybe a little extra.

A contingency plan is absolutely necessary; we always need to be prepared!

Above all when choosing your location consider how devastated (if at all) you would be if it becomes unusable due to wet weather which the 'Sunshine Coast’ surprisingly does have its fair share of. If it is something that would completely spoil the day for you, then opt for somewhere that will be perfect rain or shine for you and your guests, an all in one venue that has its own wet weather plan built into your package.

Whatever the weather enjoy every second....As I say in every blog don’t lose sight of the meaning of what you are actually doing and keep the big picture in your heart.

Choosing a Sunshine Coast Celebrant Who Just Gets You!

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 00:00:00 GMT

With so many choices for your wedding, one that you really want to get right and ticked off your planning list early is your marriage celebrant. Far from days gone by where the officiant was just that….a person who recited compulsory legal wording often with some religious bits thrown in for good measure whether or not you wanted that, to how it is today with your personal celebrant caring for you and guiding you through the entire wedding journey.

The service I provide to my couples is genuine and custom-made for each partner. I personally guide each of my couples every step of the way, from all the legalities taken care of to helping with suggestions for amazing locations, your vows, right through to the ceremony on your wedding day. I recommend quality suppliers that I know well, trust and work regularly with and liaise with them on the day to ensure everything flows smoothly and I know all the quiet, intimate less populated venues and locations and I am available for you anytime throughout your wedding planning journey and afterwards.

Are All Wedding Celebrants Created Equally?

Are we all the same? Definitely not…that’s why it’s so important to get a celebrant who gets you…both of you…and is not going to just give you a mass-produced identical experience given to every couple they encounter. The celebrant is the supplier who you will likely have the most contact with during your wedding journey, the one who will be able to answer all your questions, not just about your ceremony and the legal process but will be able to advise you on any aspect or if not, quickly put you in touch with someone who can.

An investment in your Sunshine Coast Wedding.

Consider your celebrant as an investment; a choice that sets the tone for your entire day and by far one of the least expensive items on your wedding list. Many of the other suppliers may be a one-off short consultation or you may not even actually meet you in person, but as a celebrant I am really present for my couples, answering their calls/emails late when they think of something and just want immediate reassurance.

Being there if things don’t quite go to plan, stepping in to take all the stress away, thinking on their feet and coming up with a brilliant alternative before anyone notices. Having a wealth of wedding advice on hand if you need it yet allowing your vision to come to life when you already know the direction you are going. Someone who regularly networks with wedding supplier friends and along with them, keeps you to date will all the latest trends, upcoming ones and specials they may be offering.

Being contactable & flexible anytime, not just business hours, creating the ceremony that will fit you two and only you two! Being available after your wedding if you have queries about receiving your marriage certificate from Births, Deaths and Marriages or changing your name. Being a support person for not only the groom, but any of your family. Someone who can interpret exactly what you want even if you don’t exactly know yourselves, someone who can read you both and apply their magic accordingly.

There are so many Celebrants to choose from. How do we know if you're the right Celebrant for our wedding?

In the words of recent groom Daniel Watson:

“Choose a celebrant who has great reviews and plenty of them or who is maybe recommended by someone you know and has similar taste/style/humour/emotion to you both. The celebrant makes the wedding in my opinion and ours was incredible. You get what you pay for. If you’re worried about details and having the stress off your shoulders, choose a recommended celebrant”

Please don’t cut costs in this area, the celebrant is the least expensive part of your wedding without a doubt, don’t try to make a small saving and risk things not going to plan or end up feeling let down or that things could have gone so much better, or even worse that you end up being double booked, cancelled or late. The ceremony is the gateway to the rest of your evening, the beginning of your reception or your married life, you need to start of the right foot and leave nothing to chance. Learn about my services and fees here!

As https://chenaecarey . com/ coaching considers: when you buy a bespoke service (in this case a ceremony and all the legalities) you are not just buying just the materials you are buying the, time, effort, skill, training, costs of business, tax, overheads, love, passion and dedication that goes into providing a bespoke service.

5 Beautiful Sunshine Coast Wedding Locations

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

So, you have a date and you know how many people will be sharing this event with you, but which stunning wedding location in Noosa or on the Sunshine Coast will you choose to get married!

So, you have a date and you know roughly how many people will be sharing this event with you, but where will you choose to get married! This information is perfect for smaller Weddings and Elopements.

You may wonder why with so many amazing locations to choose from on the gorgeous Sunshine Coast that it doesn’t take even longer to decide which one will be perfect for your wedding day?

If you’re locals on the coast I always suggest taking a trip to have a look at the ones on your shortlist to get a feel for them and if they fit with your vision and the logistics of your day.

If you’re interstate or overseas that's where I will help with suggestions, advice and photos of real weddings and if I can, real time pics of the location to share with you.

I’m often asked for my favourite locations to marry on the Sunshine Coast so here are without a doubt are my top 5 locations for outstanding natural scenery that convey the spirit and essence of this area and ensuring the backdrop to your wedding is immeasurably stunning! I must admit it was extremely challenging to narrow it down as the possibilities literally are endless....!

These are my top 5 in no particular order…ask me to officiate as your Celebrant at your wedding at one of these places and I’ll be there in a heartbeat!

Some locations may require a council permit depending on the day you choose, number of guests or any styling you are having; check with me for practical information and guidance on this and how to easily apply from the council (if one is necessary).

Devil’s Kitchen atNoosa National Park, sunrise is without doubt the BEST for this!
Noosa Little Cove Deck 24 late afternoon to sunset is beautiful and then wander down the boardwalk to one of Noosa’s best restaurants: Sails or Locale
Beach Access 14/15 late afternoon/ sunset, then stroll along Main Beach boardwalk to Season or Bistro C

4. Point Perry Coolum, Stunning views across the entire Sunshine Coast to Noosa and Beyond

5. Mooloolaba at Helen Penny Park with gorgeous water views, easy access for guests and plenty of shady trees!

This link has many more Sunshine Coast Wedding Location ideas and they are listed in categories to make your decision easy

Call me to chat all about your wedding plans! 0417 368677

Sunshine Coast and Noosa Weddings - Celebrant vs Registry Marriage?

Wed, 10 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Why Should We Choose a Celebrant for our Rather Than a Convenient Marriage at the State Registry?

Registry Wedding....Is This The Right Choice For Our Special Day?

It is a very special time in a couple’s journey when they decide to make their romantic union legally recognised. Often they desire a Noosa registry style ceremony with just the minimum legal elements to ensure they are legally married if family are far away or not connected or simply want to keep the occasion intimate and private with a larger celebration at a later date, however making a hasty decision to do this at the closest registry may be a choice they look back on with regret.

Convenience may be a factor if the couple want to marry during business hours, but most celebrants are able to perform a marriage at any time a couple chooses and more importantly at the location of their choice be this in their own backyard, a beach in Noosa, or indeed any other venue of the thousands to select from on the glorious Sunshine Coast!

Certainly some of these historical buildings provide an impressive surrounding for nuptials however, by carefully selecting a celebrant with whom a connection is felt ensures that the marriage will be an occasion to be remembered rather than a process. Yes, the legal aspects will be proficiently delivered in, if you are lucky, an historical or heritage building in a beautiful city, however what is missing will be the emotional support and investment to the couple and their guests. A unique and lasting bond will be established, with the Celebrant putting the needs and wishes of the couple above all else with complicity and collaboration throughout the entire journey.

Cost is definitely not an issue either; most celebrants will offer a similar fee to the registry for an elopement style marriage , but with the warm and personalisation that the occasion calls for, as well as many tangible inclusions.

The ceremony choices with a celebrant are absolutely unlimited and completely personal to the bride and groom as long as the minimum words are spoken and the legalities are complied with, instead of having to choose either Ceremony A or Ceremony B as in a take-away menu banquet. A State Registry wedding is essentially a lot of what you can’t have, compared to what you can have, and in essence is no different to having an interview for a passport or vehicle registration. Sadly it is a procedure with no emotional investment and somewhat anticlimactic without the accompanying joy that a meaningful occasion such as this should instill in the couple.

So please ‘google’ “Sunshine Coast Celebrant” to give your occasion, however small, the recognition it deserves. We are many warm, caring and highly professional celebrants on the Sunshine Coast believing that each couple finds the one most suited to them.

Looking for a memorable and beautiful marriage in Noosa or on the Sunshine Coast? Contact Philippa Noosa Marriage Celebrant Today!

How Online Dating is Standard, Practical and the Catalyst for a Large Proportion of Weddings

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

How Did You Meet?....More and More Engaged Couples Give Me The Same Answer!

Naturally one of the first questions as a Marriage Celebrant that I ask a couple planning to marry is ‘how did you meet’?

Many couples often exchange a swift glance and then rather coyly tell me ‘online’. I hasten to reassure them there is absolutely no stigma at all attached to this as perhaps there once was in years past. It is considered practical and sensible and I rather like the feature that enables outpouring of the heart and soul through dialogue that builds a solid foundation prior to actually meeting in the flesh so to speak. Almost akin to decades past when lovers would communicate via copious reams of letter writing, opening their hearts to each other across delicate sheets of paper that were then cherished for years to come.

Online Dating can also provide far more access to compatible suitors than one is likely to encounter in today’s eclectic lifestyles with people working away and 24 hour shifts etc. With technology such a major force in every other aspect of our lives, why shouldn’t it also be the obvious avenue to find a mate?

The online process enables us to narrow our selections in a reasonably safe environment ensuring we match with people that share similar likes and values as ourselves. I would state with fair confidence that greater than 50 per cent of the couples I perform Sunshine Coast weddings as a Marriage celebrant for, have met through one online platform or another and I may add that this seems far safer than meeting someone in a shady bar. You really have no idea if they may be of a similar leaning, background or share the same interests and values or at least some that complement your own.

When the day to finally meet comes around after weeks or months of online chatting, I find that most people are incredibly nervous; not that they may be confronted with someone who may have misrepresented their self, but rather they have already established a bonefide relationship and so don’t want this to be spoilt or shattered when the actual person is in front of them. After initial nerves, most take up with a really strong foundation and have endless fun and excitement discovering the real person.

Online dating can eliminate the awkwardness of working out if you both are on the same page as far as anticipated longevity of a relationship, i.e. that one of you isn’t looking for a fun fling while the other is actively seeking a long term spouse.

The process of discovering if you have children and similar interests can be simplified because these will be a category that presumably you will have will selected.

No dating process can bypass inherent safety concerns; however online dating can be no more fraught with danger than the traditional method. Rely on your first instincts, get your trusted friends’ opinions, employ the usual safety methods and same caution you would when meeting or going on the first few dates with any new partner, and if it seems too good to be true it probably is!

In summary, there is no stigma with finding a mate or marriage partner online but whatever the universe has in store for you, you are just as likely to find online as on a bar stool!

Unique and Special Ways to Include Family and Friends in your Sunshine Coast Wedding

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT

However big or small your wedding will be, friends and family LOVE to be involved and to share in the planning + preparation.

However big or small your wedding on the Sunshine Coast turns out to be, friends and family LOVE to be involved and share in your happiness and the planning + preparation. There are so many ways to do this whether you are eloping and it’s just the two of you or you are having an ‘everything’ wedding with 100+ guests and of course anything in-between, your Noosa Wedding Celebrant will be able to give you many tips and ideas to take the stress away and help you to include those loved ones who are hanging out to be given responsibility for a job no matter how small. Here are some suggestions:

Being a Witness

Every wedding requires you to choose 2 witnesses over the age of 18 to witness and sign the 3 official certificates with you straight after the wedding, they may be family members, friends or any guest in attendance. I recently heard a marvellous idea from fellow wedding celebrant the very lovely Kath Tilly, that is the ultimate solution for those torn between who exactly to choose and that is for each invitee to write their name on a piece of paper and place it into a stylish box which is kept by the celebrant until the end when 2 names of lucky witnesses are pulled out and revealed to all!

Writing/Reading or Choosing a Poem

Reading a poem at the ceremony or even writing a few personal words to the couple is a lovely way to include a guest who is comfortable with doing a public reading. It's even more special if the family member can choose a reading on behalf of the couple and email the celebrant directly, so making it a surprise on the day. Particularly lovely way to include those from afar or who may not be able to attend.

If you’re not having a professional MC you will need a lively super-charismatic friend who is comfortable with a mike and can start off your party off with a bang! They’ll need to liaise with reception suppliers, introduce the speeches and generally be able to ad-lib if necessary as well as co-ordinate and announce the reception festivities.

Looking After the Flower Girls/Ring Bearers

Little ones who walk with or just ahead of the bride whose parents may be bridesmaid and groom's-men standing with the couple, will need a familiar and special person to take care of them during the ceremony.

Looking after Pet Ring Bearers

We all LOVE pets at Weddings, particularly ones that bound down the aisle bearing the rings but to endure that they have the best time doing it, have a trusted animal lover friend who the pet is familiar with, to be on hand at all times to take care of the pet’s needs and return them safely home soon after the ceremony ends.

At this stunning Maleny Manor wedding a beautiful lady who specialises in just this, was on hand to look after 'Bailey' after his mum and dad were married and he had delivered the rings to them!

Contact Me Now for an Entirely Personal Experience Involving Your Family & Friends for Your Amazing Sunshine Coast Wedding!

Handing out Bubbles or Petals for Guests to Throw

If you’ve arranged one of the amazing Wedding Stylists they will likely place a basket with cones of petals at the end of each row or at the end of the aisle for the guests to collect but having a friend in charge of handing them out to guests ready to throw as you walk back down the aisle after the signing is a nice touch!

Holding the Rings

So many choices for this one, traditionally the Best Man but these days can be any special person, page boy, child, parent, pet! Even taped under the seat of an unsuspecting parent or guest as a wonderful surprise!

Holding Your Bouquet While You Join Hands for The Vows

One of the beautiful Wedding Florists will design and lovingly create beautiful bouquets for you and the bridal party which you will hold until the middle of the ceremony. When you turn to face each other to join both hands as you take your wedding vows, this is the time to pass your bouquet to someone you love; sister, maid of honour, bridesmaid, BFF, mum, auntie, grandma etc. and they can hand it back to you to take with you to the signing table.

Being in Charge of Music During and After Ceremony

Not everyone is lucky enough to have a BFF who is an opera singer or musician, but this has happened at a couple of recent weddings, this takes the entire feelings to another level! If you are having live music, great choice but if not, a playlist of songs is a must with one special song for the walk down the aisle. These need to be downloaded onto a device with a person in charge of operating the device, knowing the password and pressing play at the correct time. As your celebrant I always liaise and assist this person.

Below is the lovely Rebecca and Shane just married at Noosa's Iconic 'Maison la Plage' with their very own BFF the Opera Singer Stefanie Jones who sang so beautifully for them during their wedding!

Bringing the Couple a Drink While Sitting at the Signing Table

A beautiful time for the couple to exhale and relax together while they sign the certificates in the presence of their witnesses. What better time to have a quick toast together before the celebrations with everyone get underway? Guests can come to the couple at the table and hug and congratulate them or take a quick snap on their phone at this time if they wish to.

Photo Wrangler

So you’ve booked an amazing Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer but there may be only one of them, and given them a list of who you would like in family groups but rather than their trying to balance their photographic equipment with a piece of paper or phone with your list on, it’s far better to have a close friend or family who knows most of the guests and can round them up for the photos they will be appearing in.

Taking Charge of the Presentation Certificate/Ceremony Copy

Your Celebrant will present you with a certificate an likely a copy of your ceremony, this needs to be given to someone for safe keeping and transported to the reception and couple’s accommodation.

Holding Couples’ Sunnies/Phones/Purse/Wallets/Make-UpKit etc.

You still need your some of your all-important stuff with you on the day: phone, wallet, keys, make up kit etc, but having these in your pockets (guys especially) does not look good in photos and girls just won’t have anywhere suitable to carry them. Hand them over to a special person for safe keeping and easy access during the day.

Helping Elderly Guests to Seats

Know who you want to be seated in the first couple or rows and assign a person who knows these people to assist them to their seats. The Celebrant will always encourage the remaining seats to be filled as guests are sometime s reluctant to sit until asked to do so as they think others may require the seats more than they do. Don’t worry I always make sure each seat has a person sitting on it!

Ensuring Guests Know Where to Go After the Ceremony While the Couple Is Having Photos

So you’ve booked the Noosa Ferry the Catalina or a river cruise to take everyone to the reception venue but please enlist one of your local guest who knows the area to lead/direct everyone to the boarding point, the out of towners especially may not be aware.

Assist with Interstate/Overseas Guests Arriving Who May Not Know the Area/Location

Have a friend meet and greet guests arriving at the airport, car hire or air bnb.

Moving Bar Items, Flowers and Styling Items from Ceremony to Reception

If you have done your own styling, bar and flowers for the ceremony, these will need to be moved to decorate the reception venue. Arrange a few people to take care of this as well as transport to carry the flowers and styling and bar items. They will also need to tidy the ceremony area afterwards, particularly if it is a public area; this will be specific council requirement within a timeframe as well.

Instant Photo Guestbook

Photographing each guest with an instamatic camera as they arrive at the ceremony as a unique and fun alternative to a written guest book.

Receive and Collect Cards & Gifts on Behalf of the Couple

Many guests bring gifts and cards to the ceremony which need to be retrieved and kept for safe keeping until the couple can take them home.

Contact Philippa Holness Today for many more ideas that will work for you!

With grateful thanks to these amazing Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer friends for the use of their images:

Adriana Watson Photography

Luke Middlemiss Photography

Calli B Photography

Tiny Wedding Elopements in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Relaxed and Casual Wedding Photography Packages

A few friends, even more love and ZERO stress...it's definitely the way to wed!

Hello Marrying Couples!

What better place on Earth than our own Noosa and Sunshine Coast to exchange marriage vows perhaps at sunset or dawn alongside the infinity of the ocean, the rusticity of the mountains or a rugged headland in the Noosa National Park.

If the thought of a larger wedding sends you into a spin then an elopement or ‘tiny wedding ’ is the way to go and an option quickly gaining in popularity as couples choose to bypass the stress and distraction of organising a bigger event where the true meaning of what you and your love are doing, can get lost in translation.

Peeling back the layers to expose the raw emotion and passion felt by each partner in an understated and perfect occasion you will remember forever. Eloping strips bare the wedding to all that is really necessary; each other, a perfect Noosa elopement location or Sunshine Coast location, the legalities and amazing ceremony words from Sunshine Coast Celebrant Philippa Holness (me!)

As part of this package you will have the event captured forever by talented leading lifestyle photographer Dave Gleeson of Sunny Coast Photos , so that you and friends and family can forever enjoy the unstaged beauty of the occasion and the rawness of your feelings, exquisitely captured in a totally relaxed and candid way with the huge bonus that your photos will be available for you within 7 days after you marry!!

Our RELAXED and CASUAL Sunshine Coast ‘Tiny Wedding’ package includes your own personalised wedding ceremony at a beautiful outdoor location plus 1 hour of professional photography to capture all the important aspects of your day. Our professional photographer will be on hand to capture the couple’s arrival, your ceremony, exchange of vows and rings, the first kiss and registry signing with enough time after your ceremony to capture a range of beautiful Noosa /coastal inspired imagery of the couple/bridal party, friends, family and guests. You’ll receive a fully edited web gallery of all images within 7 days of your wedding, and you then choose your favourite 25 images which are supplied as high res digital files plus web quality files for sharing on social media.

Flowers, styling, hair and make-up, are all included in our newest and very popular Tiny Luxe package!

We are thrilled to be able to marry any two people regardless of gender!

All fees include Celebrant and Professional Photographer.

Some areas require a council permit. Additional travel costs will apply for locations outside Noosa shire. A booking fee will be required to secure the date with the balance being due 21 days before your wedding. Photo gallery will be uploaded within 7 days after your wedding

To receive a pdf brochure, or to make a booking, please contact

Sunshine Coast Celebrant Philippa Holness : 0417 368 677 celebrantnoosa@gmail.com

Sunshine Coast and Noosa Wedding Locations and Venues

Sat, 14 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Amazing Noosa and Sunshine Coast Wedding and Reception Venues and Locations, there are so many stunning places to choose from ~ the only boundary is your imagination!

The only downside with our amazing Sunshine Coast Wedding and Reception Venues and Locations is there are so many stunning ones to choose from….the only boundary is your imagination!

In Australia, you can marry anytime and anywhere . After the date is set and you have worked out roughly how many guests to invite, the next big decision is the ‘where’ factor?

When narrowing down the options start by thinking of categories: beach, park, chapel, all in one venue, restaurant, a friend or family members property, your deck or simply your own pool deck or backyard!

Consider what fits with your personalities, your vision for your wedding, your budget as well as accessibility for all your guests too! Will you have the ceremony and reception all in one spot? (saves transporting everyone) and always have at the back of your mind a solid Plan B alternative. Yes, it does rain on the Sunshine Coast, not often, but it’s imperative to have a wet weather ceremony alternative . There is plenty more information in my blog

Public locations e.g. beaches, boardwalks, lookouts, parks, rock-walls, reserves, viewing decks, botanic garden require a very 'easy to obtain' council permit .

Private ones e.g. restaurants, halls, hotels, resorts, venues, estates, Airbnb properties, holiday homes private homes and gardens do not. Do check other restrictions though, e.g. Not all holiday rentals allow events to take place.

CouncilPermits

Chapels

Annabella the Wedding Chapel

Little White Wedding Chapel

Weddings at Tiffany’s

Montville Chapel

Beaches

Noosa Foreshore Wedding Groves; Hidden Grove, Casuarina Gardens, Maison la Plage, Laguna Grove, Noosa Main Beach Access 14/15, Little Cove, Noosa River, Noosa Sound Park, Coolum Beach, Point Cartwright, Mooloolaba Beach and Noosa Woods, which is a combination of woods and waterside.

Parks

Wirreanda Park Buderim

Noosa Botanical Gardens

Maroochy Botanical Gardens

Holiday Stay Home

Lovely and large where you can have the ceremony in the garden or by the pool and then have catering in for your reception? These are beautiful examples where I have officiated wonderful weddings all with fabulous catering!

Montville Lake Terrace

Curra Homestead, Curramore near Maleny

Check out this amazing link with SO many hinterland suggestions, you do not have to be marrying at Tiffanys!

Something a little more rustic?

The Rocks, Yandina

Flame Hill Winery

Mango Hill Farm

Spirit House Restaurant, Yandina

Large estates that cater for your entire day

Yandina Station

Maleny Manor

Secrets on the Lake

Flaxton Gardens

Spicers Clovelly Estate

Surf Clubs

Kawana Surf Club

Maroochy Surf Club

Coolum Surf Club

Golf Clubs

Headland Golf, Buderim

Twin Waters Golf

Noosa Golf Club (Tewantin)

Get Married on The Ocean!

Noosa River and Canal Cruises Perfect for onboard weddings/weddings on the beach or as wet weather alternative

Catalina Noosa Premium Floating Event Space

All-in-One Resorts

Where friends and family can enjoy a holiday with your wedding all in the one spot!

Sofitel Noosa Pacific Weddings

Mantra Mooloolaba

This link has some great ideas

And lastly particularly for elopements and those who love adventure where natural beauty is paramount and fitness is no issue: on top of a mountain at sunrise or sunset is an unparalleled wedding experience! Devils Kitchen in Noosa or Emu Mountain in Peregian

Ways to Include Family + Friends in Your Sunshine Coast Wedding Ceremony

Sun, 03 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Family and Friends LOVE to be included ~ Here's How!

Contact me to find out how I can bring your Noosa Wedding Vision to life!

They may not all be quite as enthusiastic as Jacob’s lovely mum but Family + Friends LOVE to be included in your wedding ceremony. There are so many different ways...have I missed any!? ♥️♥️
✔️As Official Witnesses
✔️As Ring Bearers
✔️To walk you down the aisle
✔️To hold your phone/purse/wallet/makeup kit
✔️To read a poem/reading
✔️To Make + put up a photo bunting of you two
✔️To be in charge of the ceremony guest book
✔️To be the pet handler for fur baby ring bearers
✔️To look after flower girls/page boys
✔️To hand out petals or confetti for the guests to throw at the end
✔️To snap each guest with a Polaroid camera as they arrive
✔️To organise framed photos of family members passed
✔️To pin the buttonholes on the groomsmen
✔️To look after your presentation certificate
✔️To offer love + support
✔️To play your ceremony music
✔️To hand out sunscreen to guests
✔️To help seat guests
Thanks to Adrian Watson Photography for this great photo!

Your Wedding Vows

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 00:00:00 GMT

How To Nail It At Your Wedding With Vows That WOW!

So your wedding is approaching and you want to express yourself in a unique and meaningful way to your partner in front of all your guests but how do you achieve the right balance of emotion in a measured amount of words but still have the ability to speak through your tears of joy? You may feel that exchanging personal vows is not for you at all and you prefer to save your words to each other until after the ceremony which some couples do, if you with the tribe of the many who do however, these guidelines are for you.

Contact me your Noosa Marriage Celebrant to get my tips and tricks for writing your vows!

According to the Marriage Act of 1961 in Australia, the Official Vows that must be spoken to ensure you are married on the day. These are as follows:

I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, …… do take you …….to be my lawful wedded husband/wife/partner in marriage.

It is more than acceptable and usually preferable to add onto these what are generally termed “Personal Vows”. Luckily today we have the luxury of choice and the opportunity to combine a little of the historical with something modern. Sometimes the 25 plus sets of beautiful pre-written vows that I have in my vow collection just don’t quite say what you need them to say and these are abandoned in favour of something completely unique that you have written and truly personal in that they reflect your relationship, put into words what you mean to each other, often with deep emotion, sometimes tinged with fun and a little cheeky humour, but always with a promise of what your future as a married couple will bring.

Any of the sets of vows can be mixed and matched or re-constructed to include your own words within them. Here are a couple of my favourites:

"You are my best friend and I love you with all my heart and stand here before all of our friends and family, sharing the happiest day of my life. I want nothing more than to share my future with you – my triumphs and my challenges, my joys and my sorrows. Together, I know we can accomplish the life we both dream of living."

" Today I will marry you, my friend, the one I will live with, dream with, and love forever. From this day forward I will cherish you. I will look with joy down the path of our tomorrows, knowing we will walk it together side by side, hand in hand, and heart to heart."

Among the various options; are to work on them as a couple and read the same set to each other, to write them independently but discuss what each other is going to say, and lastly which is my favourite; to work on them independently and keep them secret from each other until the ceremony by emailing me separately! This makes for a lovely surprise and something else to look forward to on the day

I have hints and starters that I will email you for those that wish to write their own in their entirety. A rough guideline would be a few sentences of promises to each other with the average length being anywhere between 50 and 250 words and the gist really can be anything you that you will feel comfortable reading to each other as well as your guests enjoying listening to, incorporating a laugh or 2 to lighten the mood if you feel so inclined! A good tactic is to start with a few words that make you think of your partner, progress to putting those words into sentences and finally combine them all together! I offer assistance at any stage you may require but usually find the words come pretty easily once you start thinking about them.

I will always check your vows to ensure you are roughly on the same wavelength with one another and one partner has not written one sentence while the other has written an entire sheet of A4!

I rarely make any changes, except with glaring grammar corrections and spelling of course, about which I am a little fanatical! They must be a true expression of you and the words you wish to convey to your beloved on your special day.

I will print them on cards for you to read to each other and return them to you as a keepsake with your ceremony copy at the end or if you prefer you can repeat after me as you will with the Official Vows. Yet another option is to speak from your heart on the day pure and simply and spontaneously without anything prewritten at all; the rawness of the emotion of the moment manifesting itself in often some indescribably beautiful utterings!!

So there we have it, the vows! Whichever you decide upon, please do not leave it until the day before or even worse the morning of your wedding (you may gasp.....but it has happened!) to send me your masterpieces! I need at least a few days before your wedding to check, print and prepare them!

My grateful thanks to the following lovely photographers for allowing me to use their ceremony images:

Calli B Photography
Leoni Bolt Photography
Inspired Eye Photographics
Edge Photography GC
Adriana Watson Photography

Planning Your Wedding or Elopement in Noosa or on the Sunshine coast:

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Without a Hitch...What Would Couples Do Differently If They Could Do It All Again?

Even though it went ‘without a hitch’, excusethe pun!......there still may be one or two things that if you had your wedding on the Sunshine Coast again, you may have done a little differently.

I list the most commonly mentioned things couples would have re-thought, or advice that they wish to pass on to their friends who may be planning a marriage or elopement.

Starting with my own elopement 28 years ago a small regret I can think of is not having any family members at all with me. We decided to get married spontaneously and as quickly as possible (in fact obtaining a shortening of the required 30 day notice period due to pre arranged travel tickets) with just my husband’s family present. This didn’t leave time to arrange for any of my family to join us from overseas. Even though my husband’s family were very welcoming, being able to share it with someone from my own side would have made it even more special. Still it didn’t affect our marriage, we are still going strong after almost 3 decades!

Keep to your guest list and avoid any well-meaning family members claiming rights to it! If you have a list of you wish to be at your wedding, be strong and stick to it…….this is your occasion, trying to please everyone who your family or friends think should be on there will only add to your budget and send the signal that anyone is welcome which unfortunately is not the case! A general rule of thumb is “haven’t seen them in over a year….don’t invite them” sounds harsh but the reality is you really only want your nearest and dearest family and closest friends to celebrate this joyous occasion with you.

Make sure you are entirely sure what flowers you are ordering and again that you and your florist is on the same page to avoid ideas and interpretations getting lost in translation.

If possible stick to your dreams and visions or you may regret it. If you have always imagined your dad walking you down the aisle, giving you away or having the first dance with you, do it as much for your father as for you. It may be tempting not to, as more contemporary trends gain popularity; all four parents ‘giving away’ and offering love and support to the couple, the bride walking alone as an independent woman down the aisle or with her children but you may never know how much he has been anticipating this responsibility his whole life.

A ‘run’ sheet and suppliers' details is hugely important for all concerned to be able to liaise with each other and ensure everyone is on the same page as far as contact numbers, timing, back up plans and mutual expectations.

I have contacted some recent brides and asked them the simple question; if you could have your Wedding again.......with the same person of course ;) what would you do differently next time? Some of their answers are quite surprising!

© I would have a stylist to avoid the stress of decorating everything myself and what was in the end an assortment of put together items that I spent ages searching for and trying to match up. Now I don’t know what to do with them as they contain the memories of our day and I’m reluctant to let them go even though they are contributing to clutter that I can do without!

© I would have had professional hair and make up for those once in a lifetime wedding photos when you really want to look your best. I thought I wanted to look like myself and just natural, but in the photos I think hair and make-up would have really enhanced them.

© I wish we had stuck to our dreams and had a Beach Wedding as we wanted. The beach always had so many memories for us but we reluctant to have or ceremony there as we were imagining our guests would have preferred a manicured lawn to walk on, now we wish we had gone with our instinct and are planning our 5 year vow renewal-on the beach!

I had the pleasure of being the Marriage Celebrant at the beautiful wedding ceremony of Jess and her beloved Johan when they married at Casuarina Gardens right in the heart of Noosa’s wedding groves said“ I guess the only thing we would have changed is to not sweat the little stuff(like the pending rain). Both of us made a real effort to take in every moment during the lead up.

Above all, don’t lose sight of the big picture and remember exactly what you and your husband to be are actually doing. It’s impossible to please everyone, and in the end your wedding is about the 2 of you!

Finally a quote that really resonates with me is :All the nervousness and excitement just got the better of me and I forgot to focus on what’s most important: "That I was marrying the love of my life" ~ Esther, at Belle and Chic, Stylish Mediterranean Weddings

Looking for a Sunshine Coast Marriage Celebrant who can give you heaps of advice? - Contact Philippa Today!

Sunshine Coast Celebrant FAQs - Things You Want To Know!

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Answers To The Most Common Questions I am Asked To Help You Prepare For Your Wedding!

The general order of booking suppliers for your Sunshine Coast Wedding is as in my recent Instagram post . Contact your Marriage Celebrant as soon as you have your date!!

What If I am Not Australian?

No problem! As long as you hold a passport and drivers licence of any country are over 18and are able to give the required minimum of 30 days’ notice to your celebrant and can both understand the documentation and the ceremony, you may marry in Australia. Of course, you must not be married to anyone else even in another country. If you have been married you will need to present a divorce or Death certificate of your previous spouse to prove this.

I am Australian, Which ID Documents Do I Need?

If one or both of you are Australian a passport or (birth certificate as well as your driver’s licences) is all the identification required. All original documents. Of course, you must not be married to anyone else even in another country if you have been married you will need to present a divorce or Death certificate of your previous spouse to prove this.

I Can’t Find Our Divorce Certificate/s!!

I hear this frequently! Even though passports and Driver’s Licences are usually quickly found within ones’ possessions, divorce orders of previous marriages, for one reason or another, are often harder to locate! “Lost in a house move, such a long time ago, didn’t think I’d ever need it, I threw it on the bonfire, never thought I’d find love again!” are just a selection of the reasons I hear as to why a divorce order cannot be found.

Don’t panic, you should be able to easily retrieve it using this link if you were married in Australia. Go the category that fits your circumstances and about 2 weeks I believe is the standard time for a replacement to be issued.

How Can I keep My Wedding Budget Reasonable?

© Think carefully if you really need any of these: Wedding favours, gifts to each other, ceremony programs, parasols, baskets for shoes, ‘Save the Dates’ bubbles to blow, celebratory newspapers, personalised drink coasters, matching luggage tags, photobooths, wedding artists, wedding piñata, kid’s activities, RSVP cards with the invitations, lolly tables, wishing wells. These are all not truly necessary.

© Hiring a luxury holiday home where you can have your ceremony, reception, and honeymoon all in one spot. Hire in caterers to make a lovely evening for you. This is easier and ticks so many boxes as far as a wet weather option and somewhere beautiful for you stay even for a honeymoon longafter the day is over and the guests have departed

Read how bride Kirstie planned her amazing Sunshine Coast Wedding, which I had the pleasure of officiating, for a fabulously low budget

What Time of Day Should We Marry?

The golden hour of light is considered to be the hour beforesunset which is perfect for photography. Assuming your ceremony will last somewhere between 15 and 25 minutes,plan what you are doing afterwards and then work back to setthe time, with your help of photographer and celebrant.

Sunrise weddings are divine although it means an early startif you are having hair and make-up and some suppliers may charge more for toglamorise you at 3am!

According to, professional wedding photographer, ZAHN , the ‘golden hour’ can be witnessed twice during the day; the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset –but "most golden hour shoots finish about 20 or 30 minutes after sunset" During these times the sun is at its lowest point in the sky, producing a soft, diffused light which is far more flattering than the harsh early afternoon sun that many wedding photographers are used to shooting in. The imagery created during the golden hour can only be described as magical.

What You Need to Do

Choose a mid-afternoon ceremony, followed by formal family photos and official wedding party photos. After your reception dinner has been served, your photographer can whisk you away before speeches for some romantic and quiet ‘golden hour’ photos, or;
Choose a late afternoon or early evening ceremony, followed by formal family photos and have your entire official wedding party photos taken during ‘golden hour.’ This warm and soft light will stream in through open windows as you are announced into your reception area.

In both cases, perfect timing is critical as there's only a small window to capture this beautiful golden light at sunset. You'll have an hour before sunset & approximately 20minutes after to capture these photos. You'll need to communicate your desire for a golden hour shoot, so your photographer knows to research the sunset scheduled on your wedding day. Adapted from an article by Marie Richards and Lydia Martin.

Explore our amazing celebrant/photography options here!

How Do I Apply for Our OfficialMarriage Certificate? (The one I will need to change my name)

As your Sunshine Coast Celebrantwhen you marry in Noosa or on the Sunshine Coast, I will always assist you toobtain/apply for your official marriage certificate and I ask you to hand methe completed application form usually at the rehearsal or before, for which Isupply an easy link. I then mail your application with all your otherdocuments and hey presto, in your mailbox in approximately 2-4 weeks dependingon the workload at the BDM at the time, you will receive your certificate.

You can then commence the processof changing your name and I will give you hints on how to do this as well. Itis a little like changing address and I always advise you to take your timedoing it as each agency has its own procedure. Hints right here!

Do I Need a Council Permit?

Any ceremony on public land which generally includes all parks and beaches require a Noosa or Sunshine Coast Council permit which can be easily applied for and purchased via a link. The permit does not entitle sole usage of the area but it does guarantee that another EVENT will not be simultaneously taking place and with your permit your location stylist or celebrant, whoever arrives at the location first can kindly advise members of the public who may be picnicking/sunbathing in the spot, that a wedding will be underway shortly. Permit links can be found on this page

Forests and National Parks have their own departments from whom apermit should be purchased e.g. Noosa National Parks Hells’ Gates, Devil’s Kitchen.

Sunshine Coast and Noosa Elopements

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Noosa and Sunshine Coast Tiny Wedding Elopements

If the thought of a larger wedding sends you into a spin then an elopement is the way to go and an alternative quickly gaining in popularity as couples choose to bypass the stress and distraction of organising a bigger event where the true meaning of what you and your love are actually doing, can get lost in translation.

There are so many reasons to elope and an increasing proportion of the weddings that I officiate are exactly that...and the reason...? An Elopement is really all about you two with no-one else trying to having their input or attempting to convince you to do it this way or that when you and your love are trying to have the momentous occasion you have always imagined in a special location that is meaningful for you both with some amazing photos to share with everyone later. You can still have a beautiful dress and hair and make-up and flowers will make it a perfect picture. Of course, you can have guests but usually ‘elopements’ are generally with a maximum of 10.

There are so many reasons to elope: My own definition which modernises the original ‘ to run away and get married’ from centuries past is this:

Eloping: Peeling back the layers to expose the raw emotion and passion felt by each partner in an understated and perfect occasion of marriage that you will remember forever.

It will save a heap of money which could be used far more wisely...invested in a home deposit, perhaps or a long honeymoon or vacation, a car or that big party to celebrate with family and friends after the fact.

One cannot help but stress when ones nearest and dearest and in-laws to be have been invited, many forking out huge expenses themselves, perhaps travelling from interstate or overseas, taking time off work, expensive hens and bucks weekends, buying new outfits and gifts for you that they can’t really afford, naturally you want to ensure that everything is perfect for them.

The main point and the fundamental aspect of being a celebrant in my book is, preserving the whole meaning of exactly what you two are doing which all too often gets overlooked at larger weddings. It is an entirely personal choice and undoubtedly you will have to consider the desires of family to an extent, but make sure that the wishes of you and your love are uppermost, after all this is one day when it really is all about you...well the two of you!

This is exactly why one of Noosa’s leading photographers and I have created ‘Tiny Weddings’. Eloping strips bare the wedding to all that is really necessary; each other, a perfect Noosa or Sunshine Coast location, the legalities and amazing ceremony words from your celebrant. With that you can have the event captured forever by talented Noosa photographer David Gleeson, so that you and friends and family can forever enjoy the unstaged beauty of the occasion and the rawness of your feelings about as unvarnished as they come, exquisitely captured in a totally relaxed and candid way with the huge bonus that your photos will be available for you just 7 days after you marry!!

Our relaxed and casual Sunshine Coast Wedding Package includes your beautiful wedding ceremony at a stunning outdoor location of your choice plus one hour of professional photography to capture all the important aspects of your day. Our professional photographer will be on hand to capture the bride and grooms arrival, your ceremony, exchange of vows and rings, the first kiss and registry signing with enough time after your ceremony to capture a range of beautiful Noosa/coastal inspired imagery of the marrying couple/bridal party, friends, family and guests. You’ll receive a fully edited web gallery of all images within 7 days of your wedding, and you then choose your favourite images which are supplied as high res digital files plus web quality files for sharing on social media.

Flowers, styling, hair and make-up, cake, picnic can all be arranged as additional extras if desired. We are thrilled to be able to marry any two people regardless of gender!

Thanks to Sunny Coast Photos!

Sunshine Coast Wedding Planning ~ Last Minute Tips

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

You have been planning your Sunshine coast wedding for months or longer, you have your dream Sunny Coast wedding location locked in, the date is getting very close, you can’t wait for the day to finally be here. No matter how prepared you probably are, I always receive emails from couples as their wedding date approaches, asking me for last minute advice with items that may have been overlooked. Ask Philippa, a Sunshine Coast Celebrant for wedding planning advice at any time!
Last minute items to consider for your Wedding:

Have you booked hair/make up on the day, had a trial and arranged the time for the artists to arrive?

Your Dress/Groom’s clothes, may have been hanging in a wardrobe out of sight for months... try it on a week or so before
Lingerie/Jewellery/Shoes to accompany your outfit/s
What time for the photographer/videographer to arrive? Are they capturing the gorgeous preparation of you and your bridal party or from the ceremony onwards?
If the photographer is capturing the bridal/groom preparation ensure one of the bridal party and groomsmen is responsible for keeping the rooms reasonably tidy....wet towels strewn on the floor on photos is not what you want to see!

Remind the groom not to have his phone/wallet/keys in his trouser pockets. It really is not a great look in the photos; give to a family member to look after
I cannot stress the importance of a solid Plan B. Check that your wet weather/Plan B is feasible and what the agreed cut off time for activating it will be. Ensure that all your wedding suppliers are aware of this This is a great task to entrust to family or a bridal party member
Flowers and ceremony styling. What time to ask your florist and stylist to arrive.....early!
Decorating/styling the ceremony area if you are doing it yourselves
Transport to and from the ceremony, who is travelling in each group?
Choose ceremony music and have it on a smart-phone ready for the celebrant and nominate someone to operate the phone.
Meals organised for photographer, videographer, band and DJ and any other supplier who may be with you for extended hours into the reception
Assign tasks to family/friends/bridal party members. They will be only too happy to begiven responsibilities and it will eliminate any possible stress factors for you.
Remember to eat breakfast/light lunch on the day. Organise someone to remind you to have something; one of the bridal party may be a good bet, even if you are not hungry!
Things you may usually have in a handbag (make-up, tissues, mints, phone etc) to be brought to the ceremony by family member or one of the bridal party

Water/mints for the bridal party journey to and from the ceremony
Water/mosquito spray/fans/sunscreen/shade for guests
If pets are part of the ceremony, which we love! appoint someone to look after them when they are not holding the rings and make sure their needs are met too.

Arrangement for pets if they at home, it may be a long day!
Most Important:
This is a special day for your family too, make time to chat for a few moments with each so that they don’t feel the day has flown by and they haven’t had a chance to let you know how happy they are for you both
Don’t forget to thank friends and family for their involvement
A few quiet moments for you and your beloved before and after the ceremony so you can really take it all in together
It will all be perfect, even if not everything quite goes to plan; this is your day not a choreographed cut out...even little hiccups make great memories and photos too
Remember the big picture of what/why you are both doing this, I can help you the package that fits your needs perfectly!

How to Choose a Noosa Celebrant

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

The Boss of the Wedding!

When 4 year old Page Boy Brock asked me recently if I was the 'Boss of the Wedding’, my initial reaction was to laugh and say no!...however his question did make me reflect later on the bigger picture of How to Choose a Sunshine Coast Celebrant for your Wedding Day and if they do infact need to be a ‘boss’.

If you have ever considered all the things the celebrant takes care of in the lead up to the big day....you will be on the right track in realising that making the correct choice of celebrant for your Wedding... the most important day of your life, is imperative and one decision you do not want to regret. A celebrant takes up a tiny percentage of a wedding budget yet without a good one; too many things will be left to chance!

From the first contact, a relationship develops whereby I as your celebrant will get to know you both, this is critical for being able to create a ceremony that is perfect for you. I help you to choose a sensational place for your Wedding and if you wish, put you in touch with trusted and recommended Wedding suppliers for photography, flowers, styling, hair and make-up etc.

I take on the organisation of every aspect of your ceremony, ticking all the legal boxes both before and after your wedding, doing everything as promised...and more, and gently guiding you to choose or write your vows to each other, supplying extensive ceremony resources, standing right behind you at this all important moment, being the person you immediately look to for support and with just one glance, instantly calming and reassuring you that is just how we practised in the rehearsal, sharing laughs and funny moments that we have developed together along the way.

Putting family members and guests at ease, ensuring the venue and other suppliers are all on the same page, being available at any time of day to rapidly respond to your concerns and queries or giving honest advice, as well as writing a beautiful ceremony entirely for the two of you, tying up all the loose ends, being practical, pragmatic, proactive, yet gentle, caring and attentive, keeping everyone in the right place, remembering all the small details yet at the same time leaving you both space to take heart of what you are doing on the day rather than stressing.

So yes; I think I will have to agree with Page Boy Brock, I guess I am the boss of the wedding (a good boss)...at least for a short while!

For package information, contact me here!

Sunshine Coast and Noosa Weddings – Changing My Name after Marriage

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 00:00:00 GMT

How Exactly Do You Change Your Name Legally After your Sunshine Coast Wedding?

SO you’ve just had the most amazing and romantic day you’ve always dreamt of, your wedding was the vision of happiness that you’d imagined and had been planning for the last 18 months and with the help of your Marriage Celebrant and other awesome Wedding Suppliers the event exceeded all your hopes and expectations, but now the day has come to a close, how exactly do you go about changing your name legally taking on the name of your spouse(if you wish)?

This is entirely optional of course and many Brides/partners choose not to change their name either because of career reasons, keeping part of their roots to their parents and heritage, they simply don’t see the need to or they quietly prefer their current name. Of course, either partner can change their name, the age old tradition where for centuries the bride took on the name of her husband has been updated and modernised and either of you can take each others’ name or you can even double barrel them together. Many still do, particularly when they already have children and all wish to have the one surname.

Guidelines for achieving this vary a little from state to state within Australia but as your Celebrant, I will always make it a priority (as well as fulfilling my legal obligations to do so) to upload your documents to Births, Deaths and Marriages BDM in Brisbane the very same day of your your wedding so that this department can register your marriage and in effect give it a number, a little like the one you find on the top of your birth certificate. This means that you and your spouse’s marriage details will forever be recorded and held within this office whenever you wish to access them. Unless either of you are changing your name you may not actually require proof of marriage which the Official Certificate will give you.

As your celebrant, I will always assist you to obtain/apply for your official marriage certificate when I upload all your other documents and hey presto, in your mailbox in approximately 2-3 weeks after your wedding, depending on the workload at the BDM at the time, you will receive your certificate.

You can then commence the process of changing your name and I will give you hints on how to do this as well. It is a little like changing address and I always advise you to take your time doing it as each agency has its own procedure.

Pay particular attention to your passport and ensure that any tickets booked soon after the wedding are in your current name, until your passport is updated to your new name, otherwise problems WILL arise at the airport.

A couple of the most common questions I am asked is:

How do I sign the marriage certificate at the ceremony on my wedding day? - Directly after your wedding, you will sign the marriage certificates with your usual signature, i.e. whatever you have been signing for the last few years! ...both of you...I often find that both partners need help in remembering what /how to sign on the day, such is the magnitude of the joy and elation, things that are common practice are temporarily forgotten!

Can I use the certificate the celebrant gives us on the day to change my name? - The ceremonial certificate presented to you at the wedding by your celebrant is a beautiful memento but not legally valid for a name change.

When can I use my new name? – Straight after the wedding, you can commence calling yourself by your newname; just remember that it will not be recognised by Medicare, your bank, Australian Passport Office, Qld Department of Transport and Main Roads(QDTMR) etc until you have forwarded to them a certified copy of your official certificate. In some cases for example, Department of Transport and Main Roads they require to see in person the original official certificate and your existing licence (there is no fee to do this at QDTMR)

We are going overseas a few days after our wedding, what is the fastest I can get my official certificate? - Even you apply for the priority service offered from the BDM for an extra fee; it is unlikely you will receive this until 2 weeks after your wedding. This is so important I am going to say it again: Pay particular attention to your passport and ensure that any tickets booked soon after the wedding are in your current name until your passport is updated to your new name, otherwise problems WILL arise at the airport.

Yes, you may change your name immediately on social media, and I usually find that by the time I have had a look at the photos on a newlyweds’ pages the following morning, the name has been changes, kind of a lovely and quick and easy way to acknowledge and shoutout to the world your newly married status!

Finally, this has to be one of my all time favourite ceremony memories... the tiny daughter of the just married couple placed her hand, of her own accord, next to her parents’ hands on their certificate! So divine ~

Should We Elope to Noosa or The Sunshine Coast?

Sun, 16 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Elopement: A Few Friends, Even More Love But ZERO Stress...It's Definitely The Way To Wed!

elope: to run away secretly in order to get married. “later he eloped with one of the housemaids" run off/away together, slip away, sneak off, steal away; run off/awaywith a lover. "perhaps they'll elope to Gretna Green"

A large and increasing proportion of my Marriage Celebrant in Noosa business consists of elopements. Easy to understand why when there are many advantages. Not for everyone clearly not for those who have dreamt all their lives of a big occasion with every family member and friend present as guests from the brides and grooms sides and a Princess type day perfectly choreographed from start to finish. Popularity is definitely increasing though, just some of the reasons are a time factor, sometimes couples simply do not want to wait and rather than having to quickly put together a guest list and expect many not to be able to attend at relatively short notice, they decide to let it just be the 2 of them with their witnesses. Legally speaking that is all that is required, a bride and groom and 2 witnesses over the age of 18 who may be family members and may also be any nationality. They will be required to be present at, understand the ceremony and sign legal documents at the end stating this. Most celebrants will even be able to arrange witnesses if the couple are in Noosa on a holiday from overseas or interstate without family or friends with them.

An Elopement in Noosa or anywhere on the Sunshine Coast enables you to havethe ceremony you desire, free of intrusion or interference from well meaningfamily members or friends who insist you adhere to wedding traditions or to dothings the way they did, or at worst try to commandeer the entire event untilyou feel you have little or no part to play. Couples sometimes want to avoidfamily conflict and separated parents who may not have been able to put theirdifferences aside enough to communally enjoy the celebrations for their adultchild.

Every ceremony I perform, my main piece of advice is not to lose sight of actually what you are doing, as all too often the true meaning gets lost in translation somewhere along the way of all the arrangements with possible stress lurking at every corner. A beautiful Brisbane couple Michael and Alicia chose to do exactly that this past weekend. Giving me just about the minimum notice possible in legal terms and armed with a few very close friends including Emma who is a photographer, the keys to a luxurious holiday home and a huge quantity of the love they share, they exchanged their vows just the way they had always imagined with many laughs and memories and very little stress.

Peeling back the layers to expose the raw emotion and passion felt by each partner. Choose an amazing Sunshine Coast location or Noosa elopement location to exchange your vows perhaps at sunset or dawn alongside the infinity of the ocean, the rusticity of the hinterland or a mountain or a rugged headland in the Noosa National Park....and yes! I do perform weddings there, it is a special place for me too, among my bookings this year, I have two with a hint of adventure at Hell's Gates and at Devil’s Kitchen on the Noosa National Park Headland.

Sticking to a budget may be another good reason to pass up a large ceremony; you can still have the flowers, the dress, the hair and makeup and the wedding night! but cutting out the guest-list may be a great way to keep costs down and perhaps have a celebratory party at a later date. “We Eloped” is now a popular post on Instagram and Facebook these days and the concept allows the couple a small sense of keeping something to themselves akin to the same feeling they may share for the first precious weeks before they announce a pregnancy. All of our lives these days are played out in the public arena and retaining a few special moments between couples is rare and special.

Sunshine Coast Marriage Celebrants are able to arrange all aspects of the elopement making it particularly straightforward for interstate and overseas couples. Most, like me, will have suppliers with whom they regularly work, making the entire process a breeze. From recommendations for a secluded location to assistance in obtaining a council permit for it if required, handling all the legal paperwork swiftly and easily and supplying advice and contacts for flowers and a quality photo session during the ceremony, the images from which, can accompany the later announcement to family and friends. Most brides will also have their hair and makeup professionally done beforehand, and do book accommodation with a touch of extravagance for your wedding night.....you can afford to splash out on some luxuries for your day to remember, especially since you have slashed that guest list!

None of this, however, is obligatory and you are more than welcome to “come as you are”..... just the two of you and your two witnesses of course!

Who Will Walk The Bride Down The Aisle At Her Sunshine Coast or Noosa Wedding?

mail@philippaholness.com (Philippa Holness) — Tue, 15 May 2018 08:21:56 GMT

The 'Walking Down The Aisle' Debate

I usually try to base my blog ideas around topics that couples either request, or questions that I am often asked, is the walking down the aisle aspect at the commencement of the ceremony, as well as the giving away.

Traditionally of course the father of the bride has walked his daughter down the aisle to be greeted by her groom. Nowadays brides and grooms have the option to walk alone, with both parents or another chosen support person or to walk with their child or children (which is a frequent choice with subsequent marriages where children are already part of the family). This custom originates from days of old when brides were exchanged in return for a bride price or dowry paid to the groom, as a result of her being considered, until her marriage, as the property of her father.

Some may call it old fashioned and for many a quintessential modern bride being ‘given away’ goes entirely against their ethos, however it remains in my experience, a still much loved inclusion for a daughter to acknowledge or honour the love of her father and something dads definitely love doing!

This is the wonderful part about modern Sunshine Coast and Noosa weddings and choice. As long as the essential legal elements are included, brides and grooms literally have free rein to choose any aspect of the ceremony they wish, guided by their celebrant of course, who will have a good idea of the format that will be successful!

It is also a lovely addition to include a verbal part following this prior to the legalities commencing asking ‘Who brings the bride to be married to the groom? This may be addressed to the father, both parents, all 4 parents, or even quite commonly now, all the guests and requesting that they offer the couple their love and support.

Noosa and Sunshine Coast Elopements regularly eliminate this part with the bride and groom simply strolling in to their waiting guests hand in hand which symbolises the bond they already share and is perfect and fitting for an elopement or simplicity style wedding.

Contact me today for many more ideas that will work for you both!