Image courtesy of Gabby Vitali

Ever since I was a wee young thing, I have been fascinated by how one finds one’s life partner; how do you know you have the met “the one”? Is it an instant recognition, one that creeps up on you slowly, or one where you just take a chance but are never really sure until much later? My fascination with a couple’s story continues to be present with every couple I speak to in my work as an authorised civil marriage celebrant.

The reason I don’t offer set ceremonies, or ask you to choose from a standard set of vows, is that your ceremony is YOUR ceremony. It is a chance for you to tell your story, to promise to each other the things you cherish, you hold dear and the things that make your relationship special. My role is to listen, translate, script and tell that story for you in a ceremony that is created just for you.

There are some legal components we absolutely must comply with, but we are so fortunate under Australian law to still have a great deal of flexibility and can therefore create a bespoke ceremony. It is this personalisation that makes the occasion not only memorable for the two of you, but also for all those dear to you. So, before you visit your chosen celebrant my advice to you is to spend some time reflecting on your story, how you met, the magic moments in your journey so far. Decide who has been a special part of this story and who you would like to involve in your ceremony.

From here, you can work with your celebrant to design a ceremony that reflects your story. This is your moment, so make sure it reflects who you are, whether you do this by writing your own vows or going one step further. Like Kirstin and Florian, who chose to tell their story on the ocean in their kayaks. Or perhaps like Martine and Scott, who used black and white ribbons to symbolize all the good times and all the challenging times they had already had and are sure to have on their journey together. Or perhaps like Matt and Marisa who wanted to involve their extended family by asking each of their nieces and nephews to read out a wish for their future.

With four sisters between them, it was “the sisters” who joined the hands of Fred and Ness. Each ribbon colour represented a special element for their future and a link to their families’ support throughout their lives together.

Image courtesy of Samatha House of Photography

Image courtesy of Samatha House of Photography

Kayak lovers Kristin and Florian take their first paddle as husband and wife after an intimate ceremony on the water.

Image by Danicia Dutry Ceremonies

A blessing of crowns by the groom’s brother brought traditional Greek Orthodox foundations to Cath and Steve’s very modern ceremony filled with laughter and friendship at the lovely Charlies Estate winery.

Image by Ben Reynolds Photography

Nanny, Holly, wanted the joy of children reflected in her ceremony so we arranged for the oldest child of one of her clients to read out a reflective poem as Holly and her proud partner released two balloons tied in a single knot.

Image courtesy of Holly Forbes

While D’arcy and Sim wanted to show that their marriage meant giving a part of yourself to the other forever. They used their rings, which were imprinted with their respective thumbprints to symbolise this. We included in their ceremony, a special moment where their nearest and dearest thumbprinted their own mark on a wishing tree with a difference, as witnesses to this moment. Their definitions of “Love is …”, were also one of the most unique and personal vows I have included in a ceremony.

Image by Danicia Dutry Ceremonies

When all the champagne is drunk and the dancing over, you will remember that moment, standing up in front and your family and friends, when it is just about the two of you. Use that opportunity to make it your own and make sure you find a celebrant who understands you and can articulate your story.

Image by Danicia Dutry Ceremonies

More ideas on personalising your ceremony are available under my magic moments at Danicia Dutry Ceremonies

Ms Gingham says: There are so many ways to introduce small elements into your wedding day to really reflect who you are as a couple. These examples are so beautiful. Thank you to Danicia for sharing them with us.

Danicia says: One of life’s most amazing milestones is to find a partner to share your life. Creating a bespoke ceremony requires exceptional planning, facilitation and people skills. It is my absolute pleasure to offer this service to couples embarking on their life journey.