Rebels' Guide

Beyond the flowers, dresses and finding an affordable reception venue, there is a very important aspect to your wedding day and that is the marriage. Obviously that’s the part where I carry most of the responsibility. The Attorney General’s office has just released some updated guidelines for civil celebrants like myself and I wanted to share a few points from these documents on the blog. One of the more boring aspects prior to your wedding day is this guideline “It is critical to your role to make sure that everything is done according to the Marriage Act and the Marriage Regulations and take all necessary steps to make sure the marriage will be valid.”. That’s why I’ll ask you some questions when we first meet like your age and if you’ve been married before. “The Marriage Act defines marriage as ‘the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’”. So despite anyone’s personal vi...

Although you’re investing your hopes and dreams in your local weatherman, having an outdoor ceremony can be one of the most beautiful and idyllic locations to get married in. I’ve personally seen the clouds part for only the hour of the ceremony, so if you can organise that perfect location with the perfect setup then it might just be worth it for you! Celestina collects beautiful outdoor wedding photos on Pinterest , check out some of my favourite setups. Most of these are well within budget if you can employ some creativity and elbow grease!

On December 8th, 2011, I was turning 30, but more importantly Damian Curry wanted to marry the love of his life, Jessica. Damian had emailed me earlier in the year with this message 5 years ago, Jess and I had just attended my brothers wedding on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. Brendan (my brother) had always said that he wouldn’t get married unless it was on the banks of his beloved river. It was in the weeks after this wedding, as we were driving to Albury, listening to Tenacious D, while I was serenading Jess with “F**k her Gently” (it’s always been our song), that I said to Jess “Brendan must have made it too easy, we are worth the effort. I won’t get married unless Tenacious D is the wedding band”. She laughed and added “Well, I’ll only marry you if Dave Grohl is drumming”. Our love affair with Foo Fighters has continued throughout our time together. I’m blushing as I type this, but lets just say that their Skin...