Tiffany + Richard - A Farm Celebration Tiffany + Richard celebrated their weekend love festival at The Log Cabin Ranch in Monbulk. Traditionally a school camp with 70 beds on site. Think back to your primary school camp days and this is it (but amazingly kept grounds and facilities). You hire the camp for the weekend. Set up your dream wedding with your DIT (Doing it Together) team on the Friday night, celebrate on the Saturday and clean up and leave the place how you found it on the Sunday. Tiffany clearly had a vision and when you click back through the photos. She enjoyed putting effort into all the little bits and pieces that was going to make their celebration one that their family and friends will remember for years to come. I can clearly remember turning to the photographer Anitra - "Capture this, capture that, I am going to write a blog about this one day!" Well here we are, finally writing a blog... to be honest, I could write a blog about ALL The Log Cabin Ranch weddings I am involved in. All the couples go to such great lengths to put their little stamp on the intricate details. 
Richard and Tiffany were blessed with the most stunning day. They chose to marry under the incredible elm tree in the secret garden. Miss Match chairs for those needing a seat, guests gathering round under the canopy of the leaves. They asked if I minded that the flower girls were to be of a mature age... Ha it was the BEST. Both grandma's strolled down the aisle tossing rose petals as they walked. It was just perfect and you can see from the pics that it was well received by their guests watching on. All clapping their entrance down the path.  
 As Tiff was escorted down the aisle by her gorgeous dad, Richard tried to hold back the tears. All eyes on the bride, but I always love to have a cheeky eye on the groom to watch his reaction. Clearly the butterflies were in full flight! 
 As always, a little story was told. We laughed, we cried and we laughed some more. There were vows read, rings exchanged and that explosion from the crowd when I finally pronounced them as Husband + Wife!
 
As the family photos were taking place the guests were treated to rugs laid out on the lawn, games for everyone to enjoy. And on such a perfect afternoon, there really wasn't anywhere else you would have wanted to be.
You couldn't have asked for a more perfect day. The sun was shining the entire time! It made for the best golden hour photos with just the couple and their intimate bridal party. After a few quick pics in the paddock it was time to rejoin the group and start the party! AND with Anitra Wells behind the lense, equals epically beautiful pics every, single, time! 
One of the best things about The Log Cabin Ranch is it is completely DIY. You get to choose everything. So when it came to choosing the caterer Dos Amigos was on the menu and as the guests sprawled out over the lawn or pulled up a seat at a table, the celebrations just continued to unfold into the night. 
Jimmy + Niki were there to entertain the guests. If you haven't treated yourself to listening to their voices, do yourselves a favour! They were there to sing Tiff down the aisle, background tunes for pre-dinner and then ramped it up when everyone was ready to dance the night away.
 Another amazing celebration which I felt privileged to see through as Celebrant | MC. There is truly something special about working with couples through the entire process and it is so rewarding and humbling to hear that expectations were exceeded on the day! Lv Notes... "The biggest THANK YOU and further recommendations for Kate to ANYONE who is looking for a celebrant and MC for their wedding. Kate worked along side my partner and myself for the whole wedding process, any question we had she was easily able to answer. Having Kate help us through the whole journey most definitely made the whole process of our wedding much more easy and enjoyable. And on the night itself, I had no care in the world. My partner and myself were so surprised with how little we had to do as we both trusted the whole night to Kate! We would love to work with her in any event as she was approachable, caring and so understanding to our individual needs. Our wedding would not have been the amazing amazing perfect day that it was without the help of Kate".  Meet The Team Celebrant + MC - Kate Haley Venue - The Log Cabin Ranch Photographer - Anitra Wells Catering - Dos Amigos Music - Jimmy and Niki
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Georgie + Tom - The Farm Yarra Valley Georgie and Tom were married at The Farm in Warrandyte South. I love rolling in the drive to officiate weddings here. Anthea always greeting you with a smile as we catch up on what each other has been up to since we saw one another last. The Farm hosts the most incredible functions. The food is delicious, the staff are amazing and the grounds are that enticing that you want to just sip on a glass (or three) or Rob Dolan wine in the sunshine all day. The Farm is known for its shared feasting menu and wine to match from Rob Dolan.  There are many spots to marry at the Farm. The steps, the lawn, the heli pad and in front of the barn. In summer the Barn is the perfect spot shaded by the trees and on this particular day as 60+ guests of George and Tom's family and friends watched on, their story was told, rings were exchanged and they were married!
 I love to encourage the parents to be a little involved. When you think about it, it is a big deal being the mum and dad of the bride and groom. Georgie's parents flew in from Scotland to give their seal of approval so it was only fitting to highlight their presence and how much Georgie and Tom appreciated letting their little girl be swept away to the land down under. Georgie’s parents actually met Tom over a year before Georgie did! After a trip to Melbourne visiting their best friends, Ali mentioned in passing to Georgie that she had met a lovely young man called Tom. She was certain Georgie would get along with him if she was to meet him during her planned visit to Melbourne the following year. Needless to say, Georgie was completely dismissive of her mums’ comment, and swiftly carried on with her life thinking nothing more of it. Sometimes mums really do know best though! When Georgie finally did meet Tom (with all recollection of her mum’s comment gone from her mind), she was intrigued, though hesitant to consider a potential relationship due to the not so minor fact that she lived in Scotland, not Melbourne.  Tom, not stopping to consider the not so minor fact that she lived in Scotland, not Melbourne, felt instantly drawn to Georgie. Quite quickly, Georgie could see that Tom was a good guy – kind, funny and different to any other guy she’d met at home. Tom thought Georgie was glowing, but that may also have been because as a 'Brit', the novelty of being in Australia meant she was spending a good chunk of her time sunbathing in the Roache's backyard! By the end of Georgie’s 3 month stay in Melbourne they knew that the relationship they had naturally formed wasn’t something they were willing to let go of. Within two weeks of being back in Scotland, Georgie had already booked to return to Melbourne in 12 weeks time. Not soon enough for Tom - he quickly booked a visit to Scotland halfway through their time apart. Tom meeting Georgie’s family and friends in Scotland only built upon their hunch that their relationship had the potential to be something very special. Fast forward 8 years, and here we are!  
 I think Georgie and Tom’s hunch was right. Georgie and Tom have built an extremely strong relationship which has not only enriched their lives, but the lives of their families and friends as well. Though the distance between where they both grew up creates natural challenges, it also means that the time spent with loved ones becomes so much more treasured. Just look at Georgie and Tom’s parents who have become such great friends that they even holiday together without Georgie and Tom! The fact that Georgie and Tom had so many friends from the UK is a testament to the bonds they have created and maintained over the years. Their relationship has brought two worlds together that never would have been otherwise, and I think everyone who attended their wedding is grateful for that.
Being a friend of The Farm (preferred supplier) you get to work along side some incredibly talented suppliers. It is a no brainer why Anitra Wells is on that list. She started the list! Anitra walked through the door just as The Farm were trying to get their name out there and their business off the ground. With epic Anitra Wells Photos, that is exactly what they did. They hit the ground running with the most incredible images to share and haven't looked back since. Now being a popular choice of venue on the outskirts of the Yarra Valley.
And of course Anitra knows all the spots to capture those keep sake moments when you head out for couple shots. Even finding a few little 'kids' in the background!   Meet The Team
Kasey + Brooke Kasey and Brooke met at a roller derby of all places and simply just hit it off. Kasey coaching Brooke when she was even more 'unco' than she is now. Kasey can recall her gorgeous smile and laugh on first impressions. If you ask Brooke though, they did actually meet 12 months prior, it was just that Kasey had no idea then who she was! Brooke tells me that on first impressions – Kasey was absolutely stunning! I couldn’t stop smiling and literally turned to my best friend and said, I want to marry that girl!.
 They believe that a successful marriage is based on being honest and having open communication. You need to just talk it out, or if in Brooke’s case just talk it over continuously so Kasey isn’t allowed to whinge about it again!     When Brooke tried to propose to Kasey it wasn’t exactly the most romantic proposal. Not even Brooke taking her top off on the top of a mountain would get Kasey out of the car that day. Brooke had made an advent calendar, (they both love Christmas) and every day Kasey would open a gift. On the 24th day, Brooke gets Kasey out of bed, much to her disgust to watch the sunrise. When she decided to just stay put in the car cause it was 5:00am Brooke finally gave up on Kasey getting out of the car and handed her the Grinch DVD, the one they watched on their very first date and shining brightly inside was the most amazing sparkly ring! What a story!
Brooke + Kasey choose to celebrate their wedding at The Budgie Smuggler in Ringwood. It is the most funky venue and I feel very lucky to be one of their preferred suppliers. The food is amazing and they know how to make a mean cocktail!
A snippet of Brooke's Vows... "I promise to always say good morning with a smile and to remember to always have the fridge stocked with Vanilla ice cream and ice magic. I promise to always admit when I’m wrong, which is of course is always because you are always right. I promise to always be by your side as a best friend, a listener, a motivator, a soul mate and a partner in crime and to remind you every day how truly beautiful I believe you are; And on days if you’re ever feeling down, remember remind you twice. But lastly, I promise no matter where life takes us that I will always do my best to make our life together a rather fucking wonderful adventure."
A Snippet from Kasey's Vows... "Thank you for teaching me to stand up for what I believe in, but also to deliver my messages with kindness and respect. I promise to always be your human, to adventure with you and to push you to achieve your goals. I promise to laugh with you when you're happy, lift you up when you're down and to love you unconditionally. Except when you bite your nails, I'm not okay with that. I promise to help you to be the best you that you can be, to be kind to you and to make sure you are kind to yourself. I also promise to always ask for a Milo just when you get comfy on the couch, because I’m kind of a jerk. Thank you for making life a rather wonderful fucking adventure".  It was fair to say that they had THE BEST DAY... The girls were a blast to work with. Another awesome ceremony and night spent as their MC. They even had bets on who was going to look the HOTEST on the day. I think it would be fair to say they both WON. They both trumped each others expectations. And with a bride tribe like no other, they were only ever going to have a hell of party to celebrate.     Meet The Team Celebrant and MC - Kate Haley Photographer - Tahnee Jade Photography Venue - The Budgie Smuggler Flowers - Whoops a Daisy Hair and Makeup - Embellish Makeovers | Ethical MUA | Emily Stocker Cake - Jodies Cakes Band - The White Tree Ames and Ashleigh I first met Ames and Ashleigh at Gum Gully Farm's open day. I clearly remember the moment when Ames just stood looking at the little chapel like a deer staring into headlights. She looked a tad petrified and as I put my hand on her shoulder, leaned in and calmly said "It's ok, cause I will have your back the entire time" this weight all of a sudden lifted and the mood shifted. Excitement filled the conversation as it continued to flow about all the things I like to do to ensure that the partner standing at the other end is never standing for longer than they need to be.  Those few gold nuggets of wisdom found all three of us (plus their daughter Lily) on a 12 month journey. Every wedding fair I exhibited at I would turn to find myself being presented with a petite ice-cream from the dessert wagon or a drink from the cocktail bar. Ames and Ash seemed to be serial wedding fair goers and every single time they would just turn up with something yummy to eat whilst I was run off my feet chatting to couples. It was through all of this interaction that we became more than just a couple I was marrying, they became friends.  It was fair to say that Ames 'lost it' when she saw her stunning bride Ashleigh enter The Old Church Chapel in Red Hill. The moment had finally arrived. We had been on this emotional rollercoaster for such a long time. I would know, I ended up at several suit fittings with Ames as she hand picked fabric, custom designed a print for inside her waist coat and picked all the little bits and pieces to match her outfit for the day. She rocked it too!
The day was a little drizzly but there to capture the magic of it all was my all time FAVE Glen, with one N - Directors Edge. It would be fair to say that we ALWAYS have a lot of fun when we are working. AND when Ames and Ash asked me to be their MC and follow the celebrations right through, it was a no brainer. We rolled in the door at Merricks General Store for the reception. Kombi cars were parked out the front to greet us. The hospitality was simply amazing. Food was incredible! I may have been present in the sunset photo shoot where smoke bombs were involved. I found the perfect spot hiding behind them both to make that incredible epic shot!    Everyone danced the night away. It truly was the most perfect day. Post Wedding - Glen and I always seem to bounce ideas off one another. We put our heads together with a crazy idea to do a private screening of their wedding video. So in the weeks leading up to their film being finished, I secretly worked my magic in a little white lie and managed to convince them both to go out for dinner but before we got to dinner I needed their opinion on the function space at The Sage Hotel in Ringwood (aka My office). The look of complete surprise when Ames, Ash and Lily walked in the door to see their wedding film projected on the big screen was just jaw dropping. Cocktail in hand, they sat on the little love seat with their daughter by their side as they watched the premier of their wedding film. We made their day. The tears we flowing, the laughter was heard down the corridor. It was epic! And in the words of Ames herself - LOVE WON! ' Congrats ladies, and THANK YOU so much for sharing the journey with me! Meet the Team -
Elopements with elope.yv | elope.aus
 It would be fair to say that this year didn't turn out as planned. 2020 started off a blaze with fire and now has been taken over by covid-19. We have seen the Australian spirit at its best and there have been moments where we have been so very proud to belong to the land down under. Just over 5 years ago now, Sharne (co-owner) and I worked out that there was a little gap in our lives. We had a few couples asking for our help with legals type elopements and then wanted more - "Do you know a good photographer?" "Can you point me in the right direction for a great hair and makeup stylist?" "Would you know a florist that can make me a little bouquet?" "OH, what about a videographer?" And so the elopement on steroids (as we called it in house) was born... better known now as our micro wedding package. We devised our micro wedding packages before it was even a THING. Eloping was the NEW BLACK and we had the next level covered as well.
Being in this industry for such a long time we wanted to find a way to bring some work to our colleagues in the quieter winter months, mid week, just to keep everyone ticking over. Our videographer, hair and makeup artists, florists, cake makers and of course our favourite wedding venues are now all a part of our forever growing brand. What we didn't know back then, when this little light bulb moment started, was how incredibly busy this new adventure would be. Our inbox is full and our suppliers are booked more days out of the week than not.
We couldn't be luckier with the partner venues who have come on board so far. Balgownie Estate, Coombe Estate, Gum Gully Farm, Lindenderry Estate, Billabong Falls, Yering Gorge Cottages, The Log Cabin Ranch, Flowerdale Estate, Stones of the Yarra Valley, Marnong Estate, The Portsea Hotel, Sorrento Hotel, The Grand Hotel | Next Door Warrandyte are all amazing venues who we work alongside. The list seems to just keep growing! Our couples pick a location or venue, tell us their ideal date and we do the rest! Literally they just turn up and get married, oh and maybe write a few nice love notes to each other that they want to share on the day. During this crazy pandemic we have found ourselves out on incredible cliff tops, barefoot on the beach, some gorgeous local parks and gardens and even lobbed ourselves on the front porch of their family home. The beauty of what we do is we can literally marry you anywhere (well maybe not in a shark tank) But we can marry you up in a BALLOON as you are enjoying the magnificent views of the Yarra Valley, City or now more recently Mansfield. If you want to chopper your way in why not. We can sort that part out for you too, with many of our winery locations happy to see a helicopter land in their wide open spaces.  We have separated our packages out into the most popular three categories. A Typical Elopement, The Short and Sweet and the Micro Wedding but we also have amazing Adventure packages too. Ironically during this crazy pandemic we have utilised all three. And now looking towards our sunset elopements | micro weddings towards the end of this year when hopefully we have seen the back of this crazy thing we call 'rona'. If not we have all the bases covered! We can appreciate that it has been a challenging time for everyone. Planning your big wedding since you were about 15 and now having to 'pivot' in every sense of the word or just wait (till who knows when) for that fairytale to come true. But one refreshing thing that seems to be brought to our attention right now is that some of our couples are feeling a sense of relief. They just want to get married and when they stripped it all back, they were happy to not have to invite the next door neighbour, sorry, not sorry, the 5 only, 10 only or 23 mini wedding just seemed like the perfect excuse, the perfect excuse to just invite those that they really want to be apart of their day. And sometimes that was literally just themselves and our fabulous elopement team! 1X Celebrant, 1X Couple, 1X Photographer (witness #1) 1X Videographer (witness #2). So, this is it, do you elope? do you wait? do you start planning a micro instead?
No matter what your vision we surprise ourselves too with the packages we create for our clients. elope.yv | elope.aus | elope.mp Our Elopement Team Celebrants: Photographers Videographers Hair and Makeup Florists |
AuthorKate Haley Civil Marriage Celebrant Archives
April 2023
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