CelebrateLife! (Merrilyn Williams, Celebrant)

THE WEDDING or THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY — WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

There's no doubt about it… weddings are wonderful occasions! The glossy bridal magazines and websites are very beautiful and seductive and invite your attention to create a magical experience for you and your guests. There is an incredible abundance of businesses just waiting for your call. So, it's about the dress, the hair and make-up, the flowers, the photographer, the cars, the catering – the list of 'must haves' is endless. Planning 'your perfect day' can be one of the most stressful times of your life, if you let it.

In the excitement, take a little time to put aside the glossies, curl up on the lounge with your partner and brainstorm your goals and vision for your wedding day. What I'm saying here is for everyone: from Baby Boomers to Gen X to Gen Y!

My name is Merrilyn Williams and I can help you to focus on the most important part of the day – the marriage ceremony.

Ask yourselves these questions:

What kind of celebration do we want?
What memories would we like to still be talking about in ten years time?
What memories would we like our guests to take with them?
How will we make our wedding day relaxed, memorable and fun?
How will we establish the foundation for our marriage vows?
How can we really be ourselves?

The ceremony is the most exciting and profound part of the wedding day. It's the moment you publicly declare your love for one another and your intention to share the rest of your lives as marriage partners. The actual ceremony, the commitment you make, the words you speak, the joy of shouting your love to the world and celebrating your togetherness with your nearest and dearest, is the living heart of your wedding day. Without the 'I do' bit, it's just another great party!

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"You’re every bride and groom's perfect fairy godmother, kind, wise, warm and sassy. Our wedding ceremony was beautiful. We’ve received so many compliments on how intimate, thoughtful and original it was. We truly felt able to dare to be ourselves, as your website encourages. Thanks again.
-Cass & John

How I cater to Offbeat Brides

The essence of your marriage ceremony sets the tone for the rest of the celebrations and for your married life. There is no better time to look back and celebrate the beginnings of the love between two people, as it is on your wedding day. It’s a time to share your love story; to recall the moment you met; and how that chance meeting changed your lives forever; how you became friends; and remembering how your friendship blossomed into love. It’s the perfect time to acknowledge your appreciation of the love and support shown by your community of family and friends and to invite them to continue to be part of your lives. It’s also a great occasion to celebrate your personal and spiritual beliefs in whatever way feels right for you.

Check out the rockabilly wedding photos of Molly and Sam!

See the pic of Cassie's flowers and the red bird – photo by the fabulous Mandi Whitten who is THE South Australian OBB photographer.

If you have a rich cultural inheritance, think about incorporating some wedding traditions to honour your ancestors. Like what? I hear you ask. The list is long and magical but just to get you thinking, here are four examples.

One couple absolutely delighted the bride’s Mother who spoke not a word of English, by celebrating the Russian traditional Bread, Salt and Fire Ceremony, in which she participated.

Examples of my work

Previously featured on Offbeat Bride:

Weddings in South Australia are about to get better thanks to CelebrateLife!

Plan your unique arrival at the ceremony space. Esther and Lindsay certainly thought outside the box. They said "I do" on a beach. In the early dawn light, they arrived via the sea, each seated in separate surf life saver’s rubber duckys. They appeared from different directions, met in the shallows and then stepped out into the water. They held hands as they walked up the beach to the ceremony space, where a jazz band was playing and, as the grey sky turned pink, the ceremony began. The timing was simply perfect. Just as the first bright yellow disc of the sun peeped over the horizon, I pronounced them husband and wife!
…or maybe arrive by helicopter? on horseback? in a canoe?
…or maybe you'd prefer getting hitch'd in a hot air balloon like Clo and Andy from the UK!

The trappings of the wedding day are indeed exciting and tempting and there is no doubt that many ideas are simply stunning. And yes, there are so many important elements to your day that enrich your experience and make wonderful memories. And they needn’t cost heaps of money.

Identify what it is that YOU really want? After the last crumbs of your wedding cake have been swept away, the guests have gone back to their everyday lives, you’ve returned from your honeymoon, your photo album sits proudly on your coffee table, what will you most treasure about your wedding day?

I’m hoping you’ll say "the whole day, but especially the marriage ceremony." Be active participants in the creation of your beautifully crafted, one-of-a-kind ceremony.

My name is Merrilyn Williams. I’m a Civil Marriage Celebrant in Adelaide, South Australia. My guarantee? I don’t do boring!

Visit my website.
Your vibrant, warm and engaging marriage ceremony is my business!