Wedding at The Basin, on Pittwater

The ferry wharf at The Basin

The marquee, beautifully styled and decorated by Julia and family members

When David and Julia contacted me and asked me to be their celebrant for their wedding at The Basin on Pittwater, I thought that it was a great idea, but also a big challenge for them to organise a ceremony and reception at the camping ground reserve there.

The only access to The Basin is by boat (or by quite a long bush walk) so the logistics of having about 80 guests for the wedding could have been a bit daunting.

Not for this couple...they have had many happy holidays in this lovely spot and that is why they chose it as the perfect spot to celebrate their commitment to each other in marriage and the joining of their families. They decided on a "blue" theme for their wedding and asked that all the guests (and me) wearing blue.

Julia and her daughters did a wonderful job of designing and decorating the ceremony space which was just stunning!

It was the happiest of family occasions and really was such a joy for me to be a part of the day. I loved my ferry ride from Palm Beach and back, and even met some of the guests on the ferry on the way there. Photographs all taken by guests.

 

David's daughter was the ring bearer

With this ring......

Married!

Northern Beaches couple - Liz and Sam

One of the best spots on the northern beaches for a wedding ceremony is  Governor Phillip Park
at north Palm Beach.  Many couples choose to hold their ceremony here, and then move to nearby Dunes Restaurant for their reception.

This is what this delightful couple, Liz and Sam chose as their wedding day plan, with a beachy, casual feel to the day.  Sam is English and his family were delighted to find that not only were they at beautiful Palm Beach, but right near where Home and Away is filmed!  Matt Read, from Reedy Photography took most of their pics and a few were taken by guests. Bride and Groom both arrived in Kombis, true to the feel of this casual, northern beaches wedding.  And of course, their dog was there to offer his congratulations after the ceremony.

What a pretty bride - & I loved the bridesmaids choice of mint green gowns.

They presented their mothers with a rose during the ceremony

The newlyweds - so happy to be married.

The special guest

Warm hearted home ceremony for Jacqui and David

Jacqui and David live in the country and decided to have their wedding in Jacquie's parents home on the northern beaches.  It's a great idea if you have a suitable house, and want a relaxed and casual wedding. It was a second marriage for both of them, and they were determined that their children would be a part of the ceremony.
This lovely wedding day certainly was a family affair - their brother-in-law played guitar and sang for the ceremony, all the children acted as flowergirls and pageboys, and family members and close friends were delighted to be a part of their day.

Jacqui's sister read Love is Friendship Caught Fire by Laura Hendricks,  which begins.......
"Love is friendship caught fire;
It is quiet, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving.
It is loyalty through good and bad times."

They hired a marquee for the ceremony.  This is the set up before we began.

Jacqui's dog was an honoured guest

"Hi Elaine, thank you so much.  We couldn't have asked for anyone better than you for our special day! " 

(A note from Jacqui and David)

Long Reef beach - what a stunning setting

When Marek and Ana came to see me to arrange their marriage, they told me that they would never forget the day that they met.  There were bushfires burning around Sydney and they had arranged to meet at Manly. Marek said that as he waited to Ana's ferry, he could hardly see it for all the smoke in the air. However, they met and clicked at once. 
Their families and friends were so happy for them when they wed at Long Reef Golf Club, right on the beach there, and had their reception in the club.  They were a delightful couple to work with and I wish them every happiness for their life together.

The beginning of their ceremony - I love Ana's Gatsby inspired era gown and headpiece. So elegant.

Husband and Wife!

Marek and Ana said their marriage vows.

sensation setting with Long Reef beach behind them

Before the wedding

Romance and fun at Akuna Bay in Ku-ring-gai National Park

When David and Jane came to see me about their wedding, it was wonderful to hear their story of how they found each other and had (after a romantic proposal in Lake Como) decided to join their lives and their families.  With six offspring between them, we worked together to give each of them a role in the ceremony on the day.  They chose Cielo Restaurant at Akuna Bay for their ceremony and reception.  Cielo is located in a lovely spot in a little bay in Ku-ring-gai National Park with bushland all around and lots of yachts on the water.  It was a fun and warm-hearted ceremony and I felt so privileged to be a part of it.

The wedding party - doesn't Jane look elegant!

Signing the Marriage Register

Declaration just before the champagne toast

with their gorgeous little granddaughter

Husband and Wife - the happy couple just wed.

Becky and Scott married on a perfect sunny day at the Q Station at Manly

Rebecca and Scott are a lovely, relaxed and happy couple.  They had many friends and family to share in their celebration of their marriage at Q Station at Manly's North Head.  I wish this delightful couple every happiness and blessings in their life together.    Elaine Searle, Celebrant

Rebecca's exquisite gown suited her perfectly.

A beautiful setting at the Q Station.

Husband and Wife! What joy.

Their many friends and family were so happy for them.