What is LOVE?

Love. What a small word we use for an idea so immense and powerful it has altered the flow of history, calmed monsters, kindled works of art, cheered the forlorn, turned tough guys to mush, consoled the enslaved, driven strong women mad, glorified the humble, fuelled national scandals, bankrupted robber barons, and made mincemeat of kings. How can love's spaciousness be conveyed in the narrow confines of one syllable?

If we search for the source of the word, we find a history vague and confusing, stretching back to the Sanskrit lubhyati, or "desire." I'm sure the etymology rambles back much farther than that, to a one-syllable word as heavy as a heartbeat.

 Love is an ancient delirium, a desire older than civilization, with taproots stretching deep into dark and mysterious days. The heart is a living museum. In each of its galleries, no matter how narrow or dimly lit, preserved forever like wondrous diatoms, are our moments of loving and being loved.
by Diane Ackerman

Some thoughts on marriage by Madeleine L'Engle

From The Irrational Season

By Madeleine L'Engle

But ultimately there comes a moment when a decision must be made. Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take. It is indeed a fearful gamble. Because it is the nature of love to create, a marriage itself is something which has to be created, so that, together we become a new creature.

To marry is the biggest risk in human relations that a person can take.If we commit ourselves to one person for life this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession, but participation. It takes a lifetime to learn another person. When love is not possession, but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling, and which implies such risk that it is often rejected.

A Marriage that was meant to be

When I first met Joann and Marvyn, I could see how delighted they were to be getting married and what a strong bond of love there was between them.  They chose the elegant venue of The Epping Club for their ceremony and reception - a great idea as their guests could relax with a drink after the ceremony, while Joann and Marvyn went off to have a few photos before rejoining their guests for the reception.  Jonathan David was their photographer. He took most of these stylish pics.

Much to the amusement of all, Joann's Dad pretended to have to think before giving his blessing.

Joann and Marvyn wrote personal vows which they shared on the day

What a radiant bride!

Husband and Wife - what a proud and happy moment! Marvyn chose to honour his Fijian heritage.

A guest took this pic of the very happy couple as they walked down the aisle, showered by rose petals.

The Epping Club

It is such a joy to work with couples from all walks of life, from different cultures, and with different ideas and aspirations for their wedding day, to design, write and conduct a sincere and individual ceremony. Marvyn and Joann chose this beautiful reading about love for their ceremony.

From 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres.    

Victoria and Mehmet's beautiful wedding Curzon Hall

On a hot day in December, Mehmet and Victoria wed in the garden at Curzon Hall .It's a stunning setting with lovely gardens and the reception hall is in the wonderfully romantic, old world, stone "castle".

Victoria had themed her flowers and bridesmaids dresses in shades of purple and the decorations for the ceremony rotunda were chosen to complement the theme.

Victoria's gown was just exquisite and Mehmet and his groomsmen looked very handsome indeed.
Victoria's family came from England to share in this couple's joy on their wedding day and Mehmet's Australian Turkish family were so happy and proud.They had a candle lighting ceremony to represent the joining of their two separate lives, through their marriage, into one.

Unity Candle

It was such a joy to work with this delightful couple and to meet some of their family and friends. I wish them much love and happiness for their life together.  Mehmet's sister read  this lovely reading about marriage.

In the art of Marriage the little things are the big things –

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say ‘I love you.’ at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.

It is standing together to face the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways. It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit. It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is not only marrying the right partner –

It is being the right partner.      (by Wilferd Peterson)

All the photographs here are by Phao Photography