The soundtrack to your love story

Incorporating music into your wedding day is your chance to write a soundtrack to your love story!

I think this beautiful new Ed Sheeran ballad is going to be a popular choice this wedding season. It makes me teary eyed just thinking about it!

And can you imagine the Bride and Groom learning the routine from this video and performing it for their first dance??!! (well, the easy parts anyway, unless you’re a professional dancer!) WOW!!!

Another idea is to use the lyrics from your favourite song and recite them as a Reading during your ceremony.

Music plays a big part in your wedding ceremony, as well as the reception. It conveys feelings that words alone cannot. It adds positive energy and atmosphere and can echo the words of the ceremony as well as your personalities.

Now we have iPods it makes things easy to DIY, and the traditional live music or djs are great. There are all kinds of live musicians available to hire for your big day and they will provide all the sound equipment.

If you are using an iPod think about a speaker system (and mic for your Celebrant is necessary) and remember to power up! Having someone reliable to take charge of this is imperative.

You can set the scene following this guideline:

Before the Ceremony starts | Quiet, calming, loving music

Bride/Groom entrance | Romantic, sentimental music

During the Signing of the legal documents | A song that has special significance – ‘your song’

Ceremony conclusion | Celebratory, grand finale song

Ideas for Wedding Readings

A reading can be a quotation, piece of poetry or prose, or even lyrics from your favourite song.

As long as it has special meaning to you or resonates with this amazing day, it will be a gorgeous addition to your wedding ceremony.

A family member, friend or your celebrant could recite this for you, or feel free to read something yourself.

Me and My Darling didn’t have this as a reading, but it was one of our songs while we were signing the register.

For other ideas click here.

Mirrors Justin Timberlake

Aren’t you somethin’ to admire?
‘Cause your shine is somethin’ like a mirror
And I can’t help but notice
You reflect in this heart of mine

If you ever feel alone and
The glare makes me hard to find
Just know that I’m always
Parallel on the other side

‘Cause with your hand in my hand and a pocket full of soul
I can tell you there’s no place we couldn’t go
Just put your hand on the glass
I’ll be tryin’ to pull you through
You just gotta be strong
‘Cause I don’t wanna lose you now

I’m lookin’ right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart
Is a space that now you hold

It’s like you’re my mirror
My mirror staring back at me
I couldn’t get any bigger
With anyone else beside of me
And now it’s clear as this promise
That we’re making two reflections into one

‘Cause it’s like you’re my mirror
My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me
Aren’t you somethin’, an original
‘Cause it doesn’t seem merely a sample

And I can’t help but stare, ‘cause
I see truth somewhere in your eyes
I can’t ever change without you

You reflect me, I love that about you
And if I could, I would look at us all the time
And now it’s clear as this promise
That we’re making two reflections into one

Yesterday is history
Tomorrow’s a mystery
I can see you lookin’ back at me
Keep your eyes on me
I’m lookin’ right at the other half of me

The vacancy that sat in my heart
Is a space that now you hold
It’s like you’re my mirror
My mirror staring back at me
I couldn’t get any bigger
With anyone else beside of me

And now it’s clear as this promise
That we’re making two reflections into one
‘Cause it’s like you’re my mirror
My mirror staring back at me, staring back at me
Girl you’re my reflection, all I see is you
My reflection, in everything I do
You are, you are the love of my life

Lucky in Love Wedding Advice

I started blogging the Top 25 pieces of wedding advice from the HuffPost Weddings from Real Life couples. But I think it can be condensed down into some main tips which you’ll find really helpful to keep in mind. Of course, you don’t plan on your wedding planning being difficult at all – but that’s just life and it makes the end result of being married to the person you love all the more meaningful. Have a read of this Lucky in Love Wedding Advice:

Take your time.
Allow yourself as much time as possible so you have room for change.

Make it fun.
Keep a smile on your face & try not to be bridezilla.

Have faith.
In your vendors. Everything will unfold exactly how it should.

Expect the unexpected.
Whatever happens, happens & perfection isn’t real life.

Stay calm & carry on.
After the unexpected happens, laugh about it & move on.

Prioritise.
Don’t sweat the small stuff & take one thing at a time.

Please yourselves.
This is YOUR day – you can’t please everyone all of the time.

Make it a team effort.
Keep your partner involved & make the most of every offer of help.

Be present in each moment.
Enjoy each other & take it all in.

Remember what’s important.
LOVE.

Make lists.
Always work to a ‘to-do’ list – it’s really satisfying crossing things off when complete.

Keep it simple.
Try to simplify the process & don’t get caught up in minor details.

Be true.
Let your personal style shine.

Hire a co-ordinator.
If you can hire an event co-ordinator to ensure a seamless day.

Eat, drink & be merry.
Remember to enjoy yourselves & every aspect of the beautiful day you’ve created.

The main thing to remember is that your wedding, like love, doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’ as long as it is ‘true’.

If you want to read the indepth Top 25 Real Life Wedding Advice from HuffPost Weddings click here.

Marriage Advice from 1893

“Take my advice and married be, Before you are over twenty-three.”

I’m loving the HuffPost Weddings at the moment – they posted this fabulous article…

It’s not uncommon that as we get older, friends and family start doling out advice for our future (sometimes hypothetical) marriages. “Find a man that makes you laugh,” they say, “Never go to bed angry,” and even the classic, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”

But back in the late 1800s, marriage advice for brides-to-be looked a lot different.

The following photos were posted to Reddit recently of a “wedding autograph book” from 1893. Inside, nineteenth century relatives of Agnes Nevin offer up their love advice — and while it’s unclear from the photos if Agnes was single, engaged, or soon-to-be married at the time, it’s clear matrimony was on everyone’s mind.

Wedding Dresses | Brangelina's

Don’t you think it’s a bit strange that best buddies Brad and George tied the knot within weeks of each other. Do you think it was some kind of dare?

While we’re on the subject of wedding dresses, having just had a look at Amal’s design – love it or hate it, you have to admit it’s a great way to get your kids involved in your big day! I can’t say much for the artistic ability, but overall the dress was a beautiful design.

Take a look at the front:

Something else that stood out for me looking at these photos was how sombre the wedding party looks. It looks more like a funeral. And I probably think that because I still like Jennifer Aniston more. Look how blissfully happy Brad and Jen looked on their big day:

And have you seen the hilarious spoof Brangelina dress – check out some of the artwork:

New Zealand Supermarket Flash Mob Wedding

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cgPeBLEQ-g

This is so cool!!!!

For the full low down on this very amazing star studded New Zealand flash mob supermarket wedding read this www.stuff.co.nz article.

Hollywood's most eligible bachelor married?

George Clooney has tied the knot.

Apparently last year George Clooney had “no aspirations” to be married with children, but everything changed when the serial monogamist met human rights lawyer Amal Alamuddin a month later. Talk about whirlwind. But goes to show when you know it’s right…it’s right especially when you’ve been around the block a few times!

You have to feel a bit sorry for those long suffering girls who dated him though including Lucy Liu, and let’s not forget his long relationship with Brit model and MTV host Lisa Snowden (who was my favourite because I worked with the partner of her sister who was lovely meaning she must have been too). Can you remember them all? There was Dedee Pfeiffer (sister to the very famous Michelle Pfeiffer) he dates in the 80s, around 1989 Clooney started seeing the now wife of John Travolta, Kelly Preston, the pair even shared custody of a pet pig, Max, who died in 2006… before she married Mad Men’s John Slattery, Talia Balsam actually got Clooney down the aisle in Vegas in 1989. Sadly it wasn’t to be and the pair were divorced in 1993. Post-divorce George was smitten with actress Kimberly Russell. The pair met on a Martini commercial. In 1995 George Clooney arrived at the Emmy Awards with former MTV veejay Karen Duffy. Rumours were rife that the pair were an item. From the years 1996 to 1999 George Clooney was smitten with Celine Balitran, who he met while she was a waitress. In 2001 it was Renée Zellweger’s turn to be the centre of the ‘Who’s Dating George Clooney’ rumour mill. The pair maintained they were ‘just good friends’. Actress Krista Allen, who met Clooney on the set of his film, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind was Clooney’s next love interest. The pair were on-and-off-again from 2002-2006. Lisa Snowden was around the same time. There was another waitress in between Italian beauty Elisabetta Canalis who was his main lady from 2009 to 2011. And then there was pro-wrestler Stacy Keibler whom he met at an Oscars party and only just split from mid last year when she broke it off because he didn’t want children.

And they’re all going to have to endure the media around his wedding ceremony – in fact two wedding ceremonies as Perez Hilton reports…

George Clooney and his wife Amal Alamuddin tied the knot on Saturday in a lavish (and tequila filled) symbolic ceremony at 16th Century Cavalli Palace in Venice, Italy. Or if you believe the Independent, the two tied the knot yesterday in a fairytale ceremony at the seven-star Aman Hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

A glittering flotilla of A-listers were photographed travelling via water taxi to the main event. This morning, the newlyweds headed on a wooden speedboat called “Amore” for the Cipriani hotel, expected to have a post-wedding lunch.

Now that the ceremony is said and done, this couple can live a lifetime of wedded bliss, and dance the night away at their swanky reception… well sort of! This was just a symbolic ceremony, but the real civil ceremony is taking place on Monday, and that’s when George and Amal will legally be man and wife.

Clooney, 53, and Amal, 36, are both passionate about issues close to their hearts, with the actor previously highlighting the plight of refugees in Darfur, Sudan, while Amal has previously represented Julian Assange.

Kimberly Sanders ♥ Marriage Celebrant

Kimberly Sanders will bring a unique fresh approach, dynamic personality and supreme level of care to your wedding planning and big day.

Kimberly knows how important this is because she tied the knot herself recently and loved the experience so much she wanted to share her insights with other lucky in love couples, in the role of Celebrant.

In August 2014 Kimberly was granted a license as a New Zealand Independent Marriage Celebrant. Wanting to give something back to the community and utilise her strengths as a corporate event manager, becoming a Marriage Celebrant seemed like the natural progression.

With there being so much significant change in wedding ceremonies over the last few years and many more variations on service themes and vows – having recently co-ordinated her own wedding Kimberly is in a better position to share her knowledge and guide couples through their incredible life event.

Being a corporate event manager also gives Kimberly the unique ability to more effectively co-ordinate rehearsals and keep clients focused on achieving their goals within time. Plus Kimberly is a skilled copywriter who will effortlessly assist you in formatting your service and beautifully craft your pledges and vows. You will be provided with a variety of ideas without being overwhelmed, solid guidance and a realistic sounding board to help make your big day extra special.

This wedding season will be Kimberly’s first as a brand new Celebrant, however with her depth of professional experience you can rest assured you are in competent hands. Kimberly’s friends and colleagues have given her positive encouragement all saying they can see her being a wonderful Celebrant (as well as the Marriage Registrar who interviewed Kimberly) – not only because of her excellent co-ordination skills, but her nurturing, positive attitude and creativity.

Have a read of some testimonials, which helped Kimberly gain her Independent Marriage Celebrant license, here: Beautiful Testimonial from Aalia and Kind words from Paul

Kimberly Sanders
Independent Marriage Celebrant
Auckland ♥ Matakana ♥ Waiheke Weddings

phone ♥ 021 761 547
email ♥ [email protected]
facebook ♥ www.facebook.com/LuckyinLoveMarriageCelebrant

Coronation Streets First Ever Real-Life Wedding

Unlikely couple Bet Lynch and Alec Gilroy tied the knot in September 1987. They were one of Coronation Streets 102 eventful weddings in its 53 years, and now it’s seen its first legal marriage!

London couple Paul Johnston and Andy Daniel became the first people to legally marry at the former Coronation Street set after the attraction was granted a wedding license in June.

The ceremony, earlier this month, was held inside the Rovers Return with the happy couple exchanging vows behind the bar in front of 32 guests. The wedding party shared a champagne toast inside the Rovers Return before taking advantage of the unique venue to get some memorable wedding photos.

The newlyweds then stepped through the doors of Nick’s Bistro to take their first steps as a married couple on the cobbles of the nation’s Street.

As a TV journalist, a Coronation Street wedding couldn’t be more perfect for Johnston. “I’ve written about soap weddings for years so I thought it would be fun to have one of my own, only slightly less eventful and without any births, deaths or long lost children showing up during the ceremony.”

How fabulous eh chuck!!!

Check out more here.

Top 25 Wedding Planning Tips from Real Couples | part 1

I sure know I could have used this advice in the midst of the craziness when me and My Darling were planning our wedding. These tips are absolutely priceless – so I stole them from the Huffington Post (thank you for providing such helpful advice x)! This is alot of good advice so I’m sharing in parts, here goes…

You’re a planning bride: You’re constantly looking at top wedding blogs, pinning has become your second job, and your wedding coordinator is on speed dial (or, if you don’t have one, then you feel like you’re ready to become one). But you can never fully anticipate the wedding day until (gulp) it’s finally here.

That’s why we turned to the fabulous couples we’ve featured on Style Unveiled for their best advice. They’ve walked down the aisle, they’ve said “I Do” and have partied like crazy at their receptions. Then, when all of the craziness calmed down and they returned from their honeymoons, they whispered their “best advice” to us…and we’re passing it down to you!

1. Don’t Get Too Caught Up In The Details “Take a step back and remember what is important—you are marrying the love of your life! The dresses, cake, flowers, food, and drinks will have no bearing on the success of your marriage, so don’t sweat it and always focus on keeping a realistic perspective.”—Kelly and Matthew

2. Take Your Time “Matt and I planned our wedding for sixteen months, and it really helped to keep stress levels down. We got tons of stuff done early (check this countdown calendar to stay on track) and had time to save for the things we really wanted. You only get to plan your wedding once, so make sure it is a fun time, not a stressful one!” —Claire and Matt

3. Be Present In Each Moment “On your wedding day, soak up all the love, joy and bliss! Enjoy!” —Rachelle and Pete

4. Do A First Look “Having a first look was one of the best decisions we made during our wedding planning. Our photographer and videographer collaborated and found a secluded area, away from all the madness that was going on that morning; we got a moment to see each other for the first time. It allowed us to take a deep breath, let the moment sink in, feel all the emotion we were about to feel all day. No matter what you decide, the important thing is choosing what’s right for you as a couple.” —Leah and Kevin

5. Don’t Get Caught Up In “Perfection” “This event is an expression of yourselves, but it’s not all you’ll ever be. It’s just the beginning! In fact, some of the best moments were ones we didn’t plan for at all—like a fabulous photograph of my dress train all tangled up with leaves and dirt. Sure, it was messy and not what you’re used to seeing in bridal magazines, but it was also honest and a truly joyful moment that could easily have gone south if we’d been uptight about things. Embrace the unexpected, and each others’ opinions, and don’t let an unattainable ideal sour the big picture: You’re in this together, now and for the future.” —Teresa and Ben

Mini Weddings 🩷 Celebrant 🩷 Elopements