Ceremony Stories - Nicola and Amelia
“All the right vibes”
Over a beautiful summer weekend in January, I packed up the car and headed off for my first destination* wedding. The wonderful Amelia and Nicola were having a beautiful and intimate ceremony at Quamby Home in Hagley, and I was their very lucky Celebrant.
“Road trip!”
Road trip time with my awesome wife Mary!
The setting for the wedding was a wonderfully intimate affair, with a small group of family, close friends and “squad” members. Everyone gathered in the living area of the Quamby Home while the brides were preparing.
This venue is awesome and set a great vibe. My wife would describe the space as “very hygge”. Big tables filled with cheese and local produce, cosy couches, chocolates, wine – and the odd mounted antler. All very awesome and homely.
What is HYGGE? Please let Oaken, the friendly shop keeper from FROZEN, explain.
Hygge - from the Broadway Musical FROZEN
My favourite furnishings though, were actually made by one of the brides, Amelia. She had converted old door frames with upholstered cushions. I’d never seen anything like it before, but I’m convinced the world needs more bench seats like this. Check them out!
Now to the ceremony itself. The brides commenced their wedding privately, with a first-look inside the residence. They then emerged and walked together to the wedding area. They were hand-in-hand, with smiles ear-to-ear.
Nicola and Amelia had envisaged a light and simple ceremony, that celebrated them being each other’s “other half”, with a little bit of story-telling thrown in. And that is exactly what we enjoyed.
When I sat down with them to hear their story, there was a phrase that was repeated many times. Everything from the very first conversation to moving in together had one common feeling. It had all the right vibes. This inspired** me to compose this poem to open their ceremony.
Introductions made, first meetings, it’s new
Small talk, common ground, enthusiastic replies
Neither one realising something amazing has begun;
Still noticing it has all the right vibes.
Then chance encounters, casual chats, proximity;
Find a belly dancing with butterflies.
And a mind is left happy yet distracted. What if?
You are receiving all the right vibes.
When the touch of her hand warms your heart, your core;
And when home is found clearly in her eyes.
The end of each day, so much better together. You belong.
It is simply all the right vibes.
And when a promise is made, a date is set;
For two people to become two wives.
A closeness full of butterflies, possibility and fun.
A union with loyalty and connection; so strong.
A shared vision of home, of belonging with someone.
It will forever be all the right vibes.
Sharing a laugh during the ceremony. Nic and Mil were so relaxed. Just soaking it all up, with huge smiles. Photo credit: Thom Stewart
Underneath the branches of an old tree on the grounds of the rustic rural property, with the Western Tiers as a majestic backdrop; we all smiled, laughed and shed a few tears. Nic and Mil were just beaming! Soaking up the love and good vibes.
Action shot of Nic and Mil running back to their reception, to enjoy the cheese and produce spread provided by The Little Picnic Company. YUM! Photo credit: Thom Stewart
The day was captured by the undeniably talented Thom Stewart. You should totally check out his Instagram here.
Thank you ladies for having me as part of your wonderful day!
*North of Campbell Town is considered “destination” if you live in Hobart, OK!
**Half of the inspiration came from conversation with Nic and Mil. The other half came during an evening jog listening to Taylor Swift’s Red album and falling in love with the lyrical structure of All Too Well.