marriage celebrant canberra for Joshua and Christina

Joshua and Christina Real Wedding

WOW!! Joshua and Christina’s wedding was ‘wow’ on so many levels.

Including traditions

When we first chatted, Joshua and Christina wanted to incorporate some rituals and customs from their cultures into their ceremony. While that was relatively easy for Christina’s Greek heritage, it was a bit more challenging for Joshua … most of the Slovenian traditions for grooms are pre-wedding fun and games 😉.

As we spoke about their wedding and started planning, the ceremony evolved and came together beautifully.

Christina’s sister took the main role in performing the Stefana ceremony, the traditional Greek wedding crown ritual. It was important that we had someone with authenticity carry out this timeless ritual, rather than me as the celebrant. I explained the symbolism behind what was happening as Christina’s sister placed the crowns on the couple’s heads and then exchanging them three times for those witnessing this special moment for the first time.

Tradition, and family, were important themes coming through Joshua and Christina’s wedding. Their sisters were standing beside Christina as her wedding party. Christina wore an elegant gown that was lovingly made for her with advice and expertise from her talented Yiayia. The themes carried through to the reception, the speeches by their parents and the Greek dancing which was used to open the dance floor.

Canberra Wedding Location

Zonzo Estate

Wedding Photographer

Tess Follett

The setting

Joshua and Christina had chosen the outstanding Zonzo Estate in the Yarra Valley as their venue. The beautiful Capella – designed as a light, open chapel area with sweeping views out over the vineyard meant that we weren’t worried about the weather – we were inside. It was an easy wander for guests from the ceremony space to the reception area while all the special photos were being taken. And .. that meant that Joshua and Christina were back with their family and friends partying pretty quickly!

Christina had a vision for her flowers that was brought to life by the talented Sassafras Wedding . The flowers provided a stunning backdrop for Christina and Joshua during the ceremony and then were transformed by the talented team in the reception area. The flowers really were gorgeous!

Letting go … the weather

The weather is one thing you can’t control on your wedding day … and in typical Victorian fashion, Joshua and Christina got four seasons in one day. They were gifted the most AMAZING sunset, which drew all their guests outside to marvel at the colours. Their wonderful photographer Tess Follett and videographer Tea from Head and Heart Wedding Films were quick to make the most of this spectacular opportunity.

Overcoming distance

Joshua and Christina were in Melbourne and I’m in Canberra, so most of our conversations were by video or email. We were able to manage everything smoothly and effectively. It’s simple and easy to do! Being able to witness couples signing the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM – the first of the legal documents you need to complete) remotely makes everything straightforward. As a Canberra based celebrant, I happily travel for weddings 😊.