Carmel + Peter

Peter and Carmel worlds collided in spectacular fashion on Valentine’s day 2015 at a mutual friend’s 30th birthday party in Fitzroy.

Carmel recalls meeting Peter at the party and thinking to herself ‘Who’s this? They are so kind and thoughtful.’ She also observed that Peter was very tall and lanky, especially as Peter was rocking a pair of giant heels. Carmel had never met anyone so intriguing and was captivated by Peter’s tales of travels and stint working as a ski instructor.

Peter was equally charmed by Carmel that fateful Valentine’s night. By the end of the evening our new party buddies found themselves laying side by side, holding hands in a circle on the cobble-stone floor of an old stable, as the soothing frequency of a sound bath ritual washed over them both. Carmel recalls feeling sparks fly when their hands touched during the meditation. In that moment as they held tightly onto each other’s hand Peter thought to themselves that this was it, they have found ‘The One’ and it just felt like they’ve known each other forever.

Early on in their courtship, on their 3rd encounter, they found themselves chatting on a bench in the main street of Maldon one freezing morning. A random witchy old lady stops in her tracks and proceed to declare to them both that she could see the love shining out of them.

A decade after their initial meeting our lovers come together to be joined in marriage and proudly shine their love bright.

For their wedding day held at Arthur’s Creek Mechanics Institute Hall, our radiant bride Carmel paused at the door to enter the ceremony, Peter then walks down to take her hand. They then walk up together hand in hand, as they do in life.

I then began the ceremony by inviting local Indegenous Wurrundjeri man Daniel Ross to come up and present a meaningful Welcome to Country address. It was a touching way to acknowledge and honour the land that we have gathered upon and the sacred ceremony that is taking place.

Carmel and Peter’s guests participated in a ring warming ritual during the ceremony. And the end of the ceremony our guests formed a tunnel of love joyously showering rose petals and ringing bells for our newlywed couple to walk through.

What a heartfelt and meaningful day fit for two radiant lifelong soulmates.

May your love continue to shine bright!

Celebrant: Celebrant Jam
Photographer: Laura Du Vè
Venue: Arthur’s Creek Mechanics Institute Hall

Meg + Joe

“We are so grateful and blessed to have had Jam as our wedding celebrant. The whole process from start to finish was incredibly professional and a lot of fun! Jam supported us through the process and ensured we understood everything, worked with us to create the most unique and special ceremony, reflecting us both and our love story. Jam has amazing energy and set the scene with the guests #noawkwardmoments. Not to mention the most amazing incense that was hand crafted to the scents we loved to burn while we signed our marriage certificate, and now have to burn and remember our day with. Every detail thought out and intentional and special. Thanks so much again!”

You can’t help but fall in love with Meg and Joe.

This couple of babes meet over a decade ago, first coming across each other online in the weird and wonderful world of Tumblr. They then got to meet IRL (In Real Life) at a South Brisbane house party, where Meg saw Joe rock out on the drums with his band. That night Joe was mesmerised by Meg in her newly dyed Manic Panic green mermaid hair. Meg was also equally captivated by Joe that night, but was seeing his bandmate at the time and thought to herself ‘Fuck! I chose the wrong band member!’.

It took some time and several other social cross-overs before Meg thoughtfully curated a mixCD for Joe aptly titled ‘Gal tunes’. It was an effort to engage him over in conversation through sharing her love of angsty gal grunge and it worked a treat! Their chats became increasingly playful with Meg eventually drunk texting Joe declaring that ‘I really like you’. Our two smittened babes then shared a boozy kiss at a friend’s post-Christmas birthday party and that was that.

For Meg and Joe were in love with each other even before they really got to know one another. And over the years they have supported and helped each other to mature and grow into their wonderful selves. From moving into the country, to moving across the country together during a global pandemic, and to travelling overseas as n00bs, our two young lovers take on each new challenge with sweet hope and gusto.

Things may not go according to plan, but as long as they have each other, they will make the most of the situation. This sentiment has been put to the test for both their engagement and wedding day celebrations. The unpredictable moody Victorian weather as backdrop in what should have been a spectacular November sunset beach proposal and a balmy December summer garden ceremony. On both occasions our lovers went with the flow and came out absolutely victorious!

For Joe and Meg’s wedding day they started their day getting ready seperately within their Loddon Paddock accommodation, to then sharing a tender ‘First-Look’ moment on the property. Their wedding celebrations were then held out at the spectacular 2 acre country event’s space Scrub Hill in Newlyn. We had originally planned for an outdoor ceremony in the garden, but heavy storms throughout the day meant that we had to activate Plan B, with Scrub Hill opening up the doors to their beautiful 19th century blue stone church.

The heavens stopped just as our guests started to arrive for Meg and Joe’s ceremony. It was perfect timing as our loving sweethearts had reached out to the local indigenous mob at Djarra to help facilicate a Welcome to Country smoke ceremony. We had Bendigo elder Troy Firebrace come out with his son to speak on behalf of the Dja Dja Wurung people and welcome all gathered for the special wedding celebration. It was the first wedding ceremony I had officiated that had incorporated an official Welcome to Country ceremony and I had felt that it was a truly beautiful and powerful way to pay respects to where we have gathered, the traditional custodians, and to initiate guests into the ceremony.

Our guests quickly settled within the church at Scrub Hill and gave a great big cheer when Joe made his entrance with his BestDad Noel, we then eagerly anticipated for Meg to arrive. Meg made her stunningly grand entrance accompanied by her love squad and parents to the tune of ‘Fade into You’ by Mazzy Star. All eyes were trained on our beautiful couple through the ceremony as I told their story and then had them declare their loving vows to one another. The ceremony finished up with a floral toss outside the church as I proudly presented the newlyweds.

Joe and Meg took some ‘just married’ portraits with their fam and squad before popping out with their photography/videography duo Caity and Duncan for some incredible shots around the stunning Scrub Hill property. Our newly married husband and wife then rejoined their guests at Scrub Hill’s modern glasshouse Marquee for the delicious reception and dancefloor action.

A simply gorgeous day for the most gorgeous sweethearts.

Photographer: Caity and Duncan
Videographer: Caity and Duncan
Celebrant: Celebrant Jam
Cultural Ceremony: Djaara
Venue: Scrub Hill
Florist: Alchemy Orange
DJ: Nickname
Hair Stylist: JazLittle
Make Up Artist: Yanu
Dress Boutique: Twelve South Bridal
Suit Designer: InStitchu
Caterer: Round the Way
Wedding Rings: Natalie Marie Jewellery
Accommodation: Loddon Paddock

Tom + Nicole

Our darling Tom and Nicole hosted an intimate ceremony at their favourite, Gerald’s bar in Melbourne’s Carlton North.

Nicole came into Tom’s orbit the night she was out with a mutual friend and walked into the Collingwood bar that Tom was running back in 2014. The sparks were flying high that night, and when they found themselves in an afterhours lock in Nicole boldly requested to put a song on. Tom was reluctant to hand over the reigns to the tunes. However he was won over when Nicole put on a very funky ‘Atomic Bomb by William Onyeabor. He proceeded to officially ‘cross-the-bar’ to pull up a chair next to Nicole in order to get to know her better. The same song ‘Atomic Bomb’ was played to welcoming our loving couple into their wedding ceremony.

For Tom and Nicole’s first date, Tom pulled out all the stops. They started with some delicious negronis at Gerald’s Bar, before heading out for a dedadant evening of dinning around the corner at Town Mouse, where the head chef came out at the end to greet Tom like old friends. Their fabulous evening left Nicole wondering ‘Who is this person?!?’

Our two lovers quickly got to know one another and moved in together 3 months later!

They have since spent the next 10 years moving to live interstate and make travels overseas. It was on their whirlwind trip to Europe before their move to the remote Flinder Island off of Tassie that Tom planned to propose to his beloved Nicole. They had made it a mission to visit Gerald Bar’s outpost in San Sebastian, spain. Nicole was releaved that they were able to simply do a walk-in and secure a table when they got into town. As as they spoke about the importance of family over dinner, Tom proceeded to tell Nicole that he wanted to officially make her his family with the ring that he had prepared.

Tom and Nicole have found in each other their ultimat ride or die and partner in this life. They stood framed basked in radiant light agaisnt the window of their beloved Gerarld’s Bar declaring their love and commitment to one another.

Photographer: Now ‘N Always
Celebrant: Celebrant Jam
Venue: Gerald’s Bar
Florist: XFlos

Madi + Leo

“We loved having Jam be a part of our special day. Choosing a celebrant is such a strange thing because ideally you'd have someone who knows you well, understands your energy and can create an engaging ceremony - but we didn't know anyone who could do that for us whilst also making our marriage legally official! We could tell from the way Jam spoke about her couples on social media that she would be a great fit and meeting her in person confirmed this! She truly filled our entire process with love and excitement and the ceremony felt uniquely like us! She took the time to understand our story, supported our vow writing and created the most beautiful, fun-filled ceremony we could ever have hoped for. Our family were raving about what an engaging celebrant she was! Thank you so much, Jam! Madi and Leo”

It’s impossible not to fall for Madi and Leo!!! Just take a look through the set of timeless polaroid captures taken by the husband wife duo Kat and Cristian from Redbooks.

Let and Madi met forever ago rocking out on the stage at Footscray City College as part of their muscial production of Little Shop of Horrors, and Leo was the cool guy hosting the post production after party. Madi admits that a part of her fell in love with Leo straight away and would often find herself back at Leo’s house with her friends just to hang out and listen to Leo’s band play.

Even though Madi was in a different year to Leo, she stood out to him as one of them cool kids, decked out in her signature dyed hair and Doc Martens. As Leo got to know Madi he was impressed by her taste in cool angsty music and even cooler angstier taste in books. However he could also see past Madi’s angsty teenage facade to appreciate her sweet and tender side that’s always inclusive of others.

It took them to be cast in yet another high school musical the following year before they became close friends and eventual lovers.

They have since grown up, travelled the world, survived a pandemic and made a beautiful life together. So last year Leo leveled up their relationship when he proposed to Madi on an impromptu getaway to Healsville.

For their magnificent ceremony at The Hall at Welcome to Brunswick, Madi and Leo got hitched between lush towers of flowers and moss installed by my fav flos babe Kayla and her crew at Xflos. Madi and Leo also had the most stunning wedding squad, 5 deep on each side, dressed in hues of auburn, red and pink to perfectly compliment Leo in his custom Reigner suit. I love how Madi handmade the heart-shaped bolo for her beloved Leo to wear on their wedding day.

Leo and Madi imagined and realised a most heartfelt celebration of their life and love, shared with their family and friends.

Celebrant: Celebrant Jam
Venue: The Hall at Welcome to Brunswick
Photography: Redbook Studios
Flos: XFlos
Wedding Dress: Karen Willis Holmes
Wedding Suit: Reigner Clothing
Bride’s Ring: Millie Savage
Groom’s Ring: David Neale Jewellery
MUA: Tonic
Tunes: DJ You Need
Cake: Good Good Cakes

Kerrie + Paul

As fate would have it my husband Malachi’s grandfather Denzil Humphries was a respected Aboriginal Christian Pastor in Western Australia and a founding member of the AEF (Aboriginal Evangelical Fellowship of Australia). During his time serving as Pastor in his community he helped to marry the various members of his community and extended family.

Denzil’s legacy of holding space and celebrating people’s lives has been passed onto me when I was approached by Malachi’s aunty Kerrie to be the celebrant at her wedding. Kerrie’s fiance Paul remembers fondly to meeting me and my fam in Underbool around Christmas/New Years a few years ago, just as he was getting to know Kerrie’s family. Knowing that Denzil had officiated Kerrie’s first wedding, I was honoured to have been asked to help aunty Kerrie celebrate her love and life with her darling Paul.

For this Adelaide based ceremony our little family went on a interstate roadtrip advetnture. It was a joy to be united with the extended country Vic fam, nothing like a wedding to see the family get together. Our daughter Akira was invited to be a part of the flowerbabes squad along with Paul’s darling neices.

Kerrie and Paul’s wedding ceremony took place at Mitchell Park on Kaurna land of the Adelaide Plains. Mitchell Park is Kerrie’s home away from home as she’s there most days motivating people to do their best as their personal trainer. And Mitchell Park is where Paul and Kerrie first met when he signed up to be one of Kerrie’s clients.

At the time of their first meeting Paul was hitting 140kgs and was looking to make some changes in his life. His life was about to get a major shake up the day he rocked up to a trial session with Kerrie wearing his Essendon bombers polo top. Paul immediately scored brownie points with Kerrie for his love of the Bombers and by the end of the session he could hardly walk and was declared the class favourite. Kerrie had literally swept Paul off of his feet!

Paul was instantly hooked on Kerrie and her classic fridge magnet inspo quotes. Classics such as ‘abs are made in the kitchen’ and ‘you can’t outrun a bad diet’ would haunt him so much that he couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep and was instead attending 14 classes with Kerrie a week! Paul was able to drop an impressive 20kgs in 3 months.

It wasn’t long until Paul and Kerrie became best friends spending most days having a laugh and working out together, as well as being there and supporting each other in life. Kerrie eventually realised that she loved Paul when his hugs felt like home.

For their proposal Paul did the proper and rode his motorbike all the way from Adelaide to Underbool to ask Kerrie’s darling folks Alan and Joan for their blessings. And when Kerrie and Paul took a trip to Sydney for the Vivid Fest, Paul nervously carried the ring around the whole trip looking for the right place. The right place presented itself at the top of the lighthouse on the South Head of the Sydney harbour.

For their wedding day Paul and Kerrie had their beloved furbabies Boston and Luna in attendance. Kerrie walked in after a frolick of flowerbabes, accompanied by her beautiful daughter Alana and parents Alan and Joan. Their ceremony was a testiment to their relationship and their belief that happiness is worth seeking and cermenting officially in marriage.

Kerrie and Paul hosted part 2 to their wedding day over at Watkins Wine. Our newlywed husband and wife lovers re-entered the space to officially cut their wedding cake. Kerrie’s darling dad Alan then gave a heart warming speech to our newlyweds before they took to the dancefloor with their first dance. The dancefloor was on fire that night with the young and old getting into the action.

Cheers to Kerrie and Paul for inviting me and our little fam to be a part of their love story.

Wishing them both a lifetime of laughter together and watching the Bombers kicking goals!

Celebrant: Celebrant Jam
Photographer: Bianca Joanna Photography
Florist: Living Bunch
Reception: Watkins Wine