Wedding stress due to COVID?
It has been a dreadful time for all of us in the wedding industry but brides and grooms have been especially disappointed and doing it really tough. In fact, I was unable to be at my own son’s wedding in the UK, so I can fully empathise.
So, what can we do to cope and reduce the stress?
Have you considered which is the most important aspect for you both – the actual marriage or the party?
If it’s the party, then we may be waiting for some time to re-establish international or even domestic flights without quarantine. If however it’s all about love and your marriage, then it’s worth considering an elopement.
These are very much flavour of the month or should I say – year. It may just be both of you with random witnesses or it may be a small party of four, both of you and two witnesses. The joy of this is a simple but equally special wedding in a romantic setting of your choice. This may be a simple café, restaurant, riverside, boat trip, your own or a friend’s backyard.
These are really fun and can be held anywhere, with permission of course. I have personally conducted weddings in a barber shop, on a cliff top, in a night club, a local community house and a backyard. These are truly original, giving you great photos and is so much cheaper, leaving you to celebrate your wedding at a party later, so you get two special days. My son had a photographer and a videographer who doubled as their witnesses. They spent their money on a house rental and enjoyed five days as a honeymoon in a quaint Cornish seaside property overlooking the harbour.
What can we offer locally?
I live in Gippsland and travel regularly all over Victoria. When you begin to think outside the usual wedding venues, a whole new world of possibilities awaits you.
I live in a small rural town of Yarram close to Port Albert, Welshpool, Sale and Traralgon. Wilson Promontory, Yanakie, Meeniyan, Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Phillip Island are all within distance and provide some amazing scenic places for both ceremony, accommodation and parties. I have enjoyed working with couples at most of these locations and especially the more spiritual and natural ceremonies that incorporate the wonders of nature with scenic outdoor sites, chrystal vows and even a labyrinth walked by the couple as their ceremony began.
Here is a list of some of my local suggestions
Heesco town murals
Consider one of these to add colour and something different as a backdrop for your ceremony then following the trail sampling coffee and cakes.
The Old Dairy Cottage, Yarram
A lovely venue for you to not only celebrate your wedding in beautiful farmland but remain for a relaxing honeymoon. Your host Melinda is a friend of mine and will work with me to ensure your stay is a memorable one.
Toms Cap Winery
A peaceful place to stay for a while, a night or just for a ceremony.
Garden Farm
A place for nature lovers and those who enjoy off the grid eco permaculture. You have a range of sites and accommodation to stay in, from tiny houses to camping and self-contained accommodation.
Just imagine having nature’s blooming bowers as your wedding arch or perhaps a glistening waterfall, rainforest farming field or riverbank – there’s even a yurt in season!
Whiskey Bay, Wilson Promontory
Great outdoor venues for scenic photography and celebration.
Tidal River, Wilson Promontory
A well-known camp site boasting many wonderful choices for weddings and ceremonies.
The Barn at Bear Gully Wirrega
A spacious rustic setting, great for parties and a wonderful wedding venue for just you or your friends and family, with separate family accommodation around the corner if required at Bear Gully Coastal Cottages.
Moo’s at Meeniyan
A delightful rustic restaurant on the Gippsland Highway.
I also have access to a lolly shop, rustic artisan barbers’ shop, the Rustic Bull Bar, a coffee roaster and café, as well as other local cafes, with many other rural settings to choose from. A bit of a book worm? What about a little book shop, or perhaps you would prefer to be sailing on the sea? Your wish is my excuse to explore every option to make your day memorable.
Don’t hesitate to contact me now and let’s get started – 0414 603 743, via this website or by email at veronicaclarksoncelebrant@gmail.com
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Australian Marriage Celebrants inc
Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria