My name is Karen Stringfellow.
Yes, I missed my wedding day. Not in the physical sense but definitely in the mental sense. See I was an original Bridezilla and control freak with the smile of an angel.
I had planned my wedding day down to the last minute and dollar. I did everything myself and was proud to be able to throw together a DIY project for the day. Pintrest wasn’t a thing back then but I had the bride scrapbook and an excel spreadsheet!
By being so focused on everything I missed the day. I was focused when I got out of the car on the placement of the string quartet. I focused on whether they were playing the right song. I worried If everyone was standing in their right places when I should have been focused on my groom and my ceremony. I missed a special day in my life because I was trying to make it perfect.
Calm down the Bridezilla
See, by being a Bridezilla I missed most of my day and;
I missed the faces of the loved ones who had travelled so far to see us get married
I missed the look on my groom’s face when I walked down the aisle to him
I missed saying our vows – I don’t remember a single word or the look on my groom’s face
I missed the words of our exchanging of rings – (I do remember pushing the right finger in my groom’s hand when he attempted to put the ring on the wrong finger).
I missed how proud my dad was to walk his only daughter down the aisle
I missed the kiss – I don’t remember this at all.
I was so focused on getting everything right that I saw nothing. I remember nothing. It has always been a regret.
Let me help you before the Zilla creeps in.
About Me
About Me: My name is Karen Stringfellow and I am a marriage celebrant. I have a blended family of 5 children with Mr Wonderful. We went to school together and met up again 3 years ago after marrying other people and doing our own thing.
I am in my 40's and am having the time of my life. I have only just started to travel as I was a single mum for many years with my 2 girls. This was the Gilmore Girls + 1, years. We love the memories and my daughter's and I have an unshakable bond that I am truly grateful for. [I even moved to a country town - good times.]
I love all people. I love getting to know people, hearing their stories and just making sure people are heard. I can't do this as a famous person or a politician but I can do it for a couple for their wedding day. A day that is so special and should be heard, listened to, respected and remembered.
I embrace all cultures, religions and ideas [I am a history nerd - so I truly do]. I love the Buddhist ways of living and thinking and want to find the inner Buddhist in me - embrace kindness and deflect negativity.
As a couple if you have an idea and want to do it, I will do my best to make it happen. It will make me as happy as it will make you to have your vision come alive.
As a celebrant, it is an absolute honour to say the vows to a couple and witness right in front of them the personal feelings and watch the bubble they are in as they exchange the words and rings.
It's an awesome feeling and I have found the best way to spend my time away from my family.
Be warned! I am a hugger! I will probably hug you at least one time in the time we spend time together planning your wedding (don't worry my hugs don't linger and become awkward.) I just get excited! I also really love getting to know my couples and sharing ideas with them and - I become a bit of a Mum really. But I love it.
My commitment to you
I will put my whole being into your ceremony, that’s what us Virgos do. I will be your support during the planning stage and on the day. I will make sure you focus on your ceremony and each other. This is your day and I am here for you. No Bridezilla’s at your wedding!