21/12/2024
How beautiful to round out my year of beautiful ceremonies by reflecting on the wonderful wedding of Astrid and Joel.
I’ve known Astrid for many years, and I was beyond thrilled when she asked me to officiate her wedding to Joel in November.
As expected, it was a beautiful, elegant affair at the stunning Gardens House – made even more beautiful by all of the top-notch vendors and their wares. (Kate Hill’s flowers, sigh… And the post-ceremony cocktail that I wanted to scarf down at the rate of knots after the warmish ceremony, etc, etc!) But what made it stand out – as with all great weddings – was the outpouring of love for and by all present, and the many personal touches such as the Filipino wedding rituals that we conducted with the assistance of Astrid and Joel’s young nephews.
In fact, children were central to the celebration, with the nieces and nephews acting as the very sweet Flower Girls and Page Boys, Joel’s son Freddie was the proud Best Man and little baby, Sidney, was the most adorable “Mini Groomsman” – complete with an itty-bitty dinner jacket. Sidney did get a bit over wearing a jacket for the ceremony and also wanted to come and join his Mum and Dad during the middle of the marrying. Fair enough! Bub was a bit teary in very excellent hands but not in the arms that he wanted. I could see that this was making Astrid a little upset. So, of course, I asked Astrid if she wanted Sidney to come join us, and we just stopped what we were doing for a moment for Joel to stride over to Sidney, shuck off his little jacket, and we continued to hear Astrid and Joel’s most stunning personal vows! (They actually elected to read them to each other for the first time during that week, and I think they were every bit as meaningful when they were read again the second time!)
Astrid and Joel’s story has been one of a wonderful “midlife” love match, thanks to Joel deciding that it was time to start dating again as a kind of New Year’s resolution, the introduction of their mutual friend who knew these two were right for each other, and a first date at the very classy Dessaus bar in Melbourne’s CBD with great drinks, oysters and conversation. Within weeks Astrid and Joel were firmly an item. What followed was much time spent together among their busy lives, trips away, supporting each other during both happy and sad times, buying a house together and having their longed-for Sidney – all in a couple of years!
When it’s finally right, it is just right!
Thank you so much, Astrid and Joel! It was a joy to marry you and be part of your beautiful day! Wishing you much love and happiness!
📸 -The portrait shots here are by the ever talented and fabulous Alison Cosker!
Florist and Planner - Kate Hill Flowers
Photographer - Alison Cosker - Photographer
Venue - Gardens House, RBG - Atlantic Group
Music - Baker Boys Band
Cars - Melbourne Chauffer Services
Celebrant- Anthea Teakle Civil Celebrant
