BACKYARD WEDDING

MARCH 21, 2020 - PARKLANDS, CHRISTCHURCH

“Today, the two whānau become one. Josh and Jessie thank you in supporting them before, during and after their wedding as they come to terms with being a husband and wife. Their home will always be a place where you, their whānau, will find welcome, peace, love and support.”

Josh and Jessie chose to join their lives in the union of marriage at their home in Parklands. Josh, who creates beautiful handmade wooden products, had spent hours ensuring that their backyard would be the perfect location for their ceremony - and it was! Despite the grey skies, everything was picture perfect… a lush green lawn, bunting lining the playhouse, and lanterns dotted in the trees… Josh had even built the archway himself and created a handmade stand for signing the paperwork! This groom is clearly a ‘details’ kind of guy and it totally paid off. The love and care that went into setting up was obvious the second I walked through the gate. Jessie is one lucky lady!

Josh and Jessie’s nearest and dearest had travelled from around the country to celebrate their love. Jessie got ready down the road and when I arrived at their home, Josh was chilling in the lounge with his whānau. He introduced me to everyone and read their wee boy a story while waiting for the 10am ‘kick off’.

Josh and Jessie wrote their own vows which were shared with each other for the very first time during the ceremony. Josh vowed “I will dream with you, celebrate with you, and walk beside you in whatever our lives may bring. You are my person, my love and my life. Today and always.” Jessie promised “As your wife, I promise to love you each and every day. I promise to be the best wife and mother I can be. I promise to support you and always be in your corner. And I promise to respect you as the father of our children.”

My favourite part of the ceremony was when Josh’s Uncle Paul stood and moved down the aisle to deliver a karakia. It was so moving to hear the emotion in his voice as he blessed Josh and Jessie, encompassing the love of their whānau surrounding them. There is something incredibly powerful about listening to te reo, our native language, and it always brings me to tears. Thank you for sharing xx

I wish you both the very best in your marriage and the next chapter with your two beautiful children. I will definitely be in touch when we are ready for some handmade wooden baby toys!

AROHA NUI,

Vic xx

“Vic was bubbly, happy and outgoing. Her presence and personality was so warming. Vic was always there to help with fine details and questions we had, and gave a lot of good advice. She was an amazing celebrant for us. Vic ticked all the boxes! We can’t fault her service.”

— Josh + Jessie