Alex & Kate

WOOLSHED WEDDING

10 DECEMBER 2020 - TIPAPA ESTATE, GRETA VALLEY

Alex and Kate were married at the beautiful Tipapa Estate on a gloriously sunny day. It was the perfect garden party - guests dressed to the nines and ready to celebrate in style! Musician Lee Martin set the scene, and photographer Susie Blatchford was there to capture every delicious moment. The bride and groom had worked closely with Kate from Collective Concepts to plan their bespoke ‘All for Love’ wedding package… and it was absolutely magical!

One of my favourite parts of the ceremony was Kate’s entrance with her Dad, Gavin. This is always such a significant moment between father and daughter - I am pretty sure every single person was reaching for the tissues (including me!).

I love getting to know couples and the journey they have shared leading up to their wedding day. Alex and Kate’s story began when they were just 15 - though Alex, thinking Kate was older than she really was and wanting to make a good first impression, lied and said he was 17. If ever there was a sign that two people were meant to be together, it would surely be the fact that these two lovebirds were born in the same hospital on the very same day… and years later, living in the same neighbourhood, their paths were destined to cross.

The pair chose to write their own vows - each starting with the qualities they loved about the other, and finishing with the same promises. “I promise to continue to love you, to respect and support you, to be patient with you, to work together with you to achieve our goals, to accept you unconditionally and to share my life with you forever.”

I loved everything about this couple and their wedding day. All the best for your next chapter - stay in touch! xx

AROHA NUI,

Vic xxx

I highly recommend checking out Collective Concepts ‘All for Love’ wedding packages - “Collective Concepts is proud to introduce Canterbury’s first bespoke all inclusive wedding packages where you can custom create your perfect day that is uniquely you, with the personal and professional guidance of Kate and the team at Collective Concepts, while working in collaboration with an experienced and talented group of wedding vendors all handpicked by you. We can’t wait to get to know you and support you on your wedding planning journey. How good does a wedding day sound where you just bring yourselves, your wedding rings and your marriage license, and let us take care of the rest!”

Musician - Lee Martin

Photographer - Susie Blatchford

Venue - Tipapa Estate

Wedding Planner - Collective Concepts

New Zealand Marriage Celebrants

Learning a little bit more about Marriage Celebrants…

Only those persons appointed by the Registrar-General as Marriage Celebrants and whose name appears in the List of Celebrants in the New Zealand Gazette have authority to solemnise marriages in New Zealand. I was excited to become registered as an Independent Marriage Celebrant on 5th June 2019 and later, to join the Celebrants Association of New Zealand (CANZ).

Why should you book a CANZ member as your Marriage Celebrant?

CANZ members create and facilitate ceremonies and rituals which respond to the diverse needs and values of New Zealand individuals, families and communities. In engaging a CANZ celebrant, you are gaining the assurance of employing a celebrant who belongs to the national professional body, a celebrant who has passed the association’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards test, and a person who, more often than not, is committed to ongoing professional development with a strong network of fellow celebrants to call on if needed.

So, what is VCANZ?

CANZ has introduced a celebrant validation process known as VCANZ, which is a structured recognition of celebrant training, experience and professional development based on the CANZ body of knowledge. This gives couples additional certainty and greater comfort that a CANZ celebrant meets the professional standards of competency required for celebrant work. Also, only validated celebrants can legally perform Registry Ceremonies, no longer held at Births, Deaths and Marriages offices. I received my VCANZ status on 3rd June 2020 (and I cried LITERAL TEARS of joy!!!).

Why are Registry Ceremonies being held in the community?

Vaughan Millar  (Senior Advisor at Services and Access - The Department of Internal Affairs) tells us more through a short history about the concept of validated CANZ celebrants performing registry ceremonies.

Like most change these days, it started with the Internet. In this case, marriage licence applications could be completed fully online from October 2018, which resulted in less walk-ins to a public counter. Other than signing declarations, the only other major work for the 47 registry offices was performing registry office marriages. With 10,000 appointed marriage celebrants, it made sense to give couples more options and a better customer experience by making better use of this pool of talent. It also provided an opportunity for more work for celebrants. Over the following 12 months the groundwork began to enable the outsourcing of registry weddings to celebrants in the community. 

On 1 July 2019, the registry celebrant service was launched with 59 celebrants signed up in areas outside the centres where BDM had large offices – Christchurch, Wellington, Manukau and Auckland. The next step was taking advantage of the Wellington BDM office move early in 2020. The last day registry wedding ceremonies were held at the Wellington counter was on Friday, 31 January 2020 and on 1 February 2020, that work was handed over to VCANZ celebrants. The plan was to move registry office ceremonies in Christchurch, Manukau and Auckland to validated CANZ members on 1 December 2020 – similar to the process that had been successfully executed in Wellington. However, due to Covid19, this date was brought forward to early March 2020.

As of 12 May 2020, there are 129 registry celebrants spread across the length of New Zealand - BDM are out of the business of performing registry marriages, now sitting entirely with celebrants (including yours truly!).

What does this mean for YOU?

A celebrant is a deeply personal choice - someone who can connect with you and capture the essence of your true self. Their role is to share your story, encompassing your values and beliefs in a way that reflects your relationship. One of the most significant moments of my own wedding ceremony was when our celebrant, Sally, blessed us in te reo, grounding and connecting us to a particular place and time. For you, it may be a reading or a song, maybe a funny anecdote - your ceremony should be uniquely yours. In ten or twenty years time, you may not remember the exact words, but you will remember the way they made you feel. As a validated member of CANZ, and a lover of people and their stories, I am committed to creating something beautiful with you xx

AROHA NUI,

Vic xxx

*Please note: You can find out more about the different ceremonies I provide here.

Collective Concepts have a treat for you!

Introducing…

‘All for Love’ Bespoke Wedding Packages!

I am SO excited to be part of this incredible team and wanted to share some more information with you. How amazing does this sound!? Picture your wedding day… all you have to do is show up with your marriage licence and wedding rings, and Kate and her team will take care of the rest. Enjoy! xx

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Collective Concepts is proud to introduce their ‘All for Love’ Bespoke Wedding Packages - all-inclusive packages where you can custom create your perfect day. You will work with Kate and the team at Collective Concepts, in collaboration with an experienced and talented group of wedding vendors (including me - just to toot my own horn) - all handpicked by you! Each wedding package is 100% customisable to suit your budget, preferred vendors and your own unique style.

There are three gorgeous venues - the rustic Tipapa Estate, luxurious Horotane Lodge, or intimate Taka Retreat - as well as a range of styling, florals, catering and cake vendors to choose from… and of course, some outstanding photographers to capture your special day!

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Pop over to the website for step-by-step guidance to begin planning (this brochure may also come in handy). There are cost calculators to get a price estimate for 20, 40 or 60 guests, for a range of wedding celebrations from 3-6 hours - Kate really has thought of everything…

Mmmhmmm I hear you…. it’s dreamy, I know!! We can't wait to get to know you and support you on your wedding planning journey xxx Let’s create something beautiful together!

AROHA NUI,

Vic xxx

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Get in touch with Kate and her team here:

email:   weddings@collectiveconcepts.co.nz 

phone:  0800 321 567 

web:     http://www.weddingconcepts.co.nz

Josh & Jessie

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

Josh & Shelly

CANTERBURY ELOPEMENT

MARCH 24 - CHRISTCHURCH

I woke in the early morning to a message from Shelly, one of our long-term family friends…

“Hey Vic, as you know Josh and I were meant to get married in two weeks but with yesterday’s news, we have decided to get married today. We would love to have someone there for an hour or two to take photos.”

…and I was instantly wide awake! A different role than usual but a wedding!? A spontaneous elopement?! YES!!!

A little background… Shelly’s parents, Dave and Cindy, and her four siblings, played a significant part in my upbringing - attending netball and swimming tournaments, school events, shared holidays at the beach, and numerous special family occasions. I still remember Dave’s kindness and patience when he taught me to sail at Kawau Island on school camp. As a young child, he helped me to feel brave and capable of anything. My husband, Dan, and I were honoured to have Dave as the MC at our own wedding in February last year and we are exceptionally grateful for the support that Shelly’s family gave us on our special day. 

Despite planning a large wedding to be held in April, Josh and Shelly knew that all they wanted going into lock down was to be husband and wife. Thus, a new dream was born - a whirlwind elopement in the Christchurch hills with only their very closest ‘home team’. 

Josh and Shelly were married in the shelter of the trees at the Sign of the Takahe. My heart was racing a million miles an hour as Shelly walked down the track on Dave’s arm - I can only imagine how Josh must have been feeling! There is something so precious about the bond between father and daughter, and it was difficult to stop the tears from flowing. 

As a celebrant, I love the part of the ceremony when it is time to ask for consent and exchange vows. There was a huge amount of laughter when Josh replied “I do” to Michelle and Shelly said “You’re supposed to look at me when you say that!”.

Josh and Shelly share strong family values, and are blessed that both of their parents have had long, healthy marriages. One of my favourite parts of the ceremony was when the two families joined together in prayer. This was a ceremony full of joy - it was natural, intentional and best of all… it was about two people who just wanted to be themselves with each other. 

After the ceremony, we braved the wild winds and rain in the Port Hills. I was hoping we could capture a few moments before Shelly froze in her dress but there was nothing to worry about as this she-warrior didn’t even feel the cold! Talk about a bubble of love… she was on Cloud 9! 

Thank you so much for letting me be part of your special day xx it was an absolute privilege. 

AROHA NUI,

Vic xxx

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New Zealand is now at Alert Level 4 which means anyone who is not involved in essential work needs to stay home in order to prevent the spread of Covid19. Though there may be restrictions in place, CANZ has advised that marriages can take place when we are back to Alert Level 1 or 2. This information is subject to change.

Celebrant - Michelle Diprose

Photographer - Victoria Thomas (woohoo!)

Scott & Kate

COSSARS WINESHED

MARCH 7, 2020 - TAI TAPU, CANTERBURY

“Kate, the idea of marrying your high school sweetheart has in recent years become something quite rare, which is why I am so glad we found each other when we did.”

Scott and Kate's story began in the Marlborough Sounds, their respective families’ holiday destination, about 15 years ago. Kate’s first memory of Scott was seeing him playing with ducklings in a stream by the camp shop. Interactions between the two were brief for the first few years but without fail they would get back in contact in the weeks prior to heading up to Momorangi Bay. By the end of the third summer spent together, Scott and Kate were inseparable. 

They would bus to the local cinema, watch a movie and sit in the food court hand-in-hand for hours without speaking a word to one another. They eventually ran out of movies to go to, so Kate would get her parents to drop her off at Scott’s house on the weekends. This continued every single weekend for years until the pair travelled to Mexico together, got engaged and finally moved out of home. 

Scott and Kate’s wedding was held at Cossars Wineshed, a beautiful rural property in Tai Tapu, Canterbury. Cossars has a gloriously high ceilinged dining hall and a stunning outdoor courtyard. I loved the set up... vintage couches, festoon lights and Mexican bunting (the perfect touch for Scott and Kate!). Scott and Kate were looked after by Safia, the general manager - casual sophistication was what Safia was going for and she totally nailed it! Hannah Bird captured Scott and Kate’s day beautifully too, including their ‘First Look’ at a secret undisclosed location... 

The ceremony was held in the vines, and quite frankly, my heart could hardly handle the beauty of such a magical spot! Scott and Kate chose to write their vows together but their ceremony included a special twist... each had considered what they love most about one another and shared with me individually, so that their words could be shared as a surprise during the ceremony. Scott went first, and then I shared Kate’s words on her behalf - which took considerable effort because I was trying not to cry (thanks team)! Absolute perfection… 

“I promise to be there when you need me, to share life’s little moments with, to fill your days with laughs, weird antics and bad jokes, to comfort you and encourage you when you need it the most, to help you achieve everything you want out of life, to be your best friend, and to love you forever.”

“I promise to be there when you need me, to share life’s little moments with, to laugh at your weird antics and bad jokes, to comfort you and encourage you when you need it the most, to help you achieve everything you want out of life, to be your best friend, and to love you forever.”

Congratulations, you beauties xxx I wish you all the very best in your marriage :)

AROHA NUI,

Vic xxx

“Thank you so much for everything you did for our wedding on Saturday! You made us both feel so comfortable and we loved how the ceremony went. You helped create such a perfect day for us and we are so soooo pleased with how it turned out! Once again, thank you soooo much for all that you did - everyone had the best day!”

— Scott + Kate

Photographer - Hannah Bird Photography

Venue - Cossars

Mark & Cindy

THE OLIVE GROVE

FEBRUARY 29, 2020 - WAIPARA, CANTERBURY

“This ceremony will not create a relationship that does not already exist between you. It is, instead, an opportunity to celebrate your journey - as individuals, and together as a couple - surrounded by the people you love the most.” 

Mark and Cindy were married at their home in Waipara, the beautiful ‘Olive Grove’. When I arrived, I was blown away by the gorgeous scenery. The marquee was set up on the lawn for the ceremony, as well as inside seating for the reception, the dance floor and DJ. I loved the understated elegance, enhanced by the olive branches and greenery in the florals. With the sides of the marquee up, the view of the olive trees was the perfect backdrop for the ceremony. The courtyard was decorated with festoon lights, wine barrels and wooden benches which tastefully complimented the stylish rustic theme. 

I had a special moment with Cindy before the ceremony. She held my hands and told me she was ready. Her serenity was beautiful. Mark was overcome with emotion when Cindy walked down the aisle and I loved seeing his reaction - a very precious moment that I will treasure. 

Mark and Cindy were surrounded by their family and friends, some travelling from the other side of the world to be there! Cindy’s mum was even able to share the experience through video call from Canada. Ah, the magic of technology… The family dogs were also included, adorned with sequinned bow ties (which they did not rate at all). 

Mark and Cindy wrote their vows together, choosing to make promises based on their shared values and beliefs. 

“I promise to respect and support you, to be patient and loving towards you, to work with you to achieve the things we value and dream of. I pledge to you all of these things from the bottom of my heart.”

Mark and Cindy really wanted to have a fantastic party with everyone and if the special sangria recipe was anything to go by, I have no doubt that their reception was an absolute ball! Melissa, their close friend and wedding planner from Social Events, organised everything SO well to ensure that Mark and Cindy had the best experience with all of their loved ones. Full credit to an amazing woman!

All the best for the next chapter in your already very special relationship xx

AROHA NUI,

Vic xxx 

“Such a great experience to share our day with Vic, everything was perfect! She was so lovely to work with and took care of all the requirements for our marriage.”

— Cindy + Mark

“A huge thank you for the role you played in making Cindy & Mark’s wedding such an awesome day. The ceremony was just as they wanted and you created a beautiful energy and atmosphere. Such a pleasure working with you and I look forward to doing it again soon.”

— Melissa (Social Events - Wedding Planner)

DJ - Boogie Beats

Hire - Assembly

Wedding Planner - Social