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The Celebrant of Choice 0457 00 1922
If you want a beach wedding, there are some tips in my article in this months’s Celebrations magasine.
The vote is in and we will soon learn of the outcome of an official and very costly government survey of public opinion.
If there is a strong ‘Yes’ vote, the legislation may be through the house of parliament by Christmas.
Interestingly, after I posted some comments highlighting the impact of existing discrimination and expressing my support for ‘Same Sex Marriage’, I received just 3 objections but over 150 messages or comments supporting my comments and marriage equality.
I add more regularly but there are now 150 questions answered about your wedding.
Everything from where do I sign, to how do I change my name and why do we have cake.
I however I missed something, and you do have another question, Call me and I will do my best to assist you.
If you are looking for an opera singer, a harpist, bag pipes, a Batmobile, of where to get doves and signs for your wedding, try Wedding Links – Helpful People & Legal bits
Today’s question is “What tips do you have for us Getting Married in an Australia National Park?”.
You can find lots of Venues and even some links to national Park on the Venues Tab of my webpage but here are a bundle of tips
Yesterday when engaging with the limo driver, the furniture guy and the photographer, at a wedding, introducing myself and then going over the script with them so that we can all work closely together I was reminded of how often I get thanks from the other event workers.
I find that a chat with others involved is very helpful to me and to my clients, ensuring the best results but it is so nice to get thank you’s from the others.
The typical response is:
“This is great. You are so much, more helpful than other Celebrants, love working with you”.
Since writing and posting in support of Marriage Equality, I have received two emails from people I know, criticising my views but well over 130 emails and messages from some that I know but many I don’t,thanking me for my articles or just offering words of support.
I have also had three request for contributions for articles to magasines and blogs.
I have put together over 140 commonly asked questions that Brides & Grooms asks, and of course added answers.
Just go to Wedding Questions on my web page.
If however there is a question I haven’t answered, or you want more information, just ask.
I’ll be happy to help.
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Just had a call from a lady who has already pre-paid a funeral at $8000 and has been invited to another consultation (sales) meeting.
Apparently, the amount so far only covers the plot, the digging of the grave, and the headstone and so she is yet to be sold transport (limo), chapel, flowers, coffin/casket etc.
The total price will end up around $16000 – $24,000, so double or more than the original quotation from the one and only Funeral Director they spoke to.
It pays to shop around. Some better priced funeral directors on my web page.
https://www.alifecelebrant.com.au/about/funeral-industry-people/
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I have now updated my Q&As for Funerals – all those questions you were afraid to ask.
Have I left anything out?
Is it helpful?
Would you use it if the situation arose?
Hi Lou,
About your very balanced views about SSM.
I only know one thing – that the SS couples have a different wiring in their brains.
Its not their fault, as they have not been brought up like that, neither by their parents nor by the society in which they live..
On the other hand they had to fight all their lives and had to live an unhappy life, because of their mental situation.
Who then wired their brains the way they are?
NO ONE ELSE BUT GOD.
So when we criticise them, and make them feel to be a sinner, we are in fact criticising God, and His wisdom and creation.
And what is marriage? God DID NOT MARRY Adam and Eve. Even the Bible does not say that.
So marriage is not a divine thing. Its a relationship created by the society in order to ensure its sustenance.
Without marriage, responsibilities to children, and rights to property and succession will always create conflicts.
In actual fact, this must have been the basis of creating the institution of marriage.
In many tribal societies initially, there were no fixed partners and that always created conflicts.
So, women were considered as “owned” by the man who kept them, and who looked after them.
They were his property. That was the time of polygamy,as there were few men, due to more deaths of men due to tribal wars.
As society became more civilized, more laws for control came in to avoid conflicts.
This was the basis of monogamy.
So God neither defined the concept of marriage nor created the institution of marriage – much less decided that its the union of a man and woman
God’s rules cannot be violated – rocks do not rise in air of their own without an external force. Newton or Einstein – none can do that.
To think that we have the divine right to say what two people can do or not is to be dominating.
Because we have the majority so minority can be crushed.
Imagine if there was a society of homosexuals, where they were in majority, and heterosexuals were in mionority, and
They dictated that any heterosexual union is illegal, how will the proponents of anti SSM feel?
As far as the Marriage Act is considered, if it violates the constitutional rights of SSM then it should be thrown out by the court.Constitution is supreme.
Regards
Pravin Gupta
Another happy couple signed their Notice of Intent today while surrounded by lizards and other reptiles and lots of rescued furry friends. I do have the greatest job in the world.
#celebrant; #Nepean Celebrant; #wedding; #bride; #Family Celebrant; #St Clair Celebrant; #Erskine Park Celebrant; #St Marys Celebrant; #Penrith Celebrant; #Nepean Celebrant; #A Life Celebrant; #Lou Szymkow; #Western Sydney; #Australian Celebrant
one couple to interview
one ceremony to finalise for another
Ready for next booking
The Commonwealth Marriage Act 1961 currently only allows marriage between a man and a woman.
The survey being conducted by the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) asks one question:
should the law be changed to allow same-sex couples to marry?
The Postal Survey will close on Tuesday 7 November 2017 and survey results will be published on Wednesday 15 November on the ABS website.
Depending on the outcome of the Postal Survey, the Australian Parliament may (or may not) decide to amend the law to allow two people to marry, regardless of their sex.
If the Parliament approves such an amendment, same-sex couples wishing to get married will need to wait until the new law comes into force before lodging their Notice of Intent to Marry.
We welcome your comments, but the following things are not permitted:
Please try to use correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization as much as possible.
#celebrant; #Nepean Celebrant; #wedding; #bride; #funeral celebrant; #Family Celebrant; #St Clair Celebrant; #St Marys Celebrant; #Penrith Celebrant; #Nepean Celebrant; #A Life Celebrant; #Lou Szymkow; #Western Sydney; #Australian Celebrant
In 2013 the High Court of Australia found that the definition of “marriage” in the Constitution includes same-sex unions. This made it clear that the Federal Parliament has the power to enact marriage equality. In 2014, the Howard Government amended the Marriage Act 1961, to include a definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman, to the exclusion of all others. For an argument to be valid and have impact, it must be truthful and persuasive. Same sex relationships are a reality. I think we all accept that. If you know me, you will know that I am a Christian, so why on earth would I suggest to anyone to vote Yes in the upcoming national survey on allowing same sex marriage, in Australia? When I was a child, bigoted persons taught me to detest homosexuals but by the time I was a teenager, I realised that people are people, regardless of race, colour, creed, or sexual orientation and that the bigoted views imposed on me as a young child, were simply unacceptable and inconsistent to Christian belief just as hate and bigotry are unacceptable. When Jesus said, ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 13:34-35), he did not say ‘unless they are gay, or of a different race or colour or religion’. I have also read Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:4-5, Psalm 24:1 and Psalm 66:7 which are often quoted by some and saw nothing that objects to the love experienced by same sex couples. If supporters of a no vote have any real reason other than bigotry and determined discrimination, I am yet to hear it. You may ask, how is it discrimination. Well, the words same sex marriage are misleading. It is really about human rights and equality. Here is some of what I have witnessed: Now that you have read those examples. How would you react & feel, if this same level of discrimination was applied to you.
WHY DO AUSTRALIAN SAME-SEX COUPLES WANT LEGAL MARRIAGE? I have read some of the material and arguments that the Coalition for Marriage and the Australian Christian Lobby have propagated. I have also read the statement by Archbishop Anthony Fisher, Catholic Archbishop of Sydney. You may not be aware that people have been able to ‘register’ relationship in NSW and Victoria for years, see application to register a relationship [PDF 150kb] and none of the nonsense claimed by COM and ACL have occurred, or that over 25 countries around the world have already legalised same sex marriage. See http://www.pewforum.org/2017/08/08/gay-marriage-around-the-world-2013/ Put simply, if the same sex couple down the road decided to marry, I know it would not impact in any way on my 40-year heterosexual marriage whatsoever, so how could it impact on any other person’s marriage? Again, I ask, Do you think that if you wanted to marry the person of your dreams, the person that you love with all your heart, that you should have to ask every Australian permission? Here is an interesting video from Ireland about their referendum undertaken before Ireland made marriage equality legal. Here are some more articles of interest. #celebrant; #Nepean Celebrant; #wedding; #bride; #funeral celebrant; #Family Celebrant; #St Clair Celebrant; #St Marys Celebrant; #Penrith Celebrant; #Nepean Celebrant; #A Life Celebrant; #Lou Szymkow; #Western Sydney; #marriage equality, #same sex marriage |
A beach wedding can be beautiful but there are a few special considerations.
I surveyed close to 800 Celebrants and here is the summary, of what they had to say about beach weddings and how to make them memorable.
1) Pick the right beach and location on or near the beach to make your beach wedding is just as romantic and idyllic as you’ve ever dreamed of by planning it right. Despite the wind sand – the ocean is nature at her very best and lends to the most magical backdrop
2) Make sure a permit is obtained for the site, noting permissible guest numbers, any sound restrictions, and time period where applicable and comply with the restrictions spelled out in the permit.
a. Arrange permit/s (re clean-up requirements, restrictions around use of umbrellas, chairs, marquees, flags, signs or arbours, licences for alcohol and/or catering and use of toilet facilities etc.).
b. On the Gold Coast no mats, walkways, arbours etc are permitted and there is a one hour time limit including set up, ceremony, and take down/ pack up.
3) Transport – Consider the distance to and ease of access to the ceremony site. Can your guest all get there?
4) An area on an esplanade, or on flat sand/grass/boardwalk is best but avoid wet sand areas.
5) A spot with beach view removes some of the hazards and makes for nice photos
6) A shaded area such as sails, a gazebo, or a natural cove will offer wind protection and reduce glare.
7) Check if you will have to share the use of the area (public) or is an exclusive site available.
8) You cannot stop the public from joining in so watch out for beach cricket, footie games and riders bursting through the middle of any guests.
9) Plodding through sand, can be laborious
10) Be prepared to tolerate jet ski, party and wave sounds
11) Watch out for seagulls, biting bugs, wind and water, and light reflecting from sand and sea
12) Avoid high heels,
13) Use insect repellent, sunscreen and umbrellas and have bottles of water available for guests
14) Have lots of weights and clips on hand to hold down paperwork, table clothes, umbrellas etc.
15) Sand can play havoc with sound equipment so have it protectively covered, including during transport across sand.
16) Deeper voices can carry better over the sound of waves crashing.
17) Always have a Plan B as weather can be unpredictable.
18) Always set-up above the high tide point and NEVER on wet sand or you will meet the waves
19) Wear suitable beach footwear or go barefoot (sand gets into everything and can burn)
20) Watch out for wind & sand blasting,
21) Waves sound can inhibit the ability to hear what is going on.
22) If seating, lay a platform to prevent chairs sinking into the sand and throwing guests over
23) Having a basket of thongs or slippers can be useful for the comfort of guests
24) The mornings usually has less wind, glare and more stable/pleasant weather
25) Consider having signing table off the beach, or undercover e.g. a nearby cabin veranda.
26) Be prepared with lots of clips for your ceremony script,
27) Check wind direction for interference with the mic and sound
28) The Couple, guests and Celebrant should not be looking into the sun, as scrunch face ruins photos and can glare headaches and the Celebrant may not be able to read the script
29) If the bride is wearing a veil, how will it be managed if there is a breeze
30) Getting down onto the beach and back again, can be a challenge.
31) Elderly and disabled guest may not be able to access the beach
32) Be aware of the possibility of nasties lurking in the sand, semi-naked gawkers.
33) Avoid extreme reflections from sun
34) On the west coast, watch out for the ‘Fremantle Doctor’!
35) Where allowed, a large sheet of Perspex, matting or boarding can be buried just under the surface of the sand to provide stability so the bridal party, seats, tripods, sound equipment, signing table etc.
36) Be on time. The tide and sun wait for no one. You could be washed out or the temp can drop to a very cold.
37) Look for a sheltered area but not too close to the rocks where there will be extra wae sounds.
38) Sand gets in everywhere.
39) A pull along cart that can be used on sand will help with the setup.
40) Wear a hat and lots of sunscreen
41) The exchanging of rings should be on top of a mat in case the ring gets dropped and if the mat slopes inward to centre, it will be easier to quickly recover the ring without it rolling off the mat.
42) Check the tide beforehand
43) Check with the photographer about lighting etc.
44) Ensure that there is a plan B!!!
45) All mics should have a wind sock for your mic.
46) Have a rehearsal the day before at the same time to check where tide, sound, sun, interruptions etc.
47) Use grey paper as it reduces the glare compared to white paper.
48) Bad weather option Portable music Simple decor Contact the council Arrange seating Microphones Beach style beach wedding checklist
49) Arrange for an usher, guide or escort to guide and assists guests
50) Check the pathway to the site to avoid rocky areas, or difficult dunes.
51) Provide your guests with a simple map if the location is secluded or not directly in front of a landmark.
52) Ensure that your chosen music is amplified and doesn’t require mains power.
53) It also needs to be powerful enough to be audible above shouts from other beach goers, jet skis and high winds.
54) All floral arrangements, greenery or sprays should be low-line and be pegged, securely tied or have weights or stones in the vase or base so as not to come loose as the beach breeze picks up.
55) Adapt your clothing style to the surroundings, so comfortable as possible.
56) Avoid longer veils,
57) Guests may arrive 20-30 minutes before the bride, remain for the ceremony itself, and then stay for photos afterwards, so offer seating if possible.
58) Offer favours such as sunscreen, thongs, fans, bottled water, ice creams & insect repellent.
59) And did I mention always have a Plan B : In the event of excessive heat, wind or rain, you will need to have an alternate/indoor venue and someone to direct guests.
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paraphrased from : http://blog.sivanaspirit.com/elements-love-according-buddha/
Buddha taught that to experience true love, you have the qualities of: Applied on a daily basis, these principles cause romance to blossom. LOVING-KINDNESS -First, let’s deal with what true love is and isn’t: COMPASSION JOY EQUANIMITY #getting married; #Wedding; #Celebrant in St Marys; #Nepean Celebrant; #Wedding; #Naming Ceremony; #Celebrant; #Wedding Celebrant; #Celebrant St Clair; #Civil Celebrant; #Funeral Celebrant; #Family Celebrant |
The NSW Deaf Society has advised that Auslan interpreters are their specialist area and are used when deaf people have a preferred method of communication using Auslan. They have a list of interpreters available on their website https://deafsocietynsw.org.au/interpreting/interpreters Often for weddings, or other celebrations, deaf people pay for the interpreter/captions through their NDIS package and …
Pravin is a ‘young’ groom (well, young at heart & in spirit) who arrived in Australia to find his new bride and life’s happiness. He loves this country and wrote this poem to express his gratitude. In Gratitude Pravin Gupta, © copy-write 2017 A land – where Mother Nature Has laid out her heart for …
Got the call at 6pm that a couple wanted to marry in exactly a month but under the law they must give 1 months notice. I emailed them the paperwork and then visited them just after 9:00pm. Paperwork completed with 2 1/2 hours to spare.
Mr & Mrs Ely said their vows last night under lights, in St Clair. Was a fun ceremony with the Bride & Groom looking absolute splendid! Arguably though, the Best dressed may have to go the the ring bearer Congratulations Mr & Mrs Ely
Spent three days in training, networking and refreshing ideas with over 120 Celebrants from all over Australia. Was amazing and exhausting but lots of awesome ideas. I get so much support for the members and committee at the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (AFCC). Looked at Ceremony idea, regulations, finding the ‘Sparkle; Leadership, designing a …
I have lived in St Clair, part of Penrith City, and been an active part of the community for almost 40 years. You will often see me shopping in Penrith, out by the Nepean River, in meetings in Kingswood, on my morning walks in St Clair shops. I volunteer my services as a Justice of the …
Life is a journey, filled with wonderful events that shape and change our lives. It is meant to be enjoyed. We are moulded by our life events, experiences and changes. Each event may be built by our hopes and dreams or our aspirations, or may even be unexpected, but still are a part of our personal journey …