Handfasting & Tying the Knot? What is it and how is it used in a marriage Ceremony?

Before rings, in many cultures, the hands of the bride and groom were tied together, to celebrate the marriage.The Celtic ritual also involves a blessing of hands and the  binding of the couple with a secure knot, hence the term ‘tying of the knot’.

Similar rituals are also found in other cultures including Chinese (see Red String), American Indian,  and some Islander cultures but significantly in Hinduism where it is part of an ancient prayerful ritual and so  should only be performed by a Prasad, hence for Civil Ceremonies, we follow a form of the Celtic tradition.

The couples’ hands are joined together, usually holding hands so the wrists and pulses are touching, with a ribbon or symbolic material looped over the couples wrists and tied by the celebrant or a friend.

The couple express their love and commitment for one another and like the cord or ribbon, which has two individual ends, they are two individuals, and so they become one by the tying.

A handfasting ritual performed during a wedding ceremony, can take place instead of a ring exchange or following it.

For more information and samples, go to Tie the Knot on my Wedding Ideas & Ceremonies tab.

See also The Red String Of Fate & Red Goblet Ceremony. 

• 

7 Romantic Gay Wedding Venues ideas on a budget.

Have the ever-rising expenses taken a toll on your wedding venue budget? Are you looking for a gay wedding venue that is both romantic and affordable? While there are limited options to choose for your special date, only a few of them are cost-efficient. One has to scout low-budget places and then pick the best as per their individual preference. And there are still high chances of losing out on the experience while saving money. So how do you find a wedding venue that suffices your purpose? Here’s a list of 7 such budget-friendly and romantic venue ideas that can help:

1. Woods:

If there’s any place as intimate and stunning as your gay relationship, it is definitely the woods. The woods call for a somewhat private affair with your closed ones. They are a highly budget-friendly venue because there is nothing much for you to add to the beauty. I’ve attended many such weddings in the woods that only set up chairs for their closed ones. There’s hardly any need for unusual arrangements that go heavy on your budget. The most you can do is sprinkle a few petals to mark the aisle or hang some lights between the trees. And even if you don’t, the privacy that the woods offer is astoundingly beautiful enough.

2. Beach:

Most of the weddings today revolve around the bliss of stunning beaches. People travel across countries to include the rolling waves in their celebration. So if you happen to live near the beach already, consider yourself the luckiest. After all, you do not have to spend hefty amounts to travel to one. At the beach, you can create a stunning wedding by merely arranging a canopy and a few chairs. You can even hold a casual beach wedding like one of my LGBT clients with smaller refreshments. The decor again does not have to be hefty. After all, where else would you find a view as breathtakingly romantic as the sun along the ocean waves? 

3. Backyard:

The more comfortable you are, the more passionate you’ll feel. The reason why the best place to celebrate your partner’s love is out of the comfort of your own home. No venue cost and design restrictions add to the perfect intimate affair on your special date. There are many ways in which you can host a backyard wedding. You can include a small stage, and seating arrangements under a canopy for a standard setting. You can use rainbow lights and greenery to save on the decoration expense. You can also use handmade and recycled items to make the venue more idyllic.

4. Vineyard:

What is better than toasting to your happy married life on your wedding day? Well, doing it at a vineyard! Vineyards make for a beautiful wedding destination for the mystery that they carry. A beautiful sprawling vineyard is, in fact, one of the best summer wedding venues across the globe. While the refreshments are an obvious choice here, the decoration depends on you. Although the charm of the place is always enough to put anyone into a romantic mood, one can always add to it! For a budgeted gay wedding, I advise you to use only flowers, preferably different colors. This will enhance the romantic setting. You can even use a few charming lights if you feel so. Also, if you didn’t know already, booking a vineyard is cheaper and fancier too!

5. Garden:

Maybe whoever designed the garden always have had a wedding running at the back of his/her mind. The reason why everything about it is intrinsically romantic. From the scent of the summer blossoms to the twinkling fireflies, everything about this place is on-point.  The fresh air and the greenery also add to the aesthetic value of this wedding venue option. The expense is too low as there is hardly a lot to spend on. You can either arrange chairs or put up tents for your guests. However, the best decor for a garden is to leave it at its green best and maybe add a few flowers to it.

6. Chapel:

If you’re someone straight out of a Victorian romance novel, chapels are the right venue for your dream wedding. The polished wood surfaces and glass windows of the chapel reflect the sun inside. The natural light reflected adds to the quintessential aura of the warmth. The whole feel is that of a princesses story. There’s not much decoration and liberty due to the venue restriction. Thus, you save a lot of money too. The place in general calls for one of the simplest and elegant ceremonies.

7. Historical locations:

The history of the monuments, museums and art galleries add glamour and romance to a wedding. Not just that, it is one of the unique experiences that you can gift yourself and your guests on your wedding day. The stunning architecture of such places even offers beautiful romantic photographs. These venues also make for a great experience in history and culture too. Choosing a public spot is the cheapest wedding venue investment due to the low-key affair. Not just that, it is also a charming way to celebrate gay romance from a different era.

The choice of your venue will depend on your definition of romance. The money you spend will always be a vital factor too. The reason why it is better to set your priorities straight and function accordingly. So that when you prioritise romance, your wedding will ultimately imbibe that. No matter what venue you choose, it will always be a stepping stone. But only the love you exhibit as an LGBT couple would make a major difference.

Author Bio-

Bronte Price is Australia’s First Certified Gay Celebrant Melbourne and the co-founder of The Equality Network that helps wedding suppliers create a better wedding experience for LGBTI couples. He is also a member of GLOBE (Gay and Lesbian Organization for Business and Enterprise) that empowers the LGBT community. His stand on ‘marriage equality’ and ‘love has no boundaries’ is unparalleled. Apart from that, he enjoys volunteering as a newsreader at Joy 94.9, spends time in his organic backyard vegetable garden and goes on walks with his fiancée Clint and their four-legged fur baby – Bingo.

Bronte Price
Certified Marriage Celebrant
Certified in Same-Sex Wedding
Co-founder of The Equality Network
Newsreader @Joy 94.9
Switchboard Victoria Volunteer
ABIA Finalist 2017

Having a Bestman or even two or more, at your wedding is not compulsory and even a gender is no longer a given, but having made a choice to have a Bestman, here is a process that may assist.

Step 1:    make a list of the duties (including expenses & interactions) to be undertaken

Step 2:    consider character, relationships (with yourself, bride and bridesmaids) and skills, make a list of contenders e.g. best friend, brother/sister, cousin, Dad, son, etc.

Step 3:    cross out anyone who could not reliably perform or undertake those duties but if you cannot narrow the list to less than two, maybe have two or more

Step 4:    talk to the remainder on the list to gauge:

• their agreement to being on the list
• availability to perform the role
• enthusiasm

Step 5:    Review Steps 2 & 3, and by now you should have a choice

You will find this question and many others answered on my webpage:

• 200 Wedding Questions Answered
• Wedding – Marriage Celebrant
• Wedding Ideas & Ceremonies
• Wedding Poems & Readings
• Wedding Songs
• What others say..

#bestman; #ALifeCelebrant; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #bestceremony; #bestwedding; #officiant; #weddingofficiant; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #weddingceremony; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding

It is nearing Christmas and sadly one of the annual occurrences is the scam phone calls.

I had one of those ATO scam phone calls from 02 6172 0554.

It was a recording claiming my family and I are being prosecuted by the ATO and requiring me to call a number which I didn’t catch.

It is of course a scam and will be reported.

When I websearched the number, I was astounded to find reports that people were still falling for the scam and handing over itunes, google and bunnings cards or similar.

Card sellers are now usually warning anyone who attempts to buy bulk cards and one shop assistant reported just last week that a distressed woman in hospital uniform rushed into the store while speaking on the phone and attempted to purchase over $1000 in Google cards. The shop assistant tried to tell her it was a scam but the woman would not listen as she was too engrossed in her phone conversation. The shop assistant then very responsibly refused to sell to her. The distressed woman, then rushed from the store looking for another outlet.

This is a list of numbers  listed on the net as those allegedly used by scammers:

02 6216 1111
02 6216 1112
02 6216 1113
02 6216 1114
02 6216 1115
02 6216 1116
02 6216 1117
02 6216 1118
02 6216 1119
02 6216 1113
02 6172 1219
02 6064 2061
02 6064 2097
08 9467 4183
03 9015 4046
061 3 5294 0418

You can also any communication that you aren’t sure about by phoning the ATO from 8.00am-6.00pm, Monday to Friday on:

– Individuals                        13 28 61

– Businesses                       13 28 66

– Tax Professionals           13 72 86

• General                            1800 008 540

For examples of the latest scams, tips for staying safe online and a list of current communication activities the ATO are undertaking, you can visit ato.gov.au/onlinesecurity

If you have accidentally submitted personally identifiable information to a scammer then please contact the relevant institution (e.g. your bank) to deal with your personal situation.

 

 

 

 

 

Civil Law and Justice Legislation Amendment Act 2018 made a number of minor changes to the Marriage Act 1961. These changes commenced on 26 October 2018.

The changes deal with technical amendments of minor policy significance, and remedied errors and defects in existing legislation, including removing outdated concepts and to ensure consistency with the Family Law Act 1975.

The following changes relate specifically to Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants. The full Act which contains all of the changes to the Marriage Act is available here.

• Disciplinary measures – Section 39G has been amended so that marriage celebrants must now comply with any disciplinary measures imposed under section 39I of the Marriage Act. The amendment is intended to ensure the Registrar has authority to take additional disciplinary action if a celebrant does not comply with a previously imposed disciplinary measure.
• The register – the Act has been amended to clarify that the register of marriage celebrants is the publicly available list that is published on the department’s website, as opposed to the administrative database used by the department, which includes other personal information about celebrants’ registration.
• Update to contact details – Section 39G has been updated so it is now a requirement for celebrants to advise the Registrar of any changes to the contact details previously provided to the Registrar. Previously, celebrants were only required to update the Registrar when there was a change to their contact details published on the register of marriage celebrants. Section 39G has also been amended so that celebrants can advise the Registrar of changes to their contact details via the self‑service portal. This amendment removes any doubt about how the Registrar can be advised of changes to contact details.

Only people who are legally authorised under the Marriage Act in Australia, may solemnise marriages.

The three categories of ‘authorised celebrant’ under the Marriage Act are:

1. Ministers of religion who are registered by the States and Territories to solemnise marriages for a recognised denomination. These are referred to as ‘category A’ authorised celebrants. This category of authorised celebrants have a registration number beginning with a letter that relates to the state or territory in which they were registered (such as ‘W’, ‘S’, ‘V’, ‘N’)
2. State and Territory Officers—staff of Registries of Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) or court officers—who are authorised to solemnise marriages as part of their employment. These are referred to as ‘category B’ authorised celebrants.
3. Marriage celebrants (This is my category) registered by the Commonwealth under the Marriage Celebrants Programme. These are referred to as ‘category C’ authorised celebrants. This includes marriage celebrants who perform religious ceremonies (whether or not they are also designated as ‘religious marriage celebrants’) and marriage celebrants who perform civil marriage ceremonies (whether or not they are designated as ‘religious marriage celebrants’). Marriage celebrants in this category have a registration number beginning with the letter ‘A’.

• Religious marriage celebrants are a subcategory of Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrants under Subdivision D of Division 1 of Part IV of the Marriage Act (category D celebrants). In order to become a religious marriage celebrant, a person must first be a marriage celebrant registered by the Commonwealth.

Chaplains of the Australian Defence Forces (ADF), and ADF marriage officers, who solemnise marriages overseas under Part V of the Marriage Act are also authorised celebrants under the Act.

 

#ALifeCelebrant; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #bestceremony; #bestwedding; #officiant; #weddingofficiant; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #weddingceremony; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding

Simply put, a Guide prepared for Celebrants to help them understand the Marriage Act and Regulations.

So the purpose of the guidelines is to assist authorised celebrants understand the requirements for solemnising marriage under the Marriage Act.

The guidelines apply to all authorised celebrants who solemnise marriages in Australia, unless otherwise stated.

Following changes to the Marriage Act in 2017, and the creation of new Regulations in 2018, new Guidelines were issued in  2018.

 

#solemnisemarriages; #celebrant

People are at times confused by questions on the current Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) which must be lodged no earlier than 18 months before and no later than 1 month before a Marriage in Australia and so a new NOIM has been proposed.

It is still in the draft stage I have  but I applaud the simplicity of the draft and look forward to its approval. It may however make it difficult for future genealogists to follow a paper trail in family histories as names of parents and children will no longer be required.

You can see it for yourself at this site: https://www.ag.gov.au/Consultations/Documents/marriage-draft-noim.PDF

 

#simplicityeasesconfusion

My apologies to my followers for not posting recently.

I am about to resume regular posts.

Just had to postpone posts while security was being increased as there have been a influx of illicit sites trying to gain reach through my site.

268 Promoters of Pornography, Minecraft and Gambling sites & associated materials are now automatically blocked.

#websecurity

Which father do you want to list?

If we look at the Guidelines on the Marriage Act, ‘section 4.5.2 Parents’ names’ and at the NOIM, we find that the NOIM requires that the parties to the marriage list their parents but the NOIM does not differentiate between birth and adoptive parents as it simply asks for the father’s name and the mother’s maiden name

In most cases people will list their parents as per their birth certificates or as per adoption papers but not all parents are listed on birth certificates and in your specific example there are two fathers’, being the birth and the adoptive.

The Guidelines tell us that:

“it is up to the parties to list their parents using the names as they know them by”

The Guidelines also tell us that there is no requirement for the Celebrant to sight evidence of the parents’ names irrespective of whether a birth certificate is produced and further, that a statutory declaration is not required for this item.

This indicates that whilst the birth certificate is required as a proof of date & place of birth, it is not required for the purposes of completion of the NOIM, as proof of the identification of parents.

In your circumstances then, the mother is unchanged but in regard to the father, I would contend that there is a choice as to who you would list.

You have two fathers identified:

1. Birth Parent (as a previous parent) and
2. Adoptive Parent (current)

and so I would simply abide by the advice that:

“it is up to the parties to list the parents using the names as they know them by”,

or put simply, list whomever you regard as the parent.

That is most likely to be the adoptive father who is of course the current parent and listed as such on the Birth Certificate.

In regard to the birth father, at the time of your adoption, it must be presumed that the birth father was either not available because of death or had willingly relinquished his role.

Given the complexities of life, you might nonetheless have a strong connection to the birth father and/or his family name.

In either scenario, it would appear that the Guidelines will allow the option of listing the either the current and legal father, or the birth father, whichever is preferred.

A year ago today at Twin Creeks Country Club I had the great privilege of being lead Celebrant at a very exciting, fun-filled and truly beautiful wedding ceremony  for Wendy & Pravin.

Congratulations on your anniversary and may you lives always be filled with the love and pure joy shared on that incredible day.

Firstly, given the circumstances, you may wish to include a memorial ritual or activity, into your Ceremony, to honour the deceased and to recognise the absence of a loved one.

• See  Remembering.  

The answer to the questions though is Yes.

The update to the form is required prior to the Ceremony.

As the NOIM is an approved form and item 11 and 12 on the form must be answered.

These are the questions relating to father and mothers (maiden) name in full and whether or not one or both parents are deceased.

If the status changes to hand prior to the wedding, the Celebrant, is able to add “deceased” next to parent’s name in either section 11 or 12, depending on the parent.

The alteration should be initialed by the party correcting the error and by the celebrant.

The corrected NOIM may then be treated as having been given in its corrected form.

The Code of Practice for Celebrants requires accuracy in the preparation of marriage paperwork and a failure to update the NOIM as appropriate may result in disciplinary action against the Celebrant, and cause delay in the registration of the marriage.

#ALifeCelebrant; #Anniversary; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #BabiesatWeddings; #beautiful; #bestceremony; #bestwedding; #Birthday; #BlacktownCelebrant; #bride; #BrideandBride; #Burial; #Celebrant; #celebrant; #CelebrantinStMarys; #celebrantlife; #celebrants; #CelebrantStClair; #celebrate; #celebration; #Ceremonies4U; #ceremony; #CivilCelebrant; #Colyton; #ColytonCelebrant; #Commitment; #congrats; #Congratulations; #congratulations; #Cremation; #dating; #ErskineParkCelebrant; #Eulogy; #FamilyCelebrant; #forever; #Funeral; #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralHomes; #FuneralNotices; #GlenmoreParkCelebrant; #Grief; #GroomandGroom; #IDo; #instawed; #instawedding; #KempsCreekWedding; #lifecelebrations; #lifeevents; #Lifeunion; #LiverpoolCelebrant; #Loss; #LouSzymkow; #LouTheCelebrant; #love; #LudwigSzymkow; #LudwigTheCelebrant; #marriage; #marriagecelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #marriagecelebrants; #marriageceremony; #MarriageEquality; #married; #MinchinburyCelebrant; #MusicforFunerals; #Naming; #NamingCeremony; #Naptuals; #Nepean; #NepeanCelebrant; #NepeanCelebrants; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #samesexmarriage; #sayingvows; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Tietheknot; #Venues; #Vow; #Vows; #vows; #wedding; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #weddingceremony; #WeddingPlanner; #weddingQuestions,; #WeddingSongs; #WesternSydney; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding

According to the attached article,  there have been just shy of 2500 same-sex marriages registered in Australia in the six months since marriage equality was legalised. http://junkee.com/marriage-equality-numbers/161455

 

 

Generally, Marriage in Australia is recognised by all 113 countries that are signatories to the Apostille Convention but an Apostille Seal from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), may be required.

The countries (states) are listed here

There may however be a complication in respect to recognition of your Marriages if you are of the same sex as marriage equality is currently (2018) only legal in 26 countries and so you should check with your country of residence as to legal status & recognition.

As of January 2018, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) fee for an Apostille and Authentication $81 but for up-to-date information on DFAT fees for an Apostille Seal, see the external link to DFAT: How much does it cost?

For more information, see:

• APOSTILLE SEAL: How much does it cost?. 
• APOSTILLE SEAL: What is an Apostille Seal?. 
• external link on The Hague Convention on Celebration and Recognition of the Validity of Marriages

An Apostille is simply the name for a specialised certificate, issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs that recognizes & authenticates documents such as birth, marriages, marital status, deaths certificates and other documents.

The word Apostille (pronounced “ah-po-steel”) derives from the Latin post illa and then French: a marginal note).

When obtained, the Apostille is attached to your original document to verify it is legitimate and authentic so it will be accepted in one of the other countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

It is an international certification under the international Apostille Convention, (Apostille) drafted by the Hague Conference on Private International Law. It is comparable to a notarisation or certification under domestic law. If the convention applies between two countries, an apostille is sufficient to certify a document’s validity, and removes the need for double-certification, by the originating country and then by the receiving country.

There are four types of documents mentioned in the convention:

• court documents
• administrative documents (e.g. civil status documents which will include Birth death & Marriage certificates)
• notarial acts
• official certificates which are placed on documents signed by persons in their private capacity, such as official certificates recording the registration of a document or the fact that it was in existence on a certain date and official and notarial authentications of signatures.

For more information, see:

• APOSTILLE SEAL: How much does it cost?. 
• APOSTILLE SEAL: What is an Apostille Seal?. 
• external link on The Hague Convention on Celebration and Recognition of the Validity of Marriages

#ALifeCelebrant; #Anniversary; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #BabiesatWeddings; #Birthday; #BlacktownCelebrant; #bride; #BrideandBride; #Burial; #Celebrant; #CelebrantinStMarys; #CelebrantStClair; Ceremonies4U; #CivilCelebrant; #Colyton; #ColytonCelebrant; #Commitment; #Congratulations; #Cremation; #dating; #ErskineParkCelebrant; #Eulogy #FamilyCelebrant; #Funeral; #FuneralCelebrant;  #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralHomes; #FuneralNotices; #GlenmoreParkCelebrant; #Grief; #IDo; #Groomand Groom;#Kemps Creek Wedding; #lifecelebrations; #lifeevents; #Lifeunion; #LiverpoolCelebrant; #Loss; #LouSzymkow; #LouTheCelebrant; #love; #LudwigSzymkow; #LudwigTheCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #MarriageEquality; #MinchinburyCelebrant; #MusicforFunerals; #Naming; #NamingCeremony; #Naptuals; #Nepean; #NepeanCelebrant; #NepeanCelebrants; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #samesexmarriage; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Tietheknot; #Venues; #Vow; #Vows; #Vows; #wedding; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #WeddingPlanner; #weddingQuestions, #WeddingSongs; #WesternSydney; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding;

You can include very young children in your Ceremony?

There are many ways children can be included in your Ceremony.

You will find this same, or an updated general version, of this information in Wedding Ideas on my web page, or click the link to go directly to the section on Children, but the following is about the very young.

Go to Children, if you are looking for ideas for more so for teenage children.

Read on if you are looking for ideas for including babies.

For your own children who are articulate and over 6 in particular, your including them in the ceremony can remove anxiety about the Ceremony, as they are of course, a very important part of your marriage and of the ‘new’ family it creates, so it is always preferable to include them in some way in the wedding ceremony.

Sp this section is about the very young and of course about the recognition of the partner in marriage as that partner will now also  be a partner in parenting.

Where a child is old enough to recognise his/her own name, inclusion for them  can be as simple as mentioning their names during key parts of the ceremony such as the vows, or including them in a unifying ritual.

The Celebrant can also mention and introduce them early in the Ceremony.

A child of that age will of course require:

• a carer/minder a
• a change of clothes
• nappies
• rest
• food/drink
• reassurance
• a retreat when needed
• lots of practice to provide confidence

The minder is very important as you will be busy with the Ceremony and so it is best you are not distracted.

The minder can have the change of clothes and other needs on hand and can offer reassurance and guidance.

Depending on ages and ability of a the young child, you can assign set tasks and responsibilities such as:

• Bridal escort (with minder)
• Junior Bridesmaid/Groomsman (with minder)
• Page boy (with minder)
• Flower girl/boy (with minder)
• Ring bearer/s (rings can be pinned to baby’s garment)
• Announcer (if of speaking age)
• and lots more….

It is really up to the imagination, but many choose ‘unity’ rituals which create inclusiveness.

With a baby though, it is also about parental inclusion, ie setting the base for family bonding and future parenting

Follow the links to find out more.

• Unity: Breaking Bread Ceremony
• Unity: Candle/s
• Unity – Candle Lighting. 
• Unity: Celtic Oathing Stone
• Unity: Circling
• Unity – Family Medallion ceremony. 
• Unity: Garland Ceremony or Lei Ceremony
• Unity – Hand Tree. 
• Unity – Jigsaw.. 
• Unity: Jumping The Broom
• Unity: Lasso Ceremony
• Unity: Rose Ceremony
• Unity – Rose petals. 
• Unity: Salt Ceremony
• Unity: Sand Ceremony
• Unity – Sand Ritual 
• Unity – Spices. 
• Unity – Stones, flowers & Objects. 
• Unity: Treasure Box, Time Capsule  or Wine Box
• Unity – Tree or garden planting. 
• Unity: Truce Bell
• Unity: Water Ceremony
• Unity: Wine Ceremony

If you are choosing to take on a new name, you may even wish to include a Naming Ceremony for your children (though an official Change of Name, would still have to be lodged with the Registry of Births Deaths and marriages – for more information on changing names, see NAME CHANGE IN NSW: How do I change my name in NSW after marriage?. )

You might enjoy this You Tube video:

 

#ALifeCelebrant; #Anniversary; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #BabiesatWeddings; #Birthday; #BlacktownCelebrant; #bride; #BrideandBride; #Burial; #Celebrant; #CelebrantinStMarys; #CelebrantStClair; Ceremonies4U; #CivilCelebrant; #Colyton; #ColytonCelebrant; #Commitment; #Congratulations; #Cremation; #dating; #ErskineParkCelebrant; #Eulogy #FamilyCelebrant; #Funeral; #FuneralCelebrant;  #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralHomes; #FuneralNotices; #GlenmoreParkCelebrant; #Grief; #IDo; #Groomand Groom;#Kemps Creek Wedding; #lifecelebrations; #lifeevents; #Lifeunion; #LiverpoolCelebrant; #Loss; #LouSzymkow; #LouTheCelebrant; #love; #LudwigSzymkow; #LudwigTheCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #MarriageEquality; #MinchinburyCelebrant; #MusicforFunerals; #Naming; #NamingCeremony; #Naptuals; #Nepean; #NepeanCelebrant; #NepeanCelebrants; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #samesexmarriage; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Tietheknot; #Venues; #Vow; #Vows; #Vows; #wedding; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #WeddingPlanner; #weddingQuestions, #WeddingSongs; #WesternSydney; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding;

A recently released fact sheet issued by the Attorney General’s department makes life much easier for couples who don’t wish to be restricted by gender.

It is now up to each party to decide which option they want to use to describe themselves.

See: Marriage equality: Questions and answers on sex and gender – May 2018 [PDF 858KB]

 

#ALifeCelebrant; #Anniversary; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #Birthday; #BlacktownCelebrant; #bride; #BrideandBride; #Burial; #Celebrant; #CelebrantinStMarys; #CelebrantStClair; Ceremonies4U; #CivilCelebrant; #Colyton; #ColytonCelebrant; #Commitment; #Congratulations; #Cremation; #dating; #ErskineParkCelebrant; #Eulogy #FamilyCelebrant; #Funeral; #FuneralCelebrant;  #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralHomes; #FuneralNotices; #GlenmoreParkCelebrant; #Grief; #IDo; #Groomand Groom;#Kemps Creek Wedding; #lifecelebrations; #lifeevents; #Lifeunion; #LiverpoolCelebrant; #Loss; #LouSzymkow; #LouTheCelebrant; #love; #LudwigSzymkow; #LudwigTheCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #MarriageEquality; #MinchinburyCelebrant; #MusicforFunerals; #Naming; #NamingCeremony; #Naptuals; #Nepean; #NepeanCelebrant; #NepeanCelebrants; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #samesexmarriage; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Tietheknot; #Venues; #Vow; #Vows; #Vows; #wedding; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #WeddingPlanner; #weddingQuestions, #WeddingSongs; #WesternSydney; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding;

A new Fact Sheet on Marriage Equality was issued today

• Marriage equality: Questions and answers on sex and gender – May 2018 [PDF 858KB]

This coincides with a Draft Revised Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Authorised Celebrants.  You can review the Draft Revised Guidelines here.

#ALifeCelebrant; #Anniversary; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #Birthday; #BlacktownCelebrant; #bride; #Burial; #Celebrant; #CelebrantinStMarys; #CelebrantStClair; Ceremonies4U; #CivilCelebrant; #Colyton; #ColytonCelebrant; #Commitment; #Congratulations; #Cremation; #dating; #ErskineParkCelebrant; #Eulogy #FamilyCelebrant; #Funeral; #FuneralCelebrant;  #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralHomes; #FuneralNotices; #GlenmoreParkCelebrant; #Grief; #IDo; #Kemps Creek Wedding; #lifecelebrations; #lifeevents; #Lifeunion; #LiverpoolCelebrant; #Loss; #LouSzymkow; #LouTheCelebrant; #love; #LudwigSzymkow; #LudwigTheCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #MarriageEquality; #MinchinburyCelebrant; #MusicforFunerals; #Naming; #NamingCeremony; #Naptuals; #Nepean; #NepeanCelebrant; #NepeanCelebrants; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #samesexmarriage; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Tietheknot; #Venues; #Vow; #Vows; #Vows; #wedding; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #WeddingPlanner; #weddingQuestions, #WeddingSongs; #WesternSydney; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding;

Music choices are often difficult and so I have tried to make it easier with lots of info on Wedding Songs tab.

You will even find a list of talented, unique musicians at Helpful People

When choosing a song or music for the most exciting walk toward your future, be sure the tempo is just right for your procession, skip or dance, down the aisle; and that the lyrics suit both your dreams and the occasion.

You might want something very traditional by like a Bridal Chorus, or something different like You Shook Me All Night Long, by AC-DC.

It is entirely your choice, your day.

• TIP: Check the length of the song to make certain it will not be too long or too short.

Some other bits of useful info at these links

• Wedding Poems & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• LINKS – Helpful People

#ALifeCelebrant; #Anniversary; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #Birthday; #BlacktownCelebrant; #bride; #Burial; #Celebrant; #CelebrantinStMarys; #CelebrantStClair; Ceremonies4U; #CivilCelebrant; #Colyton; #ColytonCelebrant; #Commitment; #Congratulations; #Cremation; #dating; #ErskineParkCelebrant; #Eulogy #FamilyCelebrant; #Funeral; #FuneralCelebrant;  #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralHomes; #FuneralNotices; #GlenmoreParkCelebrant; #Grief; #IDo; #Kemps Creek Wedding; #lifecelebrations; #lifeevents; #Lifeunion; #LiverpoolCelebrant; #Loss; #LouSzymkow; #LouTheCelebrant; #love; #LudwigSzymkow; #LudwigTheCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #MarriageEquality; #MinchinburyCelebrant; #MusicforFunerals; #Naming; #NamingCeremony; #Naptuals; #Nepean; #NepeanCelebrant; #NepeanCelebrants; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #samesexmarriage; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Tietheknot; #Venues; #Vow; #Vows; #Vows; #wedding; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #WeddingPlanner; #weddingQuestions, #WeddingSongs; #WesternSydney; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding;

The Dog’s Diary

8:00 am – Dog food! My favourite thing!
9:30 am – A car ride! My favourite thing!
9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favourite thing!
10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favourite thing!
12:00 pm – Milk bones! My favourite thing!
1:00 pm – Played in the yard! My favourite thing!
3:00 pm – Wagged my tail! My favourite thing!
5:00 pm – Dinner! My favourite thing!
7:00 pm – Got to play ball! My favourite thing!
8:00 pm – Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favourite thing!
11:00 pm – Sleeping on the bed! My favourite thing!

The Cat’s Diary

Day 983 of My Captivity

My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a “good little hunter” I am.

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of “allergies.” I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously a moron. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now…

You will approve the Ceremony script beforehand, but I will also guide you through the entire ceremony.

If you like we can have a full rehearsal on-site which might be important & helpful for larger ceremonies at a venue but usually a run through is sufficient for small ceronies.

If you are using a Ceremony Planner, the planner will coordinate activities outside and around the ceremony.

More questions answered on my webpage where you will find lots more interesting and useful information including:

• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Ideas
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS to very Helpful People
• Venues
• Naming & Baby Blessing Poetry & Readings
• Naming & Baby Blessings

 

 

Diamonds are graded by the 4 Cs which are:

1. Carat:    or weight, determines the size of the diamond.
2. Clarity: The fewer flaws, the greater the value. If you cannot see flaws with the naked eye, it’s called an eye-clean diamond.
3. Colour: A clear diamond is the rarest and has the highest grade of D. A yellow diamond will have the lowest grade of Z.
4. Cut:        The cut creates the sparkle and so impacts on the beauty of the diamond.

Another consideration is Shape: Not to be confused with ‘cut’ the shape identifies the overall appearance of the diamond, e.g. round, oval, teardrop etc. Round stones are the most common.

***

More questions answered on my webpage where you will find lots more interesting and useful information including:

• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Ideas
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS to very Helpful People
• Venues

#WeddingQuestions

#ALifeCelebrant; #Anniversary; #AustralianCelebrant; #AustralianWedding; #Birthday; #BlacktownCelebrant; #bride; #Burial; #Celebrant; #CelebrantinStMarys; #CelebrantStClair; #CivilCelebrant; #Colyton; #ColytonCelebrant; #Commitment; #Congratulations; #Cremation; #dating; #ErskineParkCelebrant; #Eulogy #FamilyCelebrant; #Funeral; #FuneralCelebrant;  #FuneralCelebrant; #FuneralHomes; #FuneralNotices; #GlenmoreParkCelebrant; #Grief; #IDo; #Kemps Creek Wedding; #Lifeunion; #LiverpoolCelebrant; #Loss; #LouSzymkow; #LouTheCelebrant; #love; #LudwigSzymkow; #LudwigTheCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #MarriageEquality; #MinchinburyCelebrant; #MusicforFunerals; #Naming; #NamingCeremony; #Naptuals; #Nepean; #NepeanCelebrant; #NepeanCelebrants; #PenrithCelebrant; #relationship; #rings; #samesexmarriage; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #TheVow; #TheWeddingExpert; #Tietheknot; #Venues; #Vow; #Vows; #Vows; #wedding; #Wedding; #WeddingCelebrant; #WeddingPlanner; #weddingQuestions, #WeddingSongs; #WesternSydney; #WesternSydneyCelebrant; #WesternSydneyWedding;

Dad’s Prayer

by © Lou Szymkow, April 2018

I dreamed of you before you arrived in our lives
I learned what a miracle is, when you your born
I thank God every day that you are with us
And look forward to every moment we spend together
You are my flesh
You are my blood
You are my life
I will love you always as I do today
And I pray that God will always guide me as a parent and that
God will protect and guide as you grow from the wonderful child that you are
To the man that you will be

Amen

There are many aspects of course but key among them all is communication, or rather the ability to transfer information by speech, written text, or other means in a manner that is at the ability of the listener to absorb and understand.

The message however can get lost when there are distractions.

When we speak, we sometimes punctuate sentences with distracting ‘punctuations’ or interjections such as ‘uhm’, ‘arh’, ‘aha’, ‘like’, ‘yeah’, ‘eh?’ and words or phrases such as ‘you know’, ‘You know what I mean’, or ‘yes, no’.

“This is the reason and explanation, like, yeah, you know.(?)”

These discourse markers, sounds, grunts or filler words, become an expression (by the speaker) of self-doubt, uncertainty, hesitation, deliberation, interest, disinterest etc. and though sometimes used as reaffirmations, can still be very distracting.

The recurrent use, removes confidence in the message.

The listener is given doubt as to the validity of the message because the speaker has demonstrated similar doubts.

To clarify, the interjection “You Know” is often used by people (including trainers) offering explanations.

“This is the reason and explanation, you know.(?)”

Simply put, if I knew, I would not need the lesson, or to listen.

When a raised intonation, is used, the statement “you know”, becomes a question: You know? Presumably the speaker means “Do you understand?”, but if the speaker, in answering a question, is compelled by thought or habit, to ask the question repeatedly, then it is apparent that the speaker is uncertain that a full and correct answer has yet been given and so goes on without waiting for an answer to repeat “You know?/Do you understand?”, and moments later will repeat again “You know? often with greater frequency.

Distracted by the frequent repetition of the interjection “you know” by a speaker, I resorted to simply marking a count in the margin of my notes. This actually enabled me to block out the extraneous words and just focus on the actual message rather than be distracted by the repetition of the phrase.

When reviewing my notes, I saw the count in my margins and was surprised to find that on every page of my notes there were 12-20 marks so that over a 1 hour period, the speaker used the phrase “You know” 20 times every 10 minutes (twice a minute) so over an hour period, on average, used the phrase up to 120 times.

If you are a public speaker or trainer, get rid of the phrase/interjection/question ‘You know”; discard the  discourse markers, and ensure the message is delivered confidently, so that the listener will actually know what you mean.…You know.

To be married in Australia, You need to show to the Celebrant, the originals of:

1. evidence of date and place of birth
2. evidence to establish the identities of the parties to the marriage
3. if previously married, evidence of divorce or death of previous spouse

4.4 Evidence Of Date And Place Of Birth

Each party to a marriage must give their authorised celebrant evidence of their date and place of birth before a marriage is solemnised. (see Paragraph 42(1)(b) of the Marriage Act).

The following documents only are acceptable as evidence of a party’s date and place of birth:

• an official (original) certificate of birth, or an official extract of an entry in an official register showing the date and place of birth of the party, (Subparagraph 42(1)(b)(i) of the Marriage Act) or
• a statutory declaration from the party or the party’s parent stating: (Subparagraph 42(1)(b)(ii) of the Marriage Act).
  • it is impracticable (this does not mean not practical or convenient; it means impossible) to obtain an official birth certificate or extract, and the reasons why, and
  • to the best of the declarant’s knowledge and belief and as accurately as the declarant has been able to ascertain, when and where the party was born, or
• a passport issued by the Australian government or a government of an overseas country showing the date and place of birth of the party. (see Subparagraphs 42(1)(b)(iii)&(iv) of the Marriage Act).

4.6 Establishing The Identities Of The Parties To The Marriage

An authorised celebrant shall not solemnise a marriage unless satisfied that the parties are the parties referred to in the NOIM.(see Subsection 42(8) of the Marriage Act).

This requirement is separate from, and additional to, the requirement that each party to a marriage must give their authorised celebrant evidence of their date and place of birth before a marriage is solemnised.

An authorised celebrant should require each party to a marriage to provide at least one of the following documents with photo identification as evidence of their identity:

• a driver’s licence
• a proof of age/photo card
• an Australian or overseas passport, or
• a Certificate of Australian Citizenship along with another form of photographic evidence (such as a student card or other photo identification not listed above).

An expired passport is acceptable as evidence of date and place of birth. However, a cancelled passport is not acceptable.

This is because a cancelled passport is a passport that has been reported as lost or stolen and is permanently cancelled by border control authorities in Australia or abroad.

If an overseas passport does not show the place of birth of the party, then it cannot be used as evidence of the party’s place of birth and celebrants should request the party to produce either a birth certificate or statutory declaration as appropriate.

How your previous marriage was terminated

Item 17 of the NOIM requires the parties to state how their last marriage was terminated, if they have previously been married. The options that may be listed in item 17 of the NOIM are:

• death
• divorce, or
• Nullity

If a party has indicated on the NOIM that they were previously married (item five), and this marriage was terminated through death, divorce or nullity (item 17), they must produce evidence of the termination of their previous marriage to the authorised celebrant. This evidence must be produced to the authorised celebrant prior to the marriage being solemnised.

A large section of the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants – July 2014, immediately after the section on ‘consent’ and running from pages 99 to 103, is the section on Marriageable Age.

I have included just a few short extracts here but if interested, let me know and I will send you the  full text in pages 99 to 103 of the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants – July 2014

Significantly, the Celebrant must always remember to carefully check the age of both parties on their birth certificates ensuring that:

• at least one party is over 18, as two people under the age of 18 cannot marry under any circumstances.
• the required court order and consents have been obtained by the party.

8.7 MARRIAGEABLE AGE IN AUSTRALIA

The marriageable age in Australia is 18 years for both males and females. (see Section 11 of the Marriage Act)

A person under the age of 16 cannot marry under any circumstances.

Two people under the age of 18 cannot marry under any circumstances.

It is an offence for a person to solemnise, or purport to solemnise, a marriage if the person has reason to believe that one or both of the parties are not of marriageable age.

The authorised celebrant must therefore carefully check the age of both parties from their birth certificates or extracts.

It is also an offence for a person to go through a form of ceremony of marriage with a person who is not of marriageable age. (see Section 95 of the Marriage Act)

For further information on offences, please refer to Part 11 of the Guidelines.

Where one of the parties to a marriage is not of marriageable age, the marriage is void unless the required orders and consents have been obtained (see pages 99 to 103 of the Guidelines).\

**

8.8 The requirements for marriage of a minor – that is, when one party is aged 16-18 years

the minimum requirements

The two minimum requirements under which a person aged between 16 and 18 years may marry a person over the age of 18 are:

(i) a judge or magistrate has made an order authorising the person to marry a particular person of marriageable age (over 18 years), and

(ii) the required consents (usually parental) have been given to the marriage.

**

How can an authorised celebrant ensure they are not marrying a couple when one party is not of marriageable age?

Authorised celebrants can take the following steps to ensure they are not solemnising a marriage where one party is not of marriageable age:

• carefully check the age of both parties on their birth certificates
• remember the Marriage Act does not permit, under any circumstances, a marriage where both parties are under marriageable age, and
• only marry a couple where one party is aged 16 to 18 years if the required court order and consents have been obtained by the party.

 

RECORDS: What records must an authorised celebrant keep?

RECORDS: What date should an authorised celebrant record on the record keeping form, for the Form 15 (decorative) certificate of marriage?

RECORDS: What should an authorised celebrant do if Form 15 (decorative) certificates of marriage are lost or stolen?

RECORDS: What is the purpose of authorised celebrants recording what happens to each Form 15 (decorative) certificate of marriage issued to the Celebrant?

RECORDS: What date should an authorised celebrant record on the record keeping form, for the Form 15 (decorative) certificate of marriage?

The date to be recorded is the date the authorised celebrant used the certificate in any way.

This includes:

• completing the certificate and giving the certificate to a marrying couple at their wedding – in which case the authorised celebrant records the names of the parties to the wedding and the date it was given to them
• if the certificate was spoiled and had to be destroyed – for example by spilling something on it – the authorised celebrant records that they destroyed it and why and the date on which it was destroyed, and
• if the authorised celebrant provided the certificate to another celebrant – the authorised celebrant providing the certificate records the other celebrant’s name and registration number and the date on which it was provided to the other celebrant.

RECORDS: What is the purpose of authorised celebrants recording what happens to each Form 15 (decorative) certificate of marriage issued to the Celebrant?

Authorised celebrants must ensure they have a complete record of what happens to each Form 15 (decorative) certificate of marriage issued to the Celebrant.

Each marriage certificate issued to an authorised celebrant and then to a couple after 1 September 2005 is traceable.

The supplier keeps a record of which numbers are supplied to each authorised celebrant and provides these to the Attorney General’s department.

The authorised celebrant keeps a record of what happens to each certificate and who it is given to.

This process ensures the authenticity of each certificate can be verified.

RECORDS: What records must an authorised celebrant keep?

Authorised celebrants record the same marriage rites for each marriage on both the NOIM and the Form 15 (Decorative Certificate) and Form 16 (for Registration and Celebrant Copy) marriage certificates but for what records does an authorised celebrant keep.

We find the information under section 6.5, on Pages 85 & 86, of the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants – July 2014.

6.5 The Records An Authorised Celebrant Must Keep For The Form 15 Marriage Certificate (Record Of Use Form)

Authorised celebrants must record:

• the number of each Form 15 certificate of marriage they are issued with,
• what happens to the certificate and
• the date on which they use it.

There is a record keeping form supplied with each set of Form 15 (decorative) certificates of marriage that the Celebrant purchases but the form can also be downloaded from the Attorney-General’s Department website.

Authorised celebrants must record the following details on the record keeping form:

• their name and registration number
• the serial number on the certificate
• the date they used the certificate, and
• how the certificate was used (see following section).

RECORDS: What should an authorised celebrant do if Form 15 (decorative) certificates of marriage are lost or stolen?

If Form 15 certificates of marriage issued to an authorised celebrant are lost or stolen the authorised celebrant must do two things:

1. record how many were lost or stolen – on the record keeping form if they still have it, and
2. notify the department immediately.

---

If this question didn’t interest you, there are 260 More questions answered on my webpage where you will find lots more interesting and useful information including:

• Poetry & Readings
• Wedding Questions & Answers (over 200)
• Wedding Songs
• Weddings Ideas
• Funerals – Questions and Answers
• Music for Funerals & Memorials
• LINKS to very Helpful People
• Venues

 

 +61 (0) 457 00 1922    lou@alifecelebrant.com.au

      

        

#Congratulations; #Naming; #Celebrant; #celebrant; #Birthday; #Nepean_Celebrant; #Wedding; #NamingCeremony; #Congratulations; #ALifeCelebrant; #LouSzymkow; #WesternSydney; #AustralianCelebrant; #Celebrant; #WeddingCelebrant; #FuneralCelebrant; #samesexmarriage; #NepeanCelebrant; #wedding; #bride; #FuneralCelebrant; #FamilyCelebrant; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #PenrithCelebrant; #Funeral’; #FuneralCelebrant, #Nepean; #CelebrantinStMarys; #NepeanCelebrant; #Wedding; #NamingCeremony; #Naming; #CelebrantStClair; #CivilCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #FamilyCelebrant; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #PenrithCelebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #Venues; #TheWeddingExpert; #WeddingSongs; #MusicforFunerals; #ShorteningOfTime

 

Have been researching some rituals and readings online and am continually surprised (though shouldn’t be by now), at the number of poems and readings that are attributed incorrectly, or have no author listed at all when with a simple web search, the author can usually be found quickly.

One reading that is recurrent on the list is the Apache Wedding Blessing.

It goes by different names and is often portrayed as being genuinely Native American but is actually from the 1947 novel Blood Brothers written by Elliot Arnold. It was also used in the 1950 movie, Broken Arrow, which was based on his book, but New Yorker, Elliot Arnold was not a Native American and so it is definitely not a traditional Native American blessing.

The next is Desiderata. You don’t hear it very often anymore but was very popular in the 1970’s and is still read at funerals. Promoted as being found in the basement of an ancient church and written by a Monk in 1692, was actually written in 1927 by American writer Max Ehrmann.

Both are nonetheless, excellent works.

Today though I was searching for a Polish wedding blessing and realised almost all of the supposed traditional Polish blessings I found on the web, were actually traditional Irish Blessings. Ireland does have a very large Polish presence but the Patron Saint of Poland is St Stanislaw, not St Patrick and I got quite a laugh picturing a toast to Guinness being made with a Vodka and I have difficulty enough speaking Polish, let alone with an Irish accent.

 

      

        

#Congratulations; #Naming; #Celebrant; #celebrant; #Birthday; #Nepean_Celebrant; #Wedding; #NamingCeremony; #Congratulations; #ALifeCelebrant; #LouSzymkow; #WesternSydney; #AustralianCelebrant; #Celebrant; #WeddingCelebrant; #FuneralCelebrant; #samesexmarriage; #NepeanCelebrant; #wedding; #bride; #FuneralCelebrant; #FamilyCelebrant; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #PenrithCelebrant; #Funeral’; #FuneralCelebrant, #Nepean; #CelebrantinStMarys; #NepeanCelebrant; #Wedding; #NamingCeremony; #Naming; #CelebrantStClair; #CivilCelebrant; #marriagecelebrant; #FamilyCelebrant; #StClairCelebrant; #StMarys Celebrant; #PenrithCelebrant; #SydneyCelebrant; #Venues; #TheWeddingExpert; #WeddingSongs; #MusicforFunerals; #ShorteningOfTime; #copyright

 

 

Today I went to a store ready to make a $50 purchase but was so bombarded with noise from in-store announcements, a running on-screen add and loud music, that I could not concentrate on reading the product info to ensure I had the right item. Frustrated and annoyed, I walked out of that store and went to a competitor to make my purchase.

Retailers have known since the 1950’s that a relaxed and confident customer buys more, and that the decision to choose a product and to then purchase that product has an emotion response attached.

All that however seems to have been forgotten with three now common, but still absurd mistakes retailers make:

1. PRODUCT DISPLACEMENT

• Intent: This is where they move a product to another shelf or location so that the customer will search around and maybe impulse buy additional products
• Result: Can’t find the product, Customer leaves and goes another store.

2. CASH REGISTER PLACED AT CENTRE OF STORE

• Intent: Reduced staff, added security and so that the customer has less distance to the cash register and so is likely to buy more
• Result: The confused & frustrated customer cannot find the seemingly hidden cash register and so leaves the store either without the purchase or without paying for the item.

3. LOUD AND COMPETING MUSIC/SOUNDS

• Intent: Relax and entertain the customer to encourage a longer stay and increased purchases.
• Result: overwhelming and sometimes offensive noise resulting in the customer leaving without making a purchase, and worse still, not likely to return

Relationships are based on trust, so it is always best to be truthful if you want your marriage to succeed, but as for the law, to answer your question, let’s look at the offences listed in section 11.3 OFFENCES RELEVANT TO COUPLES, from page 112 Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants – July 2014.

• Section 94 (bigamy) – it is an offence for a person to marry a person while still married to some other person.
  • The penalty for contravention of section 94 is imprisonment for five years.

• Section 95 – provides that it is an offence to go through a form or ceremony of marriage with a person who is not of marriageable age (unless all requirements concerning consents and judicial order are met).
  • The penalty for contravention of section 95 is imprisonment for five years.

• Section 103 – provides that it is an offence for a person to go through a form or ceremony of marriage with another person knowing that the person solemnising the marriage is not authorised to do so, and having reason to believe that the other party to the marriage believes the person solemnising the marriage is authorised.
  • The penalty for contravention of section 103 is $500 or imprisonment for six months.

• Section 104 – provides that it is an offence for a person to:
  • give a NOIM under section 42 or the declaration required under section 42 or
    • sign such notices after they have been given if,
  • to the knowledge of that person, the notice contains a false statement or error or is defective.

• The penalty for contravention of section 104 is $500 or imprisonment for six months.

DAVE LOEW is an International cellist with an incredible spanning forty year and includes his performing in Australia and Britain with his albums selling  around the world.

DAVE has played the cello (which became a lifelong love and passion) from the age of six in one of the world’s toughest industries, that of a solo performer on commercial records. His many genres of music are drawn from his exotic family legacy of classical, jazz and dance artists. Dave’s formative ‘cello days were spent in Kenya, his birthplace near the Serengeti plains and the vibrant sounds of animal wildlife, both his parents were show business star personalities in London’s West End,who had migrated from a blitzed wartime London to start a new life in Nairobi.

DAVE has worked with many top London ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra where Andre Previn acclaimed his solo playing for Previn’s world premiere of the musical Every Good Boy. He has also played in numerous, famous recording studios such as Abbey Road ,on major classical and pop albums over the years working with legends such as Elton John, Cliff Richard, Petula Clark, David Essex and opera stars such as Pavarotti, Sutherland and Caballe. He has also played solo ‘cello for shows in the West End and Australia, such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats and Song and Dance , for which he was lauded for his solo playing. Extensive playing was also part of Dave’s kaleidoscope of experience working for film moguls such as John Williams, Jerry Goldsmith, Henry Mancini and Roy Budd on such iconic movies as the original Superman, The Omen, Victor Victoria, James Bond, The 39 Steps, and many more.

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There is a Case Study in the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants – July 2014 that matches your situation.

It is Case Study One under section 4.12 Case Studies In The Correct Use Of Documents –

The scenario is that an authorised celebrant is approached by a prospective bride who uses the name Jane Brown.

An authorised celebrant is approached by a prospective bride who uses the name Jane Brown.

She was born Jane Smith and was previously married to Tim Brown.

She changed her name by usage to Jane Brown following that marriage.

She was divorced from Tim Brown and has the following documents:

1. a birth certificate (issued by NSW BDM) which records her name as Jane Smith
2. a BDM issued marriage certificate which also records her name as Jane Smith
3. a Federal Magistrates Court issued Certificate of Divorce for her marriage to, and subsequent divorce from, Tim Brown which records her name as Jane Brown, and
4. a driver’s licence which records her name as Jane Brown.

For the purposes of section 42 of the Marriage Act, an authorised celebrant needs to see all of these documents to establish Jane’s correct name for use on the marriage documents and to fulfill all the other responsibilities under section 42 as follows:

A) Proof of date and place of birth (subsection 42(2)) – the authorised celebrant must use the BDM issued birth certificate.

B) Proof of identity (subsection 42(8)) – the authorised celebrant needs to use the full chain of documents listed above.

• The BDM issued birth certificate, the BDM issued marriage certificate and the Court issued divorce certificate taken together establish the clear link in the name change from Jane Smith to Jane Brown.
• This chain of documents allows the authorised celebrant to record the name Jane Brown instead of Jane Smith (as recorded on the birth certificate) on the NOIM.
• The driver’s licence, which has a photograph of Jane, establishes that Jane Brown is the same person as the person referred to in the documents.
• Together all these documents establish her identity.

C) Evidence of the end of the previous marriage (subsection 42(10)) – the Court issued divorce certificate establishes conclusively the end of the previous marriage and so fulfils the requirement under subsection 42(10).

Remember – the authorised celebrant must see all the original documents prior to the marriage ceremony.

In addition, as Jane changed her name only by marriage, she is free to revert to her maiden name and so, as she has proved her identity, she can use either her birth name or former married name on her new NOIM.

**

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The short answer is Three.

The detailed answer follows and an explanation can be found in section 6 THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES (page 82) of the Guidelines on the Marriage Act 1961 for Marriage Celebrants – July 2014.

Section 50 of the Marriage Act 1961 (Cth) requires the authorised celebrant to prepare and sign the following three marriage certificates for each marriage he or she solemnises:

3. the Form 16 official certificate of marriage, which is sent to the relevant BDM for registration purposes (discussed further in Part 6.1 of these Guidelines)
4. the second Form 16 official certificate of marriage kept by the authorised celebrant or the church (discussed further in Part 6.2 of the Guidelines), and
5. the Form 15 certificate of marriage, which is given to the parties (discussed further in Part 6.4 of the Guidelines).

Each of these certificates is regarded as evidence of the marriage an authorised celebrant must take the utmost care in preparing them and so the couple, witness and Celebrant must all take care signing them.

Subsection 45(3) of the Marriage Act states that a certificate of marriage prepared and signed in accordance with section 50 is conclusive evidence that the marriage was solemnised in accordance with that section.

It will be necessary for authorised celebrants to prepare all three certificates before the ceremony.

No other certificates that include the words ‘marriage certificate’ or contain the Commonwealth Coat of Arms can be issued.

A replacement certificate cannot be issued in case of damage or loss.

Other souvenirs that do not purport to be a marriage certificate are acceptable, such as a framed copy of the vows, or a copy of the ceremony.

Please note that some Births, Deaths & Marriages Registries, issue commemorative certificates to couples, however these are not official certificates of marriage.

If the ceremony does not take place, the celebrant still has some work to do. The Celebrant must:

• destroy the certificate for the parties (Form 15) and
• record the details on the record keeping sheet.
• destroy the registration copy (Form 16)  and
• mark the the butt of the registration copy as ‘cancelled’, and
• mark the entry in the register (second official certificate) as ‘cancelled’.

The word ‘Monitum’ means caution or forewarning.

From 9^th December 2017, the monitum the new/current Monitum, or warning about the importance of what is about to occur, by way of the definition of marriage, is to be said by the Celebrant:

I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.

Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

The history is that in Australia, before 2004, the Marriage Act 1961, required celebrants explain the legal nature of marriage to a couple as “the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”,

On 27 May 2004 the then federal attorney-general Philip Ruddock introduced the Marriage Amendment Bill 2004 to incorporate a definition of marriage into the Marriage Act 1961, being:

 “marriage means the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life”

This definition is known as the Monitum.

That definition however changed with the Marriage Amendment (Definition and Religious Freedoms) Act 2017, which amended the Marriage Act 1961 to provide for marriage equality.

The right to marry in Australia is now not determined by sex or gender.

The vows and monitum changed to reflect the new definition of marriage as:

‘the union of 2 people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life’.

Under current law, all authorised celebrants (other than ministers of religion belonging to a recognised denomination) are required to include a statement (the ‘monitum’) explaining the nature of the marriage relationship in all marriage ceremonies they perform (section 46 of the Marriage Act).

There is of course quite a difference between a minister of religion who is part of a religious institution and a religious marriage celebrant who is an authorised celebrant but who has elected, on religious grounds, to be registered as such.

Under section 47A of the Marriage Act, a religious marriage celebrant may refuse to solemnise a marriage if the celebrant’s religious beliefs do not allow the celebrant to solemnise the marriage but if a ceremony takes place, from 9 December 2017, all authorised marriage celebrants, including religious marriage celebrants, are nonetheless required to state the new legal definition of marriage as part of a marriage ceremony.

From 9 December 2017, the monitum changed to reflect the new/current definition of marriage:

I am duly authorised by law to solemnise marriages according to law.

Before you are joined in marriage in my presence and in the presence of these witnesses, I am to remind you of the solemn and binding nature of the relationship into which you are now about to enter.

Marriage, according to law in Australia, is the union of two people to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.

If an authorised Celebrant fails to solemnise a marriage in compliance with section 44, 45, 46 and 48 of the Marriage Act it may result in a void marriage (45 being the vows).

It is an offence under section 100 of the Marriage Act for a person to solemnise a marriage if they have reason to believe the marriage would be void.

So, put simply, if the current Monitum is not stated, the marriage may be void and the Celebrant open to prosecution.

• https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2011C00192
• https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2017A00129
• https://www.ag.gov.au/FamiliesAndMarriage/Marriage/Documents/Fact-sheet-Protections-for-ministers-of-religion-and-marriage-celebrants-with-religious-beliefs.pdf
• https://www.ag.gov.au/FamiliesAndMarriage/Marriage/Documents/Fact-Sheet-Changes-to-marriage-ceremony-requirements.pdf

 

Yes.

As long as the requirements of subsection 42(2) of the Marriage Act (i.e. completed NOIM signed by each of the parties and properly witnessed) have been met, I, as your Authorised Celebrant, can receive your NOIM (Notice of Intended Marriage) via email, no matter my location, in or outside of Australia.

However, please be aware that the following essential conditions must be met:

• The original identification documents must be sighted by me as the Celebrant before the marriage ceremony can take place.
• The NOIM must be submitted no earlier than 18 months before, and no later than one month before (unless of course, a shortening of time is granted by a Prescribed Authority),  your Ceremony

The marriage ceremony cannot take place unless these essential conditions are satisfied.

Basically, there is no provision in either the Marriage Act 1961 or Marriage Regulations 2017 that prohibits charging a fee but it is important that marriage celebrants avoid both actual and potential conflicts of interest and benefits to business, so that they can properly fulfill their duties as a marriage celebrant.

The object of having the two witnesses is:

• their evidence will be available to establish the identity of the parties or
• they can testify as to the circumstances in which the ceremony was performed.

It is therefore desirable that the witnesses know the parties to the marriage and so, arranging for the attendance of witnesses at the marriage ceremony is the responsibility of the parties to the marriage.

This of course means that the authorised celebrant is not responsible for providing witnesses and should be cautious if such a request is received from the parties.

However the question is “Can a Celebrant charge for the service of procuring witnesses to a marriage?” and so to explain my comments above, here is firstly what the Guidelines indicate: 5.8 WITNESSES

Under section 44 of the Marriage Act, a marriage may not be solemnised unless at least two persons are present at the ceremony who are, or appear to the person solemnising the marriage to be, over the age of 18 years.

These are the persons who will sign the marriage certificates in their capacity as the witnesses to the marriage.

When completing the marriage certificates the witnesses to the marriage should record their names in full, including any middle names.

The object of requiring the attendance of witnesses is that:

• their evidence will be available to establish the identity of the parties or
• to testify as to the circumstances in which the ceremony was performed.

It is therefore desirable that the witnesses know the parties to the marriage.

Arranging for the attendance of witnesses at the marriage ceremony is the responsibility of the parties to the marriage.

The authorised celebrant is not responsible for providing witnesses and should be cautious if such a request is received from the parties.

Now, secondly, onto the further explanation.

The Guidelines in essence, indicate that if the couple has asked the celebrant to help find ‘impromptu’ witnesses to their marriage, there is no provision in either the Marriage Act 1961 or Marriage Regulations 2017 that prohibits this however the following the points should be considered:

• In cases, such as those travelling from overseas who do not have witnesses available, it remains the responsibility of the couple to arrange witnesses as it is desirable that the couple know the witnesses as the evidence of witnesses may be critical in establishing the identity of the parties or testifying as to the circumstances in which the ceremony was performed.
• The persons signing the marriage certificates must be, or appear to be, over the age of 18 (section 44 of the Marriage Act).
• The Celebrant charging a fee to the wedding party to provide witnesses could be seen as a potential conflict of interest and a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant must avoid a conflict of interest between their work as a celebrant and their other business interests and other interests (paragraph 39C(2)(e) of the Act).
• It is important that marriage celebrants avoid both actual and potential conflicts of interest and benefits to business, so that they can properly fulfill their duties as a marriage celebrant.
• A marriage celebrant who provides additional non-celebrancy services to a couple they are marrying may find it difficult to refuse to perform the ceremony on the day (such as when a party cannot give real consent, or another legal requirement cannot be met) and so it is essential that the Celebrant provide couples with a choice about whether or not to purchase additional services which will include agreement up front with couples as to what arrangements will be followed if a legal impediment meant the marriage could not be solemnised on the planned wedding day.

Finally, in summary, the answer is yes, a  Celebrant can charge for the service of procuring witnesses to a marriage but has to be certain that the object & purpose of the witnesses is satisfied and that there is no conflict of interest.