I'd love to share my story… only because, I’m sure all of our stories are unique and worth sharing.

I feel this is one story certainly worth sharing.

Tuesday January 1st, 2019 is a day I will never forget. Five minutes into a two hour family train trip, my daughter, Amy and her fiance, Connor presented me with a pink and white coffee mug.

On the front were the words “Father of the Bride”.

On the back was a poem:

Dear Dad,

       I love you more than words can say,
       & I need your help on my big day,
       Please guide me then give me away,
       Then bind us ‘till we’re old and grey,
       & teach us to live with love always.

Amy pointed out the second last line: ‘You know what that means don’t you Dad’

I hesitated. ‘Um, you want me to perform some sort of handfasting ritual at your wedding?’

‘No Dad. We want you to marry us.’

‘What? Is that a even a thing?’ This was totally unexpected and overwhelming.

Amy could see my eyes welling, she smiled and hugged me close as the tears streamed down my cheeks, ‘It is now Dad Dad’. I just melt when she calls me Dad Dad.

Amy pulled away. Although my eyes were bleary, I could make out she was crying too. Then Connor began to cry. Even the lady in the seat behind us began to cry.

Amy explained: ‘You don’t need to be a marriage celebrant, as long as there’s one there and they say the legal stuff, you can still conduct the ceremony.’

I wiped my cheeks with my sleeve and thought quietly for maybe a whole second. ‘No, I don’t want to do this.’

Amy’s tears changed from joy to grief, her bottom lip quivered, ‘Why Dad? Connor and I couldn’t think of anyone else we’d rather have marry us.’

I could feel my tears welling once more as I spoke, ‘That’s why I’m going to do this properly. I’m going to become a marriage celebrant, it’ll be my wedding gift to you both’.

And then the water works really started to pour, including the lady sitting behind us.

After 12 months of incredibly challenging course modules and gruelling exams, I’m finally a registered marriage celebrant. Phew! 

I’ve been married to my beautiful and inspiring wife, Alison for over 30 years. We have two other amazing children and one magical grandchild.

I love a good story, love stories especially, and I can't wait to hear yours.