IvyWed Weddings by Nicole Blyth

Handfasting is a term that originally is believed to come from pre christian Celtic times.

Back then, there were villages and towns, but a large portion of the population lived out in the countryside, and were known as 'paganus' (latin) translated loosely along the lines of 'country dweller' or 'rustic'. In those times a chieftain or wise man would perform the ceremonies associated with 'marriage', and a potential couple would come together and have their hands bound (handfasted) together - they would be considered 'bound' for a period of a year, when they would again make the choice if they wanted to stay coupled or go seperate ways.

In modern era, people have handfasting rituals as part of weddings for many reasons. If performed after the saying of the vows, it can be a meaningful tool to symbolise your commitment to each other. The knot stays tied, then the cord can be hung in the home as a daily reminder of your love.

Absolutely, Yes! as long as the space or venue can accomodate it.

Depending on the number of guests, gardens are the best option for circles, but they can still be done inside sometimes. Especially in the event of wet weather.

Rather than having guests be seated or stand in the usual way and watch the ceremony, some couples now choose to hold a circle ceremony as a way of making their guests feel more included.

There are several ways of holding Circle Ceremonies, the most common is where the couple stand in the centre of a circle that has been set out on the ground. I usually lay out a white cord that I keep specially for weddings, and place flowers, crystals, feathers or some other items around to decorate the space - no two circles look the same because it is designed in keeping with my clients.

Another option is to have the guests form the circle. Again I lay out the circle as a guideline and the guest place themselves all the way around, with the couple on the inside. It gives guests unique views and photo opportunity, however it includes people, because no one is 'at the back'

There are other options for circle ceremonies, I'm happy to suggest them.

No!

I have been a celebrant for 13 years now, and have done ceremonies for clients from every walk of life, with all different faiths, including atheists who want no spirituality at all. And it's never been a problem.

I have found that the MOST important thing to look for when choosing a celebrant, is that they will honour and respect you and your beliefs - even if you don't have any, or their views may differ from your own. 

My views and opinions come from my experiences in life, as do yours. My role as a celebrant is to bring together the best wedding ceremony I can to give you that time to celebrate as a couple with your family and loved ones, one that reflects you as a couple and as individuals. 

I take that responsibility very seriously.

Yes. I have done many ceremonies all over Victoria, and loved every minute of it.

I will sit down with a couple and discuss where the location is and make sure I have nothing else booked that weekend if it a long distance from Melbourne. In the past, I make a weekend of it, and enjoy not only the wedding but explore the surroundings.

Travel and accomodation need to be factored in, so costs will vary from a Melbourne wedding, however I try to keep extra costs to a minimum, and it will be decided on before you agree to book me.