Marie & Anton ~ 22nd May 2016
While Marie and Anton's wedding was of course about the love and connection they share, their ceremony was also all about family and their commitment to spend their life together as part of a strong and loving family unit.
Venue: Paxton Wines
Videographer: Vu Phan Productions
Photographer: Kristy Billing Photography
When I first met with Marie and Anton I could tell that their wedding was not just about them, it was also about their families and acknowledging everything they have been through together. Since they met this couple has come through many highs and many lows, and built an incredibly strong bond and connection through it all.
"In asking me to marry him, Anton was not only asking to be my family, but asking to be Blake's father figure and it was him accepting me with all my faults..."
In the week leading up to the wedding all eyes were on the weather report and the forecast for rain and windy conditions. Despite the bleak forecast all plans still pushed forward for the morning, outdoor ceremony at beautiful Paxton Wines, and with the views, why would you want to be inside??
Walking through the Reception space I could see all the hard work that Marie and Anton had put in to putting their wedding together. There were a number of personal touches from the lolly bar, to the seating chart, and the decorations.
Outside the aisle was lined with lanterns hanging from shepherds hooks, leading to an arbour dressed with beautiful roses. While it was windy, it looked like the rain would hold out long enough for us to get through the ceremony!
Marie and Anton chose to have an unplugged ceremony, asking their guests to put away their phones and devices and be completely present with them and enjoy the ceremony. As Marie arrived the ceremony began in a very special and very unique way.
One of the things that Marie loves about Anton is his music, and she asked that he be the one to sing as she came down the aisle. Marie came down the aisle to her groom singing Paul McCartney and John Lennon's 'Blackbird', and was escorted by her son, her brother, and her father.
The ceremony shared the story of how Marie and Anton met, and how they managed to somehow come together even though Marie didn't really notice Anton on their first meeting, and almost burnt her on their second meeting! As they got to know each other their feelings deepened quickly and it wasn't long before they knew they were in love.
'You have learnt, and continue to learn from each other every day.
You now know each other as best friend, your rock, your support, your safety net, your strength…
While you share many interests, such as food, watching horror movies, spending time with Blake, and most recently hunting for a bargain at local garage sales, you also balance each other out and empower each other to be strong and unique individuals with your own path’s, own dreams, own loves, and own interests.
This lays a strong foundation for a long and happy marriage.'
Marie and Anton put great care and consideration in to writing their vows, and chose to keep what they had written a secret from each other until the day. Their love for each other was undeniable in the way they spoke their vows, and as Marie listened to Anton talk her tears began.
"Marie, you are the most amazing woman I’ve ever met.
You are kind and caring. With one smile you brighten my day.
You amaze me with your strength and courage to overcome sometimes impossible situations.
But you still find the time to do whatever you can to help anyone.
And that’s what I love about you, that’s your ability, even though overcome with your own stress’s in life, you are willing to take the time to help others and put other peoples situations before your own.
You are beautiful inside and out..."
"...I promise to cherish, honour and love you, all the days of my life… especially when curled up on the couch stuffing our face with delicious fatty food.
I promise to always be right, especially when you’re the one that is actually right.
I look forward to standing with you by my side as we embark on this roller coaster of ride called life, together.
I know our marriage will come with conflict, disagreement and won’t always be perfect, regardless of this, I vow to keep loving you more and more every day with every breathe I take, for the rest of my life..."
After Marie and Anton exchanged rings they presented a gift to Marie's son, Blake, acknowledging his important role in their marriage. As Anton placed a chain and pendant on Blake's neck Marie spoke, promising to model love, commitment, friendship, and support him in his decisions as he grows and learns. After the gift was presented, Anton and Blake shared a beautiful moment, Anton giving Blake a hug, and Blake doing his best to climb in to his step dad's arms, wrapping his legs around and not wanting to let go.
As we finished signing the Marriage Register the first drops of rain landed and it was a quick rush to get a group photo and let the bride and groom be whisked away for some location photos before the weather really came in.
Thank you Marie and Anton for having me as part of your day, and share these special moments with you and your family. Wishing you love, laughter and strength as you continue to ride the rollercoaster of life together!
