Using Indigenous Place Names on Marriage Certificates

 

Using Indigenous place names on marriage certificates

Recently, a couple marrying on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) requested that the traditional place names be used on their marriage certificates.

I emailed the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in Queensland to confirm that this would be acceptable.

This was their response:

“Indigenous place name can be accepted if it is identifiable location in Queensland”

BDM also provided an example.

To ensure that the location was identifiable, I wrote both the Aboriginal name and the European names – Mulumba (Point Lookout), Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) as per the BDM example.

Interestingly, at Point Lookout, there is a Mooloomba Road, and a new sign post reading “Mulumba” – so the spelling is up for discussion, too.

Pic taken at Mulumba by Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design

#minjerribah

 

Micro wedding at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

 Micro wedding at Rainforest Gardens, Mount Cotton

Tahlia and James are shy people, and the thought of standing on a platform with a hundred people staring at them was a terrifying prospect. So they decided, instead, to share their wedding day with just their immediate family at the beautiful Rainforest Gardens at Mount Cotton.

The couple chose a Wednesday afternoon for their wedding, and met their family at the gates of the gardens at 3pm. While gathered there, a pair of butterflies danced in the afternoon sun, a coincidental tribute to the butterfly tattoo on Tahlia’s decolletage. For James, wearing a suit was a first, and he looked very handsome in navy blue. Tahlia was lovely in a white lace gown with a fitted bodice and full skirt. She curled her hair and tied it back with a white lace bow.

As the clock struck 3pm, the couple joined hands and walked up the garden path to the ceremony area, followed by parents and siblings. They chose instrumental music by John Powell from the “How to Train your Dragon” soundtrack.

Tahlia and James took their places under the wooden arbour on the timber deck by the pond, shaded by towering palms. A fountain tinkled in the background. Their five guests sat upon timber chairs, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the gardens.

James and Tahlia requested a short and sweet ceremony, with just minimal trimmings. They were relieved that the ceremony was not as stressful as they had anticipated, and were soon delighted to hear that they were husband and wife.

Photographer, Will, soon put the couple at ease, and led them around the beautiful gardens for photos which will be treasured for years to come.

Ceremony location: Rainforest Gardens

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

Photographer: https://www.facebook.com/willideastudio

Willidea Photography & Videography Studio

#brisbanewedding

#microwedding

#gardenwedding

Can you have a male bridesmaid?

Can you have a male bridesmaid?

In 2025, weddings are more inclusive and reflective of the couple's relationships and friendships.

The traditional roles of bridesmaids and groomsmen are evolving, allowing for a more personalised and meaningful celebration.

If one of your best friends is male, can they still be a bridesmaid? The answer is, of course. You can have anyone you choose be your bridesmaid. There are possibly better terms to use than bridesmaid, such as bridesman, or man of honour. Or why not just ditch the genders for the whole wedding party , and call them wedding attendants, I Do crew, wedding posse, or commitment crew?

Mackenzie and Damon chose their best friends to stand by their side, regardless of gender. Mackenzie's Team Bride included Emily, Lauren, and Zak, while Damon's Team Groom featured Neville, Bailey, and Tannah.

The gals donned fit and flare silky dresses in burnt orange, while the guys looked dapper in all black. The result? A visually stunning and harmonious ensemble that exemplified unity and friendship.

Ceremony location: Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha
Coordination: @elopebrisbane
Celebrant: @cheryl_landsberry_marriage_cel
Photographer: @romanasaeheng
Transport: @kandidkombi

#gardenwedding

Wedding at Cleveland Tavern

Annarelle and Craig first met at work. They had a similar sense of humour and laughed at the same things. Craig wanted to give Annarelle his phone number, and wrote it down on a piece of paper, carrying it around in his pocket for weeks before he worked up the courage to hand it to her and ask her out.

On their wedding day, the two could not stop looking at each other adoringly. The affection they have for each other is mesmerizing, with one of the guests mentioning to me after the wedding that she was just transfixed during the ceremony.

The couple chose Cleveland Tavern for their ceremony and reception, with the covered courtyard providing a convenient location, and a covered roof which was most welcome when the day dawned with a forecast for rain showers.

Being one of nine, the wedding day provided a great reason for all Craig’s siblings to come together from all over Australia and New Zealand. And with Ananrelle's four children of her own, the day became a celebration of family uniting.

The bridesmaids wore jade green dresses, Annarelle was lovely in a white princess style wedding dress, and Craig was super dapper in a grey suit with a tie.

Their wedding day was sweet and memorable, and will be talked about for years to come.

Thanks to Annarelle and Craig for writing me a beautiful card which read, “ Thank you for your Commitment, Professionalism, and Grace.”

Congratulations, Mr and Mrs Miller.

I hope you live happily ever after.

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry Marriage Celebrant

Ceremony Venue: Cleveland Tavern

Photo by Shannon Covolo

Can the bride wear a black wedding dress?

Can the bride wear a black wedding dress?

In the realm of weddings, traditions have long dictated the attire of the bride, with white being the preferred colour. However, as times evolve, so does the concept of what a wedding should be. Today, couples are increasingly embracing their individuality and making choices to suit their diverse personalities.

For a bride, choosing black is not merely a departure from tradition; it is a declaration of her unique persona and a celebration of her individuality. It is about creating a wedding style that is unique and a little quirky.

Mackenzie selected a sophisticated black wedding dress in shimmery fabrics, with a cinched waist and a full skirt. She literally sparkled down the aisle. Groom, Damon, also opted for an all-black ensemble, with a black suit with a shiny lapel, a black shirt, and a black tie. Their mutual appreciation for musical theatre was reflected in their striking and dramatic appearance.

Mackenzie incorporated a traditional element with a pearl necklace and pearl drop earrings and carried a bouquet created from Baby's Breath flowers. Similarly, Damon's boutonniere was Baby's Breath. The wedding party attire featured seasonal burnt orange hues, while the guys also wore black on black.

The couple celebrated with an intimate, genuine, and relaxed ceremony at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Mount Coot-tha, followed by a reception lunch at Tocano's in Brisbane.

Mackenzie and Damon wrote, “Thank you so much for everything you have done. It was an amazing day for us and having you as our celebrant was so seamless and easy. You have been amazing to work with.”

Coordination: Elope Brisbane
Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant
Photographer: Romana Saeheng Photography and Graphic Design
Transport: Kandid Kombi

Married just hours before their engagement party

Andrew and Gemmanda knew they wanted a short engagement. They decided to marry in an intimate, low-key wedding ceremony just hours before their official engagement party was due to start.

With friends and family arriving from near and far for a 2pm engagement party at Alexandra Hills Hotel, the couple scheduled their wedding ceremony for midday that day – with just immediate family present.

Gemmanda was in hair and makeup by 7am, with her dark hair piled up in curls fastened with pearl pins. She wore a fitted blush gown with a lace overly from Ravish Bridal at Slacks Creek.

With his Scottish heritage, Andrew decided to wear his family tartan, and although warm in the outfit, he looked very dapper.

The couple skipped all the trimmings – music, poems, flowery vows, and bridesmaids, and instead kept their ceremony simple and fuss free. They chose to include Andrew’s daughters in a family sand ceremony, with the girls choosing pink and purple sand to add to the engraved vase.

The couple then captured some portraits with photographer, Andy, before surprising guests at their engagement party – informing them that they were, in fact, attending a wedding reception!

What a fun and fuss-free way to celebrate!

#surprisewedding

#brisbanewedding

#marchwedding

Venue: The Alexandra Hills Hotel

Photographer: A Thousand Miles Photography

Dress: @Ravish Bridal Official

Celebrant: Cheryl Landsberry - Marriage Celebrant

March wedding at The Chef's Manor Anstead

Why not have both?

Ami and Johan work and live in Adelaide. But with Ami hailing from Brisbane, and Johan from South Africa, choosing a wedding location was a dilemma. The couple decided to have weddings in both Brisbane and South Africa.

Planning a wedding from interstate was a challenging prospect for Ami, however, she relied on reviews and recommendations when choosing suppliers. The couple chose the beautiful gardens at The Chef’s Manor, Anstead for their ceremony and celebrations. The venue has so many locations for pretty photo backdrops – manicured gardens, a white timber arbour, a stone wishing well, a gazebo, a red phone box, and a British red postal pillar.

Next, the couple found their celebrant, Cheryl Landsberry, via a recommendation. Being based in Adelaide, I was able to complete the Notice of Intended Marriage with the couple over Facetime – such a great option for interstate couples and I’m so very pleased that the Government decided to extend this option after the temporary provisions lapsed after the Covid contingencies.

We also shared ceremony ideas via email, allowing me to write a personal ceremony for the couple which suited their vibe. Their ceremony was created with a little tradition, a little humour. a little sugar, and a lot of sincerity.

Ami walked down the aisle with a stunning white lace dress with sheer panels. Her dark hair was curled, and she wore a veil and drop earrings. She carried a bouquet of white flowers. Lia, looking like a little princess, also wore a white dress. Johan was dapper in a classic black three piece suit with a bow tie. His mini-me, Ollie, wore a matching black suit and carefully carried the wedding rings in his pocket.

As the beaming couple walked back down the aisle hand-in-hand, they were showered with biodegradable confetti, which made for a joyous photo.

Guests enjoyed chilled drinks in the gazebo as the couple captured the moment with photographer, Judy, and videographer, Chris, from Iris Faith Photography.

Venue: @thechefsmanoranstead
Celebrant: @cheryl_landsberry_marriage_cel
Photos: @irisfaithphotoandfilm

#brisbanewedding
#gardenwedding