Peta Hardley Wedding Celebrant. Weddings, Elopements and Civil Unions.

And now for something a little different!
One of the things I love about being a celebrant is the variety of people and ceremonies.

Okay some of you will have to read this twice but not long ago I was privileged to officiate at the Marriage of Linde…. to herself. Yes, you read it right, Linde married herself. The ceremony, although not legal, was an important milestone for Linde (and a first for me) 

Linde in all her gorgeous glory

For a long time Linde said she, like many others, believed she would finally be happy when she had the ‘perfect relationship’ with another person. Time and self awareness led her to realise the only person she really truly needed was herself. Linde declared loudly and proudly, she did not need any one else to make her whole. The only person she needed to be married and committed to, was herself.

Peta and Linde at Linde’s special ceremony

Linde’s very unique ceremony, celebrated not only her marriage to herself, but also blended in elements of a significant birthday, retirement, transition, marriage and even funeral themes. There were candles, balloons, flowers, ribbons, colour, laughter, music and fun. What an amazing day for an amazing woman!

Donella and Rainer had a lot of fun, as did their guests, when they chose a Steampunk theme for their wedding at Old St Michaels in Corban’s Estate Henderson.

Rainer and Donnella’s Steampunk Themed Wedding

Okay, I have to admit that I had a bit of fun dressing up too.

Steampunk fun

You don’t need to marry to celebrate your love. Maria and Russell renewed their wedding Vows in front of family and friends, at Hibiscus Coast Boat Club.

Russell & Maria’s Renewal of Vows

They incorporated lighting of candles, a handfasting and also drinking a delicious Sth African drink  (Amarula Gold) from a Scottish Quaich – How’s that for symbolism!

Russell & Maria’s symbolism ++

Also choosing to renew their wedding Vows in front of family and friends were Mike and Mel. They were celebrating their 40th wedding anniversay! They included a lovely sand blending, in their ceremony held at the Brigham, Whenuapai.

Mike and Mel’s Renewal of Vows

Finally and quite recently, I officiated at the Naming ceremony of the truly delightful Ruby. It was the most fun and colourful party I’d been to in ages.

Ruby with her Mum -Jenna, & Dad – Jared

I love Ruby’s family, and was honoured to have married her Mum and Dad (Jenna and Jared) 2 1/2 years ago. It’s nice to reminise

Jared and Jenna’s wedding (2 1/2 years ago)

I feel so lucky to be a celebrant and meet all these amazing people!

Something really special happens when love and nature are woven together. Call it natural, real or down to earth, but these couples’ love for the sea and bush are reflected in their choice of ceremony venues.

Russ & Alistair with Jules, Hillary Trail, Piha

Therese & Jason overlooking Cowan Bay

Jeana & Dan, Muriwai

Paraglider at Muriwai Sunset

Brad and Jen. Autumn wedding, Muriwai

Hemi & Erica, Fort Takapuna, Narrow Neck

Francesca & Jackson, Whenuapai

Anoukoun & Emma, Maori Bay, Muriwai

Anna & Mike at North Head, Devonport

Beautiful couples. Amazing families. Wonderful memories.

Who said you have to hire a wedding venue and pay a fortune to have a fabulous wedding? Why not have your wedding at your home?

My enormous congratulations to these gorgeous couples who recently married in their own/family homes….. creating a warm friendly, family atmosphere and a truly memorable occasion.

Steve and Ange under the 180 year old Pohutukawa

When you have a 180 year old Pohutukawa in your backyard, you’d be crazy not to feature it in your wedding. Steve and Ange had a rip roaring time at their Kumeu home (complete with burnouts by the bride)

Peta Kylie & Carlus

Kylie and Carlus utilised the wonderful native bush area at the rear of their home, to create a cool dappled wonderland for their big day.

Stevo and Hazel

Stevo and Hazel’s fabulous rustic farm setting – complete with hay bales, at their Muriwai home, was a real treat. Even the cows and horses seemed to enjoy it.

Jared and Abby

Big trees, open spaces, lots of family and friends and big smiles were the order of the day for Jared and Abby, when they married at their family home in Kumeu.

Sophie & Shaun’s ‘surprise wedding’ @ their Helensville home

Sophie and Shaun of Helensville decided to shock their guests with a surprise wedding. The guests thought they were attending a house warming and baby shower.

Sophie, Shaun & Tyler make it legal

A lovely touch at their relaxed wedding, was that Shaun’s son, Tyler (8) acted as a witness.

Weddings are like fingerprints; each one is different, unique and beautiful.

Kumeu really does have some wonderful wedding venues. Couples really are spoilt for choice out here.
Check out these wonderful couples who I’ve recently married in lovely Kumeu, at some of the best wedding venues in Auckland.

Caleb and Debbie @ Markovina

Caleb and Debbie – All smiles on their big day at Markovina

Melissa and Tom @ Settlers Country Manor

A little bit of rain didn’t stop Melissa and Tom from sharing their ‘perfect day’ at Settlers Country Manor.

Priscena & Nyle @ Kumeu Valley Estate

Priscena and Nyle had a beautiful summery wedding day at Kumeu Valley Estate.

Nick and Laura @ Coopers Creek Kumeu

Family and friends were a key part of Nick and Laura’s lovely wedding at Coopers Creek in Kumeu.

Chelsea and Steve @ Markovina

Markovina has a great covered ceremony area, so Chelsea and Steve could relax and just enjoy their magical day.

Zohar and Kurt @ Kumeu Valley Estate

Zohar and Kurt included a  Jewish glass breaking ceremony  (‘Mazel Tov’) in their ceremony at Kumeu Valley Estate – much to the delight of their family and friends.

Matt and Johanna @ Markovina

Matt and Johanna’s big smiles say it all, as they celebrated at Markovina.

My congratulations to these beautiful couples, who chose to say ‘I do’ at wedding venues in and around lovely Kumeu.

 I love living in West Auckland.

Here are a few recent wonderful weddings at which I have been privileged to officiate.

Una & Craig

Sunny skies graced the day at Una and Craig’s Wedding at lovely Kumeu Valley Estate

Mina & Matt

Mina and Matt tied the knot at picturesque Markovina Vineyard Estate.

Here is one of Mina and Matt’s cute dogs, who dressed specially for the occasion!

Minnaar & Christelle & Children

Minnaar and Christelle had a cloudless day with family and friends at Flaxmere house, when they celebrated their commitment and love to each other

James & Teresa

Despite the rain, Teresa and James were all smiles at their warm family wedding in Stillwater

Toria Nick and Caitlyn

Toria, Nick and young Caitlyn looked the perfect family unit at their stunning Markovina wedding

Miranda & Michael

Miranda and Michael shared their big day at lovely Cassels

Ian & Wendy

Wendy and Ian struck a handsome pose at their gorgeous themed wedding at Bridgewater Estate, Helensville.

Hailee and Lukas

Finally a short and sweet home ceremony among friends and family was the way to go for Hailee and Lukas, when they said ‘I do’

My congratulations to these wonderful couples and their families for making their special day ‘just right’, in their own special ways.

Do I need to say again that I just love being a Celebrant!

I thought I’d share four weddings earlier this year, held here at my Kumeu home ‘Casabella’.

Natalia and Jason

Natalia and Jason married in the garden, then used the covered courtyard to cut their cake. This was followed by a stroll around the property with their photographer, to find just the right place for that perfect photo.

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Caity and Jonathan

Caity and Jonathan chose a very personalised ‘Dr Who’ themed wedding.

K9 ringbearer

Their ceremony was complete with a robotic dog ringbearer– K9, a Mini TARDIS and Dr Who quotes and references. Of course the nibbles afterwards had to include jellybabies.

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Pat and Debra

Pat and Debra travelled all the way from Australia to marry here at Casabella. In an intimate ceremony with a handful of family members, they shared their excitement of joining the ranks of the“gloriously retired” Their plan is to hitch up their caravan, explore their beautiful country, make new friends and ride into the sunset together. Sounds like pure bliss to me!

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Eileen and Shaun

Eileen and Shaun celebrated their commitment ceremony here at Casabella. Although both of them say they are shy they both absolutely shone on the day.

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Although there’s a lot of prep work for me, I love being able to share my home with couples on their big day.

‘Casabella’ is the perfect ceremony venue for an wedding of up to 40 people. – Don’t hesitate to contact me if you want to know more.