In February of this year I photographed my most concise wedding ceremony, lasting a full, love-filled three minutes. Last Saturday I photographed my longest-lasting ceremony, at one hour and thirty-one minutes of joy!

David and Rowena, aka Scobie & Roie, crafted a heart-felt, inclusive ceremony with their celebrant Oceana, held on beautiful, sunny Belongil beach. Here guests joined in a warm up circle, sharing feelings and memories about this gorgeous couple, bringing everyone together into a shared heart space before the ceremony began. Then as the waves danced along the shore, these two beautiful souls spoke words of love and commitment to each other and also to the new family they were creating. There was the holding of hands, hearts connecting, blessings on rings, stone stupas and the Velveteen Rabbit even made an appearance. This sentimental softie of a photographer struggled quite a few times to stay in control of the tears as I photographed one of the most sincere, from-the-heart ceremonies I have ever beheld. I love their bravery in having a ceremony that left the well trodden path of "this is the way it is supposed to be done". I love that they sprinkled symbols and sentiment the whole way through. I love that all the guests spoke blessings during the ceremony. I love that to finish proceedings, guests formed a tunnel of love, which Scobie & Roie walked through and came out at the other end as soul mates, kindred spirits, best friends and now husband and wife! It was amazing!

I will stop gushing now...here are a few photos from their day....

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Roie with daughters Mandy and Annie

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

It was supposed to rain...it did after we were all off the beach!

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Celebrant Oceana Valentine created a perfect ceremony with Roie & Scobie.

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Bubbles of love and rose petal confetti as they journeyed through the tunnel of love.

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

My idea of a family photo!

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

...and of course the locals wanted to be involved.

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Love the connection these two humans share.

BYRON BAY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence.

When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.

                                                                                           Thich Nhat Hanh

Wishing you both a magical life, lived in the beautiful heart space you have created.

Much love...Natsky.