I’ve been working hard collating photos and stories and am relieved to announce that I’m finally up to date with my 2022 blog posts.
If you haven’t sent me your wedding pics yet, speak now or forever hold your peace. 
Next, I’m curating 2023 first quarter weddings. If you’re a newly married couple, or a photographer I’ve worked with, please send your fave pics for a feature blog.
When this couple met at tango dance club meet, plenty of dancing was guaranteed at their wedding.
There is a certain etiquette to ask a partner to dance in the Argentine Tango. Firstly, eye contact is made, then perhaps a smile or a nod. Only then will a gentleman ask his partner to dance. Dancers dance together for three songs, so a significant part of the evening is invested in a dance partner.
Sometimes, there is an instant connection during the tango dance, whih leaves the partners a little breathless, and this was certainly the case with this couple.
Photo by Murray Redpath
From the 1st June, 2020, you can have 20 guests at your wedding. This is in addition to yourselves and your celebrant – so 23 in total.
Some frequently asked questions:
Can I have a photographer at my wedding? Yes – they are included in the 20 person guest count.
Can I have children at my wedding? Yes – they are included in the 20 person guest count.
What is the spacing required? 1 person per 4 square metres.
Can the couple stand close together? Yes- physical distancing does not apply to people who live in the same household.
Can the couple kiss? Um – Yes!
What contact details do I need to provide? Name, address, and mobile phone numbers of all attendees (for contact tracing purposes).
How long are these contact details kept for? 56 days.
Are there penalties for not complying with the directions? Yes – the maximum fine is 100 penalty units (100 x $133.45)
When will the restrictions be lifted? We don’t know that yet.
Are you available to be our celebrant? Email me at ido@cherylwedding.com to find out.
It’s a tricky time to be planning a wedding, with rules changing frequently.
Here is the latest, on a state by state basis, with links to the source.
Written as at 11th May, 2020.
Here is the Australian roadmap, which will guide the states to make their own directions:
https://www.pm.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/covid-safe-australia-roadmap.pdf
Queensland
Currently, 5 people can be involved in a wedding. This consists of the couple, the celebrant, and the 2 legal witnesses.
From midnight 15/5/2020, there can be the couple, the celebrant, and up to 10 guests (totalling 13 – lucky for some!)
Here is the roadmap from Qld Health:
Along with the Frequently asked Questions which gives further information:
New South Wales
Currently, 5 people can be involved in a wedding. This consists of the couple, the celebrant, and the 2 legal witnesses.
From 15/5/2020, weddings can have up to 10 guests plus the celebrant and the couple.
Here is the link to the NSW information:
https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules
Victoria
Currently, 5 people can be involved in a wedding. This consists of the couple, the celebrant, and the 2 legal witnesses.
From midnight 12/5/2020, weddings can have up to 10 guests in addition to the couple and the celebrant. Like Qld, this will total 13.
Link to information about weddings in Victoria
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/stay-home-restrictions-coronavirus
ACT
Currently, 10 people, including the couple, can attend a wedding. The celebrant, photographer, and any staff are in addition to this 10.
Here’s the link:https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/faqs/faqs-changes-to-restrictions-8-may-2020#Weddings
South Australia
From today, 11/5/2020, weddings can have 10 people, plus the celebrant and staff.
Here is the link to the SA wedding information:
https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/196184/FAQ-Road-Map-Step-1.pdf
Western Australia
Currently, Western Australia has more relaxed conditions than the Eastern states, and has up to 10 guests permitted.
From 18/5/2020, 20 guests will be permitted for indoor weddings, and 30 for outdoor weddings.
Here is the link for information about wedding numbers in Western Australia
Northern Territory
Currently, gatherings of 10 are suggested, but the number can be increased if social distancing is adhered to.
Here is the link for NT wedding advice:
https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/819034/roadmap-new-normal.pdf
Tasmania
Currently, 5 people can be involved in a wedding. This consists of the couple, the celebrant, and the 2 legal witnesses.
From 18/5/2020, up to 10 people can be involved in a wedding.
Here is the Tasmanian wedding link:
https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/roadmap-to-recovery
Some lovely feedback from a July wedding: “Thank you so very much for your help not only on the day but from the beginning of my query until the end, it all went so seamlessly.”
Having a rehearsal with this couple helped to ensure all the wedding party felt comfortable with the ceremony placement.
The best man was able to practise presenting the rings, and the couple practised repeating their vows.
On the day, the whole ceremony went off without a hitch.
The following wedding vendors specialise in Redlands weddings.
Cheryl Landsberry marriage celebrant – email ido@cherylwedding.com
Beautiful Illusions Ceremony decor
The Lighthouse Restaurant Wedding Reception
Photo at Cleveland by A Thousand Miles Photography
Sand ceremonies can add a little colour to your wedding ceremony. Much of a wedding ceremony is spoken, but including a sand ceremony can be a visual addition.
Each party to the marriage can have a beaker with a different coloured sand. Then the couple take turns to add their sand to an empty vase.
If they take turns evenly, the result is a layered representation of the couple’s combining of their life.
Children in the family can also be given a vial of sand to add, representing the blending of the family.