Modern Sydney Celebrant

Prince William has announced that he is engaged to marry his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton, telling UK media that they were were both "very, very happy" The couple became engaged whilst on safari in Kenya last month. Prince William presented Ms Middleton with his mother's original engagement ring - a large oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds, saying he wanted her memory to be a part of this special occasion "This was my way of making sure that my mother didn’t miss out on today," Kate looked stunning at the press announcement, wearing a midnight blue satin dress. The prince wore a dark blue suit. Photo: AP With plans to marry in the British spring or summer of 2011, Kate said that joining the family was a "daunting prospect", but that she was looking forward to it. Congratulations have poured in from public figures around the world including the Queen, British Prime Minister David Cameron and talk-show gu

"Laura is an exceptionally professional and lovely person. She used her humour and understanding to help us design exactly what we wanted for our wedding day. On the day she was cool, calm and collected (even though the Bride and Groom got lost en route!). She thought of every detail; from printing out my mother's readings on special paper as a keepsake to having a hanky ready just when I needed it most. The ceremony was beautiful and I would not have changed a thing. She also helped educate us about the documentation process and she put us at ease about the international nature of our union. I highly recommend Laura Craddock!" - Sara & Andrew, October 2010 (Laura Craddock - Civil Celebrant, Marrickville ) Laura Craddock is a modern civil celebrant based in Marrickville, in Sydney's inner-west. She creates custom-made weddings and other ceremonies especially for you. Call Laura on 0422 507 105 to discuss your particular requirements.

A marriage proposal fit for Hollywood... Amateur musician Chad Clay opted for an unusual proposal - he popped the big question to his girlfriend Vy Luong with a mock iPhone ad screened during a date at their local cinema. Just as a proposal can be unique - so too can your marriage ceremony. Speak to your civil marriage celebrant about how you can create an individual ceremony that feels right for you as a couple. About the author: Laura Craddock is a civil marriage celebrant based in Sydney Australia. Laura creates personalised and custom-made ceremonies to suit individual couples.

Australian Greens leader Bob Brown will push for a conscience vote to allow gay and lesbian marriage after the next election. Both major parties are currently against changes to Australian marriage laws which would allow weddings for same-sex couples. But if the Green party take the balance of power in the Senate after tomorrow’s federal election, then gay marriage will be back on the agenda. As it stands, the Marriage Act states that marriage is “the union of a man and a woman to the exclusion of all others, voluntarily entered into for life.” Same-sex couples are currently restricted to Commitment Ceremonies, which hold no legal standing. A civil celebrant can help make a Commitment Ceremony as close to a legal marriage as possible. Commitment Ceremonies celebrate the spiritual, emotional and practical joining of same-sex or other devoted couples. About the author: Laura Craddock is an open-minded and modern Sydney civil celebrant who conducts same-sex Commitment Ceremo

Pop icon Robbie Williams is planning a wedding band tattoo to commemorate his 7 August nuptials to Ayda Field. The already well-inked star exchanged traditional bands from XIV Karats on his recent wedding day but admits that like a lot of men, he's not that into bling. ‘I'm not very comfortable with jewellery, and I lose stuff,' he told Hello! magazine before the ceremony ‘So I'm thinking of having a tattoo on my wedding finger.' Inked wedding bands are also popular with professional sportspeople,who can't wear jewellry whilst competing. Eva Longoria Parker's husband, basketballer Tony Parker, has a tattoo of the couple's wedding date around his ring finger. Whilst not especially common, some couples choose wedding tattoos because they prefer a non-traditional approach to life and marriage. They are also popular with labourers and people who with their hands, making it difficult to wear rings every day. A civil marriage celebrant can create special wor

Start your dream marriage ceremony in a way that you will remember forever. The bridal entrance (Processional) can be a culmination of nerves and anticipation. It is often the first time bride and groom have seen each other on their wedding day and is guest’s first glimpse of the beautiful bride. Modern couples don’t have to be constrained by convention. A civil wedding provides couples with great freedom in choosing how their ceremony begins: You may decide on a traditional bridal procession or; The groom may walk back up the aisle to greet his bride half-way or; Families/attendants accompany both the bride & groom down the aisle or; The bride & groom enter together , without attendants or; You are free to decide who ‘gives away’ the bride - both parents, her mother, children, her whole family or no one at all. Your marriage celebrant should be able to give you advice and suggestions on how to customise your wedding entrance. I know of one bride who

Something old, something new, something borrowed and something...GREEN? Modern Sydney couples are putting a new spin on wedding traditions by considering the environmental impacts of their wedding. A few simple things can make a big difference to the environmental impact of your big day: Keep it small - fewer guests will give your wedding a lovely intimacy, help your budget & reduce your overall impact on the environment. Stay local - less travel equals less emissions. Consider have the ceremony & reception at the same location to reduce travel. This also helps everyone relax and enjoy themselves. Choose food & flowers in season - reduce food miles & enjoy produce at it's freshest best. Offset the carbon emissions that you produce on the day. Find an open-minded venue and marriage celebrant to help you realise your dreams. Many service providers will share your environmental concerns. Have an ethical gift registry - instead of unwanted wedding gifts, guests c

Sydney Celebrant has taken the leap and entered the blogosphere with her new blog. Laura Craddock is one of Sydney's modern marriage celebrants. She is fresh, creative and open-minded and prides herself on designing personalised ceremonies especially for you. She conducts civil weddings and other ceremonies across Sydney: Weddings , Elopements , Commitment Ceremonies , Renewal of Vows and Baby Blessings & Name Giving ceremonies. Whatever the occasion, it is your special day, and Laura will make your ceremony relaxed, meaningful and memorable. In essence – a special celebration that feels just right for you. For more information on how Laura can be your marriage celebrant and create a personalised Sydney wedding or ceremony just for you call 0422 507 105 or visit www.sydney-celebrant.com.au