A wonderful bespoke ceremony at Fergusson Winery, Yarra Glen

Although Saturday’s weather was a little grey, the Yarra Valley turned on it's Spring magnificance.  The wisteria at Fergusson Winery was in full bloom and tiny new leaf buds were visible on the vines.  Cream tinted Banksia Roses spilled over the car-park arbour forming a guard of honour to welcome the 120+ guests who gathered for the Wedding which was about to take place in the Barrel Room. In consultation with the bride and groom, I created a bespoke ceremony that reflected the bride and groom’s cultural and spiritual beliefs.  How fortunate we are to live in a time and place where cultural and spiritual diversity is valued and celebrated and the result was incredible as guests and bridal party members participated in readings and blessings, culminating in the lighthearted highlight of the ceremony – the breaking of the glass.  

After the bride and groom sipped wine from the same glass, the groom placed it in a cloth bag and crushed the glass with his right foot.  All the guests responded with a resounding MAZEL-TOV! These rituals are cherished components of wedding ceremonies in the Jewish tradition and there is an old saying that this is the “last time that the groom gets to put his foot down”.  The bridal colours were co-ordinated throughout the wedding in cream and lavender and the staff at Fergusson’s set up  the Reception room in the same exquisite colouring. 

My thanks go to the staff at Fergusson Winery, John the Photographer at Port Melbourne Photography, Mandy and Yuriy, the bridal party and guests for giving me the opportunity to participate in their fabulous day.