 Like any new Celebrant, the build up to your first wedding is the most exciting and daunting experience and mine was no exception.
I live in a northwest town in Western Australia called Karratha. This remote region known as the Pilbara is a dry, dusty, arid place, transformed over summer into an even hotter and humid place with the onset of the cyclone season.
In September 2010 I was asked to conduct a small wedding ceremony for a beautiful couple aged in their late 50’s. As is the case in small towns, living in close proximity means that relationships become more than business arrangements, but friendships too, as was the case with these lovely people.
My bride and groom had chosen the towns only ‘park and garden’ area as their venue. For a small fee the Council come along and fill up the empty lakes and waterfalls, ensuring a beautiful back-drop for special occasions.
No-one however foresaw the unseasonal rain front that honed in on the township 3 days prior to the main event. Ceaseless torrential rain turned roads into muddy rivers and what was once dry hard ground turned into sodden sludge.
I awoke at 6:15am on the morning of the wedding to the sound of rain on our tin roof. Scheduled to take place at 11:00am, it appeared that any additional prayers for the rain to cease had fallen on deaf ears. At 8:15am I rang my groom to see if they had a Plan C. Plan B by the way was now under 3 inches of water.
John’s only thoughts were to have the wedding at home, which was overrun with house-guests and a Cockatoo that screeched at the top of its lungs every 15 seconds.
Without any hesitation I proudly announced that I would love them to have the wedding at my house. How hard could it be to prepare for a wedding in 2 and a half hours? John was delighted, but thought he should consult with his bride who was in the shower.
I headed off to the hairdresser, whilst anxiously awaiting his call. The sign at the hair salon politely asks patrons to turn off their mobiles, so I sought permission to leave mine on. Following a brief explanation, everyone was swept up in the excitement and all eyes were focused on my phone
With my head in the sink and water in my ears, the mobile began to blare its signal. All activity stopped to hear the verdict..WE’RE HAVING IT AT HOME!! Subsequent calls were made to my husband, who works 100km south of the township and who had left for work at 4:30am.
Fortunately things were relatively quiet, so he lept in the car and headed home to assist with arrangements. My 87 year old dad was staying with us for a holiday, so he was promptly evacuated from the bathroom with instructions to “please tidy up”.
 Upon leaving the hairdresser, amidst rousing support, I rushed to the only supermarket in town to buy up all the flowers I could find. Fortunately the lilies were looking quiet fresh and I went home with four bunches.
I pride myself on keeping a tidy house, but nonetheless the vacuum cleaner was charged around, anything stray was poked into a cupboard, surfaces wiped, bathrooms and toilets cleaned and vases filled with flowers.
Dad, eager to get involved, was tossed the best linen tea towel and asked to polish the champagne flutes.
My husband arrived shortly afterward, moving the trailer and outdoor furniture to make way for our guests. He thoughtfully provided the champagne and ice with which to toast our couple at the end of proceedings.
With barely 15 minutes to spare, I leapt into the shower, donned my clothes and a fresh face of make-up. With the humidity rising, the shortest time frame for make-up application is readily advised.
At 10:30 the groom arrived with an entourage of family and friends. They were all overwhelmed with our spontaneous venue and the atmosphere was jovial.
A tooting horn announced the arrival of my beautiful bride and proceedings commenced immediately. The series of events lead to some unscripted introductions and any nerves I may have had completely disappeared.
Beneath an overcast sky, with raindrops dripping from ferns and palms, amidst tears of joy, love and laughter my first couple was married. Everyone moved inside for the signing of the register and presentation of the Bride and Groom. Champagne corks were popped and hearty celebrations commenced. The photos were taken in our garden before the wedding party departed for their reception.
This remains the benchmark for all my future weddings. With love and community spirit, this was truly the happiest day of their lives and definitely one of mine.
Hilary Van Eldik
Civil Marriage Celebrant
Karratha WA
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