With Marriage Celebrant Cara Hodge of Brisbane City Celebrants
Having lived in New Zealand for 5 years and experienced many of the warm and deeply meaningful Maori traditions and customs, I understand and respect the significance for couples and their families choosing to incorporate Maori wedding traditions in to their wedding day.
Traditional Maori weddings derive their culture values from a proud noble race known as Te Maori. The Korowai is a traditional Maori cloak, weaved with feathers.
This wedding took place at Brisbane’s Victoria Park in the Garden Marquee and combined Maori and Western wedding traditions perfectly.
Without gathering a crowd (aside from me letting the Videographer know when this was taking place, to capture the moment at the brides request as she wouldn’t be their to witness it), The Korowai ceremony took place when the grooms Mum arrived.
She approached the groom and lovingly placed and tied the Korowai on him, affirming her support, pride and love for her son and his relationship with his soon to be wife.
The grooms uncle was the wedding singer and guitarist, and sung the bride and her bridesmaids down the aisle. The couples ceremony was heartfelt and meaningful, and happy tears were shed when I shared their story together. They kept their ceremony short and simple opting for the simple required vows. A wise decision given how emotional the ceremony already was.
The couples children joined them as they made their way back down the aisle. After family photos took place, the couple headed off for photos conveniently onsite around the Victoria Park Golf course. They thoughtfully booked the Orchard Room for guests to enjoy refreshing drinks and nibbles while their location photos took place.
Another part of traditional Maori culture is the feast and celebrations, traditionally with a hangi where the food is slowly cooked underground.
The couples reception took place in Victoria Park’s stunning Marquee and involved traditional Maori dancing and of course the Haka.
Congratulations to the happy newlyweds and how beautifully you incorporated Maori wedding traditions in to your wedding.
With Celebrant Cara Hodge of Jamie + Cara – Brisbane City Celebrants
Photography Dreamlife Photography
If you enjoyed this post and are looking for a Celebrant for your special day, contact Cara now to confirm availability and start planning your wedding ceremony.