The deal is...... two people are in love... two people want to or already have a family of their own... or two people simply want to get married.... but for some 'two people' they can't. Because Australia does not have marriage equality. It's not gay marriage. It's simply marriage equality.

The Evermore Pledge is the brain child of a pretty awesome celebrant and her network of equally awesome people. And despite what people think, it's not 'just for the gays'.

The evermore pledge is the tough conversation every couple should have before marriage. It's the financial implications. The implications in death. The implications in divorce. It's the nitty gritty that gives all couples, straight or same-sex, most of the legal rights that marriage brings. It's the lawyers, and hours or their work. It's wills, It's Power of Attorney and a financially binding agreement. It's the security and safety that provides for those who do not have the option of a legal marriage in Australia, or simply, don't want it.

I've been asked a few times about it. How I feel about it. Comments like, "But we shouldn't have to settle for something that's not equal in the eyes of the law". And those people are right. The Evermore Pledge is not marriage equality. And it's never claimed to be. But what it is, is the legal solution for a lot of people, who do not have the luxury of waiting for marriage equality like a lot of us think we do.

Some couples are fortunate that their families support and love them. Others are not that lucky. Or in cases where the family has two dads, whereby the father who is genetically connected passes away, the other father may lose all legal rights to his children. Or the couples where one is ill, and the other risks having no legal rights over the funeral arrangements or estate once they have passed. The Evermore Pledge addresses those things. And for hetro couples who simply don't believe in marriage, but want to ensure the other has the legal rights that marriage would afford them, then this is also for them.

So what do I think???? I think it's both amazing and sad. Amazing that individuals will spend so much of their own time, money and effort to create something that benefits so many other people, that they are subject to such hatred, complaints to the attorney general's department, and public defamation, and yet still persevere to make lives of people they don't even know better and more secure, while at the same time, they choose to give back to charity with their profits. And yet, I also feel that is sad that it is needed and that marriage equality has not yet happened in Australia. And it's sad that for a lot of people, it's the 'next best thing' to be able to secure their family's future.

So when the first Evermore Pledge creates history this Saturday, I'll be cheering from the sidelines for all that it stands for. And while it's roll out across Australia is still being planned, couples who wish to, can contact the fabulous Michelle Anderson at http://newwaytowed.com.au/

#marriageequality #samelove

When I became a Celebrant, some people saw the irony like I did. After much study, paying out a substantial sum of money to the Attorney General's department, passing their tests and waiting to be approved, I could finally marry people. For that process one is judged on whether or not one is a "fit and proper person"..... I knew I was. After all, the same process was used many many years ago when I became a Commissioner for Declarations. And now, again, I passed. Deemed responsible and professional and trustworthy enough to carry out work on behalf of the Australian legal system. And yet, in this same country, the country I was born, I'm not even entitled to marry my partner, the parent and other mother of my child. How is that possible? Now you see the irony too eh?

So when it came time to create my website, I did all the usual things. I listed Weddings, Commitment Ceremonies, Naming Days etc etc.... Even just a couple of days ago, I ordered new promo flyers with the same content. But it annoyed me. The words Commitment Ceremony really annoy me. Right now we advocate for marriage equality, not gay marriage, just marriage equality. But we also continue to talk in the same old language as if it is never going to change.

In all essence, I just don't believe in the words "Commitment Ceremony" being a suitable substitute for a wedding. So i've dropped the term "Commitment Ceremonies" from my website and my face book page. For now, I will use the term Same Sex Weddings, purely to make it easier for couples to find, until one day, it will simply say "Weddings" . An all encompassing and inclusive Wedding or Marriage, just as it should be.

And when marriage equality laws do eventually change in Australia, if I have already officiated a same sex wedding for you, then I will also conduct your legal ceremony, and process your marriage paperwork for you, at no additional cost. So many people say they support marriage equality, but I'd rather show my support through action in making a difference to those that these laws have affected.

I am passionate about creating awesome weddings, they should be fun, sincere and a reflection of you. I especially love a good intimate wedding. You know the one, it includes an awesome couple who just love each other and want to be married, have a bit of fun, and dance the night away at one heck of a good party.

Every couple should be entitled to that!

Evie xx

Eloping in the real sense of the word has changed. Now, when people say they eloped, it's often in a line up of other ceremonies, all crammed into one location for the day. They still take along their family and friends and have a small 'reception' somewhere else afterwards. They share the cost of styling, set up and other costs, which makes it a budget friendly way to get hitched. But I wouldn't really call it eloping.

I'll pretend I'm hip and cool for just a moment, and refer to Wikipedia for the definition of the word 'Elope' instead of referring to a dictionary. Wikipedia defines eloping as

More colloquially, elopement is often used to refer to a marriage conducted in sudden and secretive fashion, usually involving a hurried flight away from one's place of residence together with one's beloved with the intention of getting married.

I have listened to a number of couples recently, who have said they have had difficulty finding places that cater to couples who truly want to elope. So I called a friend of mine. She owns a really unique property called Rollingston Station and has opened the property to special couples wanting a magical day for their wedding. She has also noticed an increase in 'real elopement' enquiries from couples who literally just want to 'run away and get married'.

So like all good ideas which come after a few glasses of wine, we have decided to do something about it. We have decided to help bring back the real elopement. You know, the one. You run away, just the two of you. You get some incredible photos taken in a simply beautiful location together, spend all your money on your honeymoon, and tell everyone about it when you update your face book status a few weeks later.

If this sounds a little bit like you, then lets chat about making it happen. You really can have the elopement you want, without all the fuss. And of course, we have a list of other industry experts if you want recommendations on photography, hair & makeup, maybe a simple flower bouquet or accommodation in the area.

Evie xx