Well this is going to be a short blog ?…perhaps I could just start by talking about random things that I have been doing during ISO….Possibly the same as most of you in the early days, scrolling up and down on my newsfeed and being coerced into cooking ‘mums old recipes favourites’ and then sharing with everyone, eating too much food, not exercising as much as I should although Max the dog is not sure what’s going on with so many walks…and treating myself to a celebratory glass of bubbles after I do anything that I consider a significant achievement (sometimes it didn’t need to be much?) I did, however, actually settle in to it and – among other things – did quite a bit of training and completed my ongoing professional development for celebrants.
What a difference a few months can make since I last chatted with you. The COVID-19 virus has turned everyone’s world upside down…when social distancing, travel and accomodation closures along with weddings were restricted to only 5 people – couples had to rethink their plans. The autumn wedding season went from crazy flat out to almost nothing, as couples decided to postpone their weddings until later in the year. We saw the increased use of technology, including Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and other social media platforms, which enabled family and friends be involved and watch their loved ones’ wedding ceremonies without actually being physically present; it did make a huge difference and was so special.
In March, I decided not to take any new bookings until July for the health and safety of myself, my family and my wonderful couples. The office in the Colonial Hotel is very small and didn’t meet the new social distancing rules and together with the proposed closing of parks and gardens it made it really difficult to continue, so I found it easier just to close until things settled down a bit. I did officiate at two Covie-weddings in early March that were absolutely wonderful. It was really weird, though, keeping social distancing when all you want to do is hug, shake hands and congratulate the happy couple.
Now we are a couple of months in and restrictions have been eased a little – things are looking up – but, unfortunately, with our borders closed, overseas and mainland couples planning to marry in Tasmania will have to wait a bit longer.
Our next season is winter; traditionally winter in Tasmania is not the time when you would think about getting married, as most weddings take place in autumn, spring and summer. However, in previous years, couples have chosen to visit our wonderful state to experience the iconic Cradle Mountain. It’s the most beautiful, unspoiled location. Many couples have chosen to drop into my office and get married before heading up to the snow. This year, as accommodation venues slowly start opening their doors, it will be up to us Tasmanians to discover or rediscover some of our amazing locations and maybe get married along the way. Wedding ceremony numbers have now been increased to 10 people plus the celebrant and many parks and gardens are also opening up to small groups and even though my office is still unavailable due to size, the Colonial Hotel have made available an indoor space as well as the garden. So, if you are thinking of getting married this winter (if it’s not too late), just follow the four steps on the webpage…and if any of the rules change due to government health advice, we can just simply postpone to a later date.
The road trip front has been very quiet, as we have all been staying at home and staying in our areas; hopefully we can get out and about a bit later in the year.
I have been trying to think of a funny story, but with so few weddings, all I can think of are funny sights: assorted-coloured sticky notes all over paperwork to indicate where signatures are to go and Grandma and Grandpa trying to navigate Zoom, come to mind.
Well that’s it for me now. Stay safe…and enjoy life
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