Love, family, community take centre stage at Show
In a first for the Maleny Show, a wedding took place on the main oval this year and despite the rain, it was a joyful occasion, attended by more than 300 people.
Local celebrant, Debi Latino of Magnolia Ceremonies Maleny performed the ceremony and described it as one of the best weddings she has officiated.
“When Lois White from the Maleny Show Society contacted me to tell me they were holding a competition for a couple to win a wedding at the Show, and asked if I would like to be considered to conduct the ceremony, I was absolutely delighted and honoured,” Ms Latino said.
“I initially had the opportunity to connect online with the winning couple, Matt and Meg, and we clicked straight away.”
Matt and Meg chose Debi to officiate and the trio collaborated on the script for the service.
“Getting to know Matt and Meg, and learning their story, was wonderful,” said Ms Latino.
“This is one of the things I love most about my work as a celebrant. I get to meet so many beautiful people, and being entrusted with their stories, and their hopes and dreams is an absolute privilege.
“When I have these meaningful conversations with couples, I get a strong sense of what they want. I think this was reflected in the ceremony on the day. The rain poured down, there was mud all around, but people came along to wish them well,” she said.
“There was such a sense of love, family, community and genuine warmth in the marquee. It was quite extraordinary. There were many special touches, including vows written by the couple to their daughter Emy. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place.
“It embodied everything that is meaningful and special about weddings, and I had so many comments from people of all ages who attended, who told me it was the best wedding they had ever been to.
“Huge credit must go to Lois White Secretary of the Maleny Show Society, because she co-ordinated the wedding, and also to Marsha Lindenthal of Mãrshä Fòtõgráfíê, who captured the wedding so beautifully.”
“Getting to know Matt and Meg, and learning their story, was wonderful,” said Ms Latino.