Leonie Duryea, Celebrant
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Ben & Katrina, Bethanga, 21 May, 2022

You couldn't have found a more perfect day for Ben & Katrina's intimate wedding overlooking the stunning Lake Hume, outshone only by this amazing couple and their wedding party, family and friends.  Awesome photographer Sloan Hannah  Photography captured some beautiful photos, some are below along with snaps from my phone.

Jack & Brianna, Rutherglen, 7 May, 2022

A couple of date changes, Covid, and building a brand new house saw Jack and Brianna go through lots of planning changes just to finally be able to get married.  On a cold autumn day, they had their house warming party and surprised their family members with an intimate little wedding ceremony.  It doesn't matter where or when, it just matters that you can fulfil your dream to be married - and I was honoured to be a part of this special day.
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Adam & Erica, Bald Hills House, 12 April, 2022

Twice in a few days I was lucky to be at BHH for a wedding - this time for the awesome, funnest wedding ever of Adam and Erica, aka Schmidtie and Birdy!  The sun shone beautifully on the hillside arbour as their family and friends cheered and laughed all through the awesome ceremony.  It truly was a match made in heaven when these two met, and their "wedstival" (wedding festival) over a few days leading into Easter was the ultimate celebration of their love.  Darcy Bly Photography captured some great photos for them, and I sneaked in a few on my phone as well.

Karl & Casey, Bald Hills House, 9 April, 2022

The amazing Bald Hills House at Stanley in Victoria's high country was the venue for Karl and Casey's autumn wedding, and it did not disappoint.  The beautiful house and cabin accommodated family and friends, while others set up camp in the area surrounding the house, set amongst the tall timbers of Stanley Forest.  Inclement weather brought the ceremony down onto the deck area, but that didn't take away from the day at all.  Surrounded by family and friends, and their 2 dogs, these two married in a beautiful ceremony, then headed up to Mt Stanley lookout for some sunset photos with their awesome photographer Ash Henderson.  Also some snaps from my phone.

Joel & Linda, family farm @ Hay, 2 April 2022

They met in Albury, live in Queensland, and travelled back to Linda's family farm north of Hay for their no-frills, true blue bush ceremony and it was an awesome day.  Saltbush, red dirt, handprinted signs, flies and a fun crowd of family and friends made Joel and Linda's wedding everything they hoped for.  Some photos from Sarah Dissegna Photography and snaps from my phone.

Nathan & Jess, St Leonards Winery, 5 March 2022

These two rock!  Their wedding was so awesome in every way down to the finest detail!  Even changing the ceremony to indoors at the last minute due to rain showers lurking didn't take away from the day.  Guests enjoyed drinks and canapés on the lawn, before entering the stunning reception barn room to dance away the nigh.  Photos from Natasha Larsen Photography.

Adam & Stacie, Albury Botanic Gardens, 28 February, 2022

On a perfect Monday afternoon at 5pm I married this gorgeous pair - it was my 50th wedding!  With just their parents present and only a few days before their baby daughter was born, they just wanted to be married and so we did it.  ShynaeKate Photography captured some beautiful photos, there were quite a few tears during vows, including me, and it was all so beautiful for us all.

Callum & Katie, Swan Hill, 19 February, 2022

The magnificent Lothlorien Gardens at Swan Hill provided the perfect setting for Cal and Katie to marry.  They met at a footy club ball, she loved his eyes, and the rest is history!  They married on their five year anniversary in front of a large group of family and friends in perfect summer weather. A couple of the photos from their photographer, Mardy Bridges, the rest are snaps from my phone.

Eyan & Shania, Lake Paika Station, 12 February 2022

After some date changes and location changes due to Covid, then a move interstate back to Shania's home town, these two finally got to be married.  Lake Paika Station was a beautiful setting for both the ceremony and reception, with many of the family staying in the onsite accommodation to make the most of their weekend together.  They had local suppliers all round - celebrant (me), musician Daniel Barrett, photographer Remi Campbell, florist Bronwyn Brougham, makeup artist Mikkaela Bax etc.  On a perfect summer day, their dream finally came true and it was just perfect.

Beau & Kaitley, Balranald, 22 January 2022

Married by the beautiful Murrumbidgee River behind her grandparents' house, Beau and Kaitley's wedding was a celebration of love, family and friends.  From the first "hello Beau, hello Kaitley" to each other from the far ends of the aisle, their day was so much fun.  A surprise sneak peak for Beau was not what he expected; the local Fire Brigade attended in support of the couple's volunteer work; and a fun wedding party made their day one they will remember forever!  Photos by the awesome Remi Jordan Photography.

2021 was busy with 18 Weddings, 1 Renewal of Vows, 1 Naming Ceremony, 2 Funerals and 2 Memorial Services.  After accidentally deleting my whole gallery for the last two years I have finally managed to reload the photos.  Check out all my beautiful weddings for 2021 below.  Stay tuned for 2022!!

Tom & Ali, Lake Moodemere, 18 December, 2021

A love of nature, redgums and wetlands, plus many childhood memories on the lake, saw a casual relaxed wedding for Tom and Ali, with their close family present.  The sky was stormy and a couple of showers came and went, but nothing could dampen the spirit of Tom and Ali for their ceremony, picnic, and later on out for dinner to celebrate.

Matt & Bettina, Albury Botanical Gardens, 28 November, 2021

On a beautiful Sunday morning in the pristine Botanical Gardens, Matt and Bettina said their vows in front of a small group of family members and their two gorgeous daughters.  Mikkali Rowe was their photographer and a picnic reception followed, all set up and catered for by "Your Moment Picnics".  A perfect Sunday morning all round.

Tim & Mallory, Mudgegonga, 27 November, 2021

In the glorious gardens of Mallory's family farm, surrounded by hills and scenic views, Tim and Mallory had the perfect wedding day.  With a barefoot bride that couldn't stop giggling from her happiness, the family dog joining in the ceremony, and lots of friends and family to celebrate with, it was well worth bringing their date forward from the initial planned date as everything was amazing.

Aaron & Gina, Euroa, 6 November, 2021

A love story that began when they both "swiped right" culminated with their wedding vows at the beautiful Seven Creeks Hotel in Euroa in front of lots of family and friends - many of who had never even met due to Covid restrictions!  A beautiful ceremony, with a photo of Gina's dear Dad taking pride of place on the front row of seats - then off to the Temple Kitchen next door for their reception.  

J&D, secret ceremony, 28 October, 2021

A very private and secret wedding was required, so I provided two witness for this couple and their legals only wedding took place on a Thursday afternoon.  They will have a reaffirmation ceremony in time when they are ready to announce to family and friends.

Dayle & Jess, Lake Hume foreshore, September, 2021

A couple of date changes, then - let's just get married!  And so they did in a beautiful ceremony of some family and close friends by the wall of the magnificent Lake Hume.  Ellen May Photography captured some beautiful photos for Dayle and Jess to cherish forever - with their besties by their sides as witnesses, it was such a relaxed and fun filled day for them both.

Graeme & Vicki, Lavington, 25 September, 2021

In an intimate ceremony at the home with just immediate family present, Graeme and Vicki sealed a love that had been denied to them for decades.  Such a beautiful celebration for them.

Brendan & Carly, Thurgoona, 3 July, 2021

A beautiful surprise wedding in front of just two people very special to them, Brendan and Carly had me arrive for their daughter's naming ceremony and we pulled off the ultimate intimate wedding - it was so beautiful.  We then headed off for the naming ceremony, after which they announced to all family and friends that they were married!

Ben & Orianah, Griffith Golf Club, 9 May, 2021

A very special day for Ben and Orianah, celebrating their wedding on her grandparent's wedding anniversary, also Mother's Day, and being given away by her dear grandmother, Lorraine.  In a beautiful grove of trees, the eerie sound of Xavier Rudd for the entrance song, and a didgeridoo solo by her cousin during the signing, it was one of the most beautifully emotional services I have been involved in.  The bridal party headed off for photos in golf buggies, and guests enjoyed the reception in a giant marquee on the first green of the course. Well done to all involved!

Brandon & Morgan, Lake Paika, Balranald, 8 May, 2021

A black stretch hummer limo was  a surprise from Morgan's parents for their wedding transport, and it sure proved a hit in my hometown of Balranald.  With a ceremony in the beautiful gardens of Lake Paika Station, and local photographer Remi Campbell behind the lens, their day was captured perfectly.  Rustic vibes were carried through to their reception in the beautifully restored Royal Hall in town.

Daniel & Dimity, Balranald, 1 May, 2021

It was great to head back to my home town to marry Daniel and Dimity, both of whom I had watched grow up all their life.  Their boho and woodland themed ceremony and reception were  held in beautiful weather, and the huge wedding party all managed to fit in the photos lol.  Their photos at the redgum sawmill where Daniel worked turned out awesome!

Matt & Hayley, Whitton, 17 April, 2021

The girls arrived on the back of the beautifully restored family Dodge truck, to the eagerly awaiting crowd of family and friends waiting on the riverbank at the family farm.  It was a perfect day, with lots of beers to quench the thirst and boots for dancing the night away.

Ryan & Teigan, Hay, 3 April, 2021

On a super hot Hay day, Ryan and Teigan finally had the wedding of their dreams, surrounded by all their family and friends.  A beautiful ceremony was followed by an outdoor reception and lots of dancing and laughter.  Congrats R&T, and thank you for choosing me as your Celebrant.

Keegan & Bryonie, Splitters Creek Vineyard, 19 March 2021

A beautiful laid back couple celebrated their wedding with close family and friends at Splitters Creek Winery on a perfect Friday afternoon, followed by reception at the winery. 

Ross & Kate, Waddingtons@Kergunyah, 13 March 2021

One of my favourite locations around, Waddingtons provided the superb service and surroundings that they are famous for when Ross and Kate married.  With awesome hot cars for transport and their kids in the wedding party, we got the ceremony finished just in time before a storm ripped down the hill. 

Chris & Tika, Balranald, 27 February 2021

A proud moment for me to travel to my home town and marry these two awesome people who I watched grow up.  By the beautiful Murrumbidgee River, Chris and Tika were married in front of a large group of family and friends.  Tika's dad was pretty pumped to have his trucks as wedding transport, and her son sang for their bridal waltz.  A beautiful wedding full of love, laughter, family and fun.

Ky & Morgan, Kiewa, 20 February, 2021

A beautiful intimate ceremony by the Kiewa River with just immediate family present was how Ky and Morgan were married.  After some hampers and bubbles by the river, their awesome photographer drove them up to the mountain summit to capture some beautiful wedding photos they will treasure forever.

Carl & Mikkaelie, Thurgoona, 16 January 2021

Last minute changes to date and location due to Covid restrictions saw Carl and Mikki marry at their home in front of close family and friends on a perfect summer afternoon.  It was a beautiful day and they finally fulfilled their dreams to become husband and wife.

Johan & Deidre, Brown's Lagoon Albury, 31 December, 2020

What better way to finish this crazy year than with a wedding on New Year's Eve!!  Another change of date and change of location from the original winery location, again due to Covid, but it worked out perfectly.  They had a large gathering of family and friends under a very beautiful tree for the ceremony, then headed off into Albury CBD for reception and to see the new year in!
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David & Sarah, Wagga RSL Club, Wagga, 31 October, 2020

A quick trip to Wagga in the evening, I rocked up at David's Halloween themed 50th birthday party in full Halloween disguise.  No-one knew there was a stranger in their midst, and they all got a shock when we proceeded to perform a surprise wedding for David and Sarah - with only their two best friends and their kids knowing what was to happen.  It was a fun night all round and these crazy two ended up like my best friends after months of date and location changes, again due to Covid.
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Simon & Kelly, City Central Church, Albury, 31 October, 2020

Changing from Beechworth, Vic, into Albury due to the ongoing Covid rules saw Simon and Kelly hold their ceremony at the amazing City Central Church Hall in Albury and it was perfect.  They headed off to the Botanical Gardens for photos between thunderstorms, and then a dinner at the Atura, so all ended up with a great day for their guests.

Jack & Freya, "Rosewhite House", Rosewhite, 24 October, 2020

Jack and Freya also had to change their wedding plans due to Covid, but they ended up with the ultimate "bestie weekend" ever.  They were limited to ten people at their wedding, so booked out the gorgeous Rosewhite House BnB and had the weekend with their eight best friends, who were all in the wedding party!  I rocked up and officiated the service and left them to a weekend of fun with games, food and drinks!  Way to go Jack and Freya!

Andrew & Rochelle, Noreuil Park, Albury, 22 October, 2020

With change of date and location, Andrew and Rochelle finally got to marry on a beautiful Thursday afternoon by the mighty Murray River at Albury's Noreuil Park.  The sun was shining brilliantly, and it was a happy celebration of their love amongst lots of family, friends and bubbles.  Here's some pics from the awesome @Peter Charlesworth Photographer

Ryan & Ella, "Queen's Park", Hillston, 10 October, 2020

A roadtrip to the beautiful little town of Hillston on a perfect spring day to officiate at the intimate wedding of Ryan and Ella was right up my ally!  Held on Ella's family farm, "Queen's Park", with abundant wheat crop and rolling hills in the background and a catered marquee for their reception, it was just perfect.  Ella had her 3 sisters as her bride tribe, and Jorja sang for both the ceremony and reception. Beautiful photos by @Mikkali Rowe Photography

Beau & Kristy, "Impimi", Balranald, 5 September, 2020

I was very excited to travel to my home town and officiate for this gorgeous couple out at the farm.  The weather was perfect, close friends and family gathered, and the wedding cars were awesome big rigs (as Beau is a truck driver).  Awesome photos taken by @Libby Kelly Photography perfectly captured the love of these two and their combined family of children. 

David & Trish, private home Albury, 29 August, 2020

Originally planned for a ceremony and reception at The Albury Club, restrictions made the date and place impossible, so David and Trish opted for an intimate ceremony in their home with just their immediate family present - and it was perfect!  They invited me for bubbles and nibbles after the ceremony, and then they all went out to a fine restaurant to celebrate!  Sometimes changing your original plan works out just beautifully!
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Jarrod & Caitlin, Albury Botanical Gardens, 15 August, 2020

After changing dates and location due to Covid, Jarrod and Caitlin finally got to marry in a beautiful setting at the Albury Botanical Gardens - just before a big thunderstorm pelted down!  With their little boy at their side, and close family and friends gathered, it was a perfect celebration of their love and family.  Accompanied by her brother (as dad was in lockdown) Caitlin didn't stop her beautiful smile all day!

Ryan & Teigan, private garden, Hay, 30 May, 2020

Brought forward from their planned date of Easter 2021 due to family illness, Ryan and Teigan had an intimate Covid imposed guest list of just ten of their immediate family, with social distancing in place (and some family and friends watching over the fence from the neighbour's garden and street).  No-one wanted to miss this hitching, and they didn't as a live stream Facebook link was in place.  These two lovebirds then had a reaffirmation ceremony in Easter 2021, and a big party with all their family and friends.  

Austin & Olivia, "Orange Grove Gardens", 21 March, 2020

Lucky for Austin and Olivia, they held their wedding just before the hard Covid lockdown - but rules were in place and we had to warn guests re social distancing, hugs and hand-sanitising!  Country people do it best, and their day and night at the beautiful Orange Grove function centre went off without a hitch!

Bobby & Laura, At The Heads, Barwon Heads, 6 March 2020

It might sound biased, but my favourite wedding and proudest Celebrant moment, was when I got to officiate at the wedding of my youngest son, Bobby, as he wed the love of his life, Laura.  By the beach at the stunning "At The Heads" function centre, a large gathering of family and friends enjoyed this beautiful ceremony, complete with Kombi Keg and acoustic muso - it was absolutely perfect.  Some photos by @Monika Berry Weddings Photography

Noel & Louii, private garden at Lavington, 29 February, 2020

This crazy pair took a "leap of love" and married on Leap Year 29 February!  They transformed their Lavington garden into a perfect place for their relaxed and super fun wedding - it doesn't matter how old you are, love wins!  I had the best afternoon with these two and their family, moving from the front garden to the back yard for their party.

Sam & Samantha, ShadowFax Wines, Werribee, 11 January 2020

2020 kicked off beautifully with a gorgeous ceremony full of fun, laughter, family and friends as the two Sams got hitched.  The stunning ShadowFax Wines at Werribee, Victoria, was a picture perfect location and a great way to start my Celebrant year.  @Journey By Light Photography captured some great images.

2019 - #MyHappyPlace  - my Celebrant business grew steadily and I loved it more each time I got to officiate.  2019 saw ten weddings and a baby naming ceremony!  Check them out below!

Conan & Abbey, The Albury Club, 16 November, 2019

My last wedding for the 2019 season was an exquisite wedding inside The Albury Club, where an entire room was transformed overnight into a beautiful setting for Co and Abbey to be wed. With their siblings as witnesses, it was a very heartfelt and beautiful ceremony, later celebrated in the rose garden outside. Stunning!  Pics by @Peter Charlesworth Photography.

Anthony & Kate Rollings, "Orange Grove", 9 November 2019

The beautiful "Orange Grove Gardens" at Culcairn was the venue for Anthony and Kate to tie the knot.  Walked down the homestead stairs by her two brothers, and accompanied down the aisle by her gorgeous son, Lenny, in a refurbished antique pram, the scene was set for a perfect wedding day!

Kade & Meg Passlow, Maxwell, 2 November 2019

Wild, wet, windy - the weather on the hill at Kade and Meg's farm proved difficult, but the love, laughter and close family present definitely conquered any bad weather.  It was a beautiful ceremony with only their kids and closest family at the ceremony, later joined by all their friends and family at the Maxwell Hall for the reception.

Brenton & Karlie Rowe,  Pental Island, Swan Hill, 26 October 19

It was an honour to officiate for these two whom I had watched grow up from teenagers into fine young adults.  An amazing private home in Swan Hill offered the perfect "Bali style" wedding ceremony location right there in the country, before they headed to Pental Island Caravan Park for their reception. Photos courtesy of Cassie at Koko Photography, Bendigo

Nathan & Amelia Finnen, "Gateway Village" Wodonga, 5 Oct 2019

Great mates, relaxed vibe and beautiful weather made Nathan and Amelia's day just perfect!   Photo courtesy of Annabel Lugsdin Photography

Joe & Natalie Brentnall, Soap Works Bend, Hay, 24 August, 2019

An intimate ceremony with family and close friends on the river bank at Hay in perfect autumn weather.  Joe and Nat had a beautiful day leading into a fabulous party with lots of friends!  Photo courtesy of Jan Jacka Photography
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Matt & Bec Carnall, "Botanical Gardens" Albury, 6 April, 2019

Absolutely perfect autumn weather made the wedding of Matt and Bec just magical, surrounded by the beautiful surrounds of Albury's Botanical Gardens.  Photos courtesy of David Gordon Photos

Luke & Tatum McMonigle, Whorouly, 9 March, 2019

On a hilltop, in a paddock, on a 5 generation family farm - what a magical day it was for Luke and Tatum.....such a fun and relaxed ceremony, followed by their reception in a big marquee, surrounded by campervans, tents and swags for the stayers.  Photos courtesy of Pictures of You Photography (and some snaps from my phone camera)
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David & Tania Walther, "Orange Grove Gardens" 16 March, 2019


The beautiful "Orange Grove Gardens", Culcairn, was the setting for David and Tania's wedding - photos courtesy of Peter Charlesworth Photographer  (and Celebrant's phone)
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Andrew & Michelle Bishop, home garden Wodonga, 6 April, 2019

A simple and heartfelt service in their own garden, surrounded by family and close friends, was how Andrew and Michelle chose to celebrate their special day.  It was such a fun ceremony with lots of laughs to start their married life together.

2018 - my first year as a Celebrant after becoming registered in February 2018!   4 weddings - two in my home town - I was very happy with that!  See my 2018 weddings below.

Marc & Sarah Campbell, "Lake Paika", Balranald, 10 March 2018

An amazing day for my first wedding ceremony!  Long time friends Marc and Sarah placed faith in me and trusted me to do their ceremony even though it was my very first!  I thank them eternally for this opportunity.  They had a huge gathering of family and friends on a perfect autumn day, and I could not be happier with the result.  These photos courtesy of @Love By Shae Photography.
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Mitch & Tavia Slee, "Lake Paika", Balranald, 17 March 2018

Mitch and Tavia had a beautiful ceremony with lots of laughs........  the historic "Lake Paika Station" at Balranald provided excellent backdrops for these awesome photos courtesy of Rick Bentley Photography
click on the photos for enlargement and details......

Lawrie & Taylor Butler, "La Maison", Wodonga, 12 May 2018

A beautiful service was created for this amazing couple of 30+ years together.  The rain forced us inside the historic stone cottage for the ceremony, but it was still perfect!
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David & Tracy Peters, Wodonga, 8 December 2018

A beautiful, colourful ceremony with hand-made bouquets and table decorations from Tracy's beloved Harry Potter books.  Unique and fun day.

Naming Ceremony for Grayson Huber, February 2, 2019

A beautiful and meaningful ceremony was held at the family home where the addition of Grayson to the family was celebrated with family and friends.
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  • Home
  • About Me
  • Services
    • Weddings
    • Renewal of Vows
    • Commitment Ceremonies
    • Naming Ceremonies
    • Memorial Services
  • Photo Gallery
  • Testimonials
  • Contact Me
  • Useful Links