One year ago today, Sam and Kelly got married under the trees at the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

Six guests. No wedding party. No PA. No stage. Just two people who wanted a ceremony that was short, sweet and felt like them.

Happy first anniversary, you two.

The brief

Sam and Kelly are part of the LGBTIA+ community, and when we first spoke about their wedding ceremony they were crystal clear on what mattered. They wanted a ceremony that was meaningful and personal, but also relaxed and comfortable. As self-described introverts, standing up the front with a hundred people watching them wasn't going to work.

So we didn't do that.

Why everyone sat down

Sam often uses a wheelchair to get around, so accessibility was obviously very important. And Sam and Kelly wanted everyone to be comfortable, physically and emotionally, from the moment they arrived. So we seated everyone, including the couple and me.

It was the right call for access and comfort, and it shaped the entire atmosphere. With everyone in a close circle, the ceremony felt like a conversation among people who love each other, rather than a performance. Sam and Kelly had set up a colourful rug with white Americana chairs around it in a semi-circle next to the gum tree tbat acted as the focal point and altar.

Their ceremony music was played my Bluetooth speaker, from playlists Sam and Kelly chose: prelude songs while everyone settled, something for the signing of their marriage certificates and a happy playlist for afterwards.

What they wore

Sam wore a green waistcoat and trousers with a brown bow tie and orange Converse. Kelly wore a burnt orange jumpsuit with green sandals and carried a bouquet of orange and red flowers. Sam's buttonhole matched. It's one of my favourite colour palettes, and it looked incredible against all the green of the Adelaide Botanic Garden.

A ceremony that belonged to the place

We began with an Acknowledgement of the Kaurna people, and of Kainka Wirra, the area the Botanic Garden sits on. The name translates to “Redgum Forest”, which was fitting while we sat beneath a very big, and very old gum tree.

A clear vision

From our first chat, Sam and Kelly told me they wanted to be referred to as partners and spouses once they were married. So that's the language we used, right through to the moment I pronounced them partners in marriage.

Sam and Kelly chose to write their own personalised vows. A private moment, just for the two of them and their six guests to hear.

Sam's uncle brought over the rings. Their cats, Marshmallow and Monday and a Coober Pedy rescue pup, Teddy stayed home, but Sam and Kelly's 3 furbabies were part of their story, so they got a mention too. And pets who had passed away too.

The ceremony was short, a little funny and very them.

Then came a glass of non-alcoholic bubbles, photos and lunch at the restaurant in the Gardens.

What 1,000+ weddings have taught me about small ceremonies

I'd been a celebrant for for 17 years when Sam and Kelly married, and ceremonies like theirs are some of my favourites. A few things I've learned:

• A small guest list doesn't mean a smaller ceremony. Six people who love you can fill a space better than 160 who are only there out of obligation and some free drinks.

• Plan for access from the first conversation. Seating, surfaces, distances and timing all shape how a ceremony feels for those who are not fully mobile or have accessibility needs. Ask early, and design your day around the answers.

• Seat everyone if it suits you. It lowers the temperature straight away, and it changes how a ceremony feels for people who find being watched a bit difficult.

• Share how you want to be described and spoken about, and expect your celebrant to listen. Words and identifiers like partners, spouses, husband, wife and fiancé are personal. A good ceremony uses the ones you choose.

• Let the place speak. A thoughtful and personalised Acknowledgement of Country and a few details about where you are lend weight and meaning. You feel like it could only have taken place right there.

• Personal beats long. 10 intentional and well-chosen minutes of you will always beat 30 of someone else's words or platitudes.

The details

Celebrant: Camille Abbott, Ceremonies by Camille

Venue: Adelaide Botanic Garden

Photographer: Dani Chidlow, Hound & Hand Photography

Guests: 6

Planning a small, accessible, LGBTQIA+ aligned, or relaxed wedding ceremony in Adelaide? I'll create your ceremony around who you are. Let's chat.

A small, seated, and beautifully relaxed wedding ceremony in the Adelaide Botanic Garden for Sam and Kelly