While not compulsory, many people choose to change their name after they get married, to their partner’s surname. Anyone can change their name, regardless of gender identity, and you have the option to change your surname or do the double-barrel surname of yours and your partners’, with or without the hyphen. Confused? Yes sorry, there are plenty of options, and you can choose whichever is right for you. Here are the basic options: Keep your name – no need to do anything – woo! Change to your partners’ surname – see changing your name ‘by custom’ below. Double barrel your surname (with or wit ..read more

I was lucky enough to try some of the wines from Zein Estate recently. As you know I am not a professional wine reviewer, but here are a few of my favorites (in my own words) that I enjoyed with my sister on a Saturday afternoon in my backyard: 2021 Rosé Your summer rosé has arrived! This is drinking beautifully now, and would be lovely with afternoon tea or a cheese board or just enjoy on its own in the sunshine. Made from Grenache grapes, it was lovely and crisp with berry flavors, and nice and dry. I love a good rosé in the summertime, and can definitely see myself drinking a few of these w ..read more

Perth is one of the most gorgeous places in the world to get hitched (hey – I might be biased, but who cares) – from the Swan River to the Perth Hills we have some truly beautiful spots to choose from, we really are spoilt for choice. So make sure you grab the right Perth wedding photographer to capture all the beauty of your big day! One of the most important considerations is choosing the right fit for you. There are so many different Perth Wedding Photographers to choose from, with various styles and personalities, so be sure to choose the one who best suits you. A professional wedding phot ..read more

Guest Post by Sangie Bora from Red Earth Migration. All Visa questions should be directed to a qualified Migration Agent. The team at Red Earth Migration has put together the below guest blog with some general info about migration Visas – this is general information and should not be used as legal advice. You should always seek advice from a qualified professional. De Facto Relationships If you want to apply for a partner visa and you are not married, you can apply as a de facto couple. Australian immigration law recognizes couples who live together for a certain amount of time as equivalent t ..read more

You spend years planning your wedding day, so when it finally arrives, you want to ensure you can enjoy every moment! Follow the below tips, to ensure you have the perfect Perth Wedding Day: The Night Before Have an early night and go easy on alcohol – you want to be fresh for the big day! Go over your vows – you are less nervous if you have rehearsed a few times. Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. No beans, curry or other ‘windy’ foods tonight ???? An important note about sobriety You will be signing legal documents on your wedding day and your Celebrant must assess that you are not und ..read more

I am absolutely gutted by everything that is going on in the world right now, with a special mention to couples with weddings in the next few months. Planning a wedding can be stressful enough, without adding everything 2020 has sprung on us!! While it is a massive disappointment that we all can’t celebrate our weddings and other events as planned, I am sure you would agree this is in the best interests of keeping everyone we know and love, healthy and safe. The five-person limit at weddings has really made it tricky for a lot of couples who had their hearts set on celebrating in fro ..read more

Guest post by Ethan O’Neill So you are getting your wine list in order for the wedding. You have probably tasted the classics (Shiraz, Chardonnay, Champagne) but are there other styles out there worth considering. Natural wines, not just another name for organics, are making a comeback in Australia right now, and I think it’s about high-time we start talking about their range, as more than just oddities between the Sauvignon Blanc and White Varietals shelf, and start appreciating them as a unique style, suited perfectly for the Australian climate. What is Natural Wine? Let’s start with th ..read more

Your wedding day should be a memorable, festive occasion, and that starts with choosing the right venue. These days, many couples are shifting away from traditional venues in favour of something a bit more unique. If you and your guests enjoy drinking beer, a brewery could be the perfect choice for your nuptials, enabling you to enjoy incredible beverages in a vibrant, fun atmosphere. Here’s a look at some of the best breweries in WA that can accommodate weddings to get you started in your venue search. King Road Brewing Co Situated about 40 minutes south of Perth, King Ro ..read more

The drive to get to The Packing Shed @ Lawnbrook is seriously gorgeous. Driving through the winding hills of Kalamunda and Bickley to arrive at The Packing Shed gives you gorgeous views of rolling hills, filled with grazing horses, cows and other farm animals. You might even see a few kangaroos on the way too! Time permitting, there are also plenty of wineries to stop along the way too! Bickley Valley Location The Lawnbrook Estate Winery and Packing Shed Restaurant are in a beautiful spot in the Bickley Valley, and on a normal weekend do a roaring trade as a farmhouse style rest ..read more

Margaret River Dog-Friendly Wineries Visited by Emma: Cape Naturaliste Vineyard Juniper Estate Montague Estate Hayshed Hill Stormflower Vineyard Snake & Herring Hi, my name is Emma, and I am a 7-year-old Jack Russell. My humans really love wine tasting, so I often take road trips with them to different wine regions. Emma amongst the barrels at Cape Naturaliste Winery Now if there is one thing I hate, it’s being left outside! That’s why I absolutely love when there are dog-friendly cellar doors, which allow me to go inside, and be part of the fun! Recently I went with my humans on a ..read more