About Me & You
About Me
My working life has been eclectic and in so many ways, given my professional background, becoming a celebrant was a no-brainer.
(Want to just skip to seeing me in action as a celebrant? There are a few little videos here)
Before I worked in weddings, I was a journalist and newsreader on TV (Channel 7) and radio (commercial stations and ABC), voice artist, professional speaker and emcee. Then I started my own business training and coaching people to speak powerfully on stages around the world, including TEDx events.
Professional writing and speaking skills are essential for being a brilliant celebrant (tip: when you’re considering a celebrant find out what their background and skills are. Can they write exceptionally well? Can they speak powerfully? Would your love story feel safe in their hands? Are you confident they’re professional and will connect with your guests and create memorable, magic moments?)
I’ve also run spiritual retreats in Australia and Bali and facilitated various types of ceremonies and rituals, so if you’re looking for different ideas and to make your wedding ceremony a sacred experience I’d love to help you.
I love writing and I’m a natural storyteller. I’ve written three published books. Unlike most people, I also love standing on a stage and speaking. Presenting to an audience and creating a feeling of connection for everyone warms the cockles of my heart. I love it.
As a journalist I loved meeting people and listening to their stories and that’s something I continue to love as a celebrant. I’m someone people feel comfortable opening their hearts to and sharing their love stories with and I consider that a privilege.
I think love and life are worth celebrating, and weddings are about creating special, memorable moments.
Just like you, I want your wedding day to be one of the best days of your life and I’ll give you everything I can to help make that happen.
My deepest wish for you is that whenever you think about your wedding ceremony years later you’ll smile and feel joyful.
That’s enough about me… let’s talk about your wedding!
The Experience of Working with Me
I’m not the celebrant for everyone (no-one can be) so I think it’s important to tell you about my approach.
Your wedding is one of the most special days of your life. It might be the only time you stand up in front of family and friends (if you choose to get married that way) and declare your love for one another so openly. It’s exciting, it can be nerve-wracking, and there’s no “take two.”
My goal is to make the process of working together, from the moment we first speak until that magical moment when you’re presented to your guests as officially married, as easy, stress-free and enjoyable as possible. I’m committed to providing you with a professional service, sincere reverence for how special your wedding is, warmth and great care. I’m heartfelt, authentic and fun too, and will tailor my style to the type of ceremony that best expresses who you are (it won’t be boring, I promise). The best celebrants are deeply intuitive and do this extremely well.
If you’re looking for a pre-written generic script for your ceremony, or a celebrant who doesn’t write a script until a few days before your wedding or doesn’t send you one at all, I’m not the celebrant for you. I take pride in crafting your unique story so that it unmistakably sounds and feels like you, and will be meaningful and memorable. Your ceremony script is important. A great celebrant will take their time to write your script from scratch and ask for feedback from you to ensure you’re happy with it. Having said that, I’ll always allow for a few small surprises on the day to make your ceremony even more magical.
On your wedding day I will reassure you and help you calm your nerves, be fully present and feel as relaxed as possible so you can truly enjoy every single moment. I have taught hundreds of people how to do this (it works!). Often people who are shy or were worried about standing up the front will say afterwards that their ceremony was the best part of their day. I want that for you too.
If you’re looking for a celebrant who’s silly, loud and over the top, and is focused on being the life of the party, I’m not the celebrant for you. My presenting style is refined and professional, as well as being exceptionally warm and friendly. I want to make sure, when I tell your story, that it lands so that you and your guests are moved and feel like you’re part of something very special.
Even though I love being on stage your big day is all about you – not me. That means I won’t aim to be the centre of attention and I won’t share my own views about life and love. I see my role as a facilitator and the focus will always be on you and your guests. That also means that sometimes, during your ceremony, I’ll be standing just out of the way (I’ll make sure I’m not in your photos for your first kiss, for example, but if you kiss at other times I might be nearby). Other times I’ll be close in with you as necessary. I’ll vary my position to make sure I’m not in all your professional photos.
Let’s work together to create a beautiful, unforgettable ceremony for you!
