What is your most memorable wedding?
Weddings are all amazing and give me so much pleasure, but I have absolutely adored working in beautiful stately homes. Cliveden and Hedsor are two of my favourite venues and each wedding there was simply delicious! I also love Castles, and have worked with several in England and in Europe. Magical fairytale weddings give me goosebumps!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Adventurous, romantic, enthusiastic, well-organised, experienced
What about your business are you most proud of?
I was trained by Terri Shanks, who was trained herself by Dally Messenger III - the man who introduced Celebrancy into Australia over 50 years ago. It really is a huge priviledge to have such a wonderful provenance for my own training and I try to be the best possible Celebrant I can be, upholding their Values and Ethics. I love to offer couples a really authentic, original, beautifully crafted and tailored ceremony.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Book your Celebrant as soon as you have your Venue and photographer, to ensure you're not disappointed, as key dates and weekends tend to be booked very quickly! I only conduct one ceremony on any one day so that you can relax, and never feel rushed, and you have my 100% attention as I am not going anywhere else!
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
The Ring Warming custom, where the rings are passed hand to hand to each guest, who is asked to hold and warm them with their love and wishes for the couple's future happiness. This is such a beautiful way to include everyone as a participant in the ceremony, just just a spectator. As most Celebrant ceremonies tend to be non religious, it also allows those who practice faith, to say a silent prayer or give a blessing, which again is inclusive and personal.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I like to meet in person or over a video call and answer the couples questions, and then send them a booking form, when they feel comfortable with my style, ideas, and experience. After the booking I send them a couples questionnaire which helps me to create the personal part of the ceremony, and allows me to write in the correct or most appropriate style and format. I send drafts by email and keep in touch with the couple by phone, email or text. Drafts are usually approved quickly but I aim to have them completed at least 6 weeks before the day itself, so there are no last minute stresses, and on the day i usually arrive at the venue an hour beforehand and help with the co-ordination, meet the guests who are reading, introduce myself to their wedding planner, or generally just try and usher or orchestrate so we have a smooth running ceremony. If they want to hold a rehearsal before the big day, that can be arranged.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
I was asked to wear 15th Century Costume for a Wedding at Warwick Castle over Christmas. The couple were from Australia and wanted a "Royal Wedding" of their own. Actually my first time ever "dressing up" and amazing to see every guest in historical costume. The most interesting part was when the couple wanted me to include Vows and Promises from that time period too - and were surprised when they realised that the same words are still used today!
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
I make sure that all timelines and meetings are scheduled and that enough time is given to schedule regular catch ups, updates, and writing the ceremony. I arrive at the venue around an hour beforehand and meet all the key support team, suppliers, photographers and wedding party members. I often help nervous readers with a five minute coaching session and also ensure the groom knows his "marks" ! The Rings, ritual set up and any other preparation is also done quickly and my role and focus is to create a happy, excited but calm environment and ensure the ceremony flows and goes smoothly.
What do you love most about your job?
Tip Number 1 is to Book your Celebrant when you are thinking about your venue. We work in licenced and unlicensed premises, and in almost every location - indoors or outside. But we only conduct one wedding on one day, much like your photographer, so please consider booking us early so as to avoid any disappointment.
My Second Tip is to consider other /alternate days of the week! You may be pleasantly surprised to find that venues will be more budget friendly. Your guests will always make time for your Wedding, it is a big moment for them too!
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
I have to say my favourite moment is the Vows and the Ring exchange and hearing two people deeply in love give their personal promises to each other, and exchange precious rings, the outward symbol of their union, in front of their family and friends. Weddings are all about deep and meaningful emotion,so i do expect there might be some happy tears!