What is your most memorable wedding?
That's a sneaky question! I couldn’t possibly single one out - they have all been special and memorable for one reason or another...
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Friendly, professional, organised, resourceful, reliable
What about your business are you most proud of?
That I get to give people the wedding ceremony that they want, dream of and deserve. I love that I help to create happy memories for a couple and their guests to treasure...
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Keep to your budget but choose your suppliers based on more than price. Do some research: check out their reviews and social media; ask for recommendations from friends or online support groups. Choose the people that you connect with and who you feel can make your big day even better...
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Again, it would be difficult to choose one - because every personal touch, at a wedding, is perfect for that couple. I do love it when grandparents are acknowledged or involved in the ceremony - maybe that’s because I don’t have any memories of my own grandparents?
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I respond to enquiries as soon as possible - definitely within 24 hours. I will answer any questions that you raise and encourage you to ask as many others as you need to. Once I know where and when your wedding is taking place I will be able to check my availability and let you know my fee. I will give you details of the fee and what is included - once you have booked this will not increase for any reason. To help you decide, if I am the right Celebrant for you, I offer to provisionally hold a date for two weeks, without any charge or obligation. During that period, I will always do my best to meet, or at least speak, with you prior to you confirming the booking with a deposit.
Once you have booked, I will keep in touch with you and support and guide you as much (or as little) as you wish. On the day itself, I arrive fully prpepared and in good time. I liaise with your venue and other suppliers to ensure that everything goes smoothly and I beam with joy throughout your ceremony, as much as any of your other guests...
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
Hmmm? There have been quite a few. I suppose a naming ceremony for a cocktail would be up there. Mixing a unity cocktail was part of the wedding ceremony. The different elements symbolised the characteristics of each partner and how well they worked together (and separately). The name was kept a surprise from everyone (including me) - the couple had pre-mixed a batch for the first drinks (I tried it and it was very very nice!)
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
By being friendly, reliable, well organised, calm and resourceful. I will keep in touch, respond to any queries that you have and go above and beyond to ensure that you have the perfect (stress-free) wedding ceremony.
What do you love most about your job?
I LOVE just about everything about my job! One of the best parts is getting to know about, building a connection with, and caring for, my couples. By the time a couple's big day comes around it's a really big day for me too! So much so that it often feels as though I am at the wedding of my friends. All of the planning has culminated in their wedding day and, without exception, I can't wait to see the couple's reactions during their ceremony and I love being there to share in their happiness. It is a massive privilege to be a Celebrant; it brings me so much joy helping people to have the wedding of their dreams - it certainly never just feels like 'a job'...
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
I love the expressions on each partner's face when they are saying/hearing the vows - it is as if they are in a love bubble and for those few moments are able to shut everything else out. It's magical and gives me goose pimples just thinking about it...