Photo by Alasdair Elmes
My process – before your Big Day.
STEP 01.
Initial phone call – no obligation!
You get a feel for whether I’ll be the right fit for your big day.
This is an initial discussion around what you’re after and confirmation on dates, travel and pricing. We decide if we’re a match and then turn our attention to the finer details of the event itself.
STEP 02.
First Face to Face Meeting.
Either in person or video chat. I would love to hear about your love story and get an idea of how you would like to shape your ceremony. This will help me understand what’s important to you.
STEP 03.
Emails and Communication – step by step guide and draft ceremony script sent through.
I’ll hold both of your hands as we work through the process of organising your marriage and ensure that we are on the right track for legally pronouncing you married.
I can be as hands-on or hands-off as you’d like. If you want to focus on writing your vows, I can carefully craft the rest of your ceremony.
STEP 04.
Dress Rehearsal.
I’ll attend your dress rehearsal for the all-important run through.
I’d love to meet your wedding party, help iron out any pre-wedding questions and put those nerves at ease. (Please see travel details).
My process – on your Big Day.
Your wedding day.
The day has finally arrived – let’s get you both married!
I promise to follow the plan, whether that be to welcome guests and run through housekeeping, or get straight into the ceremony speech. Once you’ve tied the knot, we will sign the copy of particulars and I will then take care of all the formalities. Let’s be honest, nobody likes the paperwork!
The Aftermath.
If so desired, I will send your ceremony script to you to keep as a memento and you will receive your marriage certificate from the DIA in the post. Now, where to put it?!
Where it all began.
Once upon a time, there was a young girl - I’m gonna give it away early guys, it was me.
That girl (who is now persisting with the third person) had her first introduction to the beauty of a wedding when she made her debut as a four-year-old flower girl. I’ve been in love with them ever since.
About twenty years later, that same girl had her broadcasting degree under her belt and was attending a wedding as a guest. As she gazed at the doting couple and observed the celebrant orchestrating the ceremony, a thought popped into her head: “I could do that”.
The next day, some of the attendees of the wedding were discussing the next one on the horizon. I mentioned that the thought of becoming a celebrant had crossed my mind the day before. Eight months later on a beautiful Hawkes Bay day, one thing had led to another and I was standing in front of the wedding, asking the bride and groom to say “I do”.
Since then, I have been based in Canada and London for the majority of the time, which has made NZ official weddings (sadly) a rarity. I have managed to officiate four more weddings in the limited time I’ve been back. Like so many people, my plans changed with the pandemic, and now I’m back in Auckland for good and ready to get stuck into one of my true passions.
There is such high energy at any wedding… and as a sensitive soul with an outgoing personality, I get a kick out of both meeting people and public speaking, so combine that with a special celebration and you’ve got yourself a celebrant!
I’d love to continue my marriage celebrant story with you.