So you've decided to take the next step in your relationship. 
This will be one of the most important days in your life and I'm here to assist in whatever way I can. Whether it be a large event or small intimate wedding, a formal or fun ceremony, every single wedding is special and unique.
The way I see it, my job is to work quietly behind the scenes to help you both truly shine.
Over the last seven years I've gathered a lot of material from attending as many Celebrant conferences and trainings as I could find and networking with many others around Australia..
After 300 plus weddings I've also discovered that each couple somehow manages to inspire something new.
I'm often asked why I chose to become a Civil Celebrant and the answer is easy - I'm a hopeless romantic! At the tender age of 56 my husband of many years has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. My love for him deepens as the years advance and I know I will fall in love with him again many times in the years to come.
Every aspect of helping to co-create the magic of weddings is a pleasure; from working with the couple to the wedding day itself - the groom watching his bride approach, the parents' love and pride as the mantle of generations is passed on, and the tears of joy shed throughout the Ceremony. It is truly an honour to be a part in such a special event.
I also love working with couples for as long as it takes to create a unique and special ceremony they will remember always. There are so many options available - from lovely rituals to various ways to include your guests. As many couples request a relaxed and fun ceremony as want a more formal and traditional wedding. Both are possible.
I love to help you take your guests on a journey - through your special and treasured moments to the laughter and joy of the lighter sides of your life together. Its paramount for me that your Ceremony be about you, and that my role is one of support in the background. To assist this process I have a questionnaire given to you in plenty of time for contemplation.
Let me know your guidelines and we can work together. There's a myriad of ideas for memorable weddings in my head, far too many to put on this website.
A wonderful support is my good quality battery operated PA system, bone coloured head microphone, and ipod/CD player. Celebrants are obliged by law to ensure all the guests can hear and it's a convenient way to play a compilation CD of music - yours, mine or both - for the Ceremony. It also saves driving a car with CD player into a park! If you have a large number of guests, this ensures your guests will hear every word of your ceremony.
Wedding locations
In the last 7 years I have officiated at weddings in Wodonga/Albury/Lavington/Thurgoona, from Staghorn Flat/ Baranduda, Rutherglen/Wahgunyah, Kergunyah, Wangaratta, Howqua Hills to Barnawartha, Falls Creek, Bright, Eurobin, Porepunkah, Beechworth/Stanley, Chiltern, Tallangata, plus many in N.S.W. As you can imagine, listing all potential venues would take up a lot of room so ask me for some recommendations.
There are several factors for you to consider, some of which are listed in the links at the left of this page.
Civil Celebrants are authorised by the Attorney General's Office and may officiate at any ceremony Australia wide.
As a member of three Civil Celebrants' Associations, I subscribe to a high code of practise.
To view the Code of Practise for Celebrants go to http://www.ag.gov.au
Click on "Marriage Celebrants" in the Site Index, then put Code of Practice in the Search link.
The Association of Civil Marriage Celebrants of Victoria site at
http://www.marriagecelebrants-victoria.org.au/celebrants.cfm has a variety of readings, vows and handy guidelines.
Alternatively there is the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants website at http://www.civilcelebrants.com.au/
Bridal Expo - usually the first Sunday in July at the Albury Exhibition centre.
The lucky winner of the prize draw of 2011 was Dianne Montgomery. Dianne won a full refund of her Celebrant fee.
Help is nearby
Sometimes a wedding can be stressful not only for the bride and groom, but also families and friends.
It can be really helpful to seek the counsel of a Professional who can guide you through. Some local agencies also offer short seminars on Pre-marriage education, blended families etc. There are many wonderful courses through Lifeworks, www.lifeworks.com.au or phone 03) 9654 7360.
I also have contact information for local Family Counsellors, or alternatively you can contact 1800 050 321 or http://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/ for your nearest Family Relationship centre.
"Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads,
hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years."
- Simone Signoret
A few possibilities for inclusion in Your Ceremony:
- Include family members/friends. You may both wish to be "given to each other" by both parents, step-parents, children, and/or the entire gathering.
- Special dedications to grandparents or special people in your lives.
- Incorporate some of your Cultural traditions
- Seating - circular. Chairs are arranged around you in a semi circle or circle rather than the traditional format of being an audience in rows.
- A Guest book. On the invitations, guests are welcomed to bring with them; a poem, saying or something appropriate which they write in your Guest Book and sign. This can be done on their arrival, during the signing of the marriage certificate, or at the reception.
- Flowers may be included in many ways. Bride and Groom may give each other a single red rose, or they may stand on scattered petals.
- Warming of the Rings. Before the official ring exchange, both rings are either placed on a table by the entrance or passed around your guests for them to hold and therein place their love and special wishes for your future.
- Do you wish to read your own vows to each other, or have them prompted for you?
- Many couples these days are opting for outdoor weddings. Truly lovely, but please do have a "Plan B" in case of rain - even in the height of summer.
"Through love, through friendship, a heart
lives more than one life." - Anais Nin
A few numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics:
- In 2006 the average age of a Groom in Australia was 31.6 years. The average age of a Bride was 29.3 years.
- In 2007 the average age of a Groom in Australia was 29.6 years. The average age of a Bride was 27.6 years.
- In 2006 the average age of a Groom at his first wedding was 29.6 years, and a Bride was 27.6 years.
- In 2006, there were 114,222 registered marriages, representing an increase of 4,899 (4.5%) from 2005.
