Tell us a little bit about yourself and why you became a celebrant.
Hello! I'm Ali, a full-time wedding celebrant, and together with my hubby Dan and two little boys, we live on a macadamia farm near Bangalow, in the Byron shire. I have always had a love for the country, cows, horses and anything rustic and earthy.
Many years ago I took on the role of celebrant (with the officiant on the side for legals) for two of our wonderful friends wedding in the Gold Coast hinterland. Following this another couple of our friends asked me to do the same and it was from their that my love and passion of uniting two people grew! We were moving from western Queensland into the Byron hinterland at the time so it seemed the perfect direction for me to go and study celebrancy instead of going back into my pre-children career of Agribusiness banking.
What has been your most memorable ceremony to date?
All have had their own unique something, that has made them memorable, but if I had to pick one it would be Michael & Ash with their surprise wedding in Brisbane. There was a different excitement in the air that day as guests began arriving for their 'engagement' party and watching their faces as they looked around and realised that a wedding was going to happen! I remember rounding up the guests before Ash arrived and a few older gents at the bar got the shock of their lives when I asked them to come over for the ceremony. They had no idea!
Surprise weddings are so much fun but so many challenges lie behind the scenes with keeping the secret!
How can brides-to-be make their ceremony unique?
A great ceremony reflects the couple, their personalities and their love for one another. I find that every couple willing to think outside the box (with the help of their celebrant) and put their own personal touches on the ceremony will end up with a beautiful unique moment to share with all their loved ones. Such as writing their own personal vows and including people in unique ways, ie. having your grandmother bringing up the rings or having the two mothers be witnesses. Some couples have opted to walk down the aisle together and other couples ask for fun inclusions such as having a flash mob reading.
Do you have any tips for brides-to-be for finding their perfect celebrant?
Take the time in just having a chat either face to face or over the phone/skype. Do you feel that comfortable connection and that they will deliver the type of ceremony that you want? You both want to feel comfortable and confident with them and know that they will provide the support you want through all those emotions you will be feeling before the ceremony and during.
My wedding ceremony was one of the most fun parts of our wedding day! It is not just the legal bit you HAVE to do just to get on to the party, it can be the incredible memory you and your guests will always remember.
Where can we find more information and how do we get in contact?
