Confetti Days

DONNA:CELEBRANT

WHERE AM I?

I was just asked where I will stand during the kiss… as if its even a consideration that I would stand right there in your love bubble, leering like a creepy old auntie with whiskers on my chin!

OK. Enough of the old and there are no whiskers, but apparently it needs asking because it still happens:

Hear me now, I will NEVER be in shot for your kiss. In fact I deliver most of my ceremony from way out to the side - like the a bonus wedding party member that won’t drink too much, stay for dinner or eat more than her fair share of cake.

What I will do is hold the space for you both, remind you to breathe and to smile. I will stand where I can see you and all of your guests, tell your story from a vantage point that helps you guys stay in focus as the shining stars of the show - and avoids me having a hundred ‘talky face’ photos right up there in your grills.

I will support you by bringing in the printed vows at the right time, or hanging out with you for some repeat-after-me vow delivery. I’ll hand over or hold the microphone for you, I’ll sort out the rings and make sure everyone knows where and when they need to be. I might even hold your used tissue for you.

I will do my best to dress the part (complementing the bridal party without matching!), I will play the music if you choose that option, and of course I will deliver my own well crafted, uniquely personalised, happy and relaxed ceremony to remember.

Here I am… captured by the talented @leegriffith - loving life on the fringe.

CELE-BUDDIES

Celebrities. Celebrators. Celebrants.

I’m lucky enough to know a few. It never used to be that way. OH, there was the odd wedding fair or end-of-season gathering where a few locals would rub shoulders. But nowadays there’s a beautiful, supportive crew of celebrants spreading from one end of WA and beyond, lifting each other up and just making all of us shine brighter.

It goes beyond referrals - although when I can’t give someone the love they deserve, it’s such a relief to be able to recommend a local celebrant who not only can, but will do so with spirit and passion in a way that might not be the same as me - but which definitely rocks the socks off everyone.

It is more than support - because while I do everything I possibly can to be there for you on your day, there may be a time that life just doesn’t allow for it. Whether it’s a pandemic regional lockdown, a broken ankle or a family emergency, I know I can confidently call on a talent pool so deep it’s literally an ocean of wonder, and know that a stand-in celebrant is only a call away.

It is better than mentoring - its a 24/7 wealth of knowledge and generosity in sharing and teaching and enriching. Need a pun? Legal questions? Technical problems? Not only will dozens of celebrants be online with writers-block un-block gold, they’ll recommend a shiny new pen, tell me where to find batteries in an unfamiliar suburb or drive to my location with a spare power cord and a bottle of water to keep me going. We even take turns being each other’s wing-men, roadies and reviewers - always five star, of course!

But best of all it’s cameraderie. These guys and gals are full of the funniest stories, best anecdotes and all the love to share. They can also dress to kill and dance up a storm! So - I wanted you to know, I’m so excited and delighted and pretty damned grateful to tell you that when I arrive, I come with an army of Cele-buddies backing me up.

Seriously, we’re amazing. Check us out at www.instagram.com/wahitchers

ONE LOVE.

As I get older (eek!) I realise I have become quite the feminist. For me it is the fight for equality, for all. It means recognising the privileges I enjoy and fighting discrimination in all of its forms - even if its not happening to me. Discrimination isn’t just based on gender, but also abilities, skin colour and sometimes the person you love.
On December 9th, 2017 in Australia the laws changed regarding same sex marriage. The Marriage Act now states that marriage in a union between two people. The first time I was able to say that, was a surprisingly emotional moment. The congregation I was addressing burst out in applause and cheers, and the couple I was marrying, (hi Liz and Tony), were delighted. I got a little choked up, there was something in my eye - it was a monumental occasion.
There was talk of a flood of new marriages, of everyone in the wedding industry getting rich off the fat stacks coming our way from all the newly engaged couples rushing to the altar. But I knew it wasn’t going to be that way. Everyone wants their special day to be amazing - and whether you suddenly decide to elope or spend a good 2 years (or a lifetime) planning, marriage isn’t something to be taken lightly, just because you can.
By the time March rolled around and I was finally able to officiate for Lauren and Stacey, things had settled a little bit. I was excited, they were nervous, their guests were full of joy and their wedding planner and close friend, Brooke, was stressed out! It was freezing, threatening rain. The venue looked amazing, Lauren and Stacey were looking stunning and Stacey was rocking some serious shoe bling. Shannon Stent Images took some beautiful pictures (like this moment of pure joy right here) of a very happy couple, and they got hitched.
It was pretty much just another day at the office for me - except that my office is so fancy and I get to wear my best frock and I have the most amazing job with the very best feels in the world - nothing (but of course everything) to see here! No more debates or arguments, and no more labels. You see, now that we have marriage equality, these two lovers have a marriage. It’s as unremarkable and as wonderful as that.
So… here’s to tying the knot! And may your marriage be as epic as your wedding day.
D x

Lauren & Stacey, snapped by Shannon Stent Images

Lauren & Stacey, snapped by Shannon Stent Images

SURROUNDED BY BABES...

In my life before I became a marriage celebrant, I was (am) a graphic designer. I have been blessed to lead a creative life, which I never took too seriously and enjoyed a lot.

I have had the good fortune and wonderful adventures of working with mad geniuses - and some people who were downright mad. I have slaved under impossible deadlines and seen beautiful ideas come to life. Along the way, I made some things I'm really proud of - especially friendships. Nothing is better or more satisfying than finding someone who 'gets' you. Not just because they bring out the best in you, but because they support you, too. Collaborations rock!

Which brings me to where I am now - marrying people. Cementing in place the greatest collaboration there can be: marriage. Oh, challenge and compromise and big battles, too - but at the core of two people working together successfully, there is joy.

Yesterday I met a beautiful couple in person for the first time - they live in Cairns and I live in Margaret River. Pretty much as far away from each other on mainland Australia as you can get. We've had a long and fruitful correspondence, but to see them in person, in each other's company was magic. I can't wait to see them married tomorrow. They're keen as mustard - not just for the party (it's going to be epic), but also for Every. Single. Day. after…

Their's is my first wedding of the 16/17 season. I've married over 200 couples and been at it for more than six years - but I still get a little bit nervous, because I want it to be super special. 

So luckily for me I'll have the support of some of my best creative friends there, too. Besides all the love - it's the best bit about being a wedding professional in my little town. The photographers and videographers are my pals, they are uber talented, super nice babes and they don't publish photos of me with double chins. These folk are my family every other Saturday till May, and they help me stand tall and smile.

So here's to collaborations: creative amalgamations of love and energy and support, and being surrounded by babes!

 

Talented and wonderful, check them out:
http://www.parishawkenphotography.com.au/
http://www.raemarie.com.au/
http://www.theweddingtape.com.au/