Why I Do What I Do

My “why” starts with my own wedding day—the day before the first lockdown was announced. The world was in chaos, plans were shifting by the hour, and the uncertainty was overwhelming. But in the centre of that storm was my dad, our celebrant. Because he knew us so well, he knew exactly how to keep us calm and tell our story when we needed to hear it most. He made the ceremony feel like a personal hug in the middle of a worldwide panic.

I want to be that person for you—the calm in the chaos. I want to truly know your story so I can craft a ceremony that is uniquely yours, even if the world outside feels a bit loud. I love helping you weave your nearest and dearest into the moment, bringing their love and laughter into the centre of your celebration. A ceremony shouldn’t just be something you “get through”; it should be the most personal, heartwarming, and truly “you” part of your entire day.

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Steps for success

Every couple’s journey is unique, and the process will naturally shift to reflect your specific needs and the package you’ve chosen. To give you a sense of how we’ll work together, here is a step-by-step example of what my bespoke couples can expect as we build their ceremony from the ground up.

Phase 1: The Vibe Check (Initial Consultation)

Before any contracts are signed, let’s make sure we’re a match.

• The Chat: We’ll meet for a coffee in Nelson or hop on a Zoom to talk through your vision.
• The Connection: You can ask me anything about my style, my background in public speaking, or how I handle those high-emotion moments.
• The Booking: If you’re happy, select your package and pay your deposit and the date is locked in! You’re getting married!

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Phase 2: The Deep Dive (Planning & Scripting)

This is where we move beyond copy-paste ceremonies to create something 100% you.

• The Questionnaire: I’ll send you a link to a questionnaire that asks about your favourite traits in each other, your funniest memories, and your deal breakers.
• The Homework: Don’t stress about this – there are no wrong answers. The more authentic your stories are, the better I can craft a ceremony that reflects your unique relationship.
• The Edits: I’ll write a custom first draft, and you get unlimited tweaks. We keep refining it until every word feels right.

“The ceremony was so personal to us and perfectly reflected who we are as a couple, with just the right balance of laughter and emotion.”

Sam & Lara

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Phase 3: The Legal Bit (The Licence)

I’ll walk you through the New Zealand portal to ensure the official side of things is a breeze.

• The Application: I’ll send you the link to apply for your licence (usually 1 to 3 months before the wedding).
• The Logistics: You’ll pay the $150 BDM fee directly to the government.
• The Paperwork: Once approved, you’ll get a digital copy—forward that entire email to me, and I’ll take it from there.

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Phase 4: The Run-Through (The Rehearsal)

Usually held 1 to 2 days before the wedding at your venue, this is where we settle any nerves.

• The Choreography: We’ll practice where to stand, timing of making that perfect entrance, how to hold the rings, and—most importantly—how to kiss for the camera!
• The Space: We’ll use this time to ensure the placement of the ceremony allows everyone to hear your promises perfectly.

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Phase 5: The Big Day (The Ceremony)

I’ll arrive 30 minutes early to set the scene and check in with your team.

• The Coordination: I’ll check in with your music person, photographer, and venue manager.
• The Ceremony: I lead the way, keep the energy exactly where it needs to be, and make your commitment official.
• The Signing: We sign the digital papers, and you’re officially married! Make sure you have 2 to 3 songs ready to play while we handle the signatures.

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Phase 6: Happily Ever After

• The Registration: I’ll register your marriage with BDM within 48 hours.
• The Certificate: If you ordered a marriage certificate, it will typically arrive in your mail about 2 weeks later.

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