People are sometimes taken aback when I say I get a lot of satisfaction doing funerals and memorial services. I find working with loved ones, family members and friends to be a truly uplifting experience.

When we lose someone close to us, we are of course sad - to say the least, but we automatically start thinking of what they meant to us, how they made us feel, what they taught us - even by accident. This is what grieving is - remembering them and what their loss means.

The positive impact on our lives cannot really be measured but it helps us to focus on those positive aspects. That is what I aim to focus on while giving the family the opportunity to respectfully honour their loved one.

Wow!

Most people don't know where to start, especially if they've never even been to a wedding before.

When you're looking for a Celebrant that will suit you there are a few things to keep in mind.

***You have to have your Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM) lodged with your Celebrant at least ONE FULL MONTH before your wedding date along with your identification documents**** Your Celebrant will give you a form or you can download one from the Govt website.

1. Choose your date. A Celebrant will have bookings sometimes up to a couple of years ahead, so have a date in mind to start with. Your Celebrant will give you some options as well.

2. Where will you be? I have quite a few phone calls from people who are having there ceremony in a far off place.  I'd be very happy to have a wee holiday and do you wedding, however you need to factor in the cost of travel etc.  My advice is to seek out Authorised Celebrants in your chosen area first.

3. There isn't really any 'traditional' vows as such these days. Your Celebrant will help you compose your vows if you'd like, giving you options that suit you and your fiances personality and values. It's not as scary as you may think! Have a laugh - put in a funny bit.

4. The rehearsal isn't for going through the whole ceremony, vows and all. The rehearsal is to help you all feel more comfortable with what's going to happen, where people stand etc. and to show the flow of the ceremony.  It honestly helps with your butterfly nerves on the day.

5. Afterwards, your wedding details will be uploaded onto the Government website and registered.  You can ask the Celebrant to apply for the registration certificate if you want one or you can apply for one any time afterwards.  Either way the Government often change their fees each financial year.  At the moment 2019/2020 they are charging $60. Some Celebrants include this in their fees and some don't as it's not compulsory for you to have a copy.

Almost every bride and groom ask for a simple ceremony that is quick. The grooms especially want the quick part to be super quick. Yes, I performed these quick ceremonies and guests often remark, "oh wow, that was quick", and seem dissatisfied and disappointed.

Not many people like to be the centre of attention especially when expressing feelings. I understand that.

However this is a lifetime commitment that deserves to be given an appropriate ceremony. It's a ritual. It's tradition brought forward.

Your guests may have travelled long distances and made a huge effort to be there for you and it's over before they know it.

You most certainly don't need a long and protracted event! These become boring and guests fidgety.

The key is to hear your celebrant out. We have a great deal of experience and knowledge of things that will make your wedding perfect for you without it going too long or far too short.

It takes about 30 seconds to say 85 words. So a wedding needs to be longer than you ordering a cappuccino at the cafe!