Our journey - from Engaged to saying "I do"
A STEP-BY STEP GUIDE TO THE WEDDING CEREMONY PROCESS
A STEP-BY STEP GUIDE TO THE WEDDING CEREMONY PROCESS
The aim of this guide is to give you an insight into the journey that you will take with me from the pre-planning stage through to your wedding day and beyond.
It is also to instill trust and give you confidence that through my guidance and care, your wedding ceremony will be perfect and will set the tone for a wonderful celebration. I understand that you may be feeling a little overwhelmed …… and this is where my guidance will be comforting.
With the Wedding Ceremony being the focal part of the Wedding Day, there are any number of ways to make the ceremony fun, joyful, meaningful, and personal through the inclusion of both traditional rituals and /or other special elements. There are no rules for how to structure your wedding ceremony. You can define how simple a ceremony you want or how grand a ceremony you want. This is defined by you and your personal taste!
It is also to instill trust and give you confidence that through my guidance and care, your wedding ceremony will be perfect and will set the tone for a wonderful celebration. I understand that you may be feeling a little overwhelmed …… and this is where my guidance will be comforting.
With the Wedding Ceremony being the focal part of the Wedding Day, there are any number of ways to make the ceremony fun, joyful, meaningful, and personal through the inclusion of both traditional rituals and /or other special elements. There are no rules for how to structure your wedding ceremony. You can define how simple a ceremony you want or how grand a ceremony you want. This is defined by you and your personal taste!
The Ceremony Proces
There are four key steps in the Ceremony process:
1. The initial Meeting
2. Creating your Wedding Ceremony Script
3. Rehearsal/Logistics Meeting
4. The Wedding Ceremony
1. The initial Meeting
2. Creating your Wedding Ceremony Script
3. Rehearsal/Logistics Meeting
4. The Wedding Ceremony
Step 1 - The Initial Meeting
The first step is to schedule a meeting with me at a mutually convenient time and place so that we can get to know each other, secondly to help you with any questions you may have.
Before we meet, I will send you a couple of checklists that include questions to get you thinking about your wedding, what style and vibe you envision. I can answer any questions you may have, and we can start to plan for any specific requirements you have in mind. We will have an idea of the “Order of Service” by the end of the meeting.
We can also review some of the legal requirements (proof of Identity and if you are free to marry), so that the legal paperwork can be commenced. I will send you a guide on this before we meet.
Below is a general guide below of the documents that I need to sight.
If never previously married:
If any of your documentation is in another language, I will only accept a translation certified by a NAATI-qualified translator. Please visit this website for details. https://www.naati.com.au
If your name differs from your Birth Certificate, I will need to sight a previous Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate issued by the Office of Births, Deaths, and Marriages from the state you were residing in at the time of the name change.
Step 2 - Creating Your Wedding Ceremony Script
With the help of my checklists, we used at the initial meeting and the notes I have taken I will be able to start working on the ceremony script.
There will need to be some decisions about the following factors:
As the script emerges these questions will be answered.
I will offer you a draft of the ceremony script that includes options for various elements, such as the wording for the Exchange of Rings.
So, the script will go back and forth between us until you are happy. Then I can complete the final script.
Over the months/weeks leading up to your wedding day, I will be in-touch with you so that we can do any fine tuning of the details for your ceremony. I will also provide you with some resource materials to assist you to prepare for the big day. If you have any concerns, please reach out to me for advice and assistance. I am here to support you, to make sure you are happy, relaxed, and confident.
Step 3 - The Rehearsal and Logistics Meeting
I highly recommend holding a wedding rehearsal just before the wedding day – it will allow all the key participants to get an idea of what to expect on the day, to ensure that we can go through some styling and stage craft points and to make sure that the traditional or ritual ceremonies will go smoothly. I have a comprehensive list of rehearsal points and styling tips to go through.
There will also be one more legal document that you and your fiancé will need to sign off and we can also proofread all the other legal documents for accuracy.
Should you choose not to have a rehearsal, then I will need to meet with the couple so that the last legal document, which needs to be signed before the ceremony can be completed and we can proofread the details on the other documents for accuracy and completeness.
Step 4 – The Wedding Ceremony
The big day has finally arrived!
All the stress and planning that has led us to this day.
Soon after the ceremony, I will lodge the marriage documents with The Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Queensland.
You will need to apply for your Marriage Certificate, and I will provide guidance on this.
If you plan to change your name, you will have to wait until you have received your Official Marriage Certificate, as the one I give you is a Decorative Certificate only.
The first step is to schedule a meeting with me at a mutually convenient time and place so that we can get to know each other, secondly to help you with any questions you may have.
Before we meet, I will send you a couple of checklists that include questions to get you thinking about your wedding, what style and vibe you envision. I can answer any questions you may have, and we can start to plan for any specific requirements you have in mind. We will have an idea of the “Order of Service” by the end of the meeting.
We can also review some of the legal requirements (proof of Identity and if you are free to marry), so that the legal paperwork can be commenced. I will send you a guide on this before we meet.
Below is a general guide below of the documents that I need to sight.
If never previously married:
- Birth Certificate or current passport
- Document showing your current residential address – e.g., Drivers Licence
- Birth Certificate or current Passport
- Divorce Certificate (If you have been divorced more than once I will need to sight all the previous divorce certificates)
- Documentation showing your current residential address – e.g., Drivers Licence
- Birth Certificate or current Passport
- Death Certificate of former spouse
- Documentation showing your current residential address – e.g., Driver’s Licence
If any of your documentation is in another language, I will only accept a translation certified by a NAATI-qualified translator. Please visit this website for details. https://www.naati.com.au
If your name differs from your Birth Certificate, I will need to sight a previous Marriage Certificate or Change of Name Certificate issued by the Office of Births, Deaths, and Marriages from the state you were residing in at the time of the name change.
Step 2 - Creating Your Wedding Ceremony Script
With the help of my checklists, we used at the initial meeting and the notes I have taken I will be able to start working on the ceremony script.
There will need to be some decisions about the following factors:
- The look and feel of our ceremony.
- The venue (indoor vs outdoor and your Plan “B” options).
- Ceremony Music.
- The inclusion of any reading or poems.
- Your personal Vows.
- The inclusion of traditional ceremonies or rituals.
- Participant involvement.
As the script emerges these questions will be answered.
I will offer you a draft of the ceremony script that includes options for various elements, such as the wording for the Exchange of Rings.
So, the script will go back and forth between us until you are happy. Then I can complete the final script.
Over the months/weeks leading up to your wedding day, I will be in-touch with you so that we can do any fine tuning of the details for your ceremony. I will also provide you with some resource materials to assist you to prepare for the big day. If you have any concerns, please reach out to me for advice and assistance. I am here to support you, to make sure you are happy, relaxed, and confident.
Step 3 - The Rehearsal and Logistics Meeting
I highly recommend holding a wedding rehearsal just before the wedding day – it will allow all the key participants to get an idea of what to expect on the day, to ensure that we can go through some styling and stage craft points and to make sure that the traditional or ritual ceremonies will go smoothly. I have a comprehensive list of rehearsal points and styling tips to go through.
There will also be one more legal document that you and your fiancé will need to sign off and we can also proofread all the other legal documents for accuracy.
Should you choose not to have a rehearsal, then I will need to meet with the couple so that the last legal document, which needs to be signed before the ceremony can be completed and we can proofread the details on the other documents for accuracy and completeness.
Step 4 – The Wedding Ceremony
The big day has finally arrived!
All the stress and planning that has led us to this day.
- On the day of your wedding, I will arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.
- I will set up the signing area (if one is not already supplied) and ensure all my equipment is in working order for the venue and guest numbers.
- I will meet with the groom his and attendants and ensure they are all ready, the rings are present, and they remember all their duties.
- When the bridal party arrives, I meet with them and ensure they too remember their duties, I then make sure the couple are both comfortable and ready to go. I will not start the ceremony until everything is in place.
Soon after the ceremony, I will lodge the marriage documents with The Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Queensland.
You will need to apply for your Marriage Certificate, and I will provide guidance on this.
If you plan to change your name, you will have to wait until you have received your Official Marriage Certificate, as the one I give you is a Decorative Certificate only.
Cheers to love, laughter and happily ever after.
The Wedding Ceremony is one of the most important parts of your wedding day.
It can be traditional, contemporary or somewhere in-between. it can be infused with elements from diverse cultural backgrounds, or it can be a sweet and simple ceremony…. Or even an intimate elopement.
My role is to harmonise these paths into a shared vision for a joyous celebration of love.
So, if you are ready to b go from being engaged to saying, “I do,” you are welcoming or saying farewell to a family member or another celebration of love, I’d love to meet with you for a coffee conversation.
I invite you to review my wedding ceremony packages below.
The Wedding Ceremony is one of the most important parts of your wedding day.
It can be traditional, contemporary or somewhere in-between. it can be infused with elements from diverse cultural backgrounds, or it can be a sweet and simple ceremony…. Or even an intimate elopement.
My role is to harmonise these paths into a shared vision for a joyous celebration of love.
So, if you are ready to b go from being engaged to saying, “I do,” you are welcoming or saying farewell to a family member or another celebration of love, I’d love to meet with you for a coffee conversation.
I invite you to review my wedding ceremony packages below.
Elopement Ceremony
For the romantics A deeply romantic occasion offering total privacy and flexibility as to where your ceremony can be held.
Summary of Ceremony ✓ Personalised Ceremony
✓ With just the two of you, your celebrant and your two legal witnesses present ✓ Preparation of all legal documentation before, during and after the ceremony ✓ Lodgement of your documents with Birth, Deaths and Marriages Keepsakes Included ✓ Copy of Ceremony ✓ Presentation Marriage Certificate |
Soul to Soul Ceremony
The 'keeping it simple' ceremony A popular alternative offering the ease and simplicity with an engaging experience for you and your guests.
Summary of Ceremony ✓ Personalised Ceremony
✓ Single reading ✓ Simple Ritual ✓ Coaching on Writing Vows ✓ Unlimited, supportive contact whether it be via email, phone or Zoom ✓ Full Rehearsal (1Hr) ✓ Full Liaison with: - Photographer - Videographer - Musicians ✓ Professional PA System ✓ Preparation of all legal documentation before, during and after the ceremony ✓ Lodgement of your documents with Birth, Deaths and Marriages Keepsakes Included ✓ Copy of Ceremony ✓ Presentation Marriage Certificate |
Dream Ceremony
The ultimate wedding ceremony For the 'Big White Wedding' ceremony for the couple for whom the sky is the limit with all the special touches.
Summary of Ceremony ✓ Personalised Ceremony
✓ Multiple Readings ✓ Multiple Rituals ✓ Coaching on Writing Vows ✓ Resources to help you write your vows & choose rituals ✓ Unlimited, supportive contact whether it be via email, phone or Zoom ✓ Full Rehearsal (1hr) ✓ Full Liaison with: - Photographer - Videographer - Musicians ✓ Professional PA System ✓ Meet & Greet with the Groom and Groomsmen, plus arriving guests ✓ Preparation of all legal documentation before, during and after the ceremony ✓ Lodgement of your documents with Birth, Deaths and Marriages Keepsakes Included ✓ Copy of Ceremony ✓ Presentation Marriage Certificate |
As your Celebrant, your time with me will also include :
- My travel to your ceremony location;
- Brisbane and surrounds including Moreton Bay, Bribie Island, Samford and Dayboro
- Sunshine Coast: includes all areas of the Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Hinterland, through to Noosa. - *Where applicable* Final rehearsal of ceremony (including travel) - This is usually held at the ceremony location in the days prior, at a similar time to your actual ceremony to ensure there are no surprises on the day. I also offer Zoom “rehearsals” should you be based further away.
Holding a final rehearsal of the ceremony is optional, but I do strongly recommend that you have at least one rehearsal. Some like to have a rehearsal, others prefer to be in the moment and let it all flow naturally, it’s totally up to you. All rehearsals are for a maximum of 1 hour.
START THE JOURNEY
If you are ready to go from being engaged to saying, “I do,” you are welcoming or saying farewell to a family member or another celebration of love, I’d love to meet with you for a coffee conversation.
If you have a particular question or concern, please send me an enquiry and I will provide you with advice and assistance.
If you have a particular question or concern, please send me an enquiry and I will provide you with advice and assistance.