I was raised and educated in Hobart before moving to Sydney in 1995. There I studied at NIDA and graduated with a degree in Performing Arts. I was lucky enough to then spend 12 years at Opera Australia as a Stage Manager – a career that I loved, and that gave me the opportunity to work in many centres around Australia. I met and worked with people from all walks of life and this experience broadened my horizons significantly. It was during these years that I met and married my husband Alistair, and I first had the notion that I would like to be a Wedding Celebrant. As a stage manager my primary tasks were to be punctual, organised, take care of performers and ensure the show always ran smoothly – no matter what! I could see that these skills would fit the job description of a Celebrant perfectly. It was only after starting our family in Sydney and realizing it wasn’t where we wanted to raise children that the idea to become a Celebrant really came to fruition.

We moved back to Hobart in 2012 and I completed the Certificate IV in Celebrancy in 2013. After a long application process I finally became a qualified Civil Celebrant at the beginning of 2014. Guiding couples to create their own unique celebration ceremonies is incredibly rewarding and enjoyable – who doesn’t love to be around happy people! I passionately believe that everyone has a right to love, and to celebrate that love. I am thrilled that the majority of Australians also share that view and as of December 9, 2017 all couples may now oficially wed.

Image credit: Zoe Geard