Some weddings feel extra special, not because of scale or grandeur, but because of the meaning they hold. Louise and Blair’s wedding in New Zealand was one of those moments. Set within a lush garden and surrounded by nature, their ceremony was warm, relaxed, and deeply personal. From the very beginning, Louise and Blair were clear about what mattered most
Learning from the Best: How Celebrant Mentor Nicole Penning helped shape my voice, my style, and my purpose as a modern celebrant. Every craft has a mentor, someone who doesn’t just teach the rules but reminds you why the work matters. For me, that person is Nicole Penning. When I first began my celebrancy journey, I didn’t fully understand the
There’s something magical about setting up a space that’s entirely you, and last weekend at the @CentreEvents Wedding Expo at Eastland, I got to do just that. My little corner, nestled beside my beloved 1963 VW Beetle “Dusty the ‘I Do’ Bug,” became a pocket of love stories, laughter, and genuine connection. This was my first time exhibiting my celebrant
Many couples assume their only options are a church wedding or a courthouse ceremony—but a celebrant-led wedding offers something truly unique. What Makes a Celebrant Wedding Special? A Ceremony That Reflects YOU: No templates or generic scripts—your story is front and center. Freedom to Choose Your Venue: Say “I do” anywhere, from the beach to your backyard. Inclusivity & Flexibility: Whether it’s a
One of the most beautiful things about being a celebrant is witnessing diverse cultural traditions in weddings. Whether you want to honour your heritage or incorporate something new, here are a few ideas to consider. Examples of Meaningful Traditions: Handfasting (Celtic): The tying of hands with a cord to symbolise unity. Tea Ceremony (Chinese & Vietnamese): A gesture of respect to elders.
Writing your own vows is an opportunity to speak from the heart, but it can feel overwhelming. How do you capture a lifetime of love in a few sentences? Tips for Writing Meaningful Vows: Start Early: Give yourself time to reflect and write without pressure. Think About Your Journey: What moments define your relationship? Speak to Your Partner, Not the Crowd: Keep it
Starting a celebrant business is a journey of connecting with people during some of life’s most meaningful moments. At Michael Philippe Celebrant, my goal is creating ceremonies that are heartfelt, memorable, and tailored to each couple or family. Whether it is a wedding, naming day, or any other significant occasion, I work with clients to build a ceremony that truly
