07/09/2026
Last week Philippa and Laura from the Celebrant Guide reached out and asked me a few questions about my road to being a celebrant...... I've done my best to answer the questions!!
So thought I'd let you have a read !!!!
I first became a celebrant in 2017, so this is my 9th year and I’m pleased to say that the first couple I ever married are still happily married and in love!!! The excitement is real!!!!
The one thing I love about the role ……well there are so many things to be honest, I would say in no particular order, the connection with people, for me having a true and authentic connection is so important and honestly I couldn’t be any other way. I love supporting couples through their dream day and on the other hand I really feel a heart felt connection when helping families through some of the darkest and most difficult times too, when guiding them through funeral services.
I guess the fact that we are helping people through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows feels precious, delicate even and has such a huge purpose and privilege that goes along with it.
I am 100% and empath and have a big soft heart and have been through some enormous losses and roller coaster rides in my life so I feel every bit of emotion along side them .
Before I was a celebrant, I was and still am, a florist and have been for the past 20 years and just in the last few weeks won the award for best florist in New Zealand and the South Island at the NZWVA and also being a finalist in the top 3 for best Celebrant in New Zealand. category. I own my own businesses, Simply Flowers and Events and also the Orchid Florist both situated in Dunedin, also having had Designa weddings with my good friend Venetia for a number of years too, involving wedding hire and events décor.
I have had an array of jobs in my life time but one of significance that I have been involved in my whole life is Dance, having represented N.Z and competed internationally and also having my own dance school.
After becoming a celebrant and having room in my gift store down stairs at my shop, I opened Dunedin’s one and only Little love Chapel ( A cute wee vegas style chapel) that has been a really good option for people. I also am a bit of a petrol head and love V8’s so bought myself a 1984 Oldsmobile Custom cruiser ( hearse) to use as a wedding car or for a funeral.
The Highlight from my celebrant career, is every time I get asked to lead a service whether that be a wedding or a funeral, it feels like a huge honour they have chosen me, so that’s pretty special.
When I’m not working ….I love to be around my family, my husband Braydon and our awesome kids, between us we have 5 kids and they are all unique and incredible, October, River, Boston, Nakita and Cruze and of course our 2 dogs Gypsy and Rocky.
My happy place is at the beach in Waikouaiti where we live, there’s nowhere quite like it!
I Love catching up with friends and my Mum and Dad who are my biggest supporters and Im always up for something extreme, sky-diving, bungy jumping, any thrill seeking activities, I love to travel and would never say no to a good dress up!!
Photo cred to
Two Become One. Celebrant
