Eight Years of “I Do” – My Journey as a Celebrant in Aotearoa

Kia ora!

For eight beautiful years, I had the honour of standing beside couples on one of the most meaningful days of their lives. As a registered celebrant here in Aotearoa New Zealand, I witnessed so many beautiful moments from tearful vows and barefoot beach ceremonies to laughter-filled backyard weddings with family and friends and grazing tables.

It all began with my parents who are older now and have been married for nearly 60 years.  They modelled to me what marriage is all about, oh, and the fact that I never wanted to be a bridesmaid, so I thought if I was a Celebrant, I could marry my friends and family instead.

Every couple brought their own flair, culture, and story to the table. Some were quiet and traditional. Others were bold and beautiful. And I loved them all.

One of the things I cherished most was working with couples to write their ceremony scripts. I'd often tell them: “This is your moment. Let’s make it sound like you—not some cookie-cutter template from the internet.” Sure, I had my sample script tucked away (the trusty one I’d refined over the years), but it always served more as a guide than a rulebook. I’d change it up to suit each couple’s unique rhythm—whether that meant adding a cultural blessing, a shared joke, or a spontaneous song or moment of worship.

I remember one beach wedding where the bride walked down the aisle to the sound the waves, her dress trailing along the sand. The waves crashed gently as the couple exchanged vows they had written themselves—raw, honest, and beautiful.  At the end, after sharing their first special kiss as husband and wife, they high-fived and laughed with joy as their little ones ran up to them with hugs and giggles. I’ll never forget it.

Then there were the more formal ceremonies in churches and grand venues around the North Island of New Zealand. I loved getting dressed for weddings every weekend, my script in hand, and speak blessings and special words over the couple as they exchanged rings, their voices trembling with emotion. Sometimes we cried together. The first glimpse of the bride was always that moment for me where I had to hold back tears - all brides are beautiful - always.  Sometimes we all burst into laughter because someone forgot the rings or a flower girl got stage fright halfway down the aisle.  Moments to treasure for us all. 

I officiated weddings for childhood friends, family members, and complete strangers who became dear acquaintances. And with each ceremony, I was reminded of the sacredness of love and the courage it takes to commit to a life together.

While I stepped back from celebrant work in 2017 to focus on my own handsome husband, marriage and other adventures, the impact those years had on me remains.  I miss being a wedding celebrant.  Those years taught me how to hold space for others, how to speak with authenticity and confidence, and how to honour the divine thread running through life’s milestones.

To make this trip down memory lane a little more special, I am looking forward to seeing my own daughter, Ariana Jade marry her teenage sweetheart Ashton in June this year!  A family affair I am so excited for. 

If you're planning your own ceremony and would love a little help getting started, I’ve made my Sample Wedding Ceremony Script available as a digital download in my Etsy store.  I am so happy to see this come to light again! It’s the same script I used to guide hundreds of couples into their next chapter—timeless, heartfelt, and easy to customise for your unique day.

To all the couples I stood beside during those eight years—thank you. Thank you for trusting me with your love stories. I carry them with me still.

Here’s to the vows, the tears, the laughter, and every sacred “I do.”