Our spotlight is trained to a true superstar of the Sunshine Coast wedding industry today. Shona Anderson is someone who really brings it to each and every wedding ceremony she officiates on the Sunshine Coast. When you meet Shona, you can see beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is one lady, who truly adores what she does. Her bridal couples mean the world to her, and being there for them in the lead up to their wedding day to put together their own personalised perfect wedding ceremony is what makes Shona’s world turn.
Anyway, enough about this business stuff. Let’s get to know Your Celebrant Shona on a more intimate level. We got all the goss from this vivacious lady, and she had us giggling away at her big personality, as only Shona can!
Where is your fave place to go for a tea/coffee on the Sunshine Coast?
I am quite partial to a Chai latte anywhere near water so “One on La Balsa” Mooloolaba/Buddina is high on my list, also nice to do some celebrity spotting!
What is one of your absolute fave things to do in your down time?
Again water features quite high on my list, The Hubster (Robert) and I go Kayaking with our Moodle ~ Missy on Currimundi Lakes, we pack picnic lunch and chill out for a few hours. Jet skiing runs a close second!
If you planned one perfect day, what would it involve?
Actually my previous answer pretty well sums it up, but add our four adult children and our new granddaughter to the mix and then it would be absolute perfection!
What is something that is really important to you in your life?
Family and friends. I adore special times with these fabulous people in my life! It can be as simple as a BBQ or as glam as a cocktail party; when family and friends are around me I am one very happy lady!
When you meet an engaged couple, what is one thing you love to learn about them?
I adore hearing their love story and family history. Why? Amazing information is revealed that makes for inspiring wedding ceremony content that will enthrall their guests and set the tone for the rest of their wedding day. For example, one couple had all their grandparents and parents all still happily married (that’s quite rare!), the combined tally of all of those marriages was 290 years, The grandparents and parents were honoured in the ceremony in a significant way and gave advise to the couple, which has remained with me to this day!
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
For several years I worked on Hayman Island in the royal suites and was the gopher for Prince and Princess Michael of Kent, Lord Wedgwood, Henry Kissinger, Andre Mastrassi among other VIPs – yep they are just like you and I, burps, fluffs and all!
If you could offer one piece of sound advice to brides and grooms, what would it be?
Compromise! It’s the key to success in almost any given situation.
Image by Chesterton Smith Photography
What made you want to become a wedding celebrant?
Back in the day in another locale, The Hubster and I were married by a Civil Celebrant, who did a half-hearted ceremony. I thought to myself, “I’m darn sure I could do better than this” So I did my studies and made a pledge to myself to strive really hard to create ceremonies that are unique and meaningful to each and every client and to go the extra mile for my clients, I’ve found it’s always the sweetest mile to travel with them.
What do you love about your job?
Confucius said “Find a job you like and you will never work a day in your life!” – I’d have to agree, except, I don’t like my job, I love it! Be it a wedding, naming, funeral or any other special occasion; I feel very honoured to be a part of such important moments in peoples’ lives. Meeting so many lovely people with varied cultures and beliefs is an absolute joy to me. Symbolism and ritual research intrigues me and can be the crucial difference between a glorious or ghastly ceremony.
