Emma Homewood is well-known as one of the best-dressed Sunshine Coast marriage celebrants, but more than that she is a caring, approachable, meticulously prepared and professional celebrant.
Prior to becoming a marriage celebrant, she filled the role of wedding coordinator for Spicers Clovelly, one of the Sunshine Coast hinterland’s most popular and luxury wedding venues. This could not have prepared Emma for her future career better as she had the opportunity to witness literally hundreds of ceremonies, taking note of everything that worked – or didn’t – and style her ceremonies to fill a gap in the local Sunshine Coast wedding market.
Read on to learn more about Emma as both a celebrant and a person below…
Emma, as a Sunshine Coast marriage celebrant, what does a typical wedding day look like for you?
First thing – I read the ceremony script out loud from start to finish at home the way in which I want to deliver it. I like to make sure my couple’s story is fresh in my mind and make any necessary tweaks.
Next, I double check that my microphones and iPad are fully charged and ready to go, and that all necessary documents, certificates and vows are correct before packing the car.
When it comes to choosing what to wear to the wedding, I will have already asked the couple to give me details about the wedding colour palette. I choose what to wear based on the wedding style, floral concepts, and bearing in mind what the bridal party are wearing as well as the location/surrounds. And I always take along a back up outfit just incase!
Upon arrival, I always visit the party who will be making the entrance (in most cases this is the bride) to see how they’re feeling, calm the nerves, give them a read through of their vows and give all involved any last minute tips and let them know what to expect.
Finally, it’s time to make my way to ceremony location to set up certificates and PA, do a sound check and put on background music if required. If there’s a musician, I run them through their cues for ceremony. I also check in with photographer, videographer, and onsite coordinator if there is one, to go over any details they (or I) may need.
I catch up with the party onsite (in most cases this is the groom and his wedding party) and run them through any details they need to know, and calm any nerves. I also check in with anyone else included in the ceremony, such as ring bearers. If there are little kids or animals (such as your dog) I will familiarise myself with them so they know I’m approachable.
Before the magic happens, I welcome the guests, introduce myself to parents and any other significant people I have noted, and let them know where to sit.
Then it’s ceremony time!
Following the ceremony, I congratulate the couple! I usually like to get a photo of us together before saying my goodbyes and leaving them to have an incredible night!
Something people always ask me is…
Every time I tell people I work in the wedding industry, they ask if I get all the ‘Bridezillia’s’… I tell them no, I do NOT. This is simply a derogatory term, made up for those who don’t understand how emotionally complex it can be planning what is likely to be the biggest and most expensive day of your life.
Have I had tears in meetings and on wedding days, yes I have. But in all honesty, when this has happened, from my perspective it has always been justified, and I’ve never really considered it to be unreasonable.
What’s happening in your specific area of weddings this year?
There seems to be a growing demand with couples looking to engage a professional MC which can really make the whole day feel seamless, and also take the stress off Uncle Larry!
What do your happy clients always say after having worked with you?
The biggest compliment I can receive is when a guest assumed I have known the couple for years, when typically we have only met once. The best compliments I receive from my couples are that I made them feel relaxed and confident on the day. By knowing they were in safe hands and helping them with their vows, that both them and their guests loved how engaging and entertaining the ceremony was, and they felt it all flowed seamlessly without them having to think about too much.
You have a completely free day to hang out on the Sunshine Coast. Get out about! Where are you going, what are you doing and who are you with?
Share something that’s interesting about you, or something a lot of people don’t realise.
Love what you’ve read about Emma and want her to officiate your wedding?
Get in touch with Emma to find out if she’s available for your wedding in 2025/26. Don’t delay, she’s very popular Sunshine Coast celebrant – you won’t want to miss out on securing her as your marriage celebrant.
Images by Tay & Francis, Luna Films, Jenna Fahey White, Shae Estella, Ash & Stone, Jac Lee Weddings, Calli B Photography.
