What started off as a quirky thing Beth could do for her many friends who were getting married at the time she was working for Flight Centre, became her now thriving full time gig as a Sunshine Coast celebrant in her own business – I Heart Ceremonies. Beth found her experiences in travel and living in Japan with her husband gave her the confidence to put herself out there, meet new people and experience new cultures. She says this, along with her respect for the the thoughts and feelings of those around her, are all essential elements to being a professional, kind and compassionate marriage celebrant.
And I tell you what, I’m totally sneaking in on Beth’s next free day on the Sunshine Coast – it sounds like heaven to me! Read on to learn all about it, and an exciting launch Beth has planned for this month…
Beth, you have a very important job – to say the least – on the wedding day. Take me through your wedding day process as the celebrant.
On the day of the wedding, I try to always try to do a tiny bit of yoga first. It settles me and gives me an opportunity to set an intention and narrow my focus for ceremony ahead. After yoga, I get more into the practical details of what’s required for the day. I double check all your paper work is ready to go (which I always prepare the week prior), give my PA system a quick sound check and then start to get ready with hair, make up and clothes.
I always arrive onsite an hour prior to the ceremony start time. This gives me a chance to set up my PA, check the sound levels and co-ordinate with the vendors onsite. I always meet with the photographer and videographer, and run through the flow of the ceremony, so they know when to expect, and then capture, the most photographic moments.
Each ceremony is different, but normally, the groom or partner would arrive about 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time, and this is when I chat with him and get a feel for how the morning has been. I offer water (as the groomsmen always offer beer or whiskey), and settle any nerves he may be having. The guests would then start arriving, and whilst they mingle, I would casually discuss any housekeeping items, such a no cameras, timelines, hashtags etc. I always prefer to discuss this in small groups as the guests mingle, rather than blast the rules through my speaker – it’s just more my style.
With about five minutes to go, I gently guide the guests to the seats (if applicable). I then get the groom or partner in position, along with their peeps at the front, being careful to make sure the positioning is even and will look balanced in the photos once the other squad arrive over the other side of the aisle. Once I’ve got the thumbs up from the venue manager or co-ordinator, I cue the music, and off we go!
What’s trending in wedding ceremonies this year?
What do your clients always say after having worked with you?
My clients are always telling me they love how calm I am, and how relaxed and grounded I make them feel in what would would otherwise be quite a nervous, emotive situation. I put that down to my pre-game yoga sesh!
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 people may not know about you.
We heard you have an exciting new launch coming very soon! Please, do tell!
Love + Elope is a team of premium wedding professionals offering styled elopement packages and luxury intimate weddings from Noosa to Maleny. Launching in March 2019, we will be offering couples unique and elegantly styled spaces within which to begin their marriage, along with designer florals, an uber-creative photo and video team, and sumptuous grazing platters and drinks packages to suit any budget or taste. Register your interest now, and let’s create something beautiful together.
Images by Janneke Storm + Luke Middlemiss
