Baby Namings | Renewal of Vows | Commitment Ceremonies | Unique Ceremonies | Funerals

Other ceremonies

As a civil celebrant, I officiate at many and varied ceremonies. When you choose to celebrate important life events differently to the ways they were celebrated in the past, it in no way changes the meaning and importance of the occasion; it is a reflection of who you are and your unique circumstances.

Whatever you want for your special day, we can create it together.

We can create the mood, set the scene, and celebrate with your family and friends in a way that is enjoyable, meaningful, and satisfies the heart.

Baby Namings

Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby!

I am delighted to help create a service to celebrate one of the most important days you can experience as a couple: the acknowledgement of your baby in ceremony!

Your child is your pride and joy and a celebration of your love. My experience in providing beautiful ceremonies for this day will ensure that you and your guests will be touched and inspired.

Baby namings and baby blessings have been carried out for centuries, and even in our changing world remain important events. They bring together families, friends and traditions in a public celebration.

Ceremonies to reflect your baby's individuality

I also offer ceremonies for babies adopted from overseas where we can incorporate cultural content and give special recognition to their country of birth.

Naming can also be for older children where they can acknowledge their godparents as special people in their lives.

These celebrations are lots of fun and very special, as you formally give your child the name you have chosen for him or her. A baby naming can include siblings, cousins, grandparents, godparents and guardians, and can incorporate special cultural rites of passage.

In all, this is a wonderful opportunity to bring together family and friends to witness your child's naming in a personalised ceremony that reflects your values and wishes.

"Thank you very much for a really lovely naming ceremony today. It was really personal and meant a lot to us to give thanks and celebrate our little girl. You captured the spirit of what we wanted to get across beautifully while keeping it relaxed and fun too. We had a lot of positive comments from our guests about the ceremony and a few who shed a tear or two!" Scott, Catherine and Amber.

"Thank you again for such a lovely ceremony. It was a really nice day." Amy and Ryan.

"Thanks again for our nice ceremony. It was a great day for us." Glenn, Chisato Layna.

Renewal of vows

This ceremony requires no legal documentation. Rather, it is a celebration of a long lasting relationship.

Renewal of vows gives a couple, who have been married for some time, the opportunity to renew their commitment and celebrate their love and lives.

There are also many couples who marry overseas. A renewal of vows ceremony that involves your family and friends can be a wonderful way for everyone to celebrate your homecoming and witness your love and commitment to each other.

I will help you plan a ceremony that expresses your unique and special needs.

Choosing the words that express the deep love you have for one another reflect the years you have lived as husband and wife--words that cherish the past, celebrate the present, and express all your hopes and dreams for the future.

If you still have a copy of the original service, you may wish to use those precious words of love a second time. Some couples invite their original bridesmaids and best man to stand by their side to support them once again.

You may have expanded your circle of love with a family. Including your children and grandchildren can make your ceremony so special.

I will help you to capture the romance of the occasion.

Whether you choose a small, intimate ceremony or a large celebration with family and friends, I will work with you to ensure that your Renewal of Vows is just as special and romantic as your wedding.

Commitment ceremonies

I am available to conduct Commitment Ceremonies for same sex couples celebrating their love and honouring their relationship. Although not recognised by law as a marriage, a Commitment Ceremony is saying publicly, "I love you and want to spend the rest of my life with you". It holds the same depth of meaning as a legal marriage.

I will work with you to create an expression of your love for each other. You may choose to have poetry readings, vows and rings. You may wish to write your own ceremony, celebrating your relationship in a way that expresses the people you are. I am not restricted to the conventional and embrace difference, with spiritual content and blessings, to create a sacred ceremony. No matter how small or large your gathering, the Commitment Ceremony will be conducted with joy, respect and dignity.

Unique ceremonies

Your day is an expression of you and your relationship. I conduct a range of unique, non-denominational ceremonies, often quite distinct from the traditional ceremonies to which many people are accustomed. Whatever your wishes, you can feel confident that your cultural background or relationship choices are always respected.

Reflecting your unique personality.

In today's society, the traditional family unit is personified in many different ways. Sometimes, celebrating its foundation in a unique or deeply personal manner reflects this. If your interests include the desire for a spiritual ceremony, I officiate at these in a variety of ways. A popular choice is for parties to be placed within a circle which is smudged. I call in the four directions and the energies of the universe using a crystal wand.

Beautiful angel ceremonies are also popular, where spiritual guardians are invited to be at your side and bless your special occasion. You might consider drumming, belly dancing, meditation, or any other non-traditional formats. I welcome and encourage you to contact me and discuss your requirements.

Settings can also be diverse. Perhaps you would like a gathering of friends and family around a camp fire, or perhaps a breezy, seaside, barefoot celebration.

Funerals

I conduct funeral cermonies with great care, compassion and respect. I will acknowledge your loved one in the full manner that you request and in a memorable way. Finding the right words during this emotional time can be difficult. I will work with you to establish a ceremony that is both warm and gracious and that is a reflection of your loved one.

I will work with you to develop the service and provide you with a choice of poems and readings. You may also choose to have family or close friends involved to read or write the eulogy. If you have particular requirements, please do not hesitate to ask. Music and photographs can also be very important. A favourite song can say it all, and I recommend spending some time in choosing it.

I aim to hold a ceremony that a loved one would have wanted and where all concerned are touched and appreciative of the chance to reflect on their memories.