The lovely Fiona Duce of Coastal Weddings is a fun, young, but highly professional Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant. We always have a good time and a laugh when Fiona is about the joint, because she is a naturally personable lass, and just always so very happy!
We think her unbridled happiness must be because this very happily married woman sincerely enjoys being part of other couples’ journey into married life. But hey, enough speculating, because there’s simply no need – Fiona has answered all of our probing questions. So let’s train our spotlight on this star of the Sunshine Coast wedding industry and read all about being a modern, young celebrant on the Sunshine Coast.
Officiating a Kings Beach wedding, image by Phill Jackson Photography
Fiona, you’re a bit of a funky young celebrant. What keeps you young?
Why, thank you! I like to think that my positive outlook on life and a never give up attitude helps to keep me feeling young.
We happen to know you’re a bit of a cyclist. Where is your fave place to cycle on the Sunshine Coast?
My secret is out! Yes, I am part of the lycra brigade! I am currently training for the Ride to Conquer Cancer so I love to join my team in a cycle from our place at Kawana Forest up to Point Cartwright, then down to Pocket Espresso at Moffat Beach for a yummy hot chocolate or juice on a Sunday morning.
If you planned one perfect day, what would it involve?
Wow, what an excellent challenge…I may even put this on the bucket list to try! Most of it revolves around food, which isn’t surprising!
I would start with a climb up Mt Coolum – what better way to view the Sunshine Coast? Then head to some farmers markets to grab some breakfast and some local goodies for lunch. Next I would head up to the hinterland for a picnic, making sure I stop at Maleny Cheese for some more goodies. Once I am stuffed to the brim, enjoy a leisurely drive back down the range before heading to our favourite restaurant in Mooloolaba – Via Italia – for a pizza and a drinks. To top it all off, I would then scoot down to Brisbane for a show at QPAC or outdoor cinemas. Of course, my husband Ritchie would be right by my side, it wouldn’t be perfect without him.
What is something that is really important to you in your life?
My husband Ritchie, my fur child Rosie, my family and friends. But also maintaining a good balance between work and play
When you meet an engaged couple, what is one thing you love to learn about them?
I love to hear how the couple met and what they first thought of each other, but especially to see the reaction they give each other when asked – the whole unspoken look of ‘which story do we tell?’!
I give each of my couples a questionnaire to answer about their relationship and their dreams – the honesty in the answers I receive is just beautiful and I feel very blessed that they have shared such detail with me.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I am a first dan black belt in karate!
Fiona celebrated her 30th Birthday in style – on a flying trapeze lesson at Twin Waters Novotel Resort!
If you could offer one piece of sound advice to brides and grooms, what would it be?
I have two: 1) Make a wet weather plan. It will reduce the stress for all of us! 2) Don’t sweat the small stuff – only you will know if the small details aren’t exactly right.
What made you want to become a wedding celebrant?
It all started when we were looking for a celebrant when we got married 8 years ago. We wanted someone who was younger and modern. The internet wasn’t as great with wedding blogs (no Bride’s Tree back then!) and websites so most of the research I did was through magazines. So I knew there was a market out there. Four years later and I finally did something about it. It appealed to me on many levels and I enjoy it even more than I thought I would.
Fiona in action, doing what she does best and having a ball! Image by Level Eleven Photography
What do you love most about your job?
Meeting new couples, being involved in their journey, even just for a fragment of time, but knowing that I played a huge part of their wedding day.
