Meet Steven Murray | A-List Vendor Story

Sally Townsend — Thu, 25 Jun 2020 19:30:07 +0000

Steven Murray worked as a wedding photographer in our nation’s capital, Canberra, for 20 years before shifting his focus ever so slightly and becoming a celebrant. He says being a celebrant is one of the most rewarding experiences of his life. Playing such an important role in a couple’s life, surrounded by so much love is something he considers himself lucky to be able to do over and over again.

Couples are drawn to Steven’s relaxed, humorous style, so we wanted to get to know him a little better. Below he shares a few of his favourite things, what it’s like to be a wedding celebrant on the Sunshine Coast…

Tell us a secret, Steven!

Most people only ever see me in a suit and bow tie, but when I am not working I love driving my 1971 Kombi. It is probably a boy thing, but I just love that van. It took 12 months to rebuild it to almost show condition and to add some modern touches, so it is fun to drive and beautiful to look at (well I think so). I have had quite a few VWs over the years, but this one is the best one yet. I am lucky as my partner, Wendy, shares my Kombi love and comes with me to most of the VW shows up here on the Sunshine Coast.

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?

I wish I had moved to the Sunshine Coast sooner as there is just so much to do! Wendy and I love heading down to Moffat Beach for a swim and lunch on the beach, followed by shopping in Mooloolaba. Then if we aren’t too full, on the way home to Reesville, we drop into Maleny Food Co. for our favourite ice cream – Cherry Ripe – Yummmm!

What makes you stand out from the crowd?

There must be a million celebrants on the Sunshine Coast, and that makes it a challenge for couples to choose who is best for them. My point of difference is that I have 20-plus years experience in the wedding industry, both as a wedding photographer and celebrant. So I have been on both sides of the fence, which has allowed me to gain valuable experience of all aspects of the wedding day. I have been involved in weddings of 2 people up to 600, from mountains to churches, beaches to lounge rooms and have seen just about everything that can happen on a wedding day, actually happen! (maybe I should write a book!). My style is very relaxed and easy going, with just the right amount of humour. The biggest point of difference is that I wear a bow tie!

What do your happy clients say about working with you?

My couples always comment on how easy I made the whole process and how much their guests enjoyed their ceremony. In fact the majority of my bookings come from referrals from past couples. It is a shame I can’t give those past couples a discount on their next wedding as a thank you for referring me! Not a good thing to offer!

How do you prepare for a wedding on the day?

I usually have everything ready to go a couple of days before the wedding day, but I still do another check to ensure all the paperwork is correct, the speaker system is fully charged, the weather is okay and I do a final check on Google maps to see if there any any issues with roads on the way. The hardest part is working out what bow tie to wear!

I will ensure I am there at least 30 minutes before the ceremony so I have time to chat with the groom, setup my equipment, coordinate the arrival music and ensure the rings are there (three times the Best Man has left them behind – scary!). I work closely with the wedding coordinator and will seat guests once we know the bride is close by. Finally, I ensure all phones are off or on silent and then the ceremony begins! The best bit!

Photo credits: The Beautiful Collective, T8 Photography, Creative Image Photography

Contact Steven Murray, Sunshine Coast Wedding Celebrant, to find out if he’s available to perform your wedding ceremony!

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