wedding ceremony Archives | The Bride's Tree

Meet Danielle | Your Story Celebrant

Sally Townsend — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:30:29 +0000

Since 2018, Danielle has been running her own business,Your Story Celebrant. In just four years, her reputation as a caring, entertaining celebrant has seen her grow to be one of the Sunshine Coast’s most sought after in her field. Many key local wedding venues name Your Story Celebrant as their preferred celebrant, and she’s known her being an advocate for authenticity and a reliable professional.

Danielle’s couples love her relaxed approach, always ready to have a laugh, while taking pride in her business. She creates memorable bespoke personalised ceremonies where every person present walks away feeling loved up and ready to kick off the celebration of the couple of the day.

So, now it’s time to meet the very lovely Danielle…

Danielle, how did you get started on your journey to become a wedding celebrant?

In the beginning, I started my journey into celebrancy after attending weddings for many diverse groups of friends. I found each ceremony I attended felt very similar, despite the diverse group of people in my life (they sure are a unique bunch!), and thought to myself, surely there can be a better way to celebrate.

It wasn’t until I went to a wedding in Victoria, where I was completely blown away by a celebrant, who made it everything I knew a ceremony could be. Not knowing much about this couple whose wedding I attended, I left the ceremony feeling included and having known them a lot more than before. It was a complete joy to be able to kick on with their celebrations following, having heard their journey.

So from there, my journey began. A wedding should be an enjoyable experience from the moment you and your guests arrive, and the entire day should be a vibe that truly reflects both people and their journey to get to this point. For me, without an amazing and meaningful ceremony, the day really is one heck of an expensive party.

Ceremonies can be fun, and always should be a perfect balance of sentiment and humour. Having quite a colourful life myself, I knew I wanted to create a memorable experience for my couples. With my passion for getting to know people, what makes them unique, and storytelling, I felt a deep inner calling to fulfil such an important role in peoples’ lives.

Take me through your process of your on-the-day job.

On the day of a wedding, I only accept one booking per day, as to me it’s important my phone is on for my couples, and I am available for any last minute request or support they might need.

I begin the day by nourishing myself with a big healthy breakfast before taking the morning to get in the zone by relaxing with a face mask and cuppa, taking a walk or doing yoga. I double check all the couple’s paperwork and ensure my equipment is charged and ready to go before glamming up and heading off to the wedding with plenty of time and loads of snacks to spare.

I’m not going to lie, I’m also known on the drive to crank up the tunes way too loud and belt out some songs to warm up my vocal cords, much to the person in next car over’s amusement at a stopped traffic light! Normally I’ll choose some 90’s bangers, or my most recent pre-wedding fave, The Wedding Singer Soundtrack. Who doesn’t love a bit of 80’s cheese to get you in the pre wedding mood!

I always arrive early to the venue, as I like to set up, be there for any last minute issues, and ready for the couple’s guests to arrive and be welcomed with a big warm smile. Following the ceremony and still riding the love buzz, I’ll always stick around for a big congrats squeeze or glass of champagne to toast in the happy couple before getting back on the road. Then I head to the office to lodge couple’s documents online to Births, Deaths and Marriages.

You have a completely free day to hang out on the Sunshine Coast. Where are you going, what are you doing and who are you with?

A free day on the coast for me would have to entail taking a hike or beach front walk with my partner and Weimaraner, ‘Rufus’, followed by a delicious breakfast and of course the biggest cup of chai tea (always the tea, never the powder!) From there we would see where the wind blows, we both love the beach so we’d likely soak up the sun and have a dip before heading to a late lunch and cocktails at one of our many favourite hot spots.

Share something that’s interesting about you, or something a lot of people don’t realise.

I’m an empath, more introverted than extroverted, definitely more of a listener than a talker. My friends and family are always amazed that I have chosen a career in public speaking, as this was never something I could have ever imagined myself enjoying. But absolutely LOVE IT!

It really is amazing looking back on ceremonies and see myself in action, as the passion for what I do takes over, and, believe it or not, I am more comfortable in front of a microphone than anywhere else. Sometimes you just have to face your fear and follow your heart no matter how scary it may seem.

What’s happening in your specific area of weddings this year?

Trends this year are definitely scaled back weddings. 50 guests is the new normal and couples are more open to weddings going ahead regardless of travel restrictions for family and friends. Couples are more daring to go for different whether that be in what they wear, making their own traditions or adding in elements to their day that reflect them. Elopements are definitely on the rise in such uncertain times. A lot of couples coming through are choosing to elope now and have their large celebration with family and friends when times are a lot more certain.

Love what you hear? Danielle is taking enquiries for 2022 weddings now.

You can find more information on Your Story Celebrant, and a link to enquire about your wedding date here.

Image credits: Naturally Jek Photography, Tara Lee Photography, Luke Middlemiss Photography

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Inclusive Ceremonies | 6 Ways to Involve Your Guests

Sally Townsend — Wed, 22 Jan 2020 16:09:29 +0000

Thankfully the day of the boring ceremony script, delivered in a monotone voice with some archaic “words of wisdom” thrown in for good measure are long gone!

These days wedding celebrants work closely with their couples to create personal ceremonies where the guests are not just invited to sit there and witness a special moment in time take place in front of them.Instead they are now encouraged to help celebrate and be “a part of” the ceremony in many fun and unique ways that truly add to ALL the feels!

Sunshine Coast wedding celebrant, Kath Tilly, specialises in creating Inclusive Ceremonies and today shares with us six unique ways for you to involve some or all your guests.

1. Rose Petal Cannons

These are perfect if you have a couple of people you would like to include but not sure how?
After the signing of the marriage register, I invite your two nominated “cannon boys” forward to stand either side of you both.

As I excitedly announce you as newlyweds, the cannons go off with a bang and shoot a colourful display of freeze-dried rose petals up into the air over your heads.

Makes for a great photo are completely biodegradable and a great way to include dads, brothers or older kids. Book now to receive 2 x FREE Rose Petal Cannons.

2. Communal Bouquet

When guests arrive, they are greeted with a basket of flowers and invited to each take one. Guests are then creating the aisle way as the music starts and the couple/bride walks down the aisle collecting a flower from each of the guests as they go.

Once the couple/bride arrives at the end, the colourful bouquet made with many well wishes from their loved ones is tied with a keep sake ribbon

3. Family + Friends Vow

During the housekeeping notes I explain to the guests that there will be a moment in the ceremony where I will ask for their help – I will ask them all to yell as loud as they can “I do” as I ask them to vow to love and support you both in your marriage.

We have a quick practice, so they are ready when I later ask them to “swear to party hard tonight for one of the most amazing couples they know, dance like crazy, cheer and celebrate with you, and vow to continue to encourage and support you both in your journey to have your very own happily ever after?”

To which they reply nice and loud – “I do!”

4. I Do Section

This section is traditionally read by the celebrant, but why not include someone special and have them read the below “asking section” in your ceremony.

“Do you (name) promise to keep (name) as your favourite person, your faithful companion, your accomplice in mischief and your one true love? Do you promise to to laugh with her/him, go on adventures with her/him, support her/him through life’s tough moments, continue to reluctantly share your side of the wardrobe/Netflix remote with her/him, and find new reasons to love her/him every day?”

This works well to further include your Matron of Honour, Best Man or even an important family member from both sides.

5. Celebrant Wing Man/Wing Woman

Lots of couples have that one friend that is a great speaker and who could make a great “stand in” celebrant. Rather than having them go through the extensive training required to become a registered marriage celebrant, having them read the “Love Story Section” in your ceremony may be a great way to involve someone that was there from the very beginning.

There is a “love story section” in your ceremony, which is based on the answers your give your celebrant in your Q&A. It talks about how you both met, what you love about each other, and so on. Your celebrant can write this section for that person to read on the day, or they can write and present it themselves. Just like how the Big Bang cast helped “marry” Bernie and Howard, and Joey performed Monica and Chandler’s ceremony on Friends.

6. Bridal Party Introduction

Why not have some fun and help your celebrant write a fun introduction to your “I do crew”

This is a great way to make sure everyone attending knows who is standing up the front with you. It also gives your guests something fun to chat with your bridal party about a little later.
Example = It’s now time for me to introduce you all to the I Do Crew for today….
First up on team Groom we have Pat. This fruit ninja champion has been the groom’s friend for many years. They have shared many a camping and drinking adventure together but please do not let him anywhere near a karaoke machine or bottle of tequila.

Loved these Wedding Ceremony Ideas from Kath Tilly? Here’s an Exclusive January Offer for Our Bride Tribe…

Want to start your 2020 wedding day celebration off with a bang? Get in touch with Kath to take advantage on her exclusive Brides Tribe offer. Secure your date with her before the 31st January and receive 2 x FREE rose petal cannons.

Image credits: Graeme Passmore and Life and Love Photography

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28 Floral Arches for Wedding Ceremonies

Sally Townsend — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 19:00:08 +0000

These lust-worthy floral arches are what dream wedding ceremonies are made of here on the Sunshine Coast. From beach to country to hinterland, there is a little something here for everyone.

Wedding flowers can be designed with an abundance of blooms full of colour from brights to pastels, or the classic all-white florals. Whether you’re hankering for a super modern wedding look, a boho style, classic vintage, or even relaxed coastal vibes, there’s something here for every bride.

Take a scroll through these bad boys and let us know which one has you swooning the most.

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A post shared by Poppy Lane Flowers By Design (@poppylaneflowersbydesign) on Jun 20, 2019 at 10:48am PDT

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A post shared by Sarah Luthy | Gwen Floral Co. (@gwenfloralco) on May 28, 2019 at 8:18pm PDT

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A post shared by the ORANGE BLOSSOM (@theorangeblossom) on Sep 14, 2019 at 4:35pm PDT

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A post shared by the ORANGE BLOSSOM (@theorangeblossom) on Jan 11, 2018 at 6:00am PST

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A post shared by Natashia Evans (@heavenlyblooms) on Sep 9, 2018 at 1:41pm PDT

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A post shared by Natashia Evans (@heavenlyblooms) on Oct 26, 2017 at 3:36am PDT

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Ceremony Tips for the Groom

Sally Townsend — Wed, 08 Jun 2016 19:00:56 +0000

Today we have a wonderful Guest Blogger. Woman-in-the-know and Sunshine Coast Celebrant, Darienne Davis, who has seen it all in her ten years officiating weddings.

As a Sunshine Coast Celebrant I have the unique opportunity to spend that first pre-wedding half hour or so with the groom. No two weddings are ever the same, just as no two grooms are ever the same. There ais the casual, taking-it-all-in-his-stride type, the “I’ve never worn a suit before in my life (and when can I put my boardies back on?)” type, and the calm “we’ve got this,” well-instructed-by-his-future-wife type, and of course many more.

Here are my top tips for the groom to get himself together before the ceremony starts – and earn him some of your brownie points!

Images by Studio Impressions.

How to write your vows

Okay, at this point I know you have written your vows, right? But just in case you’re still nutting them out, here’s a cool tip.

Think of three things about her that you love? Now think of three things that you promise. Boom – you’ve just written your vows.

That new suit looks great, but take off the tags!

Not used to wearing a suit? Most new suits come stitched lightly at the back and some with a designers label on the sleeve. No these are not part of the “look”, make sure you check and remove all those tags (it saves searching for scissors three minutes before the bride arrives.)

What to drink

Sure, have a drink or two with your groomsmen before the Ceremony but please don’t arrive smelling like you’ve been down the pub all afternoon. (Oh, and if its hot, a bottle of water may come in handy)

When to get there

Arrive nice and early for the Ceremony. There will be guests to greet, photos to take, and lots of women, who will want to cuddle you. It’ll be worth it.

Greet your guests and help seat them

No I don’t mean you become the usher but certainly take a moment for the “front row” peeps (family) and make sure if your Mum is there she gets special attention from you. This is a big day for her!

Gather the groomsmen

Make sure your Groomsmen all know what’s happening. Does your Best Man have the ring? You may have to fill in that mate, who just arrived and wasn’t at the rehearsal

Quick, get rid of that bulge in your pocket!

The suit looks great, but wait… what are those bulges? Please remove your phones and other bulky objects from your pockets, and give your sunnies to a friend.

When it’s all said and done, make sure nobody has to ask…

Where’s the groom?

After you walk down the aisle there will be a line up of family and friends wanting to congratulate you both. It’s a great idea to stay with your partner and do the “grin and grip, hug and kiss” together. She will be the happiest girl in the world if you do!

Darienne Davis is one of our wonderful A-list Vendors. Darienne has been a Celebrant for 10 years and is responsible for hundreds of beautiful wedding ceremonies here on the Sunshine Coast.

Learn more about Darienne Davis

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