Each ceremony is different, of course, because the people at the centre, that is you, your relationships and circumstances are different.
Our initial meeting is likely to be a two or three hour conversation as we explore your ceremonial purpose and intention. I listen carefully to you. Together we form a friendly working group as we apply ourselves to the task of co-creation. We discuss your ideas, share stories, question each other and explore every aspect, nothing is excluded.
Gradually the ceremony begins to reveal itself. We develop tasks and a time frame and meet, in person, by phone or Skype and exchange messages and emails – whatever is required and works best.
Whilst I have experience of making a large number of rituals and ceremonies, I have no preconceived ideas about how each one should be composed and conducted. The work is a co-creation, each situation is fresh and new and the final ceremony is yours.
I email you a first draft of the ceremony, which you edit and return to me. We communicate further through meetings, email and telephone as required. I develop an additional plan to address any special needs of guests and to ensure that the ceremonial experience is as harmonious and enjoyable as possible for everyone in attendance. I meet with people who are important in the ceremony.
I visit the site of the ceremony with you as we design the ceremonial layout and choreography, consider sun and shade and develop alternatives in case of inclement weather. I may also assist with briefing and coaching participants.
The day before the ceremony, we conduct a rehearsal on location, with the central people and others of importance to the ceremony.
On the day of your ceremony I arrive early to meet support people, performers, technicians and key guests and assist with the setup.
After your ceremony I send a personal letter with a simple, white paper copy of the ceremony.
I have written in A Celebrant’s Notebook about the history of civil celebrancy, my training and process for co-creating ceremony, with vignettes which illustrate my approach. You can buy it here.
You can read more about me, including my personal history and details of my career before becoming a celebrant here and testimonials to my work here.
I have collated links to services that I personally recommend (and with whom I have no business affiliation) on my Links pages. They include my favourite florists, caterers and locations. I’ve listed a range of services and locations for Brisbane here, and caterers and locations at Maleny and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland here.