Chiquita Mitchell - Marriage Celebrant

27/05/2024

💐NICHOLAS + MIKI met on the dance floor at a New Years Eve party thirteen years ago; neither was supposed to be out that evening. They had an instant connection, and kept in touch even over long distance with Nicholas’s overseas work; Miki made the amazing big trip to visit him in Switzerland whilst he was touring with a band.

When Nicholas came home for a few weeks between tours, they would always spend every spare second together. They were skilled at making their time together count, though Nicholas cut it rather fine when he made it home just 48 hours prior to their first beautiful son’s birth!
Nicholas had known for a long time that Miki was the girl for him, and he loves the sense of fun he feels with Miki. After experiencing losing all of their worldly possessions in the floods here in the Byron area, they saw the strength they had, and rose like phoenixes from the soggy ashes with an understanding of the strength of love they have. Nicholas asked Miki to be his wife, and without hesitation, she said YES.

Their incredible love-filled day was attended by a fun crowd, including music creatives , and all the plants hired through had recently been gracing the Byron Blues Festival.

Photographer:  
Hair and Make up: 
Florist: 
Celebrant: 
Plant Hire: 
Bride: 
Groom: .wilson.audio
Venue:  Doon Doon Hall at Cram's Farm Reserve

08/10/2023

What does a Celebrant do? I can't speak for every Celebrant but I have 700 weddings and 17 years of experience, and this is how I roll:
• Research and write your ceremony - I will share the ceremony with you so you can adapt it or ask me to add or alter anything.
• Provide vows, and other wedding ideas such as music, ceremony and reading ideas
• Legal paperwork taken care of.
• Prepare you for how the ceremony will feel, with a briefing - or rehearsal.
• Greet your guests (arrive early on your wedding day to set up and be there when your guests land).
• Manage the ceremony, but work in with event coordinators, cinematography, photography, musicians, florists, stylists. It's a collaboration ✨️
• Let your guests know what is happening so they feel welcome & included.
• Deliver your ceremony warmly.
• Provide my public address system so all can hear your ceremony.
• Register your marriage

What else you get:
• An organised Celebrant who also had 15 years as a personal assistant so Im not going to let you down.
• I'll also ask you about your colours and attempt to blend in.
• Experience - I can't tell you about the fires I have put out, but you need to know, I have you. I don't leave things to chance, I make sure it's rock solid and rally to make sure things are in alignment with the elegance and flow of your day.

Reach out if you need a Celebrant - 2024 is already approaching fast 🩷

04/10/2023

Blake planned to propose to Trudi with a beautiful picnic. He arranged for an incredible picnic set up at Currumbin Beach, complete with music, champagne, candles, and a photographer hidden in the dunes. He also printed out almost every photo he could find of them throughout the years (that's a lot of photos when you're high school sweethearts).

However, when they approached the picnic set up, Trudi didn’t want to invade someone’s picnic space, and kept avoiding it altogether, so Blake had to drop the knee right where he was and the poor photographer wasn’t able to catch the moment, but it was perfect and they laughed and had fun recreating the moment in the perfect picnic spot.

They married on Saturday at the jaw dropping . 🩷

I do love hearing engagement stories, and after 700 or so weddings and 17 years doing this, I can tell you there's a definite myth that they need to be movie-esque - but they are gorgeous and perfect because of all their awkward and off plan moments. That captures how much two people are bricking it about asking their dream person to spend forever with them. And that is really something.

Videographer + Photographer:
Venue:
Flowers:
Hair: .glah

Make up: .glah

Robes:
Jewellery: diamonds
Gown:   (ceremony dress)
(reception dress)
Suit:
Cake
Music:





__mills


Celebrant:

28/09/2023

❤️‍🔥 Zeplen + Lisa ❤️‍🔥

Fave quote from their epic day ✨️ 27.9.23 ✨️

“Even though Lisa tries to pick fights with me, or tickle me and then when I retalliate she either has a cry, or goes so far in her retalliation that I have to tap out, Lisa is my world."

Videographer + Photographer:
Venue:
Coordinator & Stylist:
Flowers:
Hair + Make up:
Furniture hire:
Gown:  
Suit:
Cake @ancora
Music:
 
Lisa
Zeplen
Celebrant:

25/09/2023

🌵 Jarryd + Bella 🌵 met, sharing their first date at Holey Moley, putt putt golf. Arabella instantly loved Jarryd’s kind and warm energy. Jarryd remembers that first meeting when he was sat down and this gorgeous cheeky girl, Arabella, walked in with a huge beaming smile.

Under the cover of Bella’s 30th birthday, Jarryd proposed, with a Cheezel.

It was a win-win for Bella. She said yes – but not only that, she got a pre-dinner snack.

They have upgraded the Cheezel, by the way, to a real sparkly number. 💍
Photographer + Videographer
Venue .plantationhouse
Celebrant
Florist
Dress +
Bridesmaid dresses
Hair + Makeup
Entertainment
Cake

16/02/2023

30/12/2022

🩷 BRAD & RENEE 🩷 What a family, and what a pair. They really are the kindest and gentlest folk I've met; I also loved that Renee used to pretend to be a popstar with my little sister and we all grew up in the foothills of the Doughboy Mountain (peeping from the background of this epic shot by ). Brad's mum flew over from the UK for a holiday, so they decided to get married during her Aussie time with them. Cue 7 weeks to plan a wedding 😬. They did it, and very well🙌. It was my kind of experience ~ all about the love and company of loved ones. No unnecessary bo****ks whatsoever. 🌼 Now, whilst I'm here, chirping on, may I wish everyone contentment as we close 2022. Be kind, mostly to yourself - because weirdly, that's who we are hardest on - ourselves. And a big thank you to all the wonderful couples who trusted me to marry them this year, you allow me to have the bestest job! Chiquita xx 😘

10/12/2022

12 tips for 2023 weddings// TIP 2

Organic Moments: Whilst a LOT of prep goes into creating the flow for your ceremony, it should still feel spontaneous and unstaged. This helps you both relax, and for the day to have candid beauty. Like, if your tiny flowergirl wanders straight to her daddy the groom, and wants to be held – this is a golden moment you’ll treasure when you remember your wedding day. Or, if you’re including your dog and they want to be with you – all the better for helping you remember that this day, even your wedding day, is just another awesome day to your doggo – HOW REFRESHINGLY GROUNDING.

This beautiful photo is of Sam and Kate on their wedding day recently. Sam told me their dog could be quite the unhinged nutter, but on their day, their dog took it upon herself and greeted them at the altar and then sat on Kate’s feet and by her side like a royal corgi in a royal photo shoot FOR THE WHOLE CEREMONY. When it was time for the kiss though, she moved politely off the rug to give them their space. It was really something.
Photographer

04/12/2022

12 tips for 2023 weddings// TIP 1

Where does that engagement ring go? The old-timey rule of wearing your wedding band closest to your heart comes from the belief that there's a vein in the ring finger that travels directly to the heart - so the band is worn closest to your body, with the engagement ring on the outer. Wearing the engagement ring last also means you can remove your (often chunky/sharp/sparkly engagement ring without the need to remove your band. So, what do you do on your wedding day with your engagement ring?  You could wear it on your right hand, and then slip it on during the signing part of the ceremony, or leave it with a loved one to bring to you during the signing if it does not fit your other hand.  BUT I WOULD SAY THIS:  if it doesn't fit on your other hand, don't wear it loosely.  This happened to me on my own wedding day.  I decided to give it to my maid of honour, who also wasn't able to wear it and so she loosely wore it on her pinky.  Come the ceremony and *mid vows* I could hear my darling friend behind me crying.  I knew on a cellular level that she was stressing over losing my engagement ring.  I turned and told her it didn't matter - but she was beside herself.  We got married, and during the signing, my beautiful friend went, with desperate eyes, straight to one of my brothers to see if he could help - he calmly lifted his hand up to her and it was on his pinky.  (It had falled off her in the limo and the driver had noticed and given it to my brother - HOW LUCKY).  So it all worked out.  PS - did you know you don't HAVE to have a wedding ring?  It is a tradition, not a requirement.  My father never wore a ring - and this was common - especially for men who work with their hands.  

Pics are of two beaut couples I married;
🌷 & in 2013, and
🌷 Ben Hunt and in 2017.

24/11/2022

Gosh, I'm so rubbish at social media 🙈. That last time I wished it would implode and I got locked out because my phone got crushed in a folding chair, so I better watch what I say BUT I stand by the fact that instagramming is hard yakka! This gorgeous pic of Ben is from FEBRUARY but I am finally getting around to posting here. It was a gorgeous day but one we weren't sure how it would play out with the localised flooding in the region at the time. We managed 80% of the ceremony outdoors and then transitioned up to the deck because the comfort of your guests is PARAMOUNT and the rain demanded we take cover. Being able to morph and adapt during your wedding day, to any possibility, is what it's all about. There is 💯% preparation and planning that happens, but being up for working with surprises or the unplanned is equally important.

Photographer:
Venue:
Hair:
Make up:
Furniture hire:
Gown:
Suit:
Cake
Videographer:
Music: .gannaway
Bridal party:
Mum
Celebrant:
Lauren
Ben

07/11/2022

Tim & Keely; when everyday, without fail, you make one another laugh, you get married. 9 and a half years of laughing and loving, now ready for their married chapter, hopefully with a controlled number of new motorbikes, Tim 😉

Photographer & videographer:
Reception Venue  
Flowers & styling:
Hair & makeup: Gown:
Cake Music: Ruby Rose Trio and
Celebrant:  
Keely  
Tim

05/10/2022

The fiery Italian beauty and the kind and talented AFL player, tied the knot at recently,
and we made full use of the ceremony space with their beautiful bridal party (Gemma had 2 bridesmen and 6 bridesmaids, Austin had 2 groomsmen) with their guests seated beneath the deep shade of the figtree. They are currently enjoying an unbelievable honeymoon in Mauritius 🇲🇺

Photographer:
Coordinator, furniture & stylist:
Flowers: .com.au
Lighting:
Hair:
Make up:
Cake
Caterer:
Music:
Celebrant:

08/09/2022

Rest in Peace Queen Elizabeth; part of our collective histories. “For one to fly, one only needs to take the reins.”-MJ

05/09/2022

03/04/2022

🦚 PETER + KASHA 🦚 I am so blown away by this beautiful couple. They balance each other, and have dealt with postponements, floods and no matter what, always remained focused on being kind and patient for their wedding day. Friday was the day, and it was magnifique!! Kasha made us hold our breath; the sun seemed to shine a little brighter when she entered, and her bridesmaids and flowergirl helped her so much as Kasha felt overwhelmed by the fact that the day of all that planning had come to be!! I knew Kasha from film work- we get used to running an extremely well oiled tight ship - and her gals rallied to ensure it ran like clockwork. I definitely saw Hayley Booth being the bestest 3rd AD / maid of honour. 😹. Jacqui Motteram-smith and Chloe shielding her from anyone being able to enter the room whilst she got ready. And Peter Garvin. He made sure Kasha Parkinson stopped to breathe, he is her absolute bestie, her keel, her rock. It's so special truly seeing the gifts they give each other. Congrats Pete and Kasha, I'm so happy for you both ###x

Photographer: P**i & Palm
Venue: Bellingdale Farm
Coordinator, furniture & Stylist: Arctic Fox Weddings
Flowers:
Make up:
Music:

21/02/2022

There's something all the more sweet when your fourth attempt to tie the knot is a raging success!
And it was such a success - with lots of laughs over how they became engaged 💍
Ben had arranged for a friend to take photos of this moment, and that friend was Sam.  As Lauren also knew Sam, Sam cleverly dressed up as a hobo to be disguised from Lauren.  
As Ben prepared to propose, a family sat down between them and the 'hobo' photographer.  The dad of the family clocked Sam and thought he was some creep lurking in the shadows.   Soon dad-man was yelling to Sam “Hey you, what are you doing taking photos?!”
Thankfully, dad-man calmed down when he realised what was happening.  So, Ben was quite relieved that Lauren said yes to his proposal, so Sam could come out of hiding.

Photographer
Venue
Hair
Make up
Furniture hire
Gown
Suit@mjbale
Cake
Videographer:
Music: Aaron .gannaway


Celebrant:

30/01/2022

🍓ANGUS + SARAH🍓 They met in Tamworth at a country dance, and two weeks later, Sarah moved from Murwillumbah to Tamworth to be with Angus. Risky move paid off = they are now third generation strawberry farmers in Murwillumbah, have been blessed with two beautiful children and got married on Saturday on the family farm. My kind of heaven, it was so perfect after so much rain to see a perfect day open overhead.
AND - in a little twist, they had their first dance at the end of the walk back down the aisle!

Photography Arlo Photography
Coordination/styling/furniture & flowers Tweed Valley Events
Celebrant- me.

07/01/2022

Happy January! My former phone got crushed in the gears of my brothers chair, and I have been locked out of this account for 3 months, unable to get past the google authentication *cough* nightmare loop to gain access. I'm back, bishes! To be quite honest, it was a great little forced hiatus, but I wanted to share because Google and Insta are impossible to get human help from and it was a source of stress to lose a number of years of what feels like an extension of my business. Reminder that its not my property, its not fool proof and shouldn't be seen as a true reflection of a person's business. Some folk are true wizards at what they do but don't use these platforms at all. If you're planning, word to the wise >>> word of mouth is a great way to pick your team of suppliers. I know florists that froze all the flowers despite great social platforms, and florists that slay but post once a year. Ask suppliers who they think are the biz.
Oh! and this is me, now dwarfed by my gorgeous 14 year old son, at Bald Rock the other day. Get up this rock, it is so beautiful and the wildflowers are in force 🌼

27/07/2021

Rays of light blessing the happiest day for Liam + Ash beneath the giant figtree of The Figs Byron]. What a day.... their baby completely cocooned by Liams mum whilst they tied the knot, and the kind of winters day that makes you unsure if you're dreaming.

Photographer: .weddings
Venue: The Figs Byron]
Coordinator & Stylist:
Flowers:
Hair and Make up
Furniture hire:
Jewellery:
Gown:
Suit:
Cake

Celebrant:
 .dann  

12/07/2021

Tomorrow I'll tell you where I am ✈🤗

10/07/2021

My kind of wedding. Liam and Ash had an intimate wedding at The Figs (a crazily beautiful hinterland property in Byron Shire that overlooks the ocean) and guests got to immerse themselves in the gardens with a handy nearby bar, set up by Boho Luxe & Co | NEW ACCOUNT], coordinating the whole day. Simple, elegant and connected, in a beautiful space.

Photographer: Lauren Young and Frankie – .weddings
Venue:
Coordinator & Stylist: Boho Luxe & Co | NEW ACCOUNT]
Flowers:
Hair:
Make up:
Furniture hire:
Jewellery:
Gown:
Suit:
Cake
Celebrant:

09/07/2021

Flamenco Friday for the beautifully sunset-wed Joel + Katie. Basking in a bit of heaven, they married with zero guests; their coordinator and photographer acting as the two necessary legal witnesses. There's ALOT to be said for making your day purely for you, and as a Celebrant, the ceremony writing is 100% different. There's even more intimacy, and a little bit of soul connection that makes eloping very unique. I know Joel and Katie are set to continue an amazing journey, least not as spouses.... Congratulations 💖💖



 

02/07/2021

JAMES + LIZ in a timeless moment. With their classic style, in the grandeur of things were all a bit amazing. I had met them both in 2019 when I married James sister to her husband, and they were guests, of course, but now expecting their first baby. It was a fantastic day filled with family and heart explosions and this photo by Photographer summed up the grace and total elegance of the day.
Flowers:
Hair: .thehairartistcollective
Make up:
Gown:
Suit:
Cake
Celebrant:

01/07/2021

Back at home after a beautiful break in nature. How long until it vanishes? Eastern Australia is among 24 global deforestation fronts – the only developed nation on the list. 42% of NSW forests were burned last summer and the logging industry has actually increased progress since. Koala habitat is almost gone completely. It takes 45 years for a newly planted forest to be suitable for Koala life. I don't know anything about politics but if anyone knows how we can shed the government that condones this, please private message me or comment below.

23/06/2021

AUSPICIOUS MOMENTS > There's something so moving about weddings.  You think it's just you that feels that way and then you have those inklings of beauty and synchronicity that make you KNOW that when we give pause to our lives for something so beautiful as the love of two humans, it really can be transcendent. Sean and Bec's wedding definitely had that "aha" moment for me.  You see, about 30 seconds in, this little bird, a juvenile magpie, needed to be there for the whole thing.  He (maybe she, but he felt like a he) stayed right in this spot the whole time, intently watching Sean and Bec.  When Bec got a bit choked up saying her incredible vows, magpie had her back, showing her that it was just another amazing day with Sean; she would be okay.  He stayed but flew off after they walked the aisle, with, Alice from  getting this perfect shot. When Alice gathered folk for a group photo, he toddled over at the back of the group.  As far as he felt, he had to be there with the wedding.  In Bundjalung, the magpie is called  "gulgurang", and in Aboriginal stories magpies are credited with creating the very first sunrise. Their song each morning is to remind everybody of their important role in creation.  They brought the first light to the dark, cold world by collectively pushing it away with sticks in their beaks and are present to bring light to all situations.  They are symbolic of protection and loyalty and, with it's black and white feathers, the magpie is a representation of dualities; yin and yang, light and dark, earth and heavens, the everyday and the spiritual. And with these opposites, the magpie also represents balance, wholeness and completeness.  I was beyond happy to have had this special guest honour us with his polite attendance.
Photographer
Venue
Celebrant
Florist
Hair + Makeup
Entertainment
Cake
Stationery

19/06/2021

Beautiful bouquet for Katie. Toffee pink hues are so dreamy, all held together by a dusty pink silk ribbon.
Flowers by
Elopement coordination and photography by
Celebrant
Location

22/05/2021

MARC & ELICIA 🌿 married today in the sunshine (it was supposed to pour but just blue skies and birds for days) in the paperbark forest at .crystalbrookcollection. They each said their vows with such meaning, and afterwards both said they felt like it was so quick; 25 minutes felt like 2. A good sign that they enjoyed their ceremony, and that's how it should be! Importantly, their Canadian friends and family were able to watch the live-streamed ceremony that was professionally filmed, sound mixed and streamed by . Thanks for the phone snap, Photographers, 💖 who will get all the details -
and if anyone misses the live stream, Videographer was behind the camera to get it all!
Flowers:
Hair and Make up:
Furniture hire:
Jewellery:
Gown:
Suit:
Music: Kent Eastwood - beautiful version of Tones and I "Fly Away" 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Celebrant:

17/05/2021

The tiniest newlyweds, well from this birds-eye view! Jonathan and Jocelyn married on the family farm in Currumbin Valley on Saturday, with tipis set up by the creek for their reception. Photographer made sure that all the details, including the beautiful landscape, were incredibly documented, whilst made everything come together and look gorgeous, too!
Flowers:
Hair:
Furniture hire:
Make up:
Gown:
Suit:
Cake
Videographer:
Bar
Music:
Celebrant:
   

14/05/2021

I have a little property (see .sky.garden for some images) and want to let couples wishing to Elope use the grounds for a private ceremony overlooking the mountains. No guests, just two love birds and their photographer, if you have one. Shoot me an email if this sounds great!