Tara Merillo Life Celebrant

Tara Merillo Life Celebrant modern, lighthearted + authentic story teller. Marriage celebrant for the Central Coast & surrounds

Recently I was asked to be the funeral celebrant for my friend’s daughter. It was a celebration of a beautiful life that...
11/11/2024

Recently I was asked to be the funeral celebrant for my friend’s daughter. It was a celebration of a beautiful life that just wasn’t long enough making it profoundly sad.

Some funerals can be full of really raw emotion and sadness and the ceremony gives space for people to come together and fall apart.

When enduring such a devastating loss we must hold on tight to our cherished memories for comfort, and lean on friends and family for strength. Things may never make sense, but the sun will shine again ☀️

Geoff and Nok met at a Thai treatment centre when Geoff had injured his back after a game of golf. Geoff knew instantly ...
30/10/2024

Geoff and Nok met at a Thai treatment centre when Geoff had injured his back after a game of golf. Geoff knew instantly that something was there, yet Nok who was a cool cucumber was not so impressed with Mr Robinson. She didn’t want a bar of him. With some persistence and a knack for more injuries meaning more appointments Geoff found out it was soon to be her birthday and he asked her out. She affirmed that she did not date clients and that was that.

A few weeks later she sent a text with an address to meet in Sydney for dinner. Geoff arrived at a rather ritzy restaurant soon realising that she had in fact reserved a table at a Michelin 3star French restaurant. She put him through the paces ordering a number of dishes and he rose to the occasion only to happy to spend time with her, he had realised that it was her birthday. Nok soon warmed to Geoff’s affections and 4 years later, it’s their wedding day.

Geoff is easy going, and Nok is drama free which works great. They are same same same but different. Geoff talks too much and is obsessed with golf, whilst Nok walks too slow and is addicted to TikTok!

I am so happy to see you light up in each others presence! To Mr + Mrs R 🥂

Sometimes in this little thing called life, you find a best friend and a soul mate, the one that makes you smile on the ...
24/10/2024

Sometimes in this little thing called life, you find a best friend and a soul mate, the one that makes you smile on the inside, lights up every corner of your world and simply feels like home. The Mitchell’s created a thoughtful, fun, relaxed and rather stunning wedding at Tocal Homestead in the Hunter.

I was in awe the moment I drove onto the property, there was the beauty of the vast farmland, a rustic hay shed turned reception venue, the most majestic fig trees in front of the heritage listed Georgian country house with its ponds and fountains that transports you back in time…. if it weren’t for the music duo Paparazzi performing live tunes for all on the verandah. There was their wedding arbour adorned with a meticulously created floral arrangement that captivated the eyes and complemented the magical feeling of the surrounds. Possibly the beautiful-est blooms I’ve seen, set my hayfever off good and proper. There was a horse rolling in the paddock during the ceremony, Tesla wedding cars, and a cocktail cart serving Margs to kick off the Newlyweds celebrations!

And that, is how you can get married!!
❤️‍🔥🌳🎸🍸🏠🐴






Andrew’s clients invited him to visit their display at the Orange Agricultural Show. He brought his father with him and ...
28/09/2024

Andrew’s clients invited him to visit their display at the Orange Agricultural Show. He brought his father with him and soon after they found themselves at the food and wine festival, and then the Hotel Canobolas.

Nazli was in her final year of dentistry - in the middle of an exam period. She popped into town to grab dinner after an arduous week of exams. She bumped into her uni friends who were out for the food and wine festival. They pestered Naz to join them for a drink, of which she eventually, reluctantly, agreed…

They were already at the hotel and after several beers, two handsome men sat beside them and struck up a conversation. Three became four when an elegant brunette walked into the fray, seamlessly placing herself amongst her friends and catching up, barely noticing Andrew and his father were there. The girls asked where they were from, and when Andrew replied the Inner West of Sydney, he caught Naz’s attention, as she too was from the Inner West.

Naz found Andrew warm and easy to talk to, making every effort to make her laugh - they hadn’t even noticed that everyone had left, and it was just the two of them. With time the conversation became deeper. They felt rather comfortable with the other.

Andrew asked if Naz would be open to having dinner in Sydney upon her return. She saved her number on his phone under a cryptic pseudonym, to gauge how well he had been listening to her as he had consumed a few beverages by this point. It took Andrew some time to determine that “Ashfield” was the attractive brunette in the glasses.

Life is joyful and curious and today they wed in the gorgeous outdoor grounds of The Woodhouse Wollombi with their Turkish and Italian families - cross pollinating their lives and cultures with the people they hold close.

Big Congratulations to you both 🤍

Rochelle + Chris had a connection that felt right from the get-go. It was easy, fun, adventurous and full of love. Getti...
14/08/2024

Rochelle + Chris had a connection that felt right from the get-go. It was easy, fun, adventurous and full of love. Getting married seemed like the natural progression for their little family and they hosted a modest merrymaking gathering of family and friends.

Their future is full of stars - literally, Chris loves peering through his telescope into the night. It is their hope that their tomorrows will involve evening walks as a family, playing boardgames, reading books and holding hands

Much Obliged
TM x







centralcoastwedding

Senor’ Thiago and Senora’ Lucy bringing not only the heartfelt ‘Sunday Love’ kinda vibes, but the personally distilled s...
13/08/2024

Senor’ Thiago and Senora’ Lucy bringing not only the heartfelt ‘Sunday Love’ kinda vibes, but the personally distilled spirits, the colour, style, and brightest poppies you’ve ever seen, a pair of bangin’ bow shoes made by Lucy’s big sis and many sentimental touches for Thiago who was missing his family back home in Brazil. All this and a whole lot more in the most honest and relaxed space - mum and dads backyard.

Twas’ an unforgettable one for me - two genuine AF, truly loved up, good humans bouncing off one another and sharing their joY!!! 🇦🇺 💃🏽❤️‍🔥🕺🏼🇧🇷

Photo
Film
Blooms
MUA
Hair
Musak

Rowan and Ellen’s wedding was a chance to catch up with some of my previous couples and share all the laughs and cuddles...
12/08/2024

Rowan and Ellen’s wedding was a chance to catch up with some of my previous couples and share all the laughs and cuddles! Here I am with Bri + Will, Lauren + Rowan, and one half of Alex and Georgia (she was on wedding squad duties). Its always a great feeling to see married couples a lil’ further down the line and hear about all their life adventures, travels, property acquisitions and bambinos!

NOTE - Chuffed that my celebrant dress code request involved wearing sneakers!! So of course it was a fab excuse to get me some Nike Blazer Mids 77 Vintage kicks for the occasion …. from the youth section I might add which were $60 bucks cheaper !

“Mawwage - mawwage is what brings us togeder today. Mawwage that bwessed awangement, that dweam wifin a dweam”. Rowan an...
12/08/2024

“Mawwage - mawwage is what brings us togeder today. Mawwage that bwessed awangement, that dweam wifin a dweam”.

Rowan and Ellen paid homage to the Princess Bride in their ceremony with a reading and it was hilarious!! My favourite reading ever tbh 🤣

There was a few interrupting rain drops towards the end of the ceremony, however the rolling country views, grand gums, impressive silk flowers, amazing cocktails, donut tower, cake and lolly bar, snazzy sneakers, fine friends and good tunes only added to the success of the day.

Ellen and Rowan are the fourth couple from an amazing group of friends that I have had the pleasure of marrying 😊 Weddings are now a reunion that ai thoroughly enjoy!

Venue
Photography
Celebrant
Tunes
Flowers

Did you know that Atticus chooses to remain anonymous as a symbol of spreading art with fame after losing a celebrity fr...
30/05/2024

Did you know that Atticus chooses to remain anonymous as a symbol of spreading art with fame after losing a celebrity friend to addiction.

Beautiful, powerful and simple are Atticus’ thoughts on love. Story and observation - just like a celebrants craft weaving the tales of lovers in ceremony….

Meet the McBrides 🤍You can only dream of finding the one to go on a late night maccas run for you when you feel like glo...
23/05/2024

Meet the McBrides 🤍

You can only dream of finding the one to go on a late night maccas run for you when you feel like glorious fried potatoes…. It means a lifetime of looking past mutliple online purchases for the caravan arriving at the door and tolerating the golf on the tv…

A fun, lax and modern celebration was had for Cherie and Ryan as they relished it all in the moment with their much adored family. They are creating their dream life side by side - watching their children blossom before their eyes, planning their pHat lap around Australia, drinking all the coffee and watching all the sunsets 🥂









Joe and Britt were total superstars at City Hall’s quickie chapel in downtown Gos Vegas. Choosing to go with a low key e...
17/05/2024

Joe and Britt were total superstars at City Hall’s quickie chapel in downtown Gos Vegas.

Choosing to go with a low key elopement with their darling daughter and two witnesses, they moved the celebrations to their backyard after stopping off to show Britt’s nan their new wedding jewels.

The stoke level was high and they looked beyond ecstatic - they were really in the moment and had the time to spend engrossed with one another - no distractions.

This is SuCH a pleasure!

When looking for love on the world wide web, one must cast their .net wide, and it can take some direct .com(munication)...
20/04/2024

When looking for love on the world wide web, one must cast their .net wide, and it can take some direct .com(munication) before making a move IRL.

Priya couldn’t tell if she was being catfished because when Mitch rocked up at her front door, his arms were so full of sweets and treats she couldn’t see his face. Still, Priya invited him in hoping for the best that he wasn’t ugly. I should add that he had one arm in a sling so he was struggling not to drop anything!

Mitch was a total sweetheart, he was giving off absolute golden retriever vibes which is a HuGe flex. Mitch found Priya bubbly, fun and rather beautiful. She greeted him with a giant hug and a warm hello, she was kind, funny and could hold a conversation. The two of them had such a good time chatting throughout the day and watching The Mighty Boosh, Mitch didn’t want to leave.

They saw in one another a glimmer, a likeness to their own inner goofball, and this was the humble beginning of Priya and Mitch.

Mitch is always planning activities or adventures that strengthen the connection between them. He makes dumplings from scratch, is known to blitz a mean banana smoothie and finishes Priya’s cocktails when they taste too much like alcohol. Mitch keeps Priya uplifted when she feels defeated. Priya is a genuinely joyful and fun gal. Super down to earth, always a helper, the nurturer and the deliverer of cob loaf on any occasion. Priya is always there for Mitch when he’s feeling unsure of himself - she helps him relax and shake it off by doing weird voices!

Mitch and Priya have a unique ability to attract flash flooding and today was no different. Torrential rain caused a slightly hectic last minute change of venue from the Pearl Beach Arboretum to the hospitable team at Bar Toto in Ettalong Beach. They hosted a cosy 80 guests + bridal party for some last minute nuptials. And what do you know, their love was celebrated and the end result - they were married and it was a treat x

08/04/2024

We live in our grief for a lifetime… don’t be afraid to talk about the people you have lost. Honour them and say their name 🤍

05/04/2024

This legend is on the money here. Experience, warmth, knowledge and organisation equates to value in cost. Shop around for professionalism, personality and performance not the cheapest price 👊🏻

Court was lying on the couch flicking through Tinder profiles when her attention was held by this blue eyed babe with nu...
16/03/2024

Court was lying on the couch flicking through Tinder profiles when her attention was held by this blue eyed babe with numerous profile shots in nice European locations, plus the notable mention of a 5 month old Goldie named Morty. Court’s profile gave the appearance of a normal, down to earth Aussie girl, which was just what the pom was after. There was a week or so of messages back and forth before Morty put down the hard word: “Can we go for walkies??” So naturally, the two of them met at a dog park in the middle of the morning (stranger danger, hello!) Guy was wearing black skinny jeans which I may add have never been seen since. His first thought was Gosh she’s pretty …. Pretty tall.

Neither of them seemed to want the date to end, so naturally it stretched into drinks at a cafe by the beach, Guy showing off the water views from his house, and then into dinner at their now favourite local Thai restaurant.

A week later they bonded over a shared love of “Finding Nemo” and they have been together just about every day since. It wasn’t just Nemo that deepened the bond between Court and Guy, its their extreme stubbornness, the belief that dogs are way better than people and a shared appreciation for rising early and not staying up late.

Guy, the cool cucumber helps Courtney, the over thinker let loose, whilst Courtney the practical thinking long-term planner helps Guy keep focused on the important things and not let time just slip by.

Guy and Court love the natural scenery of our rugged landscapes here in Oz, all they need is their rooftop tent, plenty of time and no plan. The adventure is in making it up as you go along and exploring it all side by side.

Guy + Court chose an outdoor lakeside ceremony by the charming weeping willow at the Woodhouse Wollombi - a charming and stylish acreage in the hunter.

Beyond thrilled for you two x

18/02/2024

I think frictions fun……! Interesting 💕

Brendan + Lara captured so elegant and dramatic like on the grand staircase at Pullmans resort. Just beautiful. B + W fo...
15/02/2024

Brendan + Lara captured so elegant and dramatic like on the grand staircase at Pullmans resort. Just beautiful. B + W for the win. Chris from Underatreehouse takes a slick shot like no other…

Photography
Venue
Hair/ MU
Tan
Florals
Styling
Music
Bride
Groom

Toby and Jody had the chance to connect in this digital age, on a platform that some might dismiss as casual. But for th...
10/02/2024

Toby and Jody had the chance to connect in this digital age, on a platform that some might dismiss as casual. But for them, it was a serendipitous encounter that led to a deeper connection. This is their Tindarella story, a match made in heaven. After recognising they had a few mutual friends, their first date was set, ten pin bowling and dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Toby picked Jody up, and straight away she could sense that he was kind, sweet and friendly. He didn’t hold back at bowling, winning the game and dinner led to sombreros and a sneaky first kiss. They bonded over the same interests, values, and a mutual attraction that was impossible to ignore. Their second date was arranged and then Covid hit our shores, upgrading their relationship status to ‘significant person.’ Even though they may have swiped right on a whim, it’s clear to them, for some magnificent reason, it brought them their happily ever after.

They love the beach, especially a day in the sun hanging with the kids, Toby had two semi-grown babes of his own upon meeting Jody. Music has a strong hold on the two of them, their musical tastes blending together over time, and then there is tequila - the holy elixir of the gods that represents the ideas of love and transformation.. Toby is always trying to hunt down different agave juice to try - that’s what I call a great hobby.

Jody and Toby work together in life, Jody’s home styling biz, check - whilst also hustling other day jobs in door manufacturing and nursing (iCU nurses = rockstar status), and putting the kids, their family first. To be around these two is an awe inspiring example of mutual respect, love, adoration and appreciation for the other - its somethin’ really special.
 
Toby plans to become an early morning ocean swimmer in his retirement, while Jody waits patiently with a towel and coffee in hand - we all have to dream.

Thursday was the day for legally hooking these two up at KAngy Gardens. I stayed, I danced, I drank tequila…! I’m so happy for you sister x

Address

Green Point, NSW
2251

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