Heartfelt Ceremonies with Simone

11/02/2025

Wedding Tip Wednesday 🫶🏽

Know how much you're willing to spend and stick to it. This will help avoid financial stress later on and ensure you're not over-committing to things that might not be necessary.

09/02/2025

Under the Marriage Act of 1961, the signing of the marriage registry is a crucial step in making the union official.

This legal act requires the couple, along with two witnesses, to sign the registry in front of an authorised celebrant. It’s a formal acknowledgment of the commitment made and ensures that the marriage is recognised by law.

This process is vital to securing legal rights and responsibilities for both partners as they begin their new chapter together.

Sister Sister Wedding Photography & Videography

08/02/2025

Looking for the perfect country venue? Look no further than Colinton Country Lodge & Barn!✨

Whether you're dreaming of a rustic, laid-back vibe or the timeless elegance of a country setting, this venue has it all.

Create memories in a breathtaking atmosphere, surrounded by nature’s beauty. It's the ideal place to celebrate your special day or event! 💍

Barn Sunsets after another busy weekend 🍃 🤍

07/02/2025

Did you know that in Australia, marriage celebrants have specific legal obligations they must follow to ensure your big day goes off without a hitch?

Under the Marriage Act 1961, celebrants play a key role in making sure the marriage process is both lawful and official. Here's a quick rundown of their key responsibilities:

💍Eligibility to Marry: Celebrants must ensure both parties meet the legal requirements, including age (18 years or older) and that both individuals are free to marry (i.e., not currently married to someone else).

💍The Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM): Before a couple can get married, they must submit a completed NOIM form to the celebrant at least one month prior to the ceremony. This is a crucial step in ensuring the marriage is recognised by law.

💍 Legal Requirements for the Ceremony: During the ceremony, the celebrant must:
- Be an authorised celebrant under the Marriage Act 1961.

- Use the prescribed wording in the ceremony, which includes the declaration of marriage: "I call upon the persons here present to witness that I, [name], take thee, [name], to be my lawful wedded wife/husband/spouse."

- Ensure the ceremony is witnessed by two people who are over 18 years old. These witnesses will sign the marriage register and marriage certificate.

💍Marriage Certificate: After the ceremony, celebrants are responsible for completing the marriage documentation, including the marriage certificate, and sending it to the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages for official recording.

💍Record-Keeping: Celebrants must keep a marriage register, which includes details of the ceremony and those involved. This must be retained for a minimum of 7 years.

It’s important to work with a celebrant who is fully accredited and knowledgeable about these legal requirements so your marriage is recognised under Australian law.

If you're planning your wedding, make sure your celebrant is across all the legalities to ensure a smooth, stress-free process.

07/02/2025

Music can transform a wedding ceremony from beautiful to magical. Whether it’s a carefully selected song for your walk down the aisle, a harpist or live singer, why not create a ceremony that’s filled with sounds that speak to your hearts and enhance every moment. 🎶

Hayley the Harpist
Flaxton Gardens

06/02/2025

Pre-ceremony meetings aren’t just about lodging the required paperwork or finalising ceremony details - they’re an opportunity for us to connect and ensure your ceremony feels natural, relaxed, and true to your relationship.

Whether it’s discussing your vows or getting to know your love story better, I’m here to guide you through the process so you can fully enjoy your big day. A little preparation goes a long way in creating a smooth, stress-free ceremony.

Let’s chat! 💬

05/02/2025

To all the amazing wedding industry professionals attending the Australian Wedding Industry Awards AWA tonight – wishing you all a fantastic time! It's an evening to celebrate the incredible talent, passion, and hard work that make every wedding unforgettable. May your night be filled with fun, connection, and of course, plenty of well-deserved recognition. Here's to a memorable and inspiring evening!

So proud of all the vendors from Southern Queensland Country Weddings who’ve been named as finalists. You’re all winners and I’m so proud of you all. 🤍

04/02/2025

Wedding Tip Wednesday 🫶🏽

Give yourself plenty of time to plan, so you're not rushing in the final months. Starting early allows you to make thoughtful decisions and avoid last-minute stress.

04/02/2025

Weekday Weddings: Why Wait for the Weekend?

Why not break the tradition and say I do on a weekday? 🙌 Weekday weddings are becoming the new trend, and here's why:

💍 Less Stress, More Relaxation – With fewer events happening during the week, venues and vendors are often more available, and the pace is a bit slower. You’ll have more time to enjoy the day without feeling rushed!

💰 Save Some $$$ – Mid-week weddings can often be more affordable than weekend ones. That means more budget for your dream celebrant, photographer, entertainment, or those extra touches you’ve been dreaming of! 💸

🌸 Unique & Intimate – Celebrate your love when it feels right for you! No need to follow the crowd! A weekday wedding creates a truly personal and intimate experience for you and your closest friends and family. 💕

⏰ No Long Wait – Let’s face it, waiting months for your wedding day can feel like a lifetime. Why not get married sooner and enjoy your honeymoon without the countdown dragging on? ⏳

So, what do you think - ready to shake things up and plan your weekday wedding? Let’s chat about how I can make it just as magical as a Saturday celebration (if not more)! 💖

Dusty Hill Vineyard
Sister Sister Wedding Photography & Videography
Pop Up Picnics South Burnett

03/02/2025

As a wedding celebrant, I don’t just help with the ceremony - I also collaborate with your other vendors to make sure everything flows smoothly.

From the photographer, the venue, to the event coordinator, I’ll ensure we’re all on the same page, so you can focus on enjoying your day.

A great wedding isn’t just about one part - it’s about all the pieces working together. Let’s make your big day unforgettable. ✨

Greenvalley Barn
Muzic 4 U
Flaming Good
Meg Fowler Productions

02/02/2025

Handfasting is a beautiful and ancient wedding ritual that symbolises the binding of two people in marriage. It involves the couple’s hands being tied together, typically with a ribbon, cord, or cloth, during the ceremony as a representation of their union and commitment to one another.

The roots of hand fasting can be traced back to Celtic and medieval traditions, where it was sometimes used as a form of engagement or marriage itself. The term "handfasting" comes from the Old English word handfēsting, meaning "to strike a bargain by joining hands."

Handfasting is especially appealing for couples who want a personalised or spiritual element to their ceremony. It’s meaningful, symbolic, and allows couples to incorporate their heritage, culture, or unique relationship story into the wedding.

It can be a beautiful addition to any wedding, whether it’s part of a traditional ceremony or as an alternative to more common rituals. It’s particularly popular for outdoor, rustic, or nature-themed weddings.

Are you incorporating handfasting into your ceremony?

02/02/2025

Not every wedding needs to be a grand affair to be meaningful. If you’re planning an intimate ceremony, or elopement, I’ll work with you to create a small, personal, and heartfelt experience that feels just as special as a large celebration. It’s all about the connection, the vows, and the love that connects you to each other. Let’s design a ceremony that’s just right for you. 💍

Sister Sister Wedding Photography & Videography

31/01/2025

Love is in the Air! ❤️ Book Your Wedding in February and Get 10% Off Your Package!

Terms & Conditions:

🥂Offer valid for bookings made in February 2025.
🥂Discount applies to Personalised Ceremony package only.
🥂Wedding ceremony must take place before June 30, 2026.
🥂Deposit must be paid to secure the booking.
🥂Offer ends February 29, 2025.

Spots are filling fast, so reach out now to secure your date. 🥰

Melanie Jayne Photography

30/01/2025

The Importance of an Experienced Funeral Celebrant 🕊️

As an independent funeral celebrant, I understand how overwhelming it can be to organise a funeral or memorial service during such a difficult and emotional time. That’s why I’m here to guide families through every step of the process, offering my experience to ensure that the service is not only respectful but also deeply personal and meaningful.

With 4 years of experience in officiating funerals and memorials in the South Burnett, I bring both professionalism and compassion to each ceremony. I work closely with families and their chosen funeral director to capture the essence of their loved one, honouring their life in a way that reflects their unique personality, values, and legacy. Whether it’s assisting with writing heartfelt eulogies, selecting readings, or curating the perfect music, my goal is to create a service that is as individual as the person being remembered.

From the first conversation to the final farewell, I ensure that the service flows seamlessly, allowing you to focus on what truly matters; your family, your memories, and your loved one.

Ultimately, my role is to help create an atmosphere of warmth, reflection, and peace. A well-planned and personal service provides comfort and closure, and it’s my privilege to help families achieve this. When you choose me as your funeral celebrant, you can trust that every detail will be handled with care, compassion, and respect.

30/01/2025

Tips for Writing Personal & Meaningful Wedding Vows. 🫶🏽

I’ve seen countless couples exchange vows, and one thing is clear: personal, authentic vows are always the most memorable. If you’re in the process of writing your vows, here are some tips to guide you:

✍️Start with Why – Reflect on why you’re getting married. What about your partner makes you want to commit to them for life? Let that be the foundation of your vows.

✍️Be Specific & Personal – Instead of generic promises like “I’ll always love you,” think about specific ways you’ll show that love. Whether it’s “I promise to support your dreams” or “I vow to never stop loving your quirks and imperfections,” personalisation makes your words more meaningful.

✍️Speak from the Heart – Don’t worry about making your vows perfect. The most powerful words come from the heart. Whether it’s a quiet promise or an emotional declaration, it’s about the sincerity behind them.

✍️Include Your Shared Story – Bring in meaningful moments from your journey together. A shared trip, the day you met, or a lesson learned can all tie into your promises. These little details can make your vows even more special.

✍️Keep it Balanced – Your vows should express your commitment and love, but also leave room for the excitement and joy that comes with marriage. Try not to make them too long – aim for a good balance of personal reflection and future promises.

✍️Practice Makes Perfect – Once you’ve written your vows, practice them aloud. It helps to hear how they sound and gives you a chance to make any tweaks before the big day.

Remember, wedding vows are not a performance; they’re a declaration of your love and commitment. Speak from the heart, and your words will resonate far beyond your ceremony. 💍✨

29/01/2025

Wedding Tip Wednesday 🫶🏽

Work with vendors who are experienced and reliable. Do your research, read reviews, and don’t hesitate to ask for references. Once you've hired the right people, trust them to execute your vision.

28/01/2025

Why I’m the Best Investment for Your Big Day

If you're looking for someone to help create a ceremony that truly reflects your love story, I’d love to be the celebrant you trust with this special moment. Here’s why I believe investing in a personalised, meaningful ceremony with me will make all the difference:

🥂Tailored Ceremonies Just for You – I take the time to get to know you both, ensuring your ceremony is as unique as your relationship. Whether you want something heartfelt, lighthearted, or completely customised, I’ll work with you to bring your vision to life.

🥂Stress-Free, From Start to Finish – The legalities and logistics can feel overwhelming, but I’ve got you covered. I’ll make sure everything is taken care of, so you can relax and enjoy the day. You can trust me to manage the details, from paperwork to running the ceremony smoothly.

🥂A Calm and Supportive Presence – Weddings can be a little nerve-wracking, but I’m here to guide you with warmth and professionalism. I’ll help you feel at ease and make sure you’re present in the moment, not worrying about what comes next.

🥂Making It Your Moment – I’ll help you create a ceremony that feels completely true to who you are as a couple. It’s not about a script – it’s about celebrating your love in a way that’s meaningful and memorable for you.

🥂Memories You’ll Cherish – Your ceremony is the heart of your day, and I’ll make sure it’s one you’ll remember forever. The words, the emotions, the connections – everything will be crafted to make your moment unforgettable.

Choosing the right celebrant isn’t just about getting through the ceremony; it’s about creating an experience that sets the tone for your entire wedding day. Let me help you make it all you’ve dreamed of and more. 💍✨

Sister Sister Wedding Photography & Videography

28/01/2025

Don’t wait! Dates are filling up fast! Reach out now to secure your spot and let’s make your 2025 celebration unforgettable! 💫

📞 0419 599 292
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.heartfeltceremonieswithsimone.net