Your Hand In Mine Ceremonies - Brisbane Celebrant

01/10/2023

And the wedding season begins

26/03/2022

Seamless *^_^*

When you are a minimalist/too busy/confused with information from everyone, and everywhere 😬🤷‍♀️ …

Let me help you make this seamless - from our first hello to getting you married in a personalised ceremony, no less.

from Angela and Abizer, we got them from venue search to “I do” in 3 months, in a full ceremony, with family and friends from all over… it was tears and laughter through and through 💕

20/03/2022

Happy One Year Anniversary - Jess and Lawrence!

One of my first south coast couples, it was a beautiful intimate ceremony with their dearest and closest. Treated myself to a weekend away at Moruya after the wedding at Batemans Bay, well worth it! 😊

12/03/2022

Reviews *^_^*

Thinking of trying a new place/service, and not sure about what you’ll get? Do you Google the business and look at the star rating and browse reviews?

I do too. And that is why your review means a lot because a small business like mine relies on your review:

- To attract more clients like yourself who is looking for a service like mine
- As our best marketing tool
- As an affirmation that we are doing a good job, and to keep at it
- To highlight aspects for improvement

So, when I ask for your review, please (pretty please) take five minutes to help me in my business, and help other couples decide if I am the celebrant for them.

*Still on a high from Evelyn & Candice kind words…* Only when you have had a great experience and are happily married, my job is complete 💕

09/03/2022

May ^*_*^

The last month of autumn, before weddings take a break until Spring

Also, take #2 for one of my couples who had to postpone their wedding this weekend, because the bride was tested positive for Covid yesterday. 😔

For all couples getting married the next few months, please take necessary precautions in the lead up so all your planning and anticipation do not go to waste.

Months of planning, we’ve come this far, let’s make it happen! The way you wanted, on the day you chose!


Thank you for the photo. 💕

07/01/2022

Let’s talk Zoom ^*_*^

It is wedding season. And us celebrants are loving it, pumped to get some of you married!

But, to do that, we have to be there. Not being caught in the wrong place/time, and serving quarantine notice

The only way we can do that, is to prioritise the wedding days, and take all other meetings online. (I’m getting better at showing the feels on screen 😉).

Personally, I am also keeping socialising to a minimum, wearing a (nice-looking, no less) mask right up to the ceremony and as much as I'd love to give you that BIG hug of congratulations after, I'd hold back and let my emotional scrunched up face do the talking 🤪

For all my couples getting married this season, we'll get you married.

Your ceremony will be all about you.
Your wedding will be beautiful, like you envisioned. That will not change

So, thank you for understanding and working with me, to keep us all safe until your perfect day.

And after that, I can go on to help other couples realise their perfect day too ♥️

We are going to 🤞🏻, stay safe, and look forward!

As always, if you need a chat, call anytime.

24/12/2021

A season of Love and Giving *^_^*

While we remember the less fortunate, please also remember to lodge an entry in your gratitude journal - Be grateful for where you are, what you have and your loved ones beside you.

Ditch the phone today, be present.

Merry Christmas 🎄🥰

04/12/2021

28/11/2021

Clients -> Friends ^*_*^

Working with Leonie and Derek for their ceremony did not feel like work, ever.

Through our odd calls, quick messages and casual check-ins, and finally meeting their family and friends at their reception, we have become friends.

And that is why I ♥️ what I do. To marry my friends, and share their joy when they begin their forever after.

Thank you Mr and Mrs Taylor. Looking forward to our brunch to go through the album and videos! 😘

20/11/2021

Engaging Ceremonies ^*_*^

Guilty of spacing out at a wedding?

Worried others would do the same at yours?

How I work with you (my couples) to create a ceremony that'll have your guests hanging onto every word!

Start a ceremony unplugged - keep the temptation of technology and social media away

Remain flexible for exact location - is everyone in the hot sun or in the cold?

Plan not to go beyond 20 minutes, but the delivery is never rushed - clear, paced and personable

Make it You with your story and personality

Mention family and friends, include them who have been involved in your journey

If you have meaningful ritual (action) and readings (words), insert them to flow naturally into the ceremony, and to keep things interesting

You hear the script for the first time - yes, I provide a draft prior if you'd like, without the juicy bits. Keep the feels for the day, and let your emotions run - cry, laugh and have fun!

12/11/2021

Wet weather did not stop Sarah and Anthony from getting married, with their three beautiful children in tow! The sound of rain actually made the charming surrounds tranquil, and so much more romantic. 🥰

Congratulations Mr and Mrs De Luca! It was wonderful to be able to help you with your ceremony, and in our journey, got to know you like friends, I couldn’t have asked for more. xoxo 😘

06/11/2021

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Taylor. Our 6 month journey was so relaxed and simple, it’s only natural that we have become friends. Thank you for the invitation to the lunch after as well, my heart is full ♥️♥️♥️

22/10/2021

Changing your name after marriage, or not? *^_^*

"Do I have to?", you say - No. It is not a legal requirement to change your name on any official and professional documentation if you choose to remain as you are.

Who - Either party or both parties can change their name

What - With your existing surnames, you could use either or both, in your preferred sequence, hyphenated or not

When - After marriage, you apply for and receive your Official Certificate of Marriage from the Birth, Death and Marriages in the state where the ceremony took place

How - Use the above certificate to change your name on your Drivers' License and Passport (optional). With your new drivers license and/or passport, you can now change your name with most organisations ie. banks, government bodies, associations, utility bills, insurances, and subscriptions

Why - We all know someone who has taken on the spouse's surname after marriage, but it is becoming common for marriage parties to retain their names as is, or to combine and make a whole new last name!

Everyone's reasons vary, so perhaps think about WHY you are considering a name change?

If its because everyone else is doing it, or there seems to be an unspoken expectation, HOLD ON! What's the hurry? You can always do it when you are ready, or save it for

15/10/2021

Hi! ^*_*^

Its been awhile since I am not in PJs, and tracksuits, thought I'd ride on the positivity surrounding , and share some lighthearted fun facts about myself!

✔️ We lived in Melbourne for a few years, and loved it until we had a child and suddenly, Canberra seems like a better family place. And it is, we love it here!

✔️ In my life pre-down under, I was in wealth management and helped many with their assets, investments, and estate planning. It was a very rewarding role, although not always as fun as love stories and 'I do's !

✔️ I get cravings for big UGLY muffins, none of those small perfect-looking things , but I have not found a go-to in town. If you do, please 👉🏻 me there

✔️ When I am not doing anything celebrant, I am a wife, chauffeur/chef/every role play imaginable for a 4 year old, and animal loving pet sitter

✔️As President of Canberra Singapore Club, I run social events with the team and get to connect with friends from my birthplace and people interested in Singapore, food and culture! It is a space where I become Singaporean, and speak as-many-may-know-it, Singlish, and love it!

✔️ I get emotional every time my brides and grooms walk down the aisle/say their vows, my face all scrunched up holding it in. That is how in love I am with whom I am marrying, and would have it no other way. *heads up to my upcoming couples ^^ *

Photo by: 4 year old budding photographer

10/10/2021

Mother of the Marrying Party ^*_*^

✔️Dress/Outfit shopping
✔️Organising the guest list
✔️Help plan the wedding
✔️Discuss traditions and family heirlooms
✔️Be the contact person for family and relatives
✔️Talk to extended family and relatives fishing for an invitation

These are roles a mother often does before the wedding day.

And surprisingly, she, who has played a huge role in the lead up often stands back on the day itself, and let your bridal party and father take the spotlight.

Modern weddings has since evolved for couples to have both parents or the mother walk them down the aisle, so they get to share their special moment with this amazing silent giver.

She, who is your honest opinion, avid supporter and really, the one you go to first for anything and everything, growing up.

What are other ways you involved, or would involve, your mother on your wedding day?

Share in the comments below!

28/09/2021

Fully vaccinated to protect myself, my family, and the community.

AND, I’m ready for your wedding! Whether it’s 5 people or uncapped at 1 per 4sqm… let’s get you married in Spring and Summer!

20/09/2021

Love Exchanges *^_^*

Dear couples of mine, if you’ve received that gleaming paper with a few big questions from me, now is the perfect time to look through your backup drives ➡️ find your love notes and wefies from before ➡️ reminisce how the both of you have come this far… ➡️ and send me some answers!

While some partying have to wait till summer, I am still writing for intimate late

Feel like a chat, some motivation, inspiration or anything? You know my number. Anytime! 🥰

03/09/2021

Plum blossom (梅花) *^_^*

A symbolism of perseverance and renewal.

Something about these beautiful blooms…

Perhaps it is the first pop of color after the grey of winter, or maybe their fleeting presence reminds us to be appreciative and grateful of all that we are, have, and do not have.

And similarly, life may be difficult these days, but it is temporary.

We must persevere in challenging times. And show our children the resilience and adaptability we are all capable of.

So that when the time comes, we are ready for full bloom. 🌸

01/09/2021

Intimate Ceremonies *^_^*

It is small, with under 10 people.

Aunty Jane may not attend, but both of your parents will be there with their biggest hugs.

Your uni friend may be on Zoom, but your lifelong besties can be there to squeeze your shoulder.

Big weddings-turned-intimate ceremonies often turn out to be more heartfelt, and meaningful.

It is after all, meant to be a day for the both of you, centered in your intention, looking only at each other.

So, if your heart says you’ll be happier getting married in a most relaxed manner, Make It Happen.

to when Suz and Dom got married with six of their closest and dearest. It was surreal, and the happiness after- priceless. ❤️

09/08/2021

to big and beautiful weddings, when the only unknown in the lead up was if the flower girl and page boy would walk or sit-in-a-cart-and-be-pulled down the aisle ☺️💕

Photography: .free
Venue:

26/07/2021

Packages *^_^*

I get a lot of enquiries on what is a Legals-only, and the inclusions compared to a Full package for a ceremony.

The biggest difference at first, is of course the price! But before you decide based on a number, consider:

Legals Only
- We meet once, complete the paperwork, and discuss the ceremony
- Ticks all the legal boxes, we get you hitched in 10mins, and in not much more than 150 words
- Big Plus- Everyone gets to the afterparty sooner

Full wedding
- We meet about twice, drink some, chat a lot, and personalise your ceremony in any way you like!
- You get to enjoy the day and the ceremony, because "whats the rush?"
- We take your guests on a journey, make them cry a little, laugh some, and share your love
- Big Plus- A memorable ceremony everyone reminisce about years later (it’ll be way more than just the amount of booze at the party!)

So, to help you decide, perhaps think about:

💭 How many guests and who are they?

💭 How do you want to feel on your wedding day?

💭 How would you like your wedding to be remembered?

If you need some help defining your preference, get in touch! I am always up for a chat! ☕️😉

12/07/2021

Love Notes *^_^*

Just when I am still reeling from the weekend, thinking how lucky I am to be able to deliver ceremony for (and with) truly beautiful people, I get this.

“Thank you for being our wonderful celebrant, Joanne. We didn’t want a priest, and most of the wedding Celebrants I was looking for seem too OTT. Joanne is so humble, calm, us Chinese would say she’s not kaypoh (nosy) and all around genuine person. She marries everyone. She believes that love is love….”

Thank you DomKat. My heart is full. 💕

10/07/2021

Starting a ceremony with Guten Morgen and Selamat Siang, and a script littered with German and Indonesian phrases, to a room (and Zoom) full of family and friends who understood either or both languages, or other languages is exhilarating!

That we are unique individuals, open minded in respecting diversity and accepting of other languages and cultures to learn it beyond our curriculum, is us working towards being a global community.

A wedding like that - Unforgettable. 💕

30/06/2021

Get married on the Lake *^_^*

Dear couples, how are you in current times of confusion and uncertainty? It is frustrating, and we must all hang on for there must be a light at the end of this big “C” tunnel 👊🏼

Having had a couple of wedding changes, I begin to wonder if two can still get married like before - with happy excitement up to the day, and just relaxed and blissful at being married to your forever person on your wedding day?

And so, in collaboration with a team of small businesses, we bring you “Vow on the Lake”

Where everything you’ll need to be legally married in style is taken care of, and you just have to rock up and be in for a beautiful day of You and You!

We are now taking bookings for Spring 2021 onwards, and offering discounted packages for a limited time only!

Check out link in bio 👆🏻 to find out more

Get married on the Lake, in a space just for the both of you to experience and enjoy. Because you are marrying your forever person, and you deserve to have the time just for you, to revel in your happiness!

24/06/2021

Spring *^_^*

While we are all huddled up in the cold (and rain today!), I am looking forward to meeting up with my couples in the next month for their Spring/Summer farm and garden weddings!

The colors we’ll be in - can’t wait!!! 💐

03/06/2021

While it may seem quiet here, winter is a great time for us celebrants to give our fancy wardrobe a break, sit with a hot cuppa and oil heater all day (minus running the house + big kid + small kid!), and work on our Ongoing Professional Development (yes, we have to fulfill quite some requirements to stay as we are!) and create new business strategies to keep the industry dynamic and provide you, our clients, with more!

So yes, I may be slow on social media, but very active.

As I always say, if you need me, you know my email and number. I’m here, anytime :)

18/05/2021

“Language is the key to the heart of people” ~ Ahmed Deedat

Aleja & Andres got married with half of their family and friends watching live from Columbia.

Their ceremony also had readings and vow elements in Spanish, because their family is a very important part of their special day.

Language brings people closer together. It shows thoughtfulness, effort, improves understanding and love. And when two share a common language, we open doors to the heart.

Do you have family or friends who would appreciate parts of your ceremony in a language besides English?

08/05/2021

On location for a wedding April 2022, when the trees burst with red and gold... with the calm breeze from the molonglo river on the right, and nothing else. For A & J, time will stop for them in this quiet calm