The Soulful Celebrant

14/06/2024

LET ME INTRODUCE MYSELF :)

Welcome to my page! My name is Joanne, but please, always call me Jo!
I've been a celebrant for 3 years now and MC for 2. I have performed hundreds of ceremonies, including legals only, elopements, full weddings, celebrations of life, naming day ceremonies and everything in between! I've been MC at countless wedding receptions and my god! Aren't they the best fun you can have with your pants on!
My business is not a side hustle. This is me, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. But don't call me on Christmas Day. I'm soaking in every juicy moment of surprised kids faces, christmas carols and scooping up the last piece of pavlova!
Some fun facts about me:
- I grew up in the blue Mountains amongst the hippies, thus my free loving spirit.
- My parents both grew up in regional NSW so naturally our family car trips were full of Slim Dusty, John Williamson, Johnny Cash and my personal favourite was a Blinky Bill cassette tape I made my family listen to on repeat 🐨😂
- I was fiercely independent from a very young age. As soon as I was old enough to study my real passions and get a job, I did.
- I've always been a daddy's girl, (sorry mum!) my father taught me a lot about being compassionate, not judging a book by it's cover and leading with an open heart. 🧡💛💚💙
- I have travelled to over 25 countries and went overseas independently for the first time at just 16. My thirst for travel is insatiable but with 3 kids in tow these days I make the most of our trips within Australia. ✈️✈️✈️
- I have three very energetic kids who keep me young. I'm considering learning to ride a skateboard or surf, just so they don't write me off through the teen years 🏄‍♀️
- I'm extremely down to earth and not much phases me. I love to be a little bit cheeky at my ceremonies because well, laughter is good for the soul. Even those tender loving moments where the couple are crying after exchanging their touching vows, a well placed joke brings a smile through the happy tears. And that will be the moment they hold close to their hearts forever.
Do I pass the vibe check? Hit me up at www.thesoulfulcelebrant.com.au I'd love to hear from you!

11/06/2024

WILL HE CRY WHEN HE SEES ME??

There's a rising trend of women trying to make sure that their hubby-to-be is reaching for the tissues when he sees her for the first time. I will go on record here to say, if he doesn't cry, this does NOT mean he doesn't love you! HOWEVER, I also get that many men have formed a tough exterior throughout their lives, and holding back the tears can be an automatic reaction.
So, if you feel your partner might just need that little nudge to surrender to his emotions in the moment. Here are some tips that will move even the toughest of men to tears, I saved the best one for last:
- When selecting a song to walk down the aisle to, choose something that has a very deep meaning to both of you. Forget for a moment what your guests will think, or whether it's even an appropriate aisle song.
- Include his family. The key to most people's heart is to show love to the people they care about most. Surprise him by asking some of his important family members to be involved in the bridal party. Seeing them walk up first and knowing that you made the extra effort to surprise him is sure to bring a lump to his throat.
- Create a dramatic entrance! A great way to do this is to have an upbeat song for your bridal party to walk down to, but then drop the tempo down low to something utterly romantic. Even better if your ceremony is in a chapel, where the staff can open the double doors at a key moment in the song and you breeze into his view.
- Pre record a message to play to him before you walk down the aisle. I've seen this done a few times and it has a 10/10 success rate. Your bridal party walk down first, take their places and then he hears a recording of your voice "my darling, he we are, finally, my love, my best friend, my everything. Look at what we have created together, I can't wait to call you my husband". Cue the aisle song, cue your amazing entrance looking like you just stepped out of heaven, cue the tears!! How could he not!!
Wedding of: Jessica and Mitch
Venue: Seacliff House
Photo credit: Dan Cartwright Photography
Wedding Planner/ Styling:

10/06/2024

CAPTION THIS PHOTO....

Looking back through the photos from Emma and Manny's gorgeous day, I came across this one. It's been a while since this ceremony and I cannot for the life of me remember what was happening here. It would appear I'm discouraging Emma from going ahead haha. But I know that didn't happen. Lets have some fun with it, give me your best captions!

09/06/2024

Who will say their vows first? And what if we can't agree?

The first response I get from most brides is "he can go first!". But then I fill them in, that going second is actually harder! My recommendation is that the more emotional one should go first. After listening to your partner pour their heart out (even if they throw a few funny bits in there) once you're a blubbering mess, it's pretty hard to compose yourself to deliver your own vows in the way that you imagined yourself saying them. If there is no obvious answer for who should go first, then we settle things the good old fashioned way, with a coin toss!! In my rule book, the bride is always heads (of course!). But here's the twist. The winner doesn't necessarily go first. The winner gets to decide who goes first!

08/06/2024

Feeling anxious about standing up in front of 100+ people on your wedding day to say your vows?

Every couple that say this to me, say it like they think they're the only ones! Haha. Let me tell you, it doesn't come naturally to MOST people, to stand up in front of everyone you know and say some pretty heartfelt things to your partner. Is it going to be scary? I'm not gonna lie, yeah it probably is. But you know what? That's what makes it so special! And that's why, in that moment, you feel so loved! It's true, personal vows are optional, and if it truly terrifies you then I completely support your choice whatever that may be. But it's not every day your partner really digs deep and writes how they feel about you, then pronounces their love and promises before your nearest and dearest. Rest assured, I will do the majority of the talking at your ceremony, but I promise you, YOU CAN DO THIS! It's two minutes of your life and your partner is worth it. You will NOT regret pushing yourself to be vulnerable and creating a cherished moment you will both remember forever. But you MIGHT regret it, if you don't!

Couple: Emma and Manny
Venue:Moravia Park
Photo credit:
Flowers:
Hair:
Dress:
Celebrant: The Soulful Celebrant

07/06/2024

"I hate having my photo taken, so I'm not too worried about what photographer we get" Nooooooo! This should be the exact reason you DO get the best possible photographer!

A good photographer is honestly worth their weight in gold. They will capture the essence of you, your day, the people that made it special, the moments that took your breath away and the memories that you will hold dearly for the rest of your life!! This is the gorgeous Emma, who like many, didn't feel overly comfortable in front of the camera. But thankfully they found Huggo is FUN, gives plenty of direction so you know exactly what to do and is a multi award winning photographer with skills that kill! He perfectly captured Emma's sweet and pure nature in this photo. I feel all the romance and whimsy that was felt on the day just by looking at it. When you hire a professional, you can trust their judgement and direction. Knowing that the end result will be amazing. Photography is one part of the budget you don't want to skimp on.

Couple: Emma and Manny
Venue: Moravia Park
Photo Credit: Hugo Photo + Film
Flowers:
MUA:
Hair:
Dress:

06/06/2024

Where will the wedding party stand?

There has become a rising trend for the bridesmaids/ men to stand behind the groom and vice versa. Why you may ask? This allows your besties to see your beautiful face and share in your emotions during the ceremony. You can do the same thing with the placement of your seated guests as well. It also gives the bridesmaids/men a chance to give the groom a quick handshake or hug as they make their way past, walking up the aisle. I mean really, why didn't we think of this sooner?

Venue:
Couple: Alyce and Ashley
Photo credit:
Flowers: .weddings.and.events
Musicians:
Celebrant: The Soulful Celebrant

05/06/2024

Have you considered a winter wedding?

Alyce and Ashley celebrated their love at on the 10th June 2023. And you know what? It was the most beautiful weather. The day was perfection. The sun was shining, the guests were enjoying soaking up some vitamin D and there wasn't a drop of nervous sweat in site! The boys were comfortable in their suits, Alyce was comfortable in her dress and everyone was enjoying being outside for the ceremony and cocktail hour that followed. Even better, when the sun dips low in the sky, you can light a fire creating the perfect ambience for bringing family and friends together. Hit the link in my bio and hit me up today for my favourite winter venues in the Hunter Valley!

Photo credit:
Venue: Dark Horse Vineyard
Flowers: .weddings.and.events
MUA:
Musician:
Celebrant: The Soulful Celebrant

04/06/2024

YEAH THE BOYZ!

It's quite common for the brides to make first contact with me, as they typically take charge on the planning process. Mind you the tides are slowly changing on that front and I'm all for it! So let's show the fellas that the ceremony is an opportunity for the groom and groomsmen to shine just as brightly! Here are some fun ways for the fellas to get amongst it!
- Have a special entrance for the groom and his entourage 🤙🏻. Complete with hype music, dancing down the aisle and bringing some jovial charm to the occasion.
- A who's who of the wedding party 👀 this will involve the bridesmaids as well, but it's a great way to put the spotlight on your biggest supporters for a moment. We have some fun with it by teasing them a little, but hey, we all know that's a bromance love language, right?
- Entrust them with the important stuff. Nothing says "you're my best mate" quite like "I'm trusting you with my wedding rings". Or "will you sign my marriage certificate as my witness?".
- Lastly, don't be so worried about making everything "perfect" for your guests that you shoot down some of the fun ideas that the fellas might come up with. Having a laugh on your wedding day is crucial to shaking those nerves off and relaxing into the fun! Mucking around comes pretty naturally to the fellas, so let them get amongst it if they're willing!

Couple: Ashley and Alyce
Venue:
Photo credit:
Flowers: .weddings.and.events
MUA:
Musicians:
Celebrant: The Soulful Celebrant

03/06/2024

Have you thought about the rings?

What's to think about you might say? Well, these days there are many options to consider. Firstly, your ring doesn't need to be the stock standard gold ring with "always and forever" engraved to the inside. In fact, some couples may not have a ring at all! You could have your ring tattooed to your finger (as an extra symbol of your everlasting commitment!) or you may consider a silicone ring for safety reasons in the workplace. And that's just for starters! Who will be holding your rings at the ceremony? The page boy? The best man? Your mum perhaps?
Have you considered a ring warming ritual, where your bridal party, or guests are asked to pass the rings around. Holding them for just a moment to bless them with a prayer or warm wishes for your future together before passing them on. Hit the link in my bio and book me for your wedding day to receive my full Wedding Kit, guiding you through the many options for creating your perfect ceremony!

Photo credit: .bf
Venue: .greencathedral
Couple: Jessica and Jesse
Music:
Flowers:

02/06/2024

What's your story?
As a modern day civil marriage celebrant, my job isn't to fill your ceremony script with lessons about what marriage means or how to be a good husband, wife or spouse to your partner! Because frankly, the answer to that is different for every couple I marry. My job is to celebrate YOU! Your love, your quirks, your meet cute, the good, the bad and the ugly! It's alllllll part of YOUR STORY! And that's what we're here to celebrate right?
When you book me as your celebrant, I will send you my client questionnaire to capture all the juicy little details that I need to make your story come alive! For many couples, they have been so busy living life on the hamster wheel, they haven't actually taken a moment to step back and really cherish those life changing moments they've shared over the years. That's where I come in! I deliver your story wrapped up into a neat little package that will have you and your guests laughing, crying happy tears and shouting CHEERS! Think your story isn't that exciting?? I beg to differ, let me show you why! Hit the link in my bio, fill out an enquiry form on my website and let's create some wedding day magic together!!
Wedding pictured: Jessica and Jesse 🥰
Venue: .greencathedral
Photos: .bf
Music:
MUA:
Hair:
Flowers:

01/06/2024

Aimee and Ben celebrated their love on the 28th October 2023. Their ceremony was heartfelt, humorous and most of all FUN! They are truly down to earth, genuine people who both have hearts of gold! I was absolutely honoured to celebrate with them and stoked to stick around as MC for their reception! They took on some of my ideas to inject a little cheekiness into the evening such as leaving date night and relationship advice suggestion cards out for the guests to complete. When the moment was right I read a few out to the crowd and it was guaranteed laughs all round. Aimee's daughter blew us all away with a moving speech to her new stepdad and everyone hit the dancefloor early with the Tim Harding Band rocking out some bangin tunes! What a day/ night! Most of the guests stayed on site for an easy stroll back to their rooms at the end of the night. Thank you to William Lawlor Photography for sharing this gorgeous photo.

Tog:
Venue:
Flowers:
Musician: Tim Harding
Transport:
Celebrant/ MC: Me!

31/05/2024

Dreaming of a beach wedding?
This gorgeous setting was created by at on Hams Beach, NSW for Aimee and Ben. Just one of their three optional ceremony spots around the Caves Beach Area. All have gorgeous views and this particular spot is just a short stroll across the sand back to your reception, ready to get the party started! There are many perks to having that beach ceremony you've been wishing for! The views are incredible, the chilled vibe can be felt the moment your guests step onto the sand and everyone will be in holiday mode ready to crack a cold one and get on the dancefloor! Caves Coastal Bar and Bungalows have an open day coming up on the 16th June, head over to check it out. I'll see you there!

30/05/2024

Not everyone wants all the glitz and glamour of a big wedding. For some, they couldn't possibly imagine getting married without their entire families and friends there to support and celebrate with them. But for other couples, an intimate moment full of sentiment, a few cheeky laughs and a bottle of champagne, is more than enough! When Caroline and Andrew booked me, their request was simple, walk to the top of Mount Tomaree in Shoal Bay with us on a Monday morning and help us say "I do" with as minimal fuss as possible. And that's exactly what I did! Upon discovering that they weren't even hiring a photographer, I decided I couldn't let them get married without a single photo to send back to their families in England. So I brought my camera and took a few photos for them. I made it very clear that I have zero skills as a photographer, but at least they would have something. They were extremely grateful and I bet their family back home were too!

28/05/2024

Just got engaged and ready to scope out all the greatest weddings vendors the Hunter region has to offer??? Then grab your FREE ticket to .australia and head on down to NEX Newcastle on the 7th July! 💍👰🤵‍♂️💒💃🕺🥂🎶 I’ll be there with some very special expo only deals! See you soon!!

16/05/2024

22/03/2024

This is what 60 years of marriage looks like.Through good times and bad, through all the different versions of themselves, through all the different seasons of life. This is love. Unwavering, unconditional love. Wishing my Auntie Lorraine and Uncle Lindsay a very special 60 year wedding anniversary!

17/03/2024

When I became a celebrant never did I think about the opportunity arising to officiate a ceremony for my own family. And it was next level special 🥹 The gorgeous Danielle is already very much considered part of our family but we’ve now made it official in a casual elopement to my cousin Hayden, alongside their two beautiful girls 🤍 thanks to for the stunning flowers and for capturing these incredible photos!! The ceremony was super cruisey but equally intimate and sentimental. Congratulations Mr & Mrs Slater 🤍

16/03/2024

30/01/2024

ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!
On the 27th Jan 24 I had the pleasure of officiating the ceremony of Jess & Mitch. Two of the nicest people you ever did meet! And my goodness, their day had it all!! Amazing food 👩‍🍳 Amazing venue 🌊 incredible planners 👩🏻‍💼The best of the best in entertainment 🎷🥁🎙️🎶 and of course, the secret sauce that pulled it altogether…ME 💁🏼‍♀️as their celebrant and MC. Everything ran perfectly even as we were facing some light rain, we managed to push on and create some lifelong magical memories! The couple chose to incorporate lots of outside the box ideas, inviting their friend to play an important role in the ceremony, we did some reception games and well…if you’ve ever seen the Hot Potato Band in action, then you would know a s**t hot time was had by all! No one could have captured this memorable day and night as well as Dan the Man , I absolutely cannot wait to see more photos from this incredible day!!

16/11/2023

100 weddings baby!!!!!! Woohoo!!!! 🥳🎉 I cannot believe that on the 2nd November 2023 I performed my 100th ceremony marrying Steph and Riley at the gorgeous along with the amazing who snapped this pic for me, .studio_ on video and the incredibly talented playing sweet tunes during the ceremony & cocktail hour! When I first started this celebrant gig I just thought, it might be a bit of fun doing the odd ceremony, connecting with people and I get to do something creative which has always been my passion. But this little business of mine has turned into so much more than that. My goodness, the amazing people I have had the pleasure of marrying blows me away! That alone has given me a whole new zest for life. The love stories! All the different cultures I get to experience! All the family and friends I get to meet from all walks of life! So thank you to all the beautiful people who have trusted me to share your special moment with you! All 200 of you!! From my casual legals only ceremonies right through to my whole shebang weddings with 200 guests, every single one of you holds a special place in my heart 🤍 I have grown a lot since that very first ceremony and I have so much gratitude for all the support I have received from my fellow celebrants 🤍 especially and . You two have been an absolute blessing in my life and I can’t thank you enough 🙏🏼 also huge shoutout to all the other wedding vendors that I’ve had the pleasure of working with who have given me positive feedback and encouragement along the way. I can’t tell how much it means to me when a photographer or musician comes up to me after the ceremony and tells me that I’m the most professional celebrant they’ve ever worked with or how much they enjoy my ceremonies. Comments like these fill my cup to the brim and keep that fire burning in my belly to keep pushing myself to deliver an even better ceremony than the last one. Onwards and upwards from here!!! Cheers to the next 100🥂 I absolutely cannot wait!!

13/11/2023

Stunning photos from Nicole and Chris’s gorgeous wedding day captured by

13/11/2023

Nicole & Chris celebrated their love in the sweltering heat last Saturday! But they weren’t going to let anything stop them saying “I do!” Thanks to the gorgeous back drop at , luscious flowers by sweet tunes by and a love story written by yours truly 💁🏼‍♀️ the ceremony was such a wonderful celebration of 4years together, involving their two gorgeous children. Thank you for these gorgeous photos! I feel so blessed to share these precious moments with my incredible couples 🤍🤍

07/11/2023

How could I not share these gorgeous photos from Steph and Ben’s colourful day ❤️ this was a stand out wedding that I will always remember. The couple were so beautiful both inside and out. They even surprised all of their guests (including the wedding party!) by kicking off the party with fireworks!! It was an epic night and I was so fortunate to be their celebrant and MC!

13/10/2023

Hi 👋🏻 I’m Jo,
I’m a civil marriage Celebrant that also does the occasional naming day or funeral. I’ve been in the wedding game for over two years now and my business seems to grow with every month that passes 🥰 I’m constantly learning new tricks and techniques to push my client experience to new levels! I’m very down to earth, easy going and genuine! So I work best with couples who are equally chilled 😎 my mission is to create a ceremony that uniquely reflects both of your personalities, but most importantly that is FUN! Please don’t call me and say “we just want to get the ceremony over and done with so we can party”🤦🏼‍♀️ instead, bring me up to speed on your glorious journey together..the good, the bad and the hilarious! Then let me work my magic to create a truly unforgettable 30mins that will have you laughing, crying and staring lovingly into each others eyes 🤍🤍 it will set the vibes high right from the beginning of your special day, so that you and your guests are walking into the reception ready to carve up the dance floor 💃🕺 head to my website (link in bio) to fill out an enquiry form and receive my package options. I can’t wait to create some wedding day magic with you 🤍

06/10/2023

Congratulations Jayden & Emma-Leigh 🤍 what a beautiful day, filled with beautiful people, beautiful flowers and many beautiful vows made at this gorgeous venue. These are the kind of down to earth couples that make me love my job so much. Every word that came out of their mouths was genuine and sincere. But they also didn’t mind a bit of a s**t stir from me OR from their cute ring bearer who had the courage to crack a joke as he handed the rings over 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 I was thoroughly impressed. We had a slight moment before the ceremony where we realised the boys cream suits had marks on them from getting out of the car, but thankfully I had wet wipes a plenty and we quickly scrubbed them down! Thank you both for trusting me with your amazing ceremony. 🤍🤍 venue: Photos: video: .films

03/10/2023

I absolutely love receiving emails like these after my weddings! Whilst I already suspected that everyone had a good time, there was plenty of laughter, plenty of emotion and plenty of soul in Sami and Kendyll's ceremony. I'm never completely satisfied that I made their dreams come true until I get one of these emails!!

02/10/2023

Have you considered framing your wedding vows? Or perhaps you want to write your partner a romantic letter for them to read the morning of your wedding day? You need !! Head to their Insta account to check out your options and see what magic they can create for you! With genuine 24K gold lettering it’s the ultimate surprise for your partner 🤍

01/10/2023

Tomara and Andrew say I do at the top of a waterfall in the grand gardens of !! They involved their beautiful children with a sand ceremony whilst looking over the exact place that Andrew proposed to Tomara. The day was loaded with laughs, happy tears and many heart warming memories made 🤍 these gorgeous photos captured by the talented

01/10/2023

Alisa and Ben’s elopement at the very peaceful cottage was everything you might dream an elopement to be. Relaxed, personal, intimate, emotional and fun! There wasn’t a single dry eye as they said their vows to each other and straight after I pronounced them husband and wife they were straight into celebration mode 🍾🥂 thank you to the gorgeous Mia from for taking these beautiful photos 🤍🤍 Mia made everyone feel relaxed and kept the vibes high the entire day!!