Helen Dewsnap Celebrant

30/08/2025

Today's elopement-style wedding ceremony was less than 10 minutes long but full of sweetness! Just what the couple wanted! So, in the space of an hour…
1. A quick pre-ceremony honey and lemon to lubricate the throat!
2. Arrive at the venue, officiate the ceremony, take some pics (yep, I also wore my “photographer's hat” today!).
3. Sign the legals!
4. Back home to finish some admin!
Et voilà! 🎯

How was your day?

03/08/2025

Congratulations Hao & Umayma. This divine couple married at Auckland Domain on a beautiful winter's day, surrounded by some of their nearest and dearest.
I ended the ceremony with this Chinese proverb:

执子之手，与子偕老

(zhí zǐ zhī shǒu, yǔ zǐ xié lǎo), which translates to "Hold your hand, and grow old with you". This proverb expresses a deep commitment to a lifelong partnership and is often used in wedding ceremonies and vows in China. ❤️

24/05/2025

Planning your 2025 NZ beach wedding? As a local Hāhei celebrant, I can share all the best beachy spots in the Coromandel area.
(And don’t worry, I’m still taking Auckland bookings until 2026!)

Get in touch to discuss how we can make your Coromandel beach wedding dream become reality. 🌊🏝️

29/03/2025

How beautiful is Payal’s mehndi? I am told that modern Indian brides often have their sweetheart’s name written on their hands as part of the mehndi ceremony.
🫶🏽
Payal and Gurdev were married in a short, sweet ceremony surrounded by 4 family members as witnesses. Perfect!

21/03/2025

Two hour coffee date went by in a flash with these two fabulous chicks. So nice to have the opportunity to share stories and ideas with celebrant pals.

09/03/2025

Today is International Women’s Day. 🏋️‍♀️
So it seems appropriate, to highlight some women in the celebrant industry who have provided support & kindness when I needed it recently.
Firstly . A big shout out to Marieke who stood in for me back in January, when I had a family emergency & had to rush back to the UK. She made sure that my couple was well supported and that everything was taken care of so they did not have any additional stress on their wedding day. Thank you also to Angela, the bride, who trusted me, when I promised that my back up celebrant was a fantastic replacement who would really honour their wishes & add sparkle to their wedding day.
did just that! 🌟
A big shout out to the other bloody amazing celebrants in my life, who always provide collegiate support, advice, wise words & encouragement whenever I need it! As well as a good dose of laughter. ‘Cos let’s face it, we all need that! 🤣 & are 2 of those celebrants who I often turn to.
Thanks ladies, for being you! 💕

📸 credit .bollen

09/03/2025

Proud member of ever since I entered a profession💚
I love the collegiate support, professional development and learning opportunities, and being a part of such a professional organisation.

06/03/2025

Look at this gorgeous trio! Lulu is never far behind her mama & papa! She sat on the front row for the best view of her humans. And while Peter and Esther had eyes only for each other, Lulu looked on adoringly as they exchanged their vows! 🐾👰🏼‍♀️🤵🏽

📸credit to Sarah Weber Photography for the fab photos!

05/10/2024

This absolutely resonates with me, being a mama of 2 kitties and having had pets that have passed away. They really are a part of the family and we should honour their memory when they are no longer with us 🐈‍⬛🐾 ❤️

Losing a pet is a deeply emotional experience. For many of us, pets are more than just animals—they are cherished family members, loyal companions, and constant sources of unconditional love. When they pass away, it can feel as if a part of our lives is missing. Holding a memorial service for your pet can be a meaningful way to honour their memory, find closure, and celebrate the joy they brought into your life. Here’s a guide to help you create a heartfelt and personal tribute for your beloved furry friend.

celebrantsaotearoa.co.nz/blog/honouring-the-paws-that-touched-our-lives

05/10/2024

First time officiating at this beautiful, chic, intimate oasis in Remuera! Great, friendly, family run team - thoroughly recommend for your special event ❤️
Congratulations to the happy couple Ashley and Terrence 🥂

27/08/2024

I wanted to share this great blog written by fellow celebrant Jane Godfrey. Some useful tips on writing your own vows!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/mYsC1sJcL428JMhC/?mibextid=ox5AEW

After hearing nearly 600 sets of vows in her years as a celebrant, Celebrants Aotearoa member Jane Godfrey has three vow-writing tips for your wedding day.

celebrantsaotearoa.co.nz/blog/top-3-vow-writing-tips-for-your-wedding-day

08/08/2024

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL CAT DAY!
It felt only right to drink my post ceremony cuppa out of this cup! 🐾Here is some kitty spam of my two brats for you! No “crazy cat lady” comments please…! 🐈‍⬛
To celebrate ICD, post a pic of your feline family members in the comments below⬇️