Celebrate with Jill

26/02/2024

Heading out, well prepared!

I like my clients to know they can trust me to be well prepared for their celebration. Here’s me, doing a final read through of a script, personalised just for them!

09/02/2024

Today’s celebration was a blending of two families + two cultures. With the help of an accomplished translator, everyone understood every word - love is love in every language ♥️

26/01/2024

Two years ago we celebrated Adrienne + Jonna’s marriage - what a fabulous happy day! What made their day extra special was being present as their celebrant AND as mother of the bride ♥️

Happy 2nd anniversary!

23/01/2024

Welcome to my first Blog post for 2024 covering FAQ that prospective couples ask me when we meet. I hope you find this information helpful or share it someone else who may be looking for the right celebrant.

I get asked lots of questions when I meet with couples who are in the market to find the right celebrant. Here's some useful information that I hope may answer your FAQs. FIRST STEPS Contact me to check if I am available for your chosen date. If it's a yes from me, let's make plans to meet., There i...

18/01/2024

The best day ever…

Jason+Nigel’s wedding was filled with some serious moments, interspersed with laugh out loud moments, all perfectly captured by

The thoughtful words of appreciation from these two fine men made my day ♥️

‘’Thank you so, so much, Jill, for everything you have done for us. In reality it may have been a service, but to us, it felt so much more like a favour and embracement.

Our guests really liked our ceremony. We were told, and overheard multiple compliments about how you really made it so light, funny, and easy. And the draft script was only amended by 0.01% - so really, it truly was all you.’’

31/12/2023

CHEERS to what’s been in 2023 + what’s ahead in 2024!

16/12/2023

December was looking quiet…

until my days were filled with:
♥️ Big + tiny weddings
♥️ Celebrations of life services
♥️ Remembrance gatherings
♥️ Christmas memorial services

Every couple or family is different + so each script I write for them is personalised + meaningful. This week’s feedback has filled my heart when I’ve been told ‘amazing beautiful words’ and ‘ten out of ten for your script’

A wee glass of Moët to toast a happy couple was a delightful end to my week!

03/12/2023

Being part of Gee & Hickton Funeral Directors Christmas memorial service was a real privilege. Reading the names of deceased loved ones & lighting a candle in their memory, especially leading up to the festive season, was a poignant time to remember them with love.

It was a team effort including Mary Death - Funeral Celebrant who wrote an original LOVE poem to share & the outstanding vocals from Paddy Shanahan

19/11/2023

Family celebrant ♥️

Once again, I’m grateful to be invited to marry another member from this lovely family. This afternoon, A+Z, from different cultures, promised their commitment to each other at my home, surrounded by family & my amazing roses. What I call, a super Sunday!

17/11/2023

HEART…

As your celebrant, my aim is for you to feel that your voice is at the heart of any ceremony I create for you.

Today’s intimate farewell gathering gave everyone a moment to speak openly & share emotions. It also reminded me that its always a privilege to be in the heart of family.

24/10/2023

My latest Blog post outlines what a Funeral Celebrant does, as well as the benefits to families using my services at a time when they need someone to lean on and trust to deliver a personalised farewell for their loved one.

A bereaved family recently wrote to me, saying...
"What you did for our family was very special. We all agreed it couldn't have been more perfect, and exactly what Mum would have wanted. You set the tone beautifully."

When a loved family member dies, whether sudden or expected, their death triggers change. Loved ones will be thrust in grief, it is a very sobering time. If the death was expected, family may have already had conversations about what comes next. If the death was sudden, family will be in various sta...

18/10/2023

The thrill of anticipation…

Waiting with Mitchell for the love of his life was a beautiful moment in time captured by

Their choice to include Megan’s favourite sunflowers was perfect - these flowers symbolise a long life + lasting happiness. What more could I wish for Mr + Mrs Piercy.

I loved working alongside Megan + Mitchell + vice versa! ‘’Jill made the process seamless! Great communication, so calm and kind, and wrote the most thoughtful words for a beautiful ceremony. Suited us to a T + could not recommend Jill more.’’

27/09/2023

A informal rehearsal before your BIG day helps everyone to keep calm & eases any jitters on who’s doing what, when & where.

My blog on the benefits of holding a rehearsal is worth a quick read. Lock in your rehearsal date with me when booking your celebration - it really does make a difference!

https://www.celebratewithjill.co.nz/post/why-have-a-wedding-rehearsal

16/09/2023

PURPLE…

Isn’t usually my fave colour, but tonight’s vow renewal has a big purple theme so in the spirit of this celebration, I’m wearing a touch of purple too.

It’s what you do as a celebrant …embracing the occasion & being there for others.

10/09/2023

My 2023/2024 wedding season is just around the corner.

I’ve been busy meeting couples + tapping out personalised scripts for my lovely clients… they’re excited + I’m excited for them!

06/07/2023

There are lots of interesting characters to meet at The Roxy Cinema as well as beautiful art deco architecture.

Excited to officiate a wedding here & after todays rehearsal everyone feels assured it’s all on track - roll on Saturday!

16/06/2023

Oh WOW!

What a fabulous surprise to be gifted these stunning beautiful flowers from one very happy couple.

Thanks Brittany + Cory for your kindness & words of appreciation… ‘’Thanks to you the ceremony ran so smoothly. We knew we were in safe hands.’’

04/06/2023

Let me introduce…

Mr + Mrs Podmore! Congratulations to this stunning twosome who took everything in their stride in the leadup to & on their wedding day (including the rain) & just carried on!

Thanks to for finding gorgeous moments between showers to capture this celebration!

‘Despite the drizzle, we had the most perfect day! We had a lot of compliments on the ceremony—on how beautiful and thoughtful it was.’ Thanks Jewelia + Declan ♥️

28/05/2023

Oh those moments…

Brittany + Cory’s wedding was full of gorgeous moments, snapped perfectly by

Moving the ceremony to the inside option at worked like a dream, creating a moody yet intimate atmosphere on a very wet day.

One month on, B+C shared that family were still talking about the ceremony & blown away by how beautiful the ceremony was that included everything you could want 🙏

16/05/2023

Ongoing professional development is essential to grow my learning to be the best celebrant I can be for my clients.

Last weekend I participated in an online workshop on difficult funerals that included a wide range of potential situations that require sensitivity, empathy & compassion to ensure families feel supported, confident I have the experience to help them through these tragically sad times.

I’m proud to be a graduate from The Celebrant School who delivered this very worthwhile learning experience to enable me to build my resources & confidence to approach & deliver these services.

30/04/2023

I love working with couples from offshore + building up a good rapport before they touchdown! Pip + Tommi travelled from Germany & chose me to celebrate their first wedding anniversary with family. They renewed their vows using the same beautiful pledges they made on their wedding day - yes, there were a few tears!

Their kind words say it all…
“Thank you Jill:
- For making our vow renewal so incredibly special.

- For your absolutely beautiful script and touching words.

- For your welcoming arms and lovely hospitality.

- For always being there for us although we were living miles away.

- For all your help, support and wonderful tips.

- For everything that you took care of.

- For being the wonderful person who you are.

- For the fact that we were able to open our hearts to you.”

15/04/2023

Meet Amalia + Rachel…

Joining these two lovebirds on a stunning Wellington day was perfectly wonderful! Family from both sides were very much part of their celebration including an emotional waiata to celebrate their union.

11/04/2023

Some ceremonies have the most unexpected funny moments … and this occasion was certainly one of them!

Romy + Francis were a delight to work, they wanted a simple relaxed celebration that included their families. On the day, we managed that & more. All perfectly captured by

Thanks for the fab review… ‘Jill was fantastic on our wedding day, adapting to any surprises our little ones threw into the mix and she kept everything moving with lightness and humour. Highly recommend!’