Celebrant: Susanna Clark

20/12/2023

What a wonderful occasion celebrating with this little family.

Thank you for including me in your special day x

01/12/2023

To all those grieving this Christmas, this is a beautiful thought, which I hope helps in some very small way xx

“It was the night before Christmas and Santa was busy making his rounds
He was light on his feet making sure he didn't make a sound.

But he took notice that some homes didn't have that Christmas Glee.
so he decided to stop because he thought that just can't be.

He crept in a mommy's bedroom and stopped dead in his steps, as he saw a little angel hugging his mom as she slept

The little angel looked up and cried " oh Santa you are finally here!!
I've been waiting for you to help me let Mommy know I am near".

Santa picked up the wee angel and asked him " What can I do? I'm just a simple toy maker I can't make your mommy's dreams come true".

So the two of them sat and they sat for a while until the tiny angel jumped up and screamed with a smile.
"let's leave her a sign a beautiful sign from above,
let her know it's from me sent from heaven with love"!!!

So Santa dug and he dug deep, in that big glorious bag that was filled with lots of treats .

He pulled out a beautiful white feather that look like it was made out of snow.
And he thought such a beautiful sign that only a grieving mother would know.

He placed it on her nightstand and kissed the angel on his head.
Then placed him next to his mom as she slumbered in bed.

I think I'll stay here with Mommy and visit her in her dreams tonight,
She misses me dearly and needs to know I'm all right.

Santa made his way to his sled, And wiped a tear from his eye.
He fell to his knees and managed to cry.

Merry Christmas to all the grieving mothers across this big land.
And let it be known your angels are with you holding your hands....”

Written by Joe’s mommy

06/11/2023

Being involved in any wedding is a highlight of my year.

Being the celebrant for my life long friends daughter’s wedding was an absolute delight and such a privilege.

A fantastic Hawke’s Bay was on order and was delivered.

What a stunning view!

05/06/2023

A much deserved recognition! Well done Stevo xx

Steve Wyn-Harris needs no introduction in Central Hawke’s Bay or farming circles. He has been a rural columnist and broadcaster for more than 25 years and a Central Hawke’s Bay beef and sheep farmer for 40 years. And now his dedicatio...

27/04/2023

I had the privilege of overseeing the farewell service for a much-loved man.

He was a man of the land; he was a hard-working farmer.
This poem reflected the farmer that he was:

Close The Gate

For this one farmer, the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.
Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in your friends transcended,
Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family, worked the land well, and always followed every season.
Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on earth is done.

A faith few possess led your journey through life, often in a jagged and stony way,
The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of the land has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,
Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by gentle rain one final time.

You always believed that good honest work would provide and it always had somehow,
Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labour is done, you have reached your final rest; no more must you wait,
Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.

12/04/2023

Easter is special in so many ways.

It was extra special for Sarah and Julian as they took the opportunity of a long weekend to get married.

Surrounded by family and friends, a bit of rain didn't dampen the wonderful celebration.

Many thanks for the opportunity to be part of this special occasion. x

29/03/2023

22 March was a special day for us all as we welcomed Caitlin into our family as the new Mrs. Wyn Harris!

It was a pleasure and privilege to oversee their wedding ceremony as the celebrant.

Many thanks for the opportunity, Matt and Caitlin.

What a super romantic location!

Here's to a long and happy life together. ###

10/02/2023

And this is why the bride and groom kiss!!

“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.”💕

06/02/2023

With valentines day just around the corner, love surely is in the air!

I've just officiated at 3 beautiful weddings in the last couple of weeks.

3 very different ceremonies, all equally special.

This poem speaks loudly about the beauty of marriage.

The Art of Marriage,

The little things are the big things.
It is never too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should not end with the honeymoon, it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives. It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family. It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have the wings of an angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding, and a sense of humour.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which independence is equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

22/12/2022

I have had the privilege of being involved with families at the most challenging of times.

This will be a tough first Christmas for those of you whom I have met along the way through the loss of your loved one.

It won’t be easy. This poem may help.

They are Gone

You can shed tears that they are gone,
Or you can smile because they lived,
You can close your eyes and pray that they will come back,
Or you can open your eyes and see all that they have left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see them
Or you can be full of the love that you shared,
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember them and only that they are gone
Or you can cherish their memories and let them live on,
You can cry and close your mind be empty and turn your back,
Or you can do what they would want: smile, open your eyes,
love and go on.

###x

21/12/2022

Here is the view for my last wedding of 2022.

To all my 2022 brides and grooms, I wish you the very best for your first Christmas together as a married couple.

To all my 2023 brides and grooms, you will be celebrating your first Christmas as a married couple this time next year.

And to all of you whom I have married over many years, it’s that time of the year you reflect on how lucky you are to have found such an awesome life partner.

Thank you for choosing me to be involved in your special day.

Merry Christmas and all the best for 2023 xx

25/10/2022

To marry a couple is always special but to marry someone who has played a big part in your life is extra special.

Thank you Holly and Bronson for giving me the opportunity to be involved in your amazing day.

A true honour and privilege. ###x

15/10/2022

Today the weather was no deterrent for a surprise renewal at the Mission.

The groom was utterly blindsided by his gorgeous scheming wife. 😊

A wee insight to the service:

"11 years ago, I pledged my love and commitment to you, but it seems like only yesterday. I promised to love you, honour you, comfort and keep you. I pledged to be by your side in sickness and in health, in times of want, and times of plenty, for better or worse, for the rest of our lives. We have had all of those things, and you have been by my side as we created a family, a home, and a life together. Today, at the beginning of our 12th year as husband and wife, in the presence of friends, I renew my vows to you, pledging my eternal love for you, and eagerly awaiting what life may bring us."

02/10/2022

A beautiful poem I used in a heartfelt farewell service for a wonderful mum.

A Fallen Limb

A limb has fallen from the family tree.
I keep hearing a voice that says,
“Grieve not for me.
Remember the best times,
the laughter, the song.
The good life I lived
while I was strong.
Continue my heritage,
I’m counting on you.
Keep smiling and surely
the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease,
my soul is at rest.
Remembering all,
how I truly was blessed.
Continue traditions,
no matter how small.
Go on with your life,
don’t worry about falls.
I miss you all dearly,
so keep up your chin.
Until the day comes
we’re together again.”
– Author Unknown

21/09/2022

To be asked to conduct a farewell service for a beloved family member is a privilege and one I feel honored to be involved with.

Thank you to those that have put their trust in me.

Here is a beautiful poem by Pam Ayres for us to reflect on.

WOODLAND BURIAL

Don’t lay me in some gloomy churchyard shaded by a wall,
Where the dust of ancient bones has spread a dryness over all,
Lay me in some leafy loam where, sheltered from the cold,
Little seeds investigate and tender leaves unfold.
There kindly and affectionately, plant a native tree,
To grow resplendent before God and hold some part of me.
The roots will not disturb me as they wend their peaceful way,
To build the fine and bountiful, from closure and decay.
To seek their small requirements so that when their work is done,
I’ll be tall and standing strongly in the beauty of the sun.

30/07/2022

Life, like this pier, has an end. Being part of the final farewell for a much-loved family member is a true honour and privilege.

When I receive messages such as this, I know I have helped the family get through the most traumatic time.

"Many thanks for your wonderful delivery of Nan's service.
We all loved the words you spoke and your friendly manner.

Others told us too how much they appreciated the service..."

26/06/2022

This was a powerful poem from a recent funeral I took:

Afterglow

I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun;
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

19/06/2022

Being involved in any farewell service is an honour and privilege.

When it’s someone you know it even more powerful.

I am remembering the families loved one as they described them.

It’s is a very special moment indeed.

19/06/2022

This is very powerful and gives a fantastic insight into the benefits of bringing your loved one home prior to their farewell service.

It was very beneficial to us,as a family,when Glen died.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/resilient-grieving/202206/learning-loss-spending-time-the-bodies-deceased-loved-ones

A Personal Perspective: How this practice shaped my relationship with the dead.

01/06/2022

Over the last week I have helped a family say farewell to a much loved mother, sister, Aunty, grandmother and friend.

I also have united a couple in marriage.

No matter what the occasion is, they all involve huge amounts of love.

I am honoured to be part of these very special occasions in peoples lives.

Thank you for this privilege xx

16/05/2022

A few of my couples met exactly this way.

I thought this was too cute 😂

24/03/2022

Love was in the air on 19 March for Amy and Ferg.

What a lovely couple, what a fantastic setting, and what a beautiful day, full stop!

Thank you both for choosing me to be part of your special day.

It was a privilege. xx

25/02/2022

I have been very fortunate to be involved with two very special events in people's lives.

When they get married and when some dies.

Both are extremely emotional times for family and friends.

I have been honored to have been the celebrant for many weddings and now for quite a few funerals.

It is hard to know what to say when somebody dies. Here are some ideas of what you could say and do:

You can’t take away the pain of your friends or family loss.

But what is more hurtful is when you say nothing at all.

Expressing your condolences and talking to them will, at least, show them that you care for them and are here to support them.

So, what should you say and do to show you care?

Just begin with a simple “I’m sorry for your loss.”

Use the deceased person’s name – "John will be sorely missed."

Share your favourite memory of the deceased with their family.

Listen to the deceased loved one’s stories – and don’t avoid the topic.

Keep in touch with them by just picking up the phone and asking them, “How are you doing?”

And finally, if you don’t know what to say, just give them a big hug!

25/02/2022

I am a VCANZ celebrant.

Do you know what a VCANZ celebrant is?

If a celebrant has VCANZ initials, it means the celebrant is a VALIDATED member of Celebrants Aotearoa

What does being a VALIDATED member of Celebrants Aotearoa mean?

It means that the celebrant has demonstrated their commitment to ongoing professional development and providing celebrant services to their clients with a high level of professional and ethical competency.

Two interesting facts about a VCANZ celebrant:

Only VCANZ celebrants can apply to do registry ceremonies.

Only a member of Celebrants Aotearoa can become a Validated member of Celebrants Aotearoa.

All other CANZ celebrants can officiate personalised ceremonies.

23/02/2022

Sometimes in life you get to be part of something very special.

That happens for me every time I am the marriage celebrant to a lovely couple.

Sometimes its made even more special when you are lucky enough to be marrying your friends children.

A little bit of rain made no difference to this wonderful couple, Greer and Marc.

Thanks for letting me have the honour of being the celebrant on your special day Greer and Marc!