Jane Godfrey - Celebrant, MC in Canterbury, New Zealand

07/11/2024

In the backyard, out on the deck, in the lounge, in a marquee, the shed, the barn, out in a paddock… Celebrants Aotearoa member Jane Godfrey has officiated at many backyard weddings and writes about them in our latest blog.

celebrantsaotearoa.co.nz/blog/backyard-weddings

IMAGE Stephanie Defregger

30/10/2024

I'm so cross with myself for not wearing a hat for this wedding - my husband had the perfect one for me to wear! Despite my oversight, the wedding was GORGEOUS - heartfelt, down to earth, and full of love, with a bit of horse-themed poetry mixed in.
"In fields of green where shadows dance,
A horse roams free, in wild romance.
A creature born of wind and fire,
With strength untamed, a heart’s desire…"

Congratulations J and M. Enjoy the ride, side by side. 🥰

29/10/2024

Winter is behind us! Spring is in the air! That's not to say that Jane doesn't enjoy a winter wedding. This beautiful June wedding at Riccarton House was full of warmth and smiles despite the chilly weather. Jane can also help you to put together your wedding with planning services on the side. From Registry Ceremonies right through to her Platinum Package, Jane has a range of service levels on offer. Get in touch to have a chat today.

https://weddingwhitepages.com/janegodfrey/
Jane Godfrey - Celebrant, MC in Canterbury, New Zealand

IMAGE Martin Setunsky

26/10/2024

I'm in the mood to look at words today. Words that resonate.
Here's a wedding reading that may work well for you, and if you are already married then it may be a nice little piece to remind you of what it's all about. Enjoy!
https://wix.to/UebsaGM

Wedding readings - yes, no, maybe? Here is a new favourite of mine that gets down to the nitty gritty of love and marriage.

22/10/2024

This was my joy a few weeks back - the gorgeous L and Z.
"Thank you so so much for EVERYTHING you did for us, in the lead up to our wedding and the actual event itself! So many of our friends and family have commented on how much they loved your energy, and Z and I are incredibly thankful for the guidance and support you gave whilst making us feel at ease! We couldn’t have imagined going through the steps with anyone else!"
Ours was a match made in heaven. A couple who saw me, and I saw them, and together we created a bit of wedding magic.
Aroha mai, aroha atu.
walkerphotography Amy Walker Photography

❤️❤️

19/10/2024

"As a further symbol of the love and protection that A and J offer one another, the place of safety and unconditional love that they create in their home and within their marriage, A will place a Korowai (cloak) around J’s shoulders. A Korowai can be worn for various reasons – as an expression of cultural pride, honour, acknowledgement or as a gift.
This korowai was made especially for today, and represents J and A’s new beginning as a married couple."
I don't need to say anything else, do I? Beautiful.

Chaznel Photography
White Pages

15/10/2024

That moment when the celebrant is introducing the wedding party and the groom points, "She's talking about you, mate!"
What a beautiful day for J and A on Saturday - inside and out, within, without, all around.
Captured by Chaznel Photography

13/10/2024

Looking for a beautiful venue in North Canterbury? This is a wee gem.
Suitable for Registry Ceremonies, my Elopement Package and for larger weddings, this venue is a winner.
It's 12 kms from my home, so no extra charge for travel.
You can get married in any weather and the church needs no further decoration - the wood and stained glass windows do it all for you. Not to mention the sense of history.
I'll be sharing more photos of the inside soon.
And the garden was gorgeous for group photos.
It was lovely working with Chaznel again.
Thanks for the pre-ceremony pic, Chaznel!
Ashley Community Church - Incorporated Society

06/10/2024

This sums up the fun, be yourself vibe Amy and I created yesterday at the beautiful wedding of L and Z.
Post ceremony, we blasted through the group photos together, making it fun and fast, getting onto the celebrating asap. I don't know about her, but I shed a few tears during the speeches.
Once again, Lacebark Function Centre knocked it out of the park!
Thanks, Amy, for sending this pic through this morning. Made my day. 😆walkerphotography

30/09/2024

Flowers from the family's gardens are always my favourite at a funeral. A wild collection of blooms that symbolise a colourful and varied life. Presented here in a basket, they looked so beautiful and 'happy' atop this lovely lady's casket. She had a long life, full of adventure and laughter.

27/09/2024

And so the season begins... I couldn't be happier than to begin with this beautiful, heartfelt at home wedding today.
Wishing you all the best T and J. Thanks for having me.

26/09/2024

20/09/2024

Today, I had the honour of helping to take a memorial service for my boss, our school principal. An unexpected and sudden death, too young, that has left my colleagues reeling.
She was an immensely private person, so our memorial today focused mostly on her contribution to education, but it was a truly beautiful tribute to her as a fine leader and a kind, caring person.
I feel very grateful to work with such a wonderful group of people. We came together as a team to farewell our fallen leader, with many people contributing their time, words, and expertise.
Tonight, I sit in quiet reflection...

13/09/2024

Jane can't wait for the warmer weather and summer weddings. She loves the joy that sunshine brings and the love she gets to witness. "I have met so many wonderful people over the years and been to some very cool places. Every couple, and every occasion, is different, and that's what I love about my job - the variety." From gumboots and grunge music in the paddock, to string quartets and chiffon in the 'ballroom' - Jane loves it all.
This is a sweet elopement at The Sign of the Bellbird.

Jane Godfrey - Celebrant, MC in Canterbury, New Zealand
https://weddingwhitepages.com/janegodfrey/

IMAGE Emily Rachel Photography

11/09/2024

My latest blog is up! With Summer just around the corner, these top tips could be just the thing you're looking for!
Photo courtesty of Stephanie Defregger
https://wix.to/YLo6bQw

At home, backyard, DIY weddings - top tips and handy hints so that your wedding day can be magic.

06/09/2024

The theme of this awards evening - All That Glitters. I think (organiser) and I did pretty well on that front. 😁
It was my pleasure to MC the Craigmore Sustainables awards back in June this year.
The weather was cold and wintry, but the atmosphere was warm and celebratory.
It is always a pleasure to celebrate hardwork, teamwork and excellence, and these farmers did it in spades.

31/08/2024

When you want that first married kiss to be more private! 🥰🥰🥰

📸Emily Rachel Weddings

❤️❤️

25/08/2024

Sunday afternoon, and I'm sitting here finalising the details for a funeral tomorrow.
This blog follows my personal journey with death and grief, and why I believe funerals/farewells are so important.
I know that some people will run a mile rather than read this, but I encourage you to take a look. 🙂

https://wix.to/5Gh2I9T

A loved one is saying that they don't want a funeral? STOP! Please read this. A funeral or farewell is a must do.