Alexa Shaw - Kapiti Celebrant

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Alexa Shaw - Kapiti Celebrant

Hello! I am Alexa Shaw, an independent marriage and civil union celebrant, based on the beautiful Kapiti Coast.
(5)

11/02/2024

So much love, laughter, happy tears and specialness for the wedding of R & H. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Wylde!!

The sweetest day at the iconic yesterday. An awe inspiring venue that suits both lavish and intimate ceremonies.

And my luxe new folders from arrived just in time to debut at this ceremony.

22/01/2024

Saturday was magic. Beautiful, lovely, wedding magic!

Love me a garden wedding.
Love it when our ceremony talk descends into what kind of pumpkins we’re all growing this season.
Love the wholesomeness and connection that comes from including other cultural ceremonies in the ritual of the day.

There was tea, there were tears, there was a beautiful togetherness and there was cake.

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Liu!

16/01/2024

Had a little tour on the weekend of the lustrous for an upcoming wedding.
What a stunning venue! If you want massive magic garden vibes, get married here.

17/12/2023

The weather today may have been a fine example of Wellingtons wildness.
But inside St Christophers of Seatoun, there was calm, warmth, joy and oh so much love as Mark and Ági became husband and wife in front of their dearest friends.
I feel so lucky that I get to work with the loveliest people and help them celebrate in their love. What a beautiful day!

Fun fact: as the child of Presbyterian ministers, both my parents have officiated weddings at the historic St Christophers (which has since been desanctified, but stands as it always has)

Also, there was Hungarian schnapps

20/11/2023

Happy Celebrants Day (for yesterday)!
Love this job.

17/10/2023

I realised I didn’t finish my Niue mural tour for you. And being Niue language week, what better time than now!

This is the Lima Ua mural done for the Niue Arts and Cultural Festival 2015 on the Aliutu community hall in Alofi South.
I can’t be biased with the murals, but I do think this one might be my favourite.
There are some great stories in this design:

Lima Ua (meaning two hands) is a demigod of the Aliutu area. Fishermen ask him for protection and safety on the water and abundance in their catch.
In the centre is a moth, and leaves fashioned to look like a spider web - referencing the story of the spider and the moth.
The hiapo patterns we used are linked to the many community uses of the building: patterns of weaving; fish and luku (young fern leaves) for the shared feasts; kolivao (a tree that translates to ‘dancing bush’) for the creative practices of movement; and the strength of the kafika (a native hardwood that produces ebony at its heart) encircling it all. Supported by the protective hands of Lima Ua.

Did you know that 96% of the world’s (approximate) 6700 languages are spoken by only 3% of the population?
Protecting, preserving and using indigenous languages so they are not lost is so very important to cultural identity and the heritage of stories.
So this week, if you know a couple of words, maybe try and pop a bit of vagahau Niue into your chatter.
Tulou.

16/08/2023

A friend who visited Niue last week sent me a picture of my Vakalele mural. So let’s continue this Niue mural tour!

The Vakalele mural was done in 2013 for the Niue Arts and Cultural Festival as a part of the same project as the Round House mural. This project was called ‘abandoned art’ and aimed to bring colour and interest to some of the abandoned buildings dotted around Niue.
This particular building had, at one time, been a shop called Kmart (not the same Kmart we are familiar with in NZ and Oz). And when I first lived in Niue in 2007, there was an old sign on the front reading ‘Niue airlines’ (I believe that sign is now at Niue Tourism)
Language and how words are created and evolve fascinates me. Vakalele was one of the first Niuean words I learned, it’s an example of transliteration and literally means ‘flying canoe’. A vakalele is an aeroplane.

There are a couple of reasons I really love this mural: it is a beautiful example of collaboration - Sign writer Iain Tau offered his steady and skilled hand to give me the beautifully scripted word; Toa Taihia brought his unique, traditionally inspired intricate patterns to give the vaka life.
In 2017, the building was salvaged, renovated and bought back to life. I was mentally preparing to say goodbye to the vakalele. But, joyfully, the owner and their family love the mural and worked around to keep it intact.
These days, as the last slide shows, the paint has faded to a lived in feel and the water tank that the Hekesi kids beautified has long since gone. But the Vakalele still stands in the glory of its own.

It’s nice to be reminded of times of celebration and it’s nice to celebrate these memories.
Thank you for coming on my Niue mural tour.

03/08/2023

Fun fact about me: sometimes I have wild ideas for big art projects.
Like this, the ‘round house’ mural from 2013 done for the 3rd Niue arts and cultural festival.

Prior to this, I had never done a mural - my contribution to the inaugural festival, 4 years before, was photography (the medium I had trained in)
This mural is a study in hiapo, the traditional art and designs of Niue.
And through this project, I made incredible connections and lifelong friends. I treasure what it gave me and what it represents.

The round house is looking a bit shabby these days - faded and missing some panels - but looking at these pictures reminds me to be ambitious and follow those wild dreams. We all need a little reminder to do that sometimes.

📸 featuring myself and my gorgeous friend and paint hand

24/06/2023

Premier celebrant training provider in Aotearoa-NZ, with classes online and face-to-face (Covid-perm

12/05/2023

That stunning night at

With this stunning couple

Perfection

{EDIT} While .beattie took some stunning images at this wedding, this photo was taken by Aden Meser Photography apologies for the credit mix up.

27/04/2023

The universe asked: how do you want this season to end?

I said: with beautiful love and hearty laughter; with wonderful new friends and tastes of nostalgia; with the power of drum beats and the unbridled joy of dancing in the streets.

For my last wedding of the season, the universe delivered absolute magic!

Congratulations Dean and Chandrika on your beautiful marriage. Your celebrations were a delight to behold and an honour to be a part of.

25/04/2023

Today I enjoyed geeking out as an observer: watching the Hindu ceremony that precedes tomorrow’s Wellington wedding.
The colours, the elements, the rituals, the celebration, the dancing, the food!
All of it beautiful to watch; all of it sumptuous to experience.

Thank you Chandrika and Dean for inviting me to be a part of these celebrations. ❤️

22/04/2023

There’s much to be said about the role animals play in our lives; the family and community we create with them.

But we kinda already know these things.
And I just want to acknowledge our beloved goose, Sherri.
The matriarch of our small and varied flock for ten years, Sherri had to be euthanised last week after a sudden and devastating illness.

We miss her honking racket, enthusiastic baths, outstanding eggs, empty threats and out of this world softness.

11/03/2023

Yesterday’s aisle.
Waitarere beach turned it on something magnificent for Carlos and Ash’s sweet and simple nuptials.

A special place with special people.

10/03/2023

of captured Jess and Howards magical wedding weekend at in February so beautifully that all the lovely feels came rushing back in an instant!

Gorgeous rain from Tararuas.
Gorgeous vows that had us all reaching for tissues.
A gorgeous cuddle for a job well done by all.
Gorgeous couple, off on your next adventure.

12/02/2023

In my studies with Te Wānanga Korowai Aroha, we were told that celebrants tend to overuse words like ‘journey’ and ‘adventure.’

But what do you do when your couple are literally adventure seekers?
You lean in, embrace the adventure and use the word fourteen times is what you do!

At the serene in Ōtaki gorge, we had a magical afternoon of love, laughter, happy tears and a little unexpected rain.
A perfect wedding adventure!
Congratulations H&J (and baby E)
❤️❤️❤️

06/02/2023

How did I miss posting these gorgeous pics from our sweet surprise wedding in December!?

A beautiful day that was perfectly them, a perfect surprise, and perfectly chill (so chill, check the lil feet of the tuckered out ring bearer)

Congratulations J&D. Such a fun day!

📸 ThreeSixty Photography

08/01/2023

How much fun was yesterday!
Mr and Mrs M had eloped to Queenstown - because... why wouldn’t you?
So yesterday we shared parts of the beautiful ceremony wrote for them and partied with friends and family at the rustic kitchen, Upper Hutt, to celebrate their marriage on a mountaintop.

29/11/2022

Aren't these images of Satudays The Milk Station Otaki wedding by Yvonne Liew Photography absolutely stunning!

Miranda The Celebrant, Celebrations for All wrote a beautiful, funny love story for Neil and Le. And trusted me to deliver it as her cover.

Behind the scenes, Norbert from the Milk Station kept the celebration train on the tracks (What a venue - exquisite!)

We laughed. We cried. We looked amazing. And Yvonne caught it all so, so beautifully.

Thank you, team, for such a memorable start to my wedding season! ❤️

26/11/2022

It was a breezy one today.
But thank goodness the sky didn’t start crying - just the bride, groom, bridesmaid, groomsmen, mum, dad, sisters.

Stepping in for a.zander one of my legendary colleagues, to officiate a beautiful ceremony at the stunning

So much love! The sweetest laughs. The finest finery. The slickest staff. And this cake!! - an ode to Odi❣️

Congratulations Le and Neil! ❤️

24/10/2022

Such a cliche, but you just can’t beat Wellington on a good day!

A great day to talk love and babies with clients; stock up my tomatoes and exotic fruits at
And to finish, an epic dog walk of hills and creeks.

Actually can’t beat it.

22/08/2022

Do you remember a wee while ago, I posed the question: who inspires you in what you do?
Well, never did I think that my own name would be singled out as a source of inspiration for someone else. Let alone a speech be made about me!

On the weekend, I tuned into a livestream from Niue High School to watch their English language speech competition for years 7 through 9. The theme: ‘Who inspires me’

For context: Niue is a country that has had a firm grasp on my heart since I first lived there on an unconventional O.E in 2007. It is a place that I have always returned to and has been the catalyst for and subject of numerous art projects over the years.
One of the biggest projects being 2014’s ‘Takai- a portrait of Niue’ an Island wide photo and illustration essay with Maka Makatoa.

The young lady giving this inspirational speech - Coco Richardson (one of my Niue besties) - featured in ‘Takai…’ And even though she would have only been about 6 at the time, there was something about the significance of what we were doing that resonated. And wonderfully, it has continued to inspire her in her aspirations to pursue art.

So thank you Coco! I am honoured and humbled to have been your subject. You spoke awesomely. (As did all your peers.) And thank you for reminding everyone of that cool little project we did!

🎥

11/07/2022

Oh hi winter!
This is some seasonal weather happening.

Perfect day really to scroll back through some sweet autumn memories of Logan and Diamond’s garden wedding.

And a great day to think forward in a cosy winter ritual to the seasons ahead.
What will brighter days bring for you in terms of celebration?

I still have dates available for the 2022/23 wedding season.
Get in touch if you’d like to have a chat about how we can create a magical ceremony to celebrate your love.

📸

02/04/2022

A rustic garden vibe for the wedding of L&D this afternoon.

Let’s do this! Let’s get married ❤️

25/03/2022

A sunset wedding down Waikanae beach.
Let’s do it!

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As a part of celebrant life, every year in October we all apply to the DIA for reappointment. Do a little quiz to make sure we've got the basics covered; pay our fee. For most celebrants, if they've officiated a minimum number of ceremonies, reappointment is not a concern. But it is always nice to get that email saying 'I am pleased to advise that you have been reappointed as an independent marriage and civil union celebrant for 2024' And so here we go for the upcoming season. Reappointment confirmed and some exciting wedding ceremonies with some gorgeous couples lined up! Feeling the satisfaction of my girl, Bryn here. She loves ball, I love ceremony and celebranting. #celebrantlife #marriagecelebrant #alexashawkapiticelebrant #alexashawcelebrant

Do you remember a wee while ago, I posed the question: who inspires you in what you do? Well, never did I think that my own name would be singled out as a source of inspiration for someone else. Let alone a speech be made about me! On the weekend, I tuned into a livestream from Niue High School to watch their English language speech competition for years 7 through 9. The theme: ‘Who inspires me’ For context: Niue is a country that has had a firm grasp on my heart since I first lived there on an unconventional O.E in 2007. It is a place that I have always returned to and has been the catalyst for and subject of numerous art projects over the years. One of the biggest projects being 2014’s ‘Takai- a portrait of Niue’ an Island wide photo and illustration essay with Maka Makatoa. The young lady giving this inspirational speech - Coco Richardson (one of my Niue besties) - featured in ‘Takai…’ And even though she would have only been about 6 at the time, there was something about the significance of what we were doing that resonated. And wonderfully, it has continued to inspire her in her aspirations to pursue art. So thank you Coco! I am honoured and humbled to have been your subject. You spoke awesomely. (As did all your peers.) And thank you for reminding everyone of that cool little project we did! 🎥 @missi_fonu #speechcompetition #futureorators #storytelling #inspiration #niuehighschool #photography #takaiaportraitofniue #wedomurals #alexashawcelebrant #kapiticelebrant #astorywithmorequestionsthananswers

Continuing along the path of learning. Tonight starts my final paper toward a Diploma in Celebrant Studies with Te Wānanga Korowai Aroha (The Celebrant School): Transitions through Change and Crisis. I’m on the first page of the module, and my mind has already been blown! So far, along this path, I have leant so much about celebranting, celebrating and ceremony. It’s not all just weddings and funerals. My friend, the Monarch, is taking on a transition and change. Check in with me in a few weeks to see how we went.

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