Moreton Island Celebrant & Kerri Watkins Celebrant

24/06/2024

Planning a Moreton Island Wedding or Kooringal elopement just got easier 😉

I'll meet you at Reeders for your ceremony when the boat arrives and then head to The Gutter Bar to celebrate before heading home 😉

Don't forget a month's notice is required for your Notice of Intent to Marriage, and we can lodge this virtually.

Moreton Island Celebrant & Kerri Watkins Celebrant
Kerri Watkins Celebrant & Moreton Island Celebrant
Moreton Island Weddings
River to Bay

Kooringal Service

This service is now running Saturday and Sunday via Amity Point from both Howard Smith Wharves/Hamilton Northshore and Manly.

The landing and departure point is generally “Reeders Point” just South of the Kooringal township but may vary due to tide and weather conditions. You will notice we have allowed extra time in our schedule for these contingencies.

To visit Kooringal, please book a ticket from the city or Manly to Amity and then a second ticket to Kooringal.

Be sure to check out the The Gutter Bar when you visit!!

16/06/2024

Nawwwww look at these cuties 😉

Megan and Nic are new on the blog sharing their epic Moreton Island Weddings

📷

https://www.kerriwatkinscelebrant.com.au/post/best-decision-ever-eloping-to-tangalooma-on-moreton-island

29/03/2024

Hoppy Easter everyone!

21/02/2024

Why do you love elopements Kerri?

Ummmmmm... well... you see.... that look at each other like this and celebrate their love story like this light my soul on fire!!!! And when they trust me with their story and their hearts, it makes me feel pretty spesh!

Ps hugeeeeee shoutout to my girl KWP Studios Flagstone I've missed bossing you around 🤣Beautiful beautiful beautiful pics and so much fun hanging out with you today ###

To my gorgeous couple - thank you for sharing your magic with me! Ps Dylan - Samsungs still rule 😜

Kerri Watkins Celebrant & Moreton Island Celebrant

19/02/2024

Last week, together with Sunset Picnics and Platters and Mandi from Magic Moments, we hitched these cuties in the sweetest elopement at the Tangalooma Island Resort North Boundary. So much love and laughter and fun!!!! I absolutely adore that it was just the four of them. Truly a magical family moment that they will all treasure for the rest of their lives.

Thank you to Clare and Mandi who were honoured to be their witnesses on the day.

Kerri Watkins Celebrant & Moreton Island Celebrant

16/12/2023

Amazing day today with the team for Mr and Mrs B!
Here's a couple of adventure pics from our trip home with while was packing up 😀

10/10/2023

26/09/2023

Epic wedding today! Didn't beat the high tide home (damn bogging on Tanga bypass - aka me) 🤣🤣🤣 alas, lucky we bought snacks and a jumper 😀

01/09/2023

No celebrants were harmed in the making of this photo!

Last weekend, I had the absolute honour of marrying these two legends! And I can't wait to share all their epic photos with you.

But for now, I'm sharing this sneak peek!

D&A's ceremony was super dooper special and one that I will treasure always - they are also a super dooper special couple too 😉

Thank you Sophia for capturing the magic 😘

29/06/2023

Hi there, I'm Kerri and this post is all about ME!!!!!!

It's also the last day of the June photo challenge :)

But I'm not good at ME!!!

So, I'd like to know from you...

What do you want to know?
About me?
About weddings?
About being a celebrant?
About anything?

I'd love to hear from you!

29/06/2023

This guy... this guy is why I became a celebrant!

Well, it's his fault - I blame him for everything!

How dare he make me fall in love with him and EVEN WANT TO GET MARRIED!

And then how dare he work so hard and give me spare time to sit and pine for him :P Hey, that's how it started!

In all seriousness, our wedding day was so magical.

The morning of our wedding, we sat on the balcony at our hotel, had a bourbon and watched some BIG BLACK clouds roll in together, meh.. then my sis and bestie and I went to our favourite restaurant to set up a few candles and centrepieces, meh, then we got dressed and had a heap of fun getting photos.. then we got in the car, ok I'm ready to see Pauly now...

I remember walking down the aisle with my dad, he walked me to my two boys, who walked me to Pauly, and I remember how anxious I was in that moment, until I saw him.

Then my world stopped, and everything was ok again - our eyes were locked on each other, my heart slowed, and I was home. Like the moment we met!

We had a shortish ceremony at Pratten Park, Broadbeach overlooking the ocean with our parents, brother, sister, besties, Omi and kids. We did a sand ceremony, and there were some nice words, there were vows picked from a book, there were my vows to the boys, there was love, there was heart, there was laughter, there was "Heya" by Outkast as we signed and had a champagne/wine thingy... And it was all very loving and beautiful, BUT, it wasn't 1000% US.

There were parts that were us, but there were parts that we did because we thought we had too....

THAT'S WHY I BECAME A CELEBRANT!!!

I wanted to give my couples a different wedding. I wanted to give couples an opportunity to do things their way.

I started small, by still offering prewritten scripts, example vows, but added vow guidance. People loved it. Then I started offering personal scripts and it went off. (It was kind of like testing the waters in the beginning), then one day I stopped offering my "book" and just wrote scripts, from the heart. Then vow writing sessions!

Today, my ceremonies are filled with heart and love and joy and all of my couples share how much they and their guests love their ceremony!

Ceremonies aren't the boring bit before the party anymore!

They are the heart of the day!!!!

That is my why!

26/06/2023

NEITHER!!!!

My favourite seasons of the year are APRIL and SEPTEMBER hahahaha

Seriously, they are the bestttttttttttttttt!

Warm days (24-27) and cool nights (14-18)!

🌅 540-6am sunrises (means sleep in or time to make coffee)
🌇 6-640pm sunsets (means I can actually watch them, instead of "poking my head out of wherever I am for a glance").

🔥 Summer: December to February (HOT AND SWEATY - PLEASE DON'T TOUCH ME, oh and then there's rain and humidity)
☺ Autumn: March (hot), April (PERFECT+ my 🎂), May (cool days and colder nights)
❄ Winter: June (COLD), July (FREEZING), August (Windyyyyyy),
☺ Spring: September (PERFECT + 💍), October (warm), November (warmer)

Are you with me? April and September?

24/06/2023

How does one clearly articulate a full life living and share with you just ONE passion that makes me, me?

I can't!!! That's the idea of an obligation-free chat to make sure we're the right fit for each other 😉

But... I would love to share a few behind the scenes, bet you didn't know about me "things" that make me, me!

🌟 Kooringal Rural Fire Volunteer
🌟 I have my boat licence
🌟 I used to be a Sunday School teacher when I was a kid (shhhh I now check the walls and the roof if I walk in a chapel with my eyes wide open)
🌟 I grew up in a little town, that was a million miles from anywhere with no public transport aka Cabbage Tree Point (best childhood)
🌟 I write songs
🌟 I play the guitar (badly, but I did teach my sister 4 chords when she was super young and she smashes me out of the park)
🌟 I'm good at "holding stuff" to help the hubster (hey, this used to happen with my Dad too)
🌟 I have a house full of houseplants - sometimes they die, but I just water them, call them pretty and they come back to life (go me!)
🌟 I have too many shells... hubby keeps telling me no more MWAH-HA-HA - I've told him when I die, he can take them all back to the beach and release them
🌟 I hate getting up early - except for sunrises... I'll wake up as early as I need to to make my coffee and catch a sunrise, no matter the distance
🌟 Sunsets will always have me poking my head out of wherever I am (even if just for a glance)
🌟 I hate shopping and I'm not crafty (sorry Mum)
🌟 Celebrant-ing is a passion - I do it for loveeeeeeeeeeeee
🌟 My favourite relax is drinks around a fire with music playing and my hubby annoying the crap out of me - he's my bestmate and I love him more than I should
🌟 And last, but not least, my boys, my family and my friends - I love yas!!!!!

PASSION = PASS-I-ON so you're turn 😉 tell me your passion!

23/06/2023

Personal Vows ☺

Do I really need a photo challenge to talk about personal vows? Nope! I'll do this EVERY SINGLE DAY ... this is my jam... my heart... and one of the reasons I became a celebrant.

So, you would have seen my "Nope, No, Nudda" post right? If not, check it out... this one continues on 😉

Anywhoo! THIS PIC... this pic is one of the reasons I secretly bully my couples into "secret squirrel vows"!

The pure joy, love and laughter on the day... the cherished looks of love and wonder... the giggles... the belly laughs... the tears... the "I can't believe you remember that" or "I can't believe you said that" moments.

The personal vows, that are a lifetime of stories and moments, rolled into a couple of heartful minutes, that I promise, you will treasure always.

Look at this pic... Tim and Kate had me in stitches... and yes there were tears (and not just theirs) *Full disclaimer: I'm a sook! Even though I've read them prior, printed them out to bring with me on the day, and almost memorised them word for word so I can help if you get stuck* I will still "nawwwwwwwwwwww" all over your day!

Hit me up if you are looking for inspiration or guidance - I've got you!

21/06/2023

3 Words Best to Describe me...

According to my Google reviews, my clients say that I am:
✅ Professional
✅ Happy
✅ Laughing

I'll take it!!!

3 words to describe myself?

With
✅ all
✅ my
✅ heart.. ok that's a sneaky 4!

Buttttt that's how I live my life... everything I do, always, with all my heart...

Ps I absolutely love the sass that captured in this pic - what do you think?

How would you describe me?

20/06/2023

Rituals and Traditions in your Wedding Ceremony...

Please, please, pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee only do these if they are IMPORTANT TO YOU BOTH!!! Don't do something "for the sake of doing it" or "because so and so did it"...

Be YOU!!!!!

If you are looking for some inspiration or if you'd like something created specifically for YOU, hit me up!!!

One of my gorgeous couples wanted to do a sand ceremony but they all loveeeeeeeeeeed LEGO and played LEGO every day as a family... so you know it, I wrote them a LEGO UNITY CEREMONY, it's on the blog if you want to check it out!

What NEW tradition or ritual are you starting?

16/06/2023

My love story...

Once upon a time... a broken girl, sworn off men, was giving herself some timeout from the dating game... the universe had other plans... along came Pauly and woolah!!! Here we are!!!!

I know right, not what you were expecting from a "magical storyteller who specialises in creating intimate and personal ceremonies", right!

I promise, the story is magic, but I only share it with my couples and friends 😜

14/06/2023

Post Wedding Drink, yes please!

I get to celebrate one of the most magical days of your lives... so I definitely come home to celebrate YOU with a Cheers!

So what's in the cup I hear you ask... well... I'm a bourbon girl. I love my honey wild turkey on ice and my latest craze is Licor 43 Spanish Liqueur on ice!

What's your go too?

11/06/2023

“Every love story is beautiful, but ours is my favourite.”

My fave reading or quote... I have so many inspirational quotes and readings that apply to my business and to my life, but this one applies to my own love story, and also how I feel about my couples. When writing my scripts, I'm invested in you and your love story. I place a little bit of me in there... I create your story through your eyes, and I always create it as my favourite.

This quote is followed closely by "bite me" wink.

What's your favourite reading or quote?

10/06/2023

My Workspace!

So I could show you a boring photo of me with no makeup on, but I'd rather show you my favourite workspace - you know where the magic happens ;)

08/06/2023

Who is my fave or dream photographer?

Oh man, I'm going to be honest, I have a hundred million favourites because I've been fortunate enough to work with the most incredible photographers during my celebrant career, and there are way too many of you to list, so if you have worked with me and my beautiful couples, please feel free to plug your business below, or for my gorgeous past couples, tag your dream team below ###

What I will share with you is what I love about working with my favourites:
✅ non posed photos
✅ someone that makes the "shoot" fun and natural to get the best shots
✅ someone with great communication and whom I can have a laugh with
✅ someone that I vibe with
✅ someone that "delivers" in the lead-up, on the day and after

In my two most recent branding shoots, I worked with Mary from Smile Darling Photos and Kylie from KWP Studios Flagstone - both totally different styles of photography, both an absolute hoot to work with!

08/06/2023

What's my Fave Colour?

"50 Shades of Ocean 😉 And Black 😝 "

I would love to know, when you see my teals and ocean colours, what do you "feel" when you see it? I feel peace and love and heart!

07/06/2023

Fave Song...

I love finding new music - who should I check out?

So what is my favourite song? OMG, I don't have a favourite, I'm one of those chicks that has a mixed bag on my Spotify list and it really depends on my "mood" or what I'm doing! From my "Just do it" playlist to my "fire and drinks on the beach" playlist to my "script writing" playlist to my "getting ready for a wedding" list... you get it....

Today's list: Chris Stapleton, Powderfinger, Johnny Diesel & The Injectors, Cold Chisel, Paul Kelly, The Black Crowes, The Screaming Jets, Hunters & Collectors, The Smashing Pumpkins, The Hollies, Pearl Jam, Pat Benatar, U2, The Angels, Jack Johnson, Sarah McLachlan, The Rolling Stones, Greta Van Fleet, Matchbox Twenty, Luke Combs, Spiderbait, Rhett Atkins, Coldplay, Pink, The Teskey Brothers, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Live, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, Rival Sons, Dixie Chicks, Garth Brooks, Chris Cornell, INXS, Paramore, Hootie and The Blowfish and the list goes on and on and on.... if you want the link - send me a message 😉

Or if you're looking for music inspiration for your wedding, check out my this blog post which has the spotify list https://www.kerriwatkinscelebrant.com.au/post/music-inspiration-for-your-wedding-ceremony

04/06/2023

Fave or Dream Venue!

Again, soooooo hard to choose just one!

But I would have to say an intimate elopement on the beach! There is something magical about my couple standing together in one of the most intimate moments of all time declaring their hearts for an eternity. The sound of the waves... the feel of the sun on your skin... it's just magic!

04/06/2023

Meet One of My Couples!

Soooooo hard to choose just one! I love you all - I promise!

Meet Bronnie and Jason, at Bulwer Wrecks on Moreton Island!

These guys had me at "can we stand in the water when we get married"! Bronnie and Jason were a dream to work with, and I loved absolutely everything about their planning and their day! They did it for THEM and only THEM! I also got to spend some time with Clare from who looked after Jason and Bronnie's styling and sunset beach reception :)

You can check their awesome advice out on the blog at https://www.kerriwatkinscelebrant.com.au/post/bulwer-wrecks-moreton-island-beach-wedding-with-relaxed-bronnie-and-jason

03/06/2023

So where's home for me?

Currently... I am based part-time at Waterford West in South-East Brisbane on a beautiful acre block on the Logan River and part-time on beautiful Moreton Island in a little fishing town at the south-end called Kooringal. My happy place, and my island home.

I've been blessed to do weddings all over Queensland but my heart is calling me home to Moreton Island. This is where I light up!

I absolutely adore all of my couples and each one holds a very special place in my heart, but this year has me with limited spots on the "mainland", so if you are planning on having me as your celebrant, reach out xx

01/06/2023

Oh hey there! I'm Kerri from Kerri Watkins Celebrant (Moreton Island's favourite celebrant)

I specialise in intimate elopements and beach weddings on Moreton Island and I am dedicated to creating stress-free, unforgettable experiences for couples who crave an intimate celebration of their love on beautiful and unforgettable Moreton Island.

When I'm not hitching lovers you will find me hanging with my faves or enjoying some R&R with my love on Moreton Island.

Lover of the beach, the stars, the moon, sunrises and sunsets, camping, 4wding, and enjoying an Engel cold bourbon ;)

Tell me about you!

The Celebrant Society
Kerri Watkins Celebrant
Moreton Island Celebrant

13/05/2023

🌼💕 Happy Mother's Day 💕🌼

To every mother, known by love and not just by biology. To the step-mothers, who stepped up not because they had to, but because they chose to. To the adopted mothers, who have taught us that love doesn't have to be genetic, it just has to be genuine.

To those who have loved and lost, our hearts go out to you. You are mothers forever, your spirit and strength never forgotten. To the fur mothers, we see you too, for motherhood comes in many forms and your love is just as fierce.

A shout out to our Aunties, who've mothered us in moments, big and small. To our Grandmas, who've loved us twice as much, showing us the beauty of generational love.

To our friends, who've been our rocks, our shoulders to lean on, who've nurtured us when we needed it most. Your love and support mimic the essence of motherhood in its purest form.

And to those who yearn to be mothers, those who are struggling or unable to be mothers, we see your pain and hold space for you on this day. Your love and nurturing spirit don't go unnoticed.

Today we celebrate you all, for motherhood is not just a state, it's a feeling, a love that transcends all definitions. May your day be filled with joy, laughter, and the love you so generously give. 💐🤗💞

And to my own precious Mum,

You're the guiding star that never fails to light my way. You're the strength that holds me steady when the world shakes beneath my feet. You've been my first teacher, my personal cheerleader, my everlasting friend.

Your love has been the sanctuary where I found peace, the fortress where I felt safe. Your wisdom and patience have shaped me into the person I am today (it's your fault). Your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, your tireless efforts forever imprinted in my heart.

Thank you for the countless bedtime stories, the warm hugs on a rough day, the laughter we shared over the smallest of things, and the tears you wiped away. Thank you for teaching me about kindness, resilience, and the power of dreams.

On this Mother's Day, I want you to know how cherished you are. You are my world, my heart, and my eternal gratitude goes out to you.

Happy Mother's Day, Mum. I love you more than words can express. ❤️🌸

05/05/2023

Marriage advice from random strangers now coming to you!

This morning's lovely couple have been married 41 years and when I asked them what their secret was, this is what they said.

❤️ "Communication"
❤️ "Be slow to judge"
⬆️ this one.... struck me.... I'm definitely guilty of a quick judge, so I'm taking this one on!

Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us and have an epic trip to Moreton Island 🏝