Jaya Bargwanna Civil Celebrant

24/11/2024

SWEET DREAMS [EURYTHMICS]

A little over two years ago, a VERY special enquiry hit my inbox. I can remember the moment so vividly - and still to this day, it feels like a dream.

I can tell you about the morning. It started like most mornings did in my house. I went to Dixon park for a walk and a play with my kids. This particular morning, we were walking - and I remember spotting one of my long time role models. Walking - in the flesh, hand in hand with her beautiful girlfriend.

Playing it cool, (and outing myself now) I grabbed my daughters hand - pointed (very subtly) at this couple and said - “see that person over there, she is one of the best surfers in the world, and does lots of amazing things… one day, mummy will be brave enough to take you over and talk to her”

By midday that day, we were at the indoor pool in Raymond Terrace. It was the middle of winter. An enquiry lit up my inbox.

It was the (named in our house) “cool surfer girl” and the absolute powerhouse of her now-wife. A wedding. Their wedding. A celebrant. Me?

Surely someone close to me was pulling a little prank. It’s no secret, I’m a surfing fan-girl.

But it wasn’t.

There’s a saying - “never meet your idols” but I did.

Not only was I lucky enough to meet Tyler; I was invited into the most intimate space - with Lilli - one of the most amazing women; their friends and their families. And I’ll FOREVER be grateful.

Ty and Lil, this was - and still is a PINCH ME moment. And after playing it cool for 2+ years, I can’t hold it in any longer. Oooops.

Photo: .photography
Glam: .holly.makeup
Blooms:
Lovers: x

18/11/2024

CO2 [PRATIK KUHAD]

There are literally countless reasons why the wedding between Chaitalee + Manoj was one of the most incredible days of my celebrant life. But, thanks to the character limit of IG, I’ll share just a handful.

As the MC, I arrived in the late afternoon ready to meet guests and introduce them to their first celebration of the evening!

The sun was starting to dim and the Hindu Pandit was ready to start the Hindu ceremony.

As the guests arrived in their sarees and kruta, colour ricocheted through the picture perfect as shrieks of excitement and laughter punctuated the air.

For 45 minutes, guests were enthralled by the magic of ritual. Mystery, fire and the tradition of stealing and hiding the grooms shoes.

We shared champagne and stories. We watched the sun set over Sydney. And then, as stars began to fill the sky, we wandered back over to the ceremony space and the tale of Manoj and Chaitalee was shared with their nearest and dearest.

People had travelled far and wide, there were the old friends, the new ones, and countless people meeting each other for the very first time. By the time the newlyweds made their way back down the aisle - every single person was connected.

We dance - lonnnng into the night. We sang. We feasted. We created life long memories.

What a couple, what a night!

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Couple: +

12/11/2024

TELL ME BABY [RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS]
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Did you know that Google Reviews are one of the best ways for small businesses (like mine) to reach and engage with their ideal clients?
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Every time my phone lights up with a ‘new review’ notification, it takes all my self control not to jump up, rip my shirt over my head and fling it around like a helicopter (yes, too many football highlights in the early 2000s)
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So, if I’ve married you, your friends, or your family. If I’ve worked with you, or for you. Or you’ve stood behind a bush and managed to see me in action - it would mean the world if you left a sneaky review.
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Photo taken by one of my favs .with.mel
At the incredible
Admiring the bloomin’ gorgeous display by
Sipping on margs by
And being serenaded by the dream duo

05/11/2024

TAKE ME TO CHURCH [HOZIER]

On a perfect Spring afternoon, and nearest and dearest were treated to a delightful ceremony at

Here’s what THEY had to say…

“Jaya, I cannot find the words. You smashed it out of the ballpark. James and I keep talking about how amazing the ceremony was. We cannot thank you enough for everything! You are one in a million. Thank you thank you thank you”

It was one helluva ride - and the most dreamy day to celebrate! Congrats Finneys. ADORE YOU!

Photo:
Glam: x
Venue:
Blooms: Basil Blooms
Babes: x

31/10/2024

PIECE OF YOUR HEART [MEDUZA]

On a perfect Thursday, Tiarne and Adrian celebrated their nuptials in front of 50 of their favorite people.

As guests arrived at the gorgeous they were greeted by not only the couple, but a glass of Prosecco and the sounds of filling the air.

Canapés were devoured, laughs were shared and when the time felt just right; everyone was invited to take their seat and the ceremony began.

Looking at the sneak peeks from - holy smokes! You can FEEL the love that was in the room that day!

Mr and Mrs Wisdom, est. Oct 2024

04/10/2024

I’M SO EXCITED [THE POINTER SISTERS]

There are literally dozens of highlights from Wednesday spent with Codie and Matt.

There was walking in to and seeing Codie’s beaming wedding party + family tearing up over Codie’s dress.

The embrace when she saw me - and the way the excitement spread across her face.

Arriving at and instantly feeling at ease as the lovely wedding coordinator, Paula dropped me to the ceremony site in the buggy.

Then there was the ridiculous jokes from the groomsmen that giggled like a bunch of teenage girls.

Matt, a bundle of emotion; eagerly awaiting his beautiful bride - and the way he melted as she walked down the aisle.

The laughter bouncing between guests, broken by tears of joy and gasps of surprise. The cheeky comments made by the groomsmen that had me in stitches on the sideline.

VOWS, so eloquent and romantic that left their nearest and dearest riding on cloud nine.

And then there was this…

Invited to pucker up and seal the deal. But instead, Matt and Codie were just too damn excited to be married to the other!
They cheered, they air punched and everyone went nuts.

…and then they kissed.

Mr and Mrs Berry, Est 2.10.24

Photo:
Video: .by.jason
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Blooms:
Glam: .hair.artistry /

01/10/2024

ARTANGELS [GRIMES]
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“Now, five years ago; circa 2018 – when Monique and Angus literally stumbled across each other in the virtual world, the most common way to meet a new romantic interest was through mutual friend or family.
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BUT since Moniques mum so accurately explained that Monique would never lock eyes with the future love of her life across a crowded room, because she never wore her glasses; they instead found themselves falling head over heels in the most unlikely of places.
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A game. Video game. A chance connection in an online chat room.
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Angus58563 and MomoMOOmo.
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Game chat turned small talk, turned banter, weekend plans and everything in between. As he logged on to play each evening, Angus felt a little surge of anticipation; I wonder if Momo is on tonight too?!
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Monique, too, found herself wondering about the guy behind the screen name. What was he like? What did he do for fun?
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Angus was a uni student – studying, giving himself a brain break when needed; Monique; an engineer – switching off at the end of the day.
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Him, Newcastle; her, Sydney. Them; intrigued by the other.”
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18/09/2024

TOO SWEET [HOZIER]

Sometimes, it’s the random, unexpected messages that make your heart swell the most. Like this one, that landed in my DMs a couple of hours ago…

“Hi Jaya 👋🏽
It’s almost Taylor and my wedding anniversary and I’ve been reminiscing on our photos and thinking of how wonderfully easy going you were. I just wanted to say thank you for wedding us nearly 2 years ago now 💓”

Hot damn, I’m lucky to bear witness to so many incredible love stories - these legends included.

Wedded in one of my favourite little local secrets. IYKYK.

Photo:
Lovers: + Taylor

17/09/2024

XO [BEYONCE]
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀..spicy margarita tower has entered the chat.
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10/09/2024

SATURDAY SUN [VANCE JOY]

Springin’ back into wedding season means my weekdays are spent turning your cheeky little questionnaires into juicy love stories like this one…
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“...a young Lauren sat down with her friends – Lauren T, Sophie and Krin, in front of a glass FULL of prosecco; in a little town known as Clapham, unknowing that her life was about to change forever.
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Meanwhile, a mere 5 miles away; Sophie’s friend, George was standing on the Concourse of Euston Station, debating whether to take the train home back to Macclesfield; or catch up with some friends while he was “visiting” London.
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As his phone dinged with the invitation to join Sophie and her ‘girlfriends’ at bottomless brunch, a smile crept across his face. He weighed up his options.
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Pros; prosecco, snacks and girls. Cons; Clapham.
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As the doors of the train back to Macclesfield slid shut; George watched on – and then turned on his heels and made his way across London. Brunch it was.
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By the time that George arrived, Lauren and co, were already making their way through their second glass of prosecco. As he approached, Lauren felt a warmth creep across her cheeks. Sophie’s friend was rather handsome; and those arms – sexy!
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He was charming, easy going – Mr Charisma.
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Yes, that prosecco was going down very well. And the company wasn’t bad either.
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George thought Lauren was great. She had a fantastic smile, was interesting to talk to; and boy, what a laugh! The more that he learned about Lauren, the more he wanted to know, the more he heard her laugh, the harder he tried to bring that sweet, bright sound again.
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But still, despite the OBVIOUS sparks flying around between them; George semi-kinda-wrote her off. After all, if he thought Clapham was bad, LAUREN was from Australia – and that was a LONG way away...”

04/09/2024

BASSLINE JU**IE [DIZZIE RASCAL]
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This is Av + Mike.
THIS is LOVEFEST.
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As DnB DJs and self declared bassline junkies, Av + Mike knew that they wanted to celebrate their love for each other (and music) a little differently.
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Enter LOVEFEST. A three day DNB festival featuring a line up of incredible DJs, food trucks, dress up tents, theme nights, yoga sessions, smoking ceremony, camping and headlined by the nuptials between the VIP guests, Mike and Av aka
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Forever swooning over this event and ALL couples that do things a little differently.
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Got a cool idea? Let’s chat!
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Day frames:
Party shots:
Festival:
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Coordinators:
Main Marquees: .eventhire
Glamping tents & festival furniture:

Ceremony & festival furniture:
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AV & Staging:
Blues Band:
Celebrant:
Smoking Ceremony:
Glam: @elkejean
Videographers:


Guest Book: .au

10/08/2024

10/08/2024

LIFE IS A MAGIC THING [JOHNNY CLEGG]

This time 5 years ago, I was prepping for my very first wedding. I remember being a bundle of nerves, excitement and disbelief that two people trusted me to bring together their happiest day.

Today, I’m getting ready to marry the most beautiful couple, working with one of my closest friends, at a venue that I absolutely adore. In terms of the celebrant world, I’m a fairly experienced marriage maker.

But guess what?! While a little less nervous, both the excitement and disbelief are still filling my Saturday morning - and the feelings of immense gratitude flutter through me.

Thank you to every couple, friend, vendor + community that has made the past 5 years so special. And here’s to the next.

LFG.

Photo:
At: late last month

30/07/2024

SIMPLY THE BEST [TINA TURNER]

From Adams Peak:

Do you enjoy a glass of bubbles, listening to a great band, and taking in beautiful scenery—all while planning your wedding? Then this is the place to be!
Come and join us for our much-anticipated annual Adams Peak Open Day!
This event is a must-attend for first-timers! Or if you’ve already booked your wedding, it’s a great opportunity to bring along your loved ones, bridal party, and parents to get inspired and brainstorm ideas together.
There’ll be an impressive line-up of vendors to meet and chat with, from florists and photography, to accommodation and transportation services, and much more. For foodies, indulge in delicious eats from the crew at Monkey Place Catering (and don’t forget to check out their scrumptious menu on social media closer to the time).
We now offer Beverage Packages. The team from Hunter Bar Packages will be offering tastings, featuring a range of wine, beer, bubbles and special cocktails to try for your wedding. These will also be available for purchase by the glass or bottle on the day, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the magnificent view and atmostphere.
If you’re considering BYO, the Events Team from Dan Murphy’s will also be here to talk all things alcohol!
Entry to our Open Day is free, but please book your complimentary tickets now so we know how many people are coming (and how many to cater for).

Head to their insta + register for their open day! It’ll be one helluva time. Heck, I’m going to sling a sneaky on-the-day special while I’m there!

24/07/2024

As a wedding vendor, there are few things more heart warming than being booked by a fellow vendor.
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Then, there’s this. is one of the best. He is inimitable. And not too long ago, he married the beautiful Naho.
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I was there. As their celebrant. As the person that shared this huge moment with them. The person that guided them through their vows and signed the dotted line at the bottom of their certificate. It was a true pinch me moment.
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Sometime in this industry, you get flooded with doubts. Bookings seem slow, couples ghost you and you start to question if, really, you’re actually even good enough (true talk, IYKYK).
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But then, you reflect on moments like this one - and realise everything will work out.
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Photos: x photo collab
Video: .vincent

22/07/2024

TOO SWEET [HOZIER]

From me, to you x

20/07/2024

SWEATER WEATHER [THE NEIGHBOURHOOD]
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If you were on the fence about Winter Weddings, let this be your sway.
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If moody light, cosy fires, raging dancefloors and epic fashion is your vibe, then a winter soiree may be just your cup of mulled wine.
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Photo: .co
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Hair: .hairstyles
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Dress:
Babes: x

08/07/2024

TALK LIKE THAT [THE PRESETS]

JBCC’S TOP TIPS FOR NAILING YOUR WEDDING SPEECH (from someone who’s been asked A LOT)
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💥THE OPENING: This is your moment. ENGAGE ENGAGE ENGAGE!
🤍Start with some fun facts about you, your relationship (if you’re the newlyweds) or your relationship to the couple (if you’re a speechmaker).
🤍Keep it fun, lighthearted and authentic.
🤍Introduce yourself and why you’re so excited/happy/thrilled to be there + making a speech.
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💥THE GOOD, MEATY STUFF.
🤍What do you really want to say? What points are you wanting to get across? (Choose 2-3)
🤍Your fav quirks or traits of the person/couple
🤍How they met/their relationship and what you admire
🤍Why they’re just so damn suited to each other
🤍Pick a story for each point. Something relatable.
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💫You know the saying NSFW (not suitable for work) well here’s a new one – make sure that you’re avoiding the NSFWEDDING. Pick your crowd.
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💫Include both parties to the marriage; don’t just talk about the person you’re closest to!
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💫The speech is NOT ABOUT YOU (unless you just got married); make it about the couple.
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💥THE THANK YOUS!
Great, you’ve got a captive audience. Now say thank yous. Make it sincere, use names – make a little anecdotes. If you just list everyone the sentiment gets lost!
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💥THE TOAST + FINISHING MAGIC
Finish with a BANG. A genuine, heartfelt toast. A congratulations / I’m the luckiest person in the whole wide world / it’s a bloody great pleasure standing beside you / we’re so proud of you + your new spouse. CLINK.
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Did this help? Save it, like it, send it to a friend (or just be my friend instead!)
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