About me
Born in Canada, I have lived in New Zealand since 1986 – I’m truly both Kiwi and Canadian!
I became a celebrant in November 2020 to officiate at the personalised wedding ceremony for my only son and his Argentinian fiancée in February 2021, on the beach in Mahia, Hawke’s Bay. It was a genuine privilege to be able to do this for two special people. They are soulmates.
The ceremony was translated throughout, which created its own unique, bicultural aspect. Due to COVID, Mari’s family were unable to attend. I worked with a translator before the wedding to ensure that the ceremony would be seamless. The ceremony was also filmed so that it could be sent to the family in Argentina, and also to friends around the world. (We couldn’t livestream due to the remote location.) It was important to acknowledge extended family and make it a memorable virtual experience for them too.
Since then, with my experience in working with well over 100 couples of different ethnicities, I have achieved a celebrancy professional designation, VCANZ. I am a Validated Member of the Celebrants Association, which assures you of my commitment to professional development and knowledge to be a marriage celebrant. Only validated members can officiate Registry Ceremonies.
New Zealand is a rich tapestry of cultures which has been a lot of fun to work with people who have unique traditions that we are able to incorporate into their personalised ceremonies . For some couples it was their first time married, and others their second or third - having their wedding has provided these couples the chance to reflect on how they want to make their lifelong marriage and civil unions.
You can choose your location and style of ceremony. I can help you – we are pretty much limited only by our imagination! Most significantly, I will listen and create a personalised ceremony unique to you and your love story.
As an extrovert, I enjoy people and helping them make special occasions memorable. Listening to my clients is a key component to the success of ceremonies. My confident public speaking, event management experience combined with a sense of humour, helps to create a relaxed, happy atmosphere.
I studied Celebrancy at The Celebrant School, and have recently joined the National Executive in a governance role for Celebrants Aotearoa.
I have lived in Hawke’s Bay for over 30 years, and moved to Auckland in 2020. I am happy to undertake ceremonies in Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and in Coromandel (Matarangi, Whitianga and Coromandel Town).
My career has been in Marketing (at an executive level in New Zealand for over 30 years). I have enjoyed supporting and volunteering in many community organisations. All of these experiences enhance my abilities to create and support special occasions for my clients.
My personal time sees me active outside – paddle boarding, walking and exploring New Zealand with my newlywed husband, Dave. My son and daughter are both married and I enjoy spending time with my extended family.
