My Inspiration

One of the most common questions I get asked about my work as a celebrant is…

Who or what inspired me to become a celebrant?

It seems appropriate to share that story this week as the person who inspired me the most was my late mum and she passed away 10 years ago today. I’m not normally one to mark anniversaries like this but for some reason, this one feels significant.

Mum’s passing was unexpected, sudden, and it completely knocked the wind out of all of our sails for a very long time – and sometimes still does.

The thing you need to know about my fabulous mum is that she lived life to the max. Fiercely independent, hugely loving, and an adventurer. She inspired me, my brothers, friends and so many other people around the world to shoot for the stars. I get all my good qualities from her.

Mum had trained as a speech trainer and writer. Over the decades she trained politicians, business people, and many others. Including me. In fact she was probably my worst critic! In fact every single bit of feedback she gave me over those years has been poured into my work as a celebrant.

She modelled an outstanding work ethic. And she did everything with an irrepressible sense of joy and laughter. She was also very clumsy and accident prone and was forever getting herself into all sorts of mischief…which she always tackled with aplomb! Life wasn’t always easy for her but she never ever gave up. She wasn’t afraid to try new things and go against the grain!

Fast forward to about a year after she passed away and I felt the urge to really find something to do that brought joy and laughter back into my life. Around the same time a family friend reached out to me and asked me if I would officiate her wedding. In fact a dear mutual friend had suggested that this is something that I would do well because I am Susie’s daughter!

My first wedding was for my dear friends Lisa and Martin and it could not have gone any better. Afterwards I decided that I wanted to do more of this wedding ceremony malarkey. I trained with the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants (FPC).

Celebrancy has bought so much good, joy, fun, creativity, and most of all laughter to my life. It is an honour and a privilege to support couples through some of the biggest moments of their lives. It’s something that I don’t take lightly and I feel humbled whenever I am asked to preside over a couple‘s big day.

And, with every ceremony that I perform I always remember my mum. In fact many times it’s as if she is right there tapping me on the shoulder telling me to stand up straight, project that voice, and SMILE!

So here’s to you Mum – we love you, we continue to be inspired by you and most of all – we miss you!