I may be one of Melbourne’s newest celebrants, but I’m also one of its oldest writers, MCs, comedians and storytellers. Over thirty years experience helping people create memorable events and meaningful communication, in the worlds of entertainment, advertising and business theatre. (More about that here.)
Most of my past clients are well known brands, associations and government departments, and I consider myself fortunate to have worked alongside folk such as Peter Allen, Paul Mercurio, Marina Prior, Paul Keating, Lisa Curry, John Bertrand, Gary Mehigan, Manu Feildel, Marcia Hines and Glenn Shorrock. Also, because of my work as a Master of Ceremonies, my insights have been featured in the definitive text on the subject, Up Front In Control: Great Masters of Ceremony reveal their trade secrets.
The skills I have developed along the way are well suited to the role of the celebrant, equipping me with the tools needed to help people tell their stories and create meaning around major milestones. I am a fully qualified and authorised Marriage Celebrant, an experienced Funeral Celebrant, and I’m also available for other types of ceremonies such as Renewal of Vows, Baby Namings and Commitment Ceremonies.
When appointing a celebrant to handle your own critically important event, it won’t hurt to choose one who ticks all the boxes when it comes to:
- Managing energy and calming nerves
- Handling hassles and last minute changes
- Coaching other speakers in speech-writing or presentation skills
- Entertaining discerning, high-class audiences
- Liaising with top shelf event planners, banquet managers and photographers
- Creating fun and meaning that’s cross-cultural and inter-generational
Because of my past experiences I’m also very much at home in 5-Star venues right around Australia, from Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast to Sails in the Desert, Uluru. In Melbourne, the venues I’ve worked at include Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Crown, Langham, Leonda, Sofitel, Hilton, Windsor, Rialto, Plaza Ballroom, RACV, National Gallery, Melbourne Zoo, Zinc, Werribee Mansion, Melbourne Aquarium and Fenix.
Importantly, when it comes to creating and presenting your ceremony, I’ll be bringing with me all the insights I’ve gained from my past experiences. One of my main tools is a unique, original storytelling process I developed. This is what we’ll use to uncover and craft the personal story that should sit at the centre of your ceremony. This proven approach to writing and telling an engaging story works not only for a happy young couple taking their next step, but also for an older person who has passed away.
Now watch the short video relevant to your situation: