Taupo Celebrant

A little bunch of spring joy! 🌸💐

This beautiful arrangement, created by Sally at , was delivered yesterday and brought a very big smile with it.

Nothing quite like fresh flowers to brighten someone’s day. 💛

Hello, Spring. 🌸

There is something special about this time of year. The days grow a little longer, blossoms begin to appear, and the Central Plateau comes alive with fresh colour and new energy.

For me, it's also the gentle beginning of wedding season. A time when couples gather with the people they love to celebrate new chapters, make lifelong promises and create memories that will stay with them forever.

If you're planning a spring wedding, I hope these next few months are filled with excitement, anticipation and plenty of joyful moments along the way.

Today is Daffodil Day, a reminder of the strength, courage and hope shown by so many New Zealanders affected by cancer.

In my work, I've seen how precious time with loved ones is, and how important it is to celebrate the people who shape our lives. Today is a chance to support those still on that journey, remember those we've lost, and stand alongside the families who continue to face each day with remarkable resilience 💛

Did you know registry weddings aren't held at your local courthouse or registry office?

Instead, they're held at an approved location and conducted by a specially appointed registry celebrant authorised by Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM). I'm one of those celebrants.

A registry wedding is a simple legal marriage, but there are still important legal requirements and guidelines to follow.

If you're thinking about having a registry wedding and would like to know how it works, I'd be happy to help. Email me at [email protected]
or check it out here https://www.govt.nz/browse/family-and-whanau/getting-married/how-to-get-married-in-nz/registry-ceremonies/.

Big love doesn't need a big wedding.

For many couples, an intimate ceremony is exactly what feels right.

Just the two of you, your witnesses, and a place that holds special meaning. A relaxed, personal celebration focused on what matters most: your commitment to one another.

If you're planning an elopement or a small wedding, I'd love to help you create a ceremony that's meaningful, memorable and uniquely yours.

A milestone for me to celebrate!

I've received my VCANZ revalidation with Celebrants Aotearoa New Zealand, extending my professional validation through to 2030.

The process involved a comprehensive review of ceremonies, ongoing professional development and, perhaps most importantly, honest reflection on my practice. It's a robust process and a valuable reminder that learning never stops.

I'm grateful for the trust people place in me, and I look forward to continuing to learn, grow and serve my community.

I am a life-long learner and recently began an 8-week Grief Coaching course with David Kessler's team. It's an advanced programme available only to those who have already completed certification as Grief Educators, and I'm grateful to be taking this next step in my learning.

Over the coming weeks, I'll be deepening my practical skills and growing my ability to support people living with grief with confidence, care and compassion. I'll continue to strengthen the practices that matter most: deep listening, thoughtful questions, and coaching tools that help people find their way through life after loss.

One of the most important things I've learned is this:

Grief doesn't need to be fixed. It needs to be witnessed, understood and supported.

It is a privilege to keep learning so I can better hold space for those navigating one of life's most profound journeys. 🤍

Recently I received a lovely message from one of my couples, and it made my day.

In their ceremony I spoke about building "the place they'll eventually call home as they live off the land, off the grid, and quite possibly off sheer determination and good vibes."

Now they're living that dream - nestled in their little cabin in the woods and got in touch to let me know how they're getting on.

Moments like these remind me that a wedding ceremony is never just about the day itself. It's the beginning of a shared story, and it is such a privilege to hear about the chapters that follow.

Thank you for sharing your journey with me. It was an honour to stand beside you on your wedding day, and it's a joy to see your beautiful future unfolding.

Every wedding has those little moments that become the biggest memories.

What was the small detail that made your wedding day extra special? Perhaps it was a handwritten note, a favourite song, a family tradition, or something completely unexpected.

I'd love to hear what made your day uniquely yours.

Early morning walks by the lake are one of my favourite parts of the day and this week has treated us to some wonderfully cold, crisp, frosty Taupo starts - love it!

I tried to capture a few of them. Frost sparkling across the sand, the lake sitting quietly, and the mountains looking absolutely magnificent in the clear winter air.

Moments like these remind me just how lucky we are to live in this special part of Aotearoa.