Marriage Celebrant Pemberton - Renata's Celebrations wedding story
At the age of 35 I had never have thought I would become a marriage celebrant even though I was the biggest romantic and believed in “fairy tales” of living happily ever after. Time marched on and after another 9 years in the teaching profession my husband and I had a 'tree change', where we moved to tall timber country, Pemberton, from Kalamunda.
Here we developed and managed a small resort for 14 years with an “enchantment” theme. 'Creative props’ were put in place on the 40 hectare property designed to bring a smile to our guests' faces and to encourage reflective thought and communication. Becoming a marriage celebrant just fell into place, as I loved being privy to many a marriage proposal and also giving honeymooners staying at our property the privacy and attention they desired. So after selling our business I gained my qualifications to enable me to become a Celebrant. For the past 4 years I have had the privilege of creating and solemnising wedding ceremonies throughout the south west region and Perth metropolitan area.
With a daughter and her family living in Perth I travel there on a regular basis which gives me the opportunity to meet with Perth couples.
I have found Skype useful, particularly with interstate couples. How do you approach dealing with prospective clients and planning for the wedding ceremony?
I consider that the ceremony sets the mood for the celebration that is to follow. It is the main purpose of the celebration and needs to reflect the nature and personalities of the bride and groom. A ceremony may be romantic or stylish or intimate or funny, or a bit of everything. The questionnaire which i ask to be filled in gives me an insight into the couple’s relationship, often more than our in-depth discussion can convey. Each section of the wedding ceremony is individually written.
I believe tears of joy, laughter and seriousness should balance themselves. It is my responsibility to engage family and friends in the seriousness and sentimentality of the occasion through words. The ceremony may also recognise the contribution parents have made and include children from a second relationship. Many couples also like to include a ritual option which is discussed at our first meeting. The final script is one you have had the chance to read and alter to my clients liking.
Once this script has been agreed upon and meets the legalities of marriage, it will be presented as such at the ceremony. So, no surprises! An onsite rehearsal is encouraged. On the day I conduct only one ceremony each day and arrive 30 minutes early.
I take pride in my dress and like to think I present my wedding ceremony with style, warmth and enthusiasm. It is important that nerves are allayed and my self-confidence and experience help alleviate any nervous thoughts that the wedding party may have. I will orchestrate every movement required within the ceremony. My wish is for the bride and groom to relax, enjoy and remember this important moment in time.
Why marry on the southern Forests Region?
The secret is out….the Southern Forests region is becoming more and more popular with couples wishing to have a destination wedding. There is something special about getting married in one of the regions national parks. It attracts couples who have an affinity to natural beauty or may have been here before.
Now imagine…standing in a beautiful and spiritual place….with the splendour of the tall karri trees surrounding you. It is a place of warmth and love, with just a little bit of magic. This stunning location was chosen as the perfect place to mark the beginning of a new chapter in your very own love story….
The Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) permits access to magnificent natural sites in the region which will appeal to the wedding market. Vehicle entry is allowed, subject to approval, through private roads allowing the bridal party and guests access to selected locations. Further improvements include bitumen pathways, railings, decks, gazebos and public toilets.
Popular locations are the “The Cascades”, “Big Brook Dam”, Beedelup Falls and Tookalup Lookout. Weddings in the forest don’t require much fuss… simplicity is the key. The natural beauty of the tall Karri Trees and water source is all one really needs.
Should you wish to tizzy your site, simple decorations such as a rope been strung between two trees with a branch suspended with ribbons attached, or a collection of vases (coffee jars actually) containing roses (from my garden in this case) placed along the railings of a jetty, or a length of purple silk material draped deliberately across a beam to resemble an archway, have been used to great effect.
Celebratory drinks such as champagne can be brought to the site for guests to toast the bride and groom and platters of food can be arranged to be delivered.
Recently, one gorgeous couple, Georgiana and Tomas, had everyone believe their wedding was to be at a local church. There, unbeknown to the guests, were 2 buses waiting to whisk them to the secret location … ‘The Cascades’ some 5 km out of Pemberton for the wedding ceremony. Upon arrival each guest was offered a G &T to enjoy during the ceremony. (G for Georgina and T for Tomas)
After the hugs and kisses and warm congratulations the group photo will capture the stunning setting….and of course, the bridal party doesn’t have to venture far with photographic opportunities around every corner. I hear time and time again that destination weddings in the Southern Forest Region have left indelible memories of amazing locations, food and accommodation, in a nature lover’s paradise.
I’m writing this with authority as I am a local Pemberton celebrant, having presided over numerous ceremonies in wondrous locations. Should you wish to book a National Park or State Forest location where you pay a donation for its use, you will need to contact DPAW. Provide your wedding date, location, number of people expected and transport arrangements at least 8 weeks prior to the wedding. Did you know Pemberton is only 3.5- 4 hours from Perth?
ATTN District Manager Department of Environment and Conservation Donnelly District Kennedy St Pemberton 6260
Marriage Celebrant Renata Suckling- CMC Renata’s Celebrations Facebook: Marriage Celebrant Pemberton - Renata's Celebrations celebrate@renata.com.au 0488760426
The Cascades
Big Brook Dam