What was the driving force behind you becoming a celebrant?
After losing my husband over 20 years ago I became a speaker and advocate for organ donation as he saved lives after his untimely death. My daughter said I should become a celebrant as I am a great public speaker. I have always loved weddings. I even made my first wedding dress at 15 years old! I don't sew anymore but it sure comes in handy when something needs a quick repair on a wedding day. My daughter was my second wedding and watching my son walk her down the aisle is an absolute highlight of my celebrant life.
What involvement do you have/have had with CANZ at a branch or national level?
I have attended the Waikato CANZ AGMs and meet ups in the past and I have just started coordinating the local meet ups. It's so good for meeting and networking with other celebrants in the Waikato. We compare knowledge, experiences and a lot of laughs.
Tell us about the ceremonies you perform.
I have performed over 200 ceremonies now and I have been a VCANZ celebrant for well over a year. I invite couples to my home in Hamilton for registry and personalised weddings for up to 25 guests. I also travel all over New Zealand and have been offering reception MC and wedding-day timeline coordination. My new interest is micro weddings at my home. It is very popular that couples want the smaller ceremony right now but still intimate and sweet and then leave on a fabulous honeymoon. I have lights all over my deck and trees so night ceremonies are so romantic and dreamy especially in winter as it is dark by 6pm.
What are the most enjoyable things about being a celebrant?
Watching all the planning and dreams come to fruition. From the smallest registry to the biggest wedding, the couple still look at each other and melt in that moment of realisation that, this is it, we're getting married. I always say to my couples, if I can make you and your guests laugh and cry, I'm happy.
What are some of the hardest parts of the job?
Communication on the process and options, it can be very confusing to couples how it all works so having good processes and checklists in place so I don't miss reminding the couple of next steps helps with this. We have to remember as celebrants that we know the processes inside out but our couples don't and they look to us to guide them as this is not something they have done before and frankly, their dress or colour palette is more important for their wedding and we can be looked on as not so important. That stings a bit, but in the end, they know our value and referrals back that up.
What was the most memorable ceremony you have performed?
I have a very BIG sense of humour and my ceremonies are light hearted and funny until we get to the serious stuff! I had a gorgeous couple that said, make them laugh (their guests) they wanted me to quote Karen from Will & Grace (TV series) and use foul language and shock them. Challenge accepted! Their dogs were the ring bearers
There were howls of laughter and tears of joy. My favourite combo. Their family, friends and they were an absolute delight and their personal vows were so great.
What does your typical day look like?
My home office is my sanctuary of organised chaos. I check all my DMs, emails and then plan my day/week. If I have weddings that day, I have prepped the day before with folder, paperwork, tablet ready to go. If my ceremony is at my home, it getting it all ready, set up the lounge and deck for the ceremony and write on the welcome board. Welcome my couple and their guests, view their IDs, match to the paperwork, perform the ceremony, sign the paperwork, they take pictures, paperwork given and then into the office to scan and email to BDM and follow up email to the couple. Rinse and repeat.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Firstly, find your celebrant community, your local CANZ branch will have brand new and "older" celebrants (since 2016) like me. I am mentoring two new celebrants at the moment and I see their nerves and doubts in themselves and honestly, I still get those too. Having a celebrant "phone tree" that you can call on for help and back up will help enormously.
How do you like to relax?
I have three grandchildren that I adore. My five-year-old grandson lives just down the road from me and he is my second job. I drop and pick him up from school and have him on holidays and sick days. I also have two granddaughters who live in Auckland and I have them with me in the holidays. My husband Chris is my PA system sidekick on the bigger weddings and helps me as my "fixer" on the day. I love movies and series, especially sci-fi and documentaries.
You can find out more about Lisa on her website.
[IMAGE: Sofia Vakata Photography]
