What was the driving force behind you becoming a celebrant?
When my youngest child was just a baby, his grandmother passed away. In helping my husband and his family organise the funeral service, I volunteered to lead the ceremony. I found this a very collaborative process and it drew on my prior experience in theatre, storytelling and public speaking. After the service the funeral director complimented my efforts, putting my ceremony on a par with professionals who do this difficult job regularly. With a tiny baby to look after. I filed this experience as something to perhaps look into in future. A couple of years later a cousin asked me to become a marriage celebrant to officiate her wedding. In 2009 I was officially appointed an independent marriage celebrant, with my first marriage ceremony in 2010.
What involvement do you have/have had with CANZ at a branch or national level?
I joined CANZ a few years after I began my celebrancy journey. Currently I am the chair of the Canterbury - Westland branch. I've always enjoyed attending CANZ events; social catch up with a topic for discussion enhance collegiality and they are a chance to learn from other celebrants. I've attended four conferences, two in Christchurch, one in Dunedin and one in Wellington. I also try to get along to workshops when they are offered, as I am a firm believer that if I'm not learning I'm not being the best celebrant I can be.
Tell us about the ceremonies you perform.
Mainly I perform wedding ceremonies. I find the joy and love expressed on a wedding day to be life affirming and it really fills my cup! Helping couples design a ceremony that reflects who they are and what they want to say is a collaborative and creative process that draws on many of my skills. I do also offer funerals and memorials, which are usually for family and friends, and I take these services for other people when approached. I have a strong desire to honour the wishes of the people I work with, and I am always conscious that while I may attend many ceremonies, for most people this is not the case. I offer guidance and support to everyone for all the ceremonies I perform.
Naming ceremonies, or welcoming a new baby is a milestone I think we should celebrate more often. New parents have a lot on their plates and bringing their community around to stand in support of the family is needed more than we realise.
I'm also exploring the concept of divorce ceremony. Marking this transition in a way that is respectful, acknowledging the changing life circumstances and creating space to move out of a marriage and into a new stage.
What are the most enjoyable things about being a celebrant?
I love meeting people and learning their stories! Sensitively interviewing, then turning all of that information into a ceremony that celebrates and supports them across the threshold to a new life stage, be it a wedding, funeral or other ceremony.
What are some of the hardest parts of the job?
For me my work as a celebrant sits alongside a full-time day job and I also have a family (and a greyhound) who need my support. The juggle of all these activities sometimes is a lot, but the joy and satisfaction I get from celebrancy means it is always something I will make time for.
What was the most memorable ceremony you have performed?
My first wedding in 2010! It was on the beachfront, south of Kaikoura on a sunny autumn day. I was super nervous, especially in case a train went past and drowned out my voice. Fortunately that didn't happen, and the ceremony went very well. I look back on the photos of that day from time to time, as that is when I really felt I was a proper celebrant. Since then I have learned so much about being a celebrant.
What does your typical day look like?
When I have a ceremony coming up I focus a lot on preparation. I will finalise my script prior to the rehearsal (if there is one) and use a checklist to make sure I have all the documents and my equipment ready. Batteries on my mic and PA charged, ceremony loaded to my Kindle, paperwork in place in my celebrant folder with my pen (and a spare) for signing. Once that is done then I get myself ready: dress, hair, makeup, etc. I learned some new vocal warmup techniques at a CANZ workshop last year and I do these while I'm getting myself ready. I aim to be at a ceremony up to an hour prior to the start time, and I allow plenty of time for travel to ensure I'm not late.
When I get to the ceremony location I meet the venue manager or co-ordinator if they are there. Then I check that everything is setup as discussed, and walk around the ceremony space to ground myself before guests begin to arrive. I greet guests as they arrive, help the groom and his entourage with their buttonholes and when I get a spare moment have a small drink of water to keep myself hydrated. I always like to greet the bridal party when they arrive, to reassure them that everything looks beautiful and that they look amazing. Just before the ceremony starts I take them through a few breathing exercises to settle nerves. Then I head to my spot at the front of the ceremony space and give the cue to start the music. The ceremony itself will run smoothly (or not) and I need to be aware of all the people there. Sometimes something unexpected may happen, and I need to react to that so that it doesn't spoil the ceremony.
Afterwards, I mingle with the guests for a little while during family photos and pass the documents over. I always ask my couples for a photo, and I hope that they will send it to me. Then I say my farewells and leave them to enjoy their celebration.
What advice do you have for someone new to the industry?
Each of us brings ourselves to this profession. We are all different and the way we work will be different too. The key thing to remember about being a celebrant is that you are there in service to other people. That may mean that a particular couple or family will choose a different celebrant, and that's okay. Being in service means we hold space for others, and help them to fill it in ways that are meaningful to them. Finding out what that meaning is will be the mark of your success as a celebrant.
How do you like to relax?
I love to make things! I have a few hobbies, including cross stitch, sewing, and building Lego. I also regularly bake for Good Bitches and have recently had my first poem published. I love taking my greyhound Blaze for a walk around central Christchurch and spending time with my family.
You can find out more about Ana on her website.
[IMAGE: Lavender Turner Photography]
