By Libby Carson, National Executive
Kia ora e te whānau Celebrants Aotearoa,
Lately I’ve been reflecting on just how extraordinary our role is. We’re invited into some of the most intimate moments of people’s lives - moments filled with joy, vulnerability, grief, laughter, and love. Whether we are officiating at a wedding, a funeral. or, indeed, any type of ceremony, we are trusted to hold space with care. That trust is at the centre of everything we do.
Recently, I was made aware of a situation at a wedding where guests were asked not to take or share photos, yet, the celebrant posted images of the couple during the ceremony - and in real time. The reaction was understandable: surprise, disappointment, and a sense that a boundary had been crossed.
This isn’t about blame or criticism. We all know how easy it is to get swept up in the magic of the moment, or to feel proud of the work we do, and I am sure the celebrant had the best of intentions at heart, however, it did remind me of something important:
The ceremony is never ours to share first.
We may play a key role, but the moment belongs wholly to the couple or family.
Their story.
Their images.
Their boundaries.
If permission is given - wonderful. If they want you to wait until after they’ve shared something themselves - perfect. And if they prefer nothing is posted at all, then we honour that with absolute professionalism.
Our care doesn’t end when the ceremony finishes; it extends into how we respect the privacy and mana of the people we serve. Social media can be a powerful tool for our businesses, but it should never come at the expense of trust.
As we move into a busy season…
…full of sunshine, celebrations, gatherings, and full weekends, this feels like a timely reminder for us all. Our work is about people - their hopes, their memories, their milestones. Safeguarding those moments is part of our duty, and part of the privilege of this mahi.
He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
It is the people - always the people - who sit at the heart of what we do.
Ngā mihi nui,
Libby
