It’s a question I’m asked quite regularly. Usually after someone queries what I did on the weekend – “Nothing too crazy. Saw a movie on Friday night, married a couple on Saturday, and brunch with the fam on Sunday.” The standard response is equal parts surprise and intrigue – or sometimes, if they’ve misheard, pure shock – “You got married?! WHAT?!” That joke never gets old.
So why did I become a celebrant? Lots of reasons, but here’s my top four:
1. It sounded like a bit of fun. I first started studying to become a celebrant in 2011 when I was living in Orange, a beautiful part of regional NSW. I was a TV journalist by day and weekends were often spent causing mischief at local vineyards (and less-classy watering holes too). Truth is, I wanted to combine my love of talking, writing and wine – and let’s face it, plenty of people get married in wine country.
2. I believe in equal rights. On a deeper level, I believed wholeheartedly that I could advocate on behalf of people who deserved the right to get married too – specifically people of the same sex. When I moved to Melbourne in 2012, I found a tribe of people who were dedicated to this cause and have played an active role in supporting Australia’s journey towards achieving marriage equality, both at a grassroots level and all the way to Capital Hill.
3. I’m a story teller. My career has always been focused on shaping and sharing stories – journalism, public relations, marketing, and corporate communication are my bread and butter. In navigating the many shades (and noise!) of these disciplines, I have always found space and time to cultivate peoples’ stories, with great care. Being a celebrant is an extension of this, and something I love. It’s an opportunity to share life-defining stories with integrity during times of heightened love or grief.
4. I just love, love. At the core of it, I’m a big sop and just adore seeing love in its many forms. Weddings, funerals, naming ceremonies and other personal celebrations are when our emotions are most exposed. When family and friends truly connect. As a celebrant, I have an opportunity to gently facilitate these moments that matter – and that’s an enormous privilege.
Just over a year ago, I married my long-term best friend too – a ginger with bright blue eyes from the Emerald Isle, no less. We recently welcomed our beautiful son Frank Ivor Chartres into the world too (see picture above – because, cute). So for the first time since I started this celebrant gig, five-ish years ago, I’m finally telling the world about it… because I have a lot more time on my hands for a love job.
So feel free to indulge my love of love and give me a call if I can provide a celebrant service for you. I take this role very seriously – professionalism and attention-to-detail are cornerstones of my service, but so is good old-fashioned fun. Life’s too short not to smile – check out my testimonials, you’ll see.
Hales x