Why I Became a Commonwealth-Registered Marriage Celebrant

Making Your Moments Memorable in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast as a marriage celebrant.

So, I've been asked the question: What made me consider becoming a Commonwealth-registered marriage celebrant? The honest answer? It felt like a natural next step. One shaped by nearly 20 years of standing in front of people, telling stories, and helping meaningful moments unfold.

For the past two decades, I’ve worked as an MC and presenter across community events, corporate functions, festivals, and fundraisers. Along the way, I’ve spoken to rooms full of strangers, supported nervous speakers, guided event organisers, and connected with audiences from all walks of life.

What that experience taught me is simple - people may not remember a perfect scripts or flawless presentation - they remember how you made them feel.

Being an MC helped me learn how to read a room, ease nerves (side note: I still get very nervous before I get on stage... I've always told myself it's because I'm passionate about what I do and I care.), keep things flowing, and bring warmth to important occasions. It taught me the value of preparation, adaptability, and sometimes a well-timed bit of humour. More importantly, it showed me just how powerful ceremonies and shared experiences can be when they’re done with care.

Over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to the personal side of events - the stories behind them and the people at their centre. Weddings stood out in particular. They’re not just events on a calendar; they’re life milestones. They mark the start of a new chapter, surrounded by family, friends, and all the emotion that comes with it.

Even after more than 20 years, I still get very nervous before I get on stage...

Becoming a Mount Gambier wedding celebrant felt like a way to bring together everything I’d built professionally with what I value personally: connection, storytelling, and helping people feel supported during big moments in their lives.

What appealed to me wasn’t formality for formality’s sake. It was the opportunity to create ceremonies that feel genuine, relaxed, and truly reflective of each couple. No cookie-cutter scripts. No rigid traditions unless they matter to you. Just real people, real stories, and a ceremony that fits.

My background in in radio and presenting means I’m comfortable guiding groups, managing timelines, and keeping energy balanced on the day. Years of MC work have taught me how to stay calm under pressure and adapt when plans change. And working with diverse audiences has helped me tailor every ceremony to suit different personalities, families, and cultural backgrounds.

At its heart, becoming a registered marriage celebrant wasn’t about changing direction, it was about refining it. It was about taking everything I’ve learned over nearly 25 years and using it to help couples feel seen, heard, and genuinely celebrated as they begin married life.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from countless microphones, stages, and run sheets, it’s this: meaningful moments deserve thoughtful delivery. And I feel incredibly fortunate to now be part of some of life’s most important ones, right here in Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast.