- What to Expect -
Every couple has their own unique and individual style and love story. Let's celebrate your love story, the way you want to share it. We can chat about the best way to run your ceremony, I’ll pop all our ideas into a draft ceremony for you and together we can make tweaks. I'll also be here to guide you through the legal requirements and the 'must do’s' in the lead up to your wedding.
On the day, all you'll need to think about is getting married!
Step One: Let’s talk
To ensure we ‘click’ and before you sign on the dotted line, we need to make sure I’m the right fit to officiate on your special day. Once you make contact, we can arrange a time to chat to see how well we gel together. We can do this in person if you live in (or near) Wanaka, meet over Skype, or just via email - whatever suits you best.
Step Two: Lock it in
With your wedding date and venue secured … and your big day just around the corner, this is a good time to lock me in as your wedding celebrant. A non-refundable deposit is required at this stage. Some people book in two weeks in advance, and others two years - there is no hard and fast rule.
Step Three: Paperwork
The marriage licence can be applied for three days to three months before your wedding day. I can assist you in applying for this and help you with any questions you may have. The paperwork can be sent directly to me and I will check it, print it and ensure it is there on your wedding day; then, I will lodge it to be officially registered.
Step Four: Ceremony Structure
A wedding ceremony can be as traditional or as unorthodox as you like – the choice is entirely yours. It’s important for us to work together on the structure and layout of your ceremony ahead of time, so that I can deliver a memorable and meaningful ceremony. It will be engaging, and reflect your love for one another. Usually, we will have a chat or two and I will get the chance to get to know your personalities and ask you a few questions (no scary ones!)… This give me the chance to be able to draft a ceremony for you, and we can make any changes together from there.
Step Five: Let’s Practise
Your wedding day is just one (or a few) sleep/s away! Let’s get together and have a rehearsal. Let’s get everyone who is involved in your ceremony and have a run through, so we can ensure your day goes as smoothly as possible. (This step is totally optional, and not necessary if you are eloping).
Step Six: Time to make it official
Your wedding day has finally arrived! I'll be onsite at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. I will make sure everyone has found their seats, put their phones on silent and are ready to stand for the bride’s entrance, before guiding you through your wedding ceremony. I’ll be there after to say congratulations and, of course, take care of the necessary paperwork after the ceremony.
“Sophia was absolutely brilliant! She talked us through the whole process (as we were clueless) and guided us whilst allowing us to put our own personality into the ceremony, including performing a hand fastening for us. She was friendly and approachable, we had multiple Skype meetings beforehand as we weren’t local to the venue and she ran the whole show flawlessly on the day (even with everyone crying). Would highly recommend Sophia to anyone!”
— Lucy & Tom