Question 1

What exactly is included in the "All the Bells and Whistles" package?

Accepted Answer

This is my full-service experience, designed for couples who want every detail considered and every moment captured. It includes your comprehensive ceremony homework, a fully personalised ceremony script written in your voice.

Full support is provided in writing your own vows, a complete rehearsal, on-the-day coordination with your photographer, videographer, content creator, stylist, musicians and venue, and a beautifully presented keepsake copy of your ceremony to take home.

Question 2

How much experience do you have as a celebrant?

Accepted Answer

I have 18+ years of experience as a marriage celebrant, which speaks volumes when it comes to crafting a seamless day. I've seen or experienced most things before — which means I'm well equipped to handle whatever your wedding day brings, calmly and confidently.

Question 3

Why book an award-winning celebrant?

Accepted Answer

With 18+ years of experience and 5 consecutive Celebrant of the Year awards (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026) for the Illawarra and Southern Highlands region through the Wedding Industry Awards, I bring genuine experience, polish, and heart to every ceremony I write. Awards aside, my greatest reward is always the same — seeing a couple's face when they hear their own love story read back to them.

Question 4

What is your celebrant style like?

Accepted Answer

My style is personal, friendly, and family-based, with a touch of humour and romance woven throughout. I'm not about rigid scripts or formality for the sake of it — I want your ceremony to feel like you.

Question 5

Will our ceremony feel personal to us, or generic?

Accepted Answer

I encourage every couple to simply be themselves. The best ceremonies are the ones that truly reflect who you are as a couple — your story, your humour, your way of loving each other — rather than a one-size-fits-all script.

Question 6

How do you handle the emotions and nerves of the day?

Accepted Answer

I try to stay relaxed and accommodating to the feelings, emotions, and challenges that can come up on the day. My goal is for you to feel calm and supported, so you can communicate freely and honestly with me — before, during, and on the day itself.

Question 7

What areas do you service?

Accepted Answer

I'm based on the NSW South Coast and cover the Illawarra, Kiama, South Coast, Kangaroo Valley, and Southern Highlands regions — though distance is never really a barrier, thanks to our virtual meetings!

Question 8

Do we need to meet you in person?

Accepted Answer

Not at all! All our meetings are conducted face-to-face via Google Meet, so you don't need to be local to work with me. Wherever you are, we can sit down together, get to know each other, and plan every detail of your ceremony from the comfort of your own home.

Question 9

How personalised is the ceremony script?

Accepted Answer

Completely. You'll complete comprehensive homework that captures your story — how you met, your favourite memories, what you love most about each other, your hopes for the future. I use every detail to write a ceremony that sounds like you, not like a template. No two ceremonies I write are ever the same.

Question 10

What is the resource - "Sharon's Ceremony Secrets"?

Accepted Answer

It's my personal collection of ceremony ideas and inclusions, built over 18+ years of celebrating love stories. From walk-in options and parent tributes to sand ceremonies, hand binding, ribbon ceremonies, and ways to include children — it's not an exhaustive list, but it's full of ideas to help make your ceremony feel like nobody else's.

Question 11

What is the resource - "The Legals, Vows and Rings"?

Accepted Answer

This is my guide to everything practical and personal in your ceremony. It walks you through the compulsory legal wording required to make your marriage official, gives you real examples of personal vows from past couples to inspire your own, and offers a beautiful selection of ring exchange phrases and traditional sayings — so when the moment comes to slide that ring on, you have exactly the right words ready.

Question 12

Will you help us write our vows?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. I call myself the Secret Keeper — your vow writing assistant. Using examples and inspiration from "The Legals, Vows and Rings" resource, I'll guide you with ideas, make sure your topics don't overlap, that your vows are similar in length, and that neither of you accidentally outshines the other. On the day, I present them beautifully on a vow card, so there's no fumbling with paper or phones.

Question 13

What if we don't want to share our vows publicly?

Accepted Answer

That's completely fine — not everyone wants to be the centre of attention, and there's no right or wrong way to do this. Some couples prefer to write their vows privately and read them just to each other in a quiet moment away from guests, which often makes for the most beautiful candid photo.

Question 14

When do we need to lodge our Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)?

Accepted Answer

Your NOIM must be lodged no less than one month before your wedding date, and no more than 18 months in advance. I'll guide you through this paperwork and make sure it's lodged correctly and well before time.

Question 15

Do you handle the legal side of getting married?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. There are a few compulsory legal elements required under the Marriage Act — the introduction, the monitum, and your legal vows — and I weave these seamlessly into your ceremony so your guests barely notice they're there. All required paperwork is handled by me, start to finish.

Question 16

What happens with the Marriage Certificate?

Accepted Answer

There are two certificates. 1. The keepsake Marriage Certificate is signed by you, your witnesses, and myself on the day — a beautiful memento for your wall. 2. The official government registration, your Births, Deaths and Marriages (BDM) Certificate, is lodged after the wedding and posted to you via registered mail.

Question 17

Is a rehearsal included?

Accepted Answer

Yes! A rehearsal is included so everyone involved — you, your bridal party, your family — knows their role and feels confident on the day. It means you get to relax and actually enjoy your ceremony, rather than worrying about who walks where and when.

Question 18

Do you coordinate with our other wedding suppliers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I work directly with your photographer, videographer, content creator, stylist, musicians and venue to make sure your ceremony flows beautifully from start to finish — timing, positioning, and all those little details that create the best photo opportunities.

Question 19

Will you brief our guests on what to expect?

Accepted Answer

I do. I prepare your guests on the day so they know what's happening and what's expected of them — whether that's an unplugged ceremony, a confetti or petal moment, or where to head for group photos afterwards.

Question 20

Do you organise the walk-in and walk-out?

Accepted Answer

Completely. I orchestrate your walk-in, the ceremony flow, your walk-out, the petal or confetti throw, and the transition of your guests to the group photo location — so every moment is smooth and beautifully timed.

Question 21

Can we include cultural or religious traditions?

Accepted Answer

Of course. Whether it's a Welcome to Country, a smoking ceremony, a prayer or blessing, or a tradition from your own culture or heritage, I love incorporating elements that reflect who you are and where you come from.

Question 22

Can our children be part of the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely — kids are always welcome. From walking down the aisle to presenting rings, reading a line, or just being adorably themselves at the signing table, I make sure they feel included every step of the way.

Question 23

Are dogs welcome at the ceremony?

Accepted Answer

Always! Many couples treat their pets like family, and I love including them — whether that's delivering the rings or simply being a gorgeous addition to your photos.

Question 24

What do you leave us with after the wedding?

Accepted Answer

A beautifully presented keepsake copy of your full ceremony script, so you can read back every word that was spoken on your wedding day, for years to come.

ALL THE BELLS & WHISTLES

Optional Add On: $750

Frequently asked questions