About me
My name is Joyce, and I became registered as a civil marriage celebrant in July 2012.
Based in Lane Cove and North Sydney, I have conducted ceremonies in diverse locations in NSW. Professionally, I am a member of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants. I also speak cantonese and mandarin and can incorporate these into ceremonies. More broadly I enjoy working with different nationalities and faiths, and crafting a ceremony to feature these personal touches.
Experience
I have officiated ceremonies in Lane Cove, Rozelle, Marsfield, North Sydney, Sydney CBD, and Blue Mountains NSW.
The first ceremony I performed was at Allview Escape, Blackheath NSW, overlooking the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains, NSW. After a surprise storm one spring afternoon, the sky cleared. The sun slowly set down on snow filled streets lined with frosted cherry blossoms. In Australia all marriages must be solemnised in English, but this ceremony also featured translations in Chinese for non-English Speaking guests. The bride and groom had selected a reading from Le Petit Prince by Antoine De Saint Exuprey. A small collection of contemporary wedding readings and other thoughts can be found at www.crepebouquet.blogspot.com
In the most moving ceremony I have performed, the bride and groom wrote their own vows as a surprise to eachother on the day. They were both reduced to tears and laughter. With my brief words to prompt, warm applause erupted from their guests. This ceremony was English and Cantonese.
In the speediest ceremony I have performed, the bride and groom (whose first preference was to elope!) wanted a simple, solemn but beautiful ceremony under a purple Jacaranda Tree in Rozelle. Purple flowers fell on them and their 30 guests to mark the magic minutes before the lanterns dimmed and the celebratory speeches took over.
In the most unique ceremony I have performed, was in August 2013 on top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge! (photo below). It was at 5am and simply amaaazing.
In my spare time I read National Geographic, craft leadlights, visit the local coffee shops or join Bikram yoga.
Your preferences, style and personality is what should inspire the ceremony and make it unique.
If you would like to touch base about your wedding ceremony, I look forward to hearing from you!
Images
Performing a ceremony after climbing to the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge, August 2013. (Photo reproduced with permission from BridgeClimb)
(I am bottom right in this photo)
(I am bottom right in this photo)
Above: me performing a ceremony at Hickson Road Reserve, The Rocks, Sydney - photograph courtesy of Vincent Lai (AAIPP)
Above: the view from Allview Escape, Blackheath NSW.
The ceremony was performed on a large lawn to the left of this picture, overlooking the Blue Mountains.
The ceremony was performed on a large lawn to the left of this picture, overlooking the Blue Mountains.