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IN THE SPOTLIGHT WITH
BELLARINE MARRIAGE CELEBRANT
SUE WARNER

“I love my job and will travel near and far just to be part of your special day. Whatever you need, I’m there to help and support you in your journey. I make a great Research Assistant! Insta-stalking at its’ very best!”
“Creating your story and then delivering it to your guests gives me such a high! If you don’t want boring but you do want some fun and something a bit lighthearted, perhaps you’re even into quirky, hey, I’m your girl, I’ll deliver!”
Sue Warner Geelong Marriage Celebrant

Image taken by Sara Taylor Photography

Sue took some time out during a break to answer some questions we threw at her and other wedding professionals currently listing on Wedoo. Over the coming weeks and months we will be spotlighting various suppliers from various sectors of the wedding industry.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CELEBRANT IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

I’ve been a celebrant since 2014.

 

3 THINGS YOU CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

Family, good coffee and my phone.

 

SOMEONE YOU ADMIRE/LOOK UP-TO IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

Nicole Penning, a fellow celebrant who is the kindest, most generous and supportive person I know.

 

ARE YOU A MEMBER OF A GROUP/AFFILIATION?

Yes, I’m a member of a national group, The Celebrant Society.

Wedding celebrant on beach with wedding couple

Image taken by Nic Stephens Photography

“My style is relaxed and calm. I’m very professional and thorough but I love to include some humour and engage your guests. I love that your ceremony can really set the mood and kick-off the rest of your celebration.” – Sue Warner Geelong & Bellarine Marriage Celebrant

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A CELEBRANT?

I was asked to ‘manage’ my father-in-law’s funeral and I loved so much supporting and guiding the family through the day and thought this would be something I’d love to do full-time. I’m very good at ensuring everyone is included and supported and when I moved into the wedding side of celebrancy, I absolutely adored it. It’s a great job as I’m always on a high after the ceremony arriving home with a feeling of satisfaction and that I’ve accomplished something. What’s not to love about a job like that!

 

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE WEDDING INDUSTRY?

There are several things actually, but one I feel truly privileged to do, is to enter a couple’s lives for a period of time and help them navigate their journey to that very special moment. One other thing is that I find the industry is mostly made up of helpful, generous people who want to put on the best gig possible for their couples and will go that ‘extra mile’ to make it happen. It’s a great industry to work in.

 

YOUR MOST MEMORABLE WEDDING INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE?

My favourite wedding moments seem to involve either children or dogs. One that particularly comes to mind is when a bride, who had a young teenage boy from a previous relationship, was marrying her partner of five years. The boy was in the groom’s crew and when it came to exchanging rings, I asked the boy to come forward on the premise of providing the rings. But, before this occurred, the groom presented him with a gift. He was overcome and they both embraced and the feelings between these two was evident to everyone there. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house, especially from the bride and her family. It was one of those moments I’ll always remember.

wedding celebrant during ceremony in Geelong

Image taken by Courtney from With Love From Near and Far

“It doesn’t matter to me whether you’re looking to run away and elope, having the full box and dice or enjoying an intimate ceremony with your nearest and dearest, I just love marrying people.”  –  Sue Warner Geelong & Bellarine Marriage Celebrant

BEST ADVICE FOR COUPLES LOOKING TO HIRE YOU AS A CELEBRANT?

Be adaptable and flexible. You may have imagined your ‘perfect wedding’ which might not pan out exactly as you’d dreamt. It’ll be ok. There might be some changes required but, at the end of the day, you’ll be married to the love of your life and everything else will pale into insignificance. The other thing I like to remind couples is to use me! I’m a great resource, know the industry well and I love connecting couples to vendors that will suit them.

 

WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU RECOMMEND COUPLES ASK WHEN LOOKING A MARRIAGE CELEBRANT?

I hope that during their research they’ve picked up my chilled and fun-loving vibe so they probably won’t need to ask about my style. But, as a result of COVID, I recommend couples ask ALL suppliers what their postponement and cancellation policies are. I’ve always discussed my T&Cs with couples before they have engaged me but now I really like to spell it out so everyone is very clear up front and couples can make an informed decision.

 

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN YOUR PARTICULAR AREA FOR 2020/21?

I’m seeing more and more couples going for ‘less is more’. COVID has probably contributed to this but many couples seem intent on having a more targeted, smaller celebration with their nearest and dearest.