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.
I’ve been a celebrant since 2014.
Family, good coffee and my phone.
Nicole Penning, a fellow celebrant who is the kindest, most generous and supportive person I know.
Yes, I’m a member of a national group, The Celebrant Society.
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
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!
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
