From Plants to Vows: Why I Became a Celebrant.

Why did I become a celebrant?

Well, the short answer is this: my wedding day was the best day of my life and I wanted to help other people feel that same magic. Simple, right?

But like most things in life, the real story is a bit more layered. So this is the full explanation of why I became a celebrant.

For years, I ran our family horticultural business in Victoria. It was a thriving plant nursery and I loved it. Working with my dad, growing a great product and building something real. I was outside every day, working with people, solving problems and staying busy. Some weeks were 70 hours long, but I didn’t mind. The work was meaningful, and the lifestyle suited me.

But when Dad decided it was time to retire, we made the big call to sell the land and the business. I could’ve kept going on my own, but it wouldn’t have been the same. I’d have been doing it all, without the person who made it enjoyable in the first place. It was time for a change and a fresh challenge.

I’ve always been comfortable with public speaking. No nerves, just get up and do it. I love making people laugh, smile, or tear up in a good way. Entertaining people and telling stories has always been second nature and something I thought I’d only ever use at functions or weddings… not as a career.

Then came our own wedding day in 2023. Our celebrant, Rebecca Mayo, was someone we met by chance a couple of years earlier on a night out at Crown in Melbourne. She mentioned she was a celebrant and we remembered her when it came time to plan our big day. Best decision ever.

Rebecca guided us through the whole process. From planning the ceremony to all the little tips that helped make our day smooth, personal and unforgettable. That experience stuck with me.

Afterwards, a few people told me, “You’d be a great celebrant.” And that planted a seed. I started thinking about what really mattered to me: ✔️ Public speaking ✔️ Helping others ✔️ Entertaining ✔️ Meeting new people ✔️ Being creative ✔️ Running my own show

Becoming a celebrant ticked every box.

Since then, I’ve taken that leap and I haven’t looked back. I now work as both a wedding celebrant and a funeral celebrant in the Yarra Valley and all over Victoria.

So funerals, when my grandparents passed, I was honoured to officiate both of their services. That experience taught me how powerful a well-told story and thoughtful tribute can be. Helping people process grief, share memories and laugh through tears, that’s the most meaningful work I’ve ever done.

Whether it’s the high of a wedding or the quiet reflection of a funeral, being a celebrant never feels like “work.” It’s a craft. A privilege. Something I love.

The best day of my life

Some days are emotionally heavier than others, sure. But every day I get to help someone tell their story, celebrate life, or begin a new chapter, is a bloody good one.