NSW Coffs Harbour Wendy Haynes

Many thanks to Wendy for her profile.

Wendy Haynes Civil Marriage Celebrant - appointed March 1995

In 1991 a friend asked if I would conduct their upcoming wedding ceremony. I was surprised as I was not aware of the role of celebrants in the community. A few weeks later I attended another friend’s wedding in a registrar's office. At the close of the ceremony one of the male guests made a disparaging comment about marriage (and the ball and chain!) which visibly upset the bride. Before I had time to think, I raised my glass and made a toast honouring the couple and their life together. The court registrar came up to me and said that it was an excellent speech and I should consider becoming a celebrant. To have this suggestion mentioned twice in such a short period of time I thought I had better do some research.

Four years after lodging my application my appointment came through in March 1995 very unceremoniously in the post. It consisted of two handbooks and a few bits of paper. My whole family was so excited and I was thrilled. Now the question was ... where to start?

At the time I was working for TAFE in student services, performing part time in a professional theatre company, studying a post graduate degree in Adult Education and the mother of three beautiful school age children. Prior to this I had held many administrative roles as well as being a full time mother for a few years.

My celebrancy career started slowly as I developed my skills and understanding of the role. I read lots of books and sought out information where I could. (The internet was not what it is now!) For the last fifteen years I have dedicated my life to learning about ritual and ceremony, the role of the celebrant, developing my communication and business skills.

I became a full time celebrant, a trainer of ongoing professional development for celebrants nationwide and an author on ceremonies... and I love it.

I have made many friends and acquaintances over the years and hold so many beautiful memories of being a celebrant!

One of the most memorable ceremonies I have conducted was held at a beachside chapel in Coffs Harbour, northern NSW. I arrived at the venue when it was still dark with stars shining in the pre dawn sky. The morning air was fresh and there was light just appearing on the horizon. (I am an early morning person so I was in my element!) Over 100 tea light candles lit the way along the path to the chapel. There was excitement and enthusiasm from the small group of guests at being up so early and for the upcoming wedding ceremony. The stillness and beauty of the quiet morning was rich and palpable.

The bride and groom were a delightful couple who were both professionals working in a volunteer aid program overseas. I had worked with them both to create a very beautiful and heartfelt ceremony. It truly reflected their values, beliefs and commitment to a life together.

They exchanged their vows just as streaks of pink and red were filling the morning sky. We were down on the beach after the ceremony just as the sun rose. The celebratory wedding breakfast was held in the restaurant overlooking the beach.

This wedding was very special because of the beauty, elegance and sheer simplicity of the setting and... their heartfelt vows and commitment to each other.

Where would I like to be in five years?

With my continued passion and enthusiasm for celebrancy I would like to uphold my role in the international celebrant field being innovative, up to date with what wedding clients want and still sharing stories and ideas with celebrants across the world… and enjoying a peaceful and happy life with my family and friends…and laughing a lot!

Wendy Haynes

Civil Marriage Celebrant

Coffs Harbour NSW

More about Wendy on www.wendyhaynes.com