NSW Coffs Harbour Deb O'Connell

Many thanks to Deb for providing her snapshot

Coffs Harbour celebrant Deb O'Connell

Appointed September 2008

Most of my teenage years were spent in Inverell where my family operated “Sherwood Park Manor” a country guest house. My interest in special occasions heightened at this time as my family catered for weddings and functions. A local professional photographer, Heinrich Hausler utilised the magical gardens as a backdrop for portraits and wedding photography. Occasionally, much to my delight weddings took place on the lawn under the Jacaranda trees. I loved Saturdays in spring and summer and have fond memories of this time.

After leaving school I attended a Secretarial Studies Course at TAFE then I secured my first “real” job as a receptionist in the local Radiology Department. Two years later I began my current profession as a Dental Assistant/Office Manager. During this time I completed my Certificate of Proficiency, several first aid courses and various computer related studies.

In my free time I enjoyed all sorts of creative undertakings as well as playing a number of team sports. I’ve always been willing to accept responsibilities bestowed upon me of organising, accepting roles on committees and generally giving 100% of myself to a chosen task.

I enjoyed my first experience of an outdoor wedding with a celebrant. Mr.Graeme Paton solemnized my dear friend Anna’s wedding on her parent’s property west of Inverell. The ceremony was just perfect a great mix of Aussie humour and romantic verse, it was tailor made to suit the bride and groom’s personalities. Outside the marquee it was absolutely freezing (almost snowing) but this was such a memorable wedding. Anna and Robbie are still married so rain is lucky on your wedding day!

I married my husband Allan in 1992 and in 1995 gave birth to our son, Tom. When Tom was five we moved to Coramba near Coffs Harbour. Tom attended the local school and thrived in the small school environment and community. I dedicated myself to helping out at school and joined the P&C where I made lots of lovely friends.

A friend introduced me to Toastmasters, it was around this time I gave serious consideration to my future and immersed myself in 14 months of studies through the Academy of Celebrancy, Melbourne. I loved researching the assignments and especially the “mock” wedding ceremonies which involved my family and friends becoming actors for a day. I’ll be forever grateful for their support. I submitted my application and waited.... OMG in September 2008 I became a celebrant – I’m still pinching myself.

Recently I officiated a friend and fellow celebrant's wedding with a “Magical Fairy” theme. Almost everyone (200+ guests) dressed up as magical beings including fairies, magicians, elves, sprites, the list goes on... The ceremony was held in a beautiful bush setting below a cliff on their property. The whole ceremony was simply magical sealed by a delicious kiss. This was the most relaxed ceremony and we all had so much fun. Needless to say their photos are delightful. My friend and her husband loved their ceremony and I continue to love Celebrancy!

Deb O’Connell CMC

Coffs Harbour

Mid North Coast Region

Love Bug Celebrations
www.lovebugcelebrations.com.au

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