VIC Melbourne Roslyn McFarlane

Melbourne civil celebrant Roslyn McFarlane  Authorised  October 2008

I first became interested  in the Role of Civil Celebrancy back in its early days, in the late 1970’s.  I knew Dally Messenger socially and we often spoke of the wonderful and fulfilling emotions associated with giving couples and families the choice when faced with planning a wedding or a funeral.  Dally offered to train me, but at that time in my life I was not quite ready.  A few years later I expressed my interest and went on the very long waiting list for Celebrants which was held by the Attorney Generals Dept..  Some years later I was advised that there were new plans in place for registering a Celebrant and the list would start over again.!!

Time passed almost 30 years! but my interest never waned. And so it was that eventually I studied and became accredited in October 2008.  I am now retired from the full time workforce where I specialized in Management and Customer Service and devote myself to my Celebrancy practice.

Over the past 3 years I have conducted many Weddings and Funerals. I present a public Memorial Service for Pets once year. Other ceremonies have included a Business Opening, Same Sex Commitment Ceremonies, and Infant Namings.  I never fail to be amazed at the stories a person has to tell about their life no matter how long or short that has been.

I had the privilege of Celebrating the life of a lady and her husband at an interval of exactly one year.  A few months later I received a phone call from their son asking me if I was interested in a HAPPY ceremony for them.  I will soon be celebrating his marriage.  I look forward in the future to naming their children if they are so blessed.

It was interesting that his friends and other family members thought it inappropriate that a Funeral Celebrant should be conducting a Marriage.  Some people do not understand that we are Life Celebrants - Celebrating all the special milestones in a person's life is what we do.

Most of the couples that I have married have wanted simple low cost weddings with only about 50 guests present.   Most of these have been amongst the best weddings I have ever attended either as a celebrant or a guest.

What made them so good?
• The couple stood firm on their budget, and were not afraid to say NO to unwanted extras.
• They did exactly what they wanted, not what others thought they should do!
• They participated fully in the writing and preparation of their ceremony so there were no surprises for them on the day and the ceremony was completely personalised for them.  It told their story.

At the end of the day their guests all said … ‘That is exactly like Bride and Groom!”

I never take for granted the privilege that is bestowed on me to be a part of such a wonderful occasion.

Ros McFarlane

Civil Marriage, Family and Funeral Celebrant

Pakenham Melbourne Victoria

More about Ros:  www.accesscc.com.au