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Many thanks to Paula for her profile.
Sunshine Coast celebrant Paula Koda - Appointed 2007
I was appointed in 2007 after being on the waiting list for 3 years, just prior to the removal of the cap on the number of celebrants appointed yearly. I had just taken up a position working in the Admin office of our youngest daughter’s school and did not have the heart to leave them in the lurch so only worked very part time as a Celebrant. When things finally settled with the school I resigned to pursue my Celebrant work.
My first wedding was a number of years after I had completed my training. It certainly was one I will not forget easily. A young Chinese man with a reasonable amount of English, Japanese bride, who had no English, arriving 3 days before the ceremony took place. The groom was to make all the arrangements. Looking for a quiet beach wedding, with 3 friends. Now where can you get a quiet beach on Australia Day I ask you? Feeling sorry for them, I offered them the use of our large front deck that has both mountain and ocean views and to say that they were very happy would be an understatement. After finding a translator who was willing to work on Australia Day, and having the relevant documentation translated, am pleased to say all went well on the day. After some sunset photos on the local Currimundi beach they returned to cut their cake and share a toast, having the famous Mooloolaba fireworks go off behind them seemingly on cue !We could not have planned it any better if we had tried. It was priceless; the bride was in tears at how well the day had worked out for them. All round it turned out to be a very memorable first ceremony.
I am fortunate to live in beautiful Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast with my husband of nearly 30 years, and 2 daughters. We love the Sunshine Coast area and all that it offers. Most of the weddings I have performed to date have been in and around the Sunshine Coast area. However I am always open to travel to other locations.
I came to become a Celebrant after a varied career starting in retail and office administration, travel, property management; I worked for myself with my husband for over 20yrs within the beauty industry and also as a makeup artist. A large part of the role involved training and included a variety of public speaking opportunities, to small and large groups.
Once our youngest daughter was off to preschool I took the plunge to take on the study required. It was during this time that I came to realise there was another side to being a Celebrant that had captured my interest, planning for the end of one’s life, celebrating the life you have with your loved ones. I am interested in getting oneself and family members organised, not leaving things unsaid, making sure your wishes are expressed. The term ‘Liferal’ I just love, and am looking forward to working more in this area as the years roll on.
I consider service to people and delivering more than what is expected important and I believe I have always achieved this in my working life.
In the future I would love to be conducting more Vow Renewals and ” Liferal” planning sessions with families in addition to doing weddings.
I believe that as a Celebrant it is an honour and a privilege to be able to be involved in helping couples and families create some cherished memories with special ceremonies, as well as being so much fun
Paula Koda
Civil Marriage Celebrant, Family and Naming Celebrant, Funeral Celebrant
Caloundra Queensland
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