Q+A: BELINDA CLINTON CELEBRANT

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"Giving the couples control of the ceremony other than the 'legal lines' allows us to come up with a style reflective of them." Belinda | Love Your Way Celebrant

How and when did you decide to become a marriage celebrant?
I have been told I was a born communicator. I moved from Perth to Melbourne in my 20’s for a career in marketing and was mentored by one of the best public speakers in the country in Kylie Bartlett. When I returned home to Perth, I found love with my childhood sweetheart and we got married in 2011. During the planning of our own destination wedding in Uluwatu, as most brides do, I discovered my love for all things weddings. After our wedding, my planner for the event, Global Weddings offered me the role of destination wedding planner. A dream come true!

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During my time at Global Weddings under the guidance of Director Narelle Williams, I thrived and worked tirelessly to ensure the bride and groom had everything they dreamed of. From grand scale celebrity weddings to intimate nuptials, no detail was ever too small nor too much effort. I simply loved it. So gratifying was the role the my family even relocated overseas in order to give my clients uncompromising support and guidance on their day. After the birth of our second child, it was time to re-evaluate my career path. With a tool kit of public speaking and the in-depth knowledge of weddings, the decision to become a Celebrant was a natural one for me. And so, I studied and became a celebrant at the end of 2015.

Tell us about what you offer a couple for their Wedding day?
Within the industry I have been exposed to every aspect of 'getting married'. Having said that every couple is unique and the ability to anticipant their needs before they even do is a quality I pride myself on and it has taken the eight years in the 'game' to learn and now master this.

It's not just about 'delivering a ceremony'. It is being a celebrant, an assistant event manager, a choreographer, a perfectionist, a decision maker, a shoulder to lean on, a comedian (when needed) and most importantly a friend who understands your couple.

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Did you always know that you wanted to be a marriage celebrant?
It really was a natural progression. I loved the industry and wanted to make a move from planning, however it was my mother who actually suggested I should become a celebrant! Initially, I laughed at the suggestion, responding 'that celebrants are all old'. Then a week later, it was like a 'light bulb' moment. I knew then, that this was going to be the best work of my career.

Do you have any stories that you would like to share from your experiences?

I always tell my husband I am going to write a book one day with all the stories that I have accumulated over the years! You might just have to wait for it...

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What advice would you offer to Nearly Weds who are just starting out on their search for the perfect celebrant for them?
A celebrant is not just a celebrant. We are not only responsible for setting the tone for your entire day, but for telling your love story. Choosing a celebrant I believe is just as important as a celebrant choosing you. I always meet couples enquiring about my services over a coffee date which lasts a minimum of an hour. For them and for me, it is important that we connect. The greatest compliment I receive is not the amount of business cards I hand out after a ceremony, but when I go to leave, guests ask me why I am not staying for the reception as they think I have been a friend of the couple for years. This to me, is the pinnacle of my role.

Do you have a favourite style of ceremony?
Style of ceremony is totally dependent on the couple your a marrying. Having said that, I would like to think that my ceremonies are vibrant, professional, contemporary, reflective, personal, unique, sincere, relaxed and with just the right combination of love and laugher. Well, that is just what couples have said about me! I do believe in being a point of difference. I stand to the 'side', as I believe there is nothing worse than couple receiving their ceremony photos they have paid thousands for and there is the celebrants head right in the middle! I also allow my couples to select my outfit to blend in with the ceremony styling. No bright yellows or floral prints in my wardrobe. Giving the couples control of the ceremony other than the 'legal lines' allows us to come up with a style reflective of them.