Welcome to Joyful Ceremonies

I’m Jenny and it is my pleasure to welcome you to this website where you can get an idea of my services.

A note on Marriage Equality:
It has always been my utmost wish that all couples in love could be given the opportunity to be legally recognised in Australia. I’ve always believed our time would come, and that’s why I’ve been a celebrant for so many years. I believe in love and the celebrations and milestones that come along with it. So if you’re having a look at this website and hoping to marry the person you love in 2018 and beyond, and you’re in a relationship that is lesbian, gay, or any other non-binary part of the human race, I would absolutely love to work with you. I have your back and I want to stand beside you as you legally marry the person you love.

It was a difficult year for GLBTIQ people in 2017. The postal survey, the upper house, and finally the lower house discussing, debating, arguing, but finally we achieved the positive result that marriage equality is now law in Australia.

I am over the moon. This means the world to me personally and I can't wait to celebrate with you all. 

Thank you for reading. On with the general intro!

Joyful Ceremonies
When big things happen in life, it’s a good idea to get together with our nearest and dearest to have a shindig. It gives us a chance to pause briefly and consider what this change means, not just for the individuals marrying or making a commitment, but also for friends and family. Celebrating milestones, change and achievements gives us all the opportunity to take stock of what is meaningful, and how we value one another.

My role as a celebrant is to assist you in creating a ceremony that will truly reflect your individual taste and style. You can show your love, respect, joy and celebration in a variety of ways that will result in a satisfying and authentic occasion for you and the special people in your life.

Having a celebrant on board means you can do it your way. It doesn’t matter whether you have no idea where to start or a wealth of plans - the flexibility of celebrancy lends itself beautifully to shaping the ceremony around your core values and the ideals you’d like to highlight on your day.

My jam is warm, inclusive, fun and relaxing occasions that you will always remember fondly.

Celebrants are appointed by the Attorney-General's department, and the Codes of practice for the profession can be seen online here.

Hello! Some things about me: I’m a professional communicator and celebrator who spends my time conducting ceremonies as a civil celebrant, MCing receptions and generally just hanging out around Castlemaine enjoying myself. I have a flair for the details in event management and a background in youth work, Auslan interpreting and community radio.

Back in the 2000’s when I was based in Melbourne, I spent many years broadcasting and teaching at Joy 94.9 and PBS FM. I’m a lover of animals, gardening, bushwalking, podcasts, craft of all kinds (except scrapbooking) and cooking. My wife Tracey and I have a very energetic toddler and a super cute baby who would be happy to usher you inside with a high five or some jumping around general drooling. If you come visit me I’ll probably make a batch of scones and a pot of tea to welcome you. Or a cheese platter or similar.

Becoming a celebrant was a dream come true, and I’m thrilled to regularly facilitate love festivals for people from all walks of life. I’ve got your back, and I know that the details taken care of behind the scenes will create a seamlessly beautiful experience for couples on the day. If you’re looking for a relaxed and inclusive ceremony with just the right amounts of laughter and tears, I reckon I’m your person.

I see you and I would love to facilitate and represent what you stand for.

Weddings

I’ll arrange all the paperwork required by the government to cement your marriage in the eyes of the law, one step at a time. When you think about it, the wedding ceremony is the part of the day when you are the most still with your partner. 

Elopements

Do you just want to get it done, without the stress of event management? I have conducted some exquisite elopements that have been incredibly meaningful, intimate and fun. Also it just feels a bit cheeky, which I’m a big fan of.

Commitment Ceremonies

On Thursday the 7th of December 2017, the momentous news was announced that marriage equality is now law in Australia! Same sex couples are at long last treated equally. In the meantime, anyone can have a commitment ceremony! 

Naming Celebrations

The arrival of a new family member heralds significant and limitless change and impact on parents, guardians and close community members. A naming ceremony is a beautiful opportunity to gather and officially give a child a name, welcoming them whilst gathering in celebration and love.

Other

The possibilities are endless. Would you like to name your boat, welcome a new pet, clear your new home of past energies, celebrate coming-of-age or anything else?