Weddings
I am able to help you both create a marriage ceremony that fulfils your needs. No two marriage ceremonies are the same. Bridal party sizes, guest numbers, venues, individual tastes and cultural backgrounds are just some of the mix that ensures each marriage ceremony is special. I can provide couples with a comprehensive choice of ceremonies or assist in creating your own.
My 'normal' attire for a wedding ceremony is a suit and tie. If you would like something different I am happy to accommodate your request. I am able to wear clothing that blends with the style and tone of your ceremony, for example black tie to something more casual.
Besides the ceremony itself there are quite a few important tasks that need to be taken care of before and at the wedding. One of the first things to do is to lodge a Notice of Intended Marriage Form. You can either download the form yourself or, have it provided by me. This form can be completed up to 18 months prior to the marriage but no later than one month and one day before. At our first meeting full birth certificates are required for verification. If either or both of you have been previously married, divorce papers will need to be produced.
About a week before the wedding, you are required to attend a pre-wedding meeting with me. This is to finalise all of the paperwork, to answer any questions you may have of me, and to talk through the ceremony proceedings, preventing the need for an on-site rehearsal.
At the ceremony, the Certificate of Marriage is completed in duplicate in the presence of two witnesses (18 years or older) at the ceremony. These are then sent to the office of Births, Deaths and Marriages after the ceremony for registration.
Approximately 3 to 6 weeks after the Certificate of Marriage has been lodged with the office of Births, Deaths and Marriages, you will receive a certified, numbered copy of the Certificate.
The marriage ceremony is composed of several pieces, some are legally required while others are optional. This provides you with the flexibility to have a short, simple, informal ceremony or a larger, more elaborate one. The choice is yours and I am here to assist you regardless. My task is to make your ceremony run smoothly and be one of the highlights of your life.
Renewal Of Vows
Re-committing to one another
Many couples are taking the opportunity nowadays to 'renew their love' to one another. Quite often they just want to re-commit their 'committment and devotion' to each other, or simply just say 'I still love you' to each other. I am available to prepare a short ceremony or work with the couple to facilitate their renewal of vows.
Vows are usually renewed on significant wedding anniversaries. The most common are;
10 years - Tin and Daffodils,
15 years - Crystal and Roses,
20 years - China and Day Lilies,
25 years - Silver and Iris,
30 years - Pearl and Sweet Pea,
40 years - Ruby and Nasturtiums,
50 years - Gold and Violets,
55 years - Emerald,
60 years - Diamond,
70 years - Platinum, and
75 years - Diamond.
The renewal of vows does not have to take place on the above anniversaries, it is up to the couple to decide when it is most appropriate.
Regardless of when you want to renew your vows, I can make your ceremony as memorable as the day you married.
Namings
Congratulations on becoming a parent. Being a parent is a positive life changing experience that defies all explanation. The naming ceremony is a special occasion to express joy and hope about the arrival of a child.
A naming ceremony is an important and life rewarding experience for both family and friends. Family relationships are strengthened and the parent or parents become more aware of their responsibilities as do the godparents (life mentors), and grandparents.
Wherever possible, naming ceremonies should mirror the values of parents, family and friends. Details about the family in the opening of a naming ceremony can greatly enhance the occasion.
Please contact me to discuss your special plans or requirements.
Funerals
I have conducted several funerals, and worked closely with the family to provide the best possible 'Farewell' that 'Celebrates the life' of the departed. This is a very sad and personal time for the bereaved, and as such requires patience, understanding and attentiveness.
To make the planning of the funeral somewhat easier for yourself and your family, there are two main people whose sole job is to make this traumatic time as bearable as possible. The first person is the Funeral Director who not only helps in selecting the casket and flowers, but is also responsible for arranging either the burial or cremation. Finally, the Funeral Director is responsible for preparing the Death Certificate and notifying Government agencies such as Centrelink on the passing of your beloved.
The other and equally important person to help you is the Celebrant. My task is create a service that captures and reflects upon the life of your dearly departed. Although many think that a funeral has to be held as soon as possible, this is not true. You need time to collect your thoughts and ensure that nothing is rushed.
I will help you create a service that is both unique and memorable. I can also assist with the writing of the eulogy and if required, read it for you. At times family members very close to the departed are able to write the eulogy but cannot read it during the funeral ceremony.
Committals
Many families also prefer to have a graveside committal in addition to the funeral service. I am available to conduct these if requested.
Comments
Emily and Warren
"Warren and I can't thank you enough for the care you took in preparing our
wedding ceremony.
It was the perfect mix of laughter and fun for everyone involved and made
that the day that much more memorable!!
Thank you so much xx"
Vanessa and Tom
"A day that was fun and full of laughter! Thank you to Matt for your relaxed and professional approach and for a ceremony that left everyone smiling - despite the heat! "
Kylie and Steve
"We would like to say a big thank you to Matt for being such a wonderful celebrant. From our first phone call, Matt took care of everything, making our ceremony completely stress free! Matt is very professional but is also able to add in his funny sense of humour, which we, and all our guests really enjoyed. Thanks Matt!"
Kell and Peter
"Thank you Matt for making our ceremony as relaxed, fun and romantic as we had hoped for. You were a hit with our guests and had everyone laughing. Your video footage wasn't too shabby either! We were so pleased to find someone who was as enthusiastic as we were about doing a decidedly un-traditional, laid back wedding."
Jenna and Andrew
"We have just come back from our fantastic honeymoon. Thank you so much for making our ceremony so personal and special. We are really happy that we chose you to be our celebrant!
Some of our guests have commented on how wonderful, fun and cheerful the ceremony was and how great they thought you were in delivering it. Thank you so much for everything.
Thank you again,
Jenna "
Josh and Erin
"I just wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude for the service you provided us with. The amount of times I've heard best wedding ever over the last month or so are countless and your contribution to that is recalled often.
In choosing a celebrant it is hard to know if this new person will 'get you' and what you are aiming for, I know that we are unconventional but you really made us and our guests feel at home with your light hearted approach.
It was just what we were looking for and we could not have been happier with you.
On another note we are moving up to Wodonga soon so if you've ever got time for a coffee we'd love to catch up."
Elisa and Andrew
"Thank you very much for making the ceremony so fun and personal. The fact that you allowed and encouraged us to put our own touches on it made it unforgettable. It was absolutely perfect for us and our guests."
"We received a lot of positive comments from our guests who throughly enjoyed the part you played in our special day."
Candy and Will
"Matt, thanks for making our day very special. Many of our guests commented on your style & sincerity. Thank you again so much for a great day"
Katrina and Daine
" We would also like to thank you once again for helping us in making our ceremony so perfect- it really was a magical day. Daine and I felt so relaxed and we loved the atmosphere that was created during our nuptials. "You may now PASH your bride" was a hit with everyone, and I have even had girlfriends asking for your details. So thank you!!!"
Sharon & Keith
"You were amazing. Thank you so much for making our day very special. We had the perfect day."
Lisa & Glenn - Wedding
"Thanks Matt for a great wedding ceremony, that was very special and also had some humour"
Copyright © 2016 Matt Burke Celebrancy
