JACKIE
Southland. Central Otago. Dunedin. Wellington. Auckland. All the places around this beautiful country I have called home. As a professionally trained actor and natural performer, I'm incredibly comfortable in front of a crowd and I pride myself on bringing a bit of charisma and fun into everything I do.
As well as being a celebrant, I wrangle actors as a talent agent, so I guess you could say I'm the Crocodile Dundee of the New Zealand acting world, except I loathe khaki and much prefer a sparkly gown, a bit of red lipstick or a pair of Jackie O sunglasses.
What's one piece of advice you'd give every couple ahead their wedding day?
Remember by the time your actual wedding day comes, you've done everything you need, so let everyone else take the stress out of your day. We (as celebrants), along with other vendors will always work with you to make sure your day is everything you want!
Enjoy every moment, as the day goes so fast! Take time to remember the moments, the feelings, and the love that surrounded you on your big day, and hold onto that.
I always like to remind each couple to put aside 5 or 10 minutes in your day that is JUST for the two of you. Whether it's finding a quiet spot after the ceremony, or later in the day before heading back from photos.
What song gets you on the dance floor at weddings?
Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show…You can take the girl out of Southland, but you can't take Southland out of a girl.
What are your favourite things about being a celebrant?
I love everything about being a celebrant. I love meeting new people. Hearing your stories. And especially love learning about YOUR love story. After all, everyone has their own love stories, some are some short, and some long. Some are unwritten, whilst others are just getting to the good part. There are chapters in all of our stories that are sad or disappointing, and others that are exciting and full of adventure. I love catering a ceremony that has your name and vibe written all over it.
Niki
From crime scenes to building sites to wedding bells... Not a one-trick pony is our Dr Niki!
My day job as a forensic research scientist recently saw me spend 18 months in California, learning how the American CSIs do their thang! But something was calling me home, and after having the time of my life on The Block NZ Season 5, I knew I had to return to pursue a long-time passion for all things film and theatre.
What's your favourite thing about weddings?
There are few occasions in life where you get to bring all your friends and families together to celebrate love and friendship. A wedding is so much more than "just one day," it's a reflection of that couple and the life and love that they've chosen, and it's a chance to make memories and stories to last a lifetime (can you tell I'm a bit of a romantic at heart?)
What's one piece of advice you'd give every couple ahead their wedding day?
Choose each other today and every day (and only fight naked).
What song gets you on the dance floor at weddings?
I never need an excuse to get on the dance floor, but Sia - 'Chandelier' is my spirit-animal song! The music moves through my bones and I can't help but MOVE. I'm also a not-so-secret fan of Britney and Beyoncé. I am sensing a pattern of strong, independent females... #alittlebitofme
ROSIE
Monday to Friday I am publicist where I create and facilitate media coverage for both TV and radio shows...But I am also much more than just my day job – I’m a mother-of-one, (proud) aunty, a best friend, Southlander, farmer’s daughter, sister, traveller, book worm, ASOS addict, amateur photographer, arts and crafts enthusiast, nature and animal lover, and at times the life and soul of the party!
Why did you want to be a marriage celebrant?
I have over 80 dresses that need more outings and I love an open bar. No, but seriously, I love LOVE, I am a hopeless romantic and I couldn't think of a single event / occasion / activity I enjoyed more than going to a wedding... So I thought, 'how can I get myself invited to more of these fun parties???'... and here we are.
What advice would you give to a couple before their big day?
Don’t overthink the tiny details. I’ve had the honour of being a guest / bridesmaid / celebrant at heaps of weddings and the things I remember are not the table settings, the flowers, or whether I picked fish or beef for the entrée. I remember if I ate well, drank plenty, had vibrant conversations and got to dance to great music! Oh, and wear comfortable shoes …and undies (this applies to EVERYONE).
What song do you request from the DJ at weddings?
For some reason, quite late into the evening, I always decide that everyone needs to hear You're The Voice by John Farnham. It's got a chorus that really inspires people to wave their arms around wildly and sing loudly together. My favourite.