Wow, it's official! I am so excited to have successfully become a registered civil marriage celebrant and finally be able to share this project with the world; it has been months in the making!
How did I get here you ask? Here's a little of my story...
Due to COVID-19, I found myself with a sudden increase of free time after the events industry came to a halt and my full-time job as Events Marketing Executive was put on hold. I had grand plans for 2020 and my 2x2 metre whiteboard planner was chocka-block full (colour coded and all, of course).
I was supposed to be travelling around Australia and New Zealand to 10 work events, attending 3 weddings (one as a bridesmaid and one in Tuscany) and I had an 8 week Europe trip planned with my partner Ben, including spending my 25th birthday in Iceland! It was going to be our year of adventure, love, and travel.
But, COVID-19 had other plans for me... and for all of us!
Instead, 2020 has become my year of reflection, slowing down and recharging, professional development, and personal discovery. My greatest lesson this year has been learning how to let go of needing to be in control.
I'm going to be real with you - I am the kind of person who loves to be busy and I thrive when on the go, so suddenly finding myself with no reason to get out of bed each day was a serious struggle! All up, I've spent 6 months being temporarily stood down and it's been a whirlwind of emotions, from enjoying the freedom of "early retirement", to struggling with feelings of overwhelm and hopelessness, to finding joy in slowing down and reconnecting with my health and goals.
In the first month, I said to myself, "What can I spend this time doing that's meaningful and productive?"
I'm going to become a marriage celebrant.
I can't believe I never contemplated becoming a marriage celebrant before now, because as soon as the thought popped into my head... I was hooked! The entire process has felt so natural; being a celebrant is so perfectly aligned with who I am, my skill set, and my goals.
I LOVE love. I binge romance movies, I'm a sucker for a love story, and I am ALWAYS the first to ask, "So how did you meet?"
I did an elective psychology subject during my Communications degree called 'Love, Sex and Relationships' and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! The subject focused on the chemicals that make us fall in love, the life cycle of relationships, strategies for healthy love, and I loved every single second of it... so much so, I even topped the class!
I recall saying to my family after that subject, I want a career in love. But I just didn't know exactly what doing.
Although I'm surprised my desire to be a marriage celebrant didn't come to me sooner, I also think it came to me at the perfect time. I am so ready for this chapter! Having the Celebrancy Course to focus on during this weird old year of 2020 meant a fire of motivation, purpose, and inspiration was ignited within me, even during a worldwide pandemic.
I completed a 12-month Certificate IV in Celebrancy course in 3 months, spending hours studying, researching, creating, and learning. I then dedicated myself to creating 'Naomi Lea Celebrant' and as I waited in suspense for my application to the Attorney General's Department to be approved, officially registering me as a Commonwealth-registered civil marriage celebrant.
The Hollywood portrayal of going online and becoming a celebrant in a few quick clicks is a complete myth! I never realised the depth involved in becoming a celebrant, from learning The Marriage Act back to front, to performing mock ceremonies, crafting ceremony scripts, answering scenarios, and building a small business - the last 6 months has been so fun and inspiring from start to finish!
As a Civil Marriage Celebrant, I can conduct marriage ceremonies, funerals, memorial services, vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, baby naming's and more!
Being a Civil Marriage Celebrant (opposed to a religious celebrant) also means I can craft a ceremony exactly to my client's dreams and desires; there are endless possibilities when planning a civil wedding ceremony or life celebration.
So, if you or someone you know is getting married soon, get in touch and take a chance on me - i promise it will be worth it!
With love,
Naomi Lea x
Comments