Interview with Michelle Paterson CMC

By admin at January 25, 2012 | 6:47 am | Print

Company Name: Michelle Paterson
Company Address: Fig Tree Pocket, Brisbane.
Phone Number: 0417 764 366 OR 07 3122 6642
Website: marryus.com.au

1) Can you tell us a little about your wedding celebrant services?

I am an experienced, full-time professional Celebrant and I really love my job! I remember reading somewhere that to be really happy and successful in life you should find your passion and make it your obsession – and you’ll never “work” a day in your life. I found my passion when I became a civil marriage celebrant.

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

The idea came to me when my daughter and I were looking for a celebrant for her wedding. I had been thinking about returning to work once our son had started school and wrote down what I was looking for – to meet new people; use my creative skills; have a home office and most importantly, do something that makes me happy J

2) From your experience, what type of couples search for your services? Who is your ideal/typical client?

Every couple is different and I seem to attract such lovely people! By the time the wedding day arrives, I have a real connection with that couple. Usually I have met the wedding party at the rehearsal and we are all comfortable with each other and our particular roles.

3) How many weddings have you done? How many do you do a year?

When I first began my career as a marriage celebrant, I hit the ground running. Participated in wedding expos, designed and got the website www.marryus.com.au up and running. Spent countless hours writing sample ceremonies, designing business cards and stationery, sourcing the best PA system, marriage stationery and outfits. Since then I have averaged around 30 weddings a year, which keeps me very busy most weekends.

4) What do you do best and enjoy most about being a wedding celebrant?

I meet so many terrific people from all walks of life. They place their trust in me to write a ceremony that is uniquely for, and about them. Just after Christmas I married a couple from South Africa who had come to Australia to start a new life together. We had communicated via email, Skype and phone and didn’t actually meet in person until the day before the ceremony. They were married at the bride’s parents home with family and a few friends present. It was a simple, intimate ceremony and the family treated me as an honoured guest. The bride’s mother hugged me afterwards and said, “we’ll be seeing you again – I have another daughter”!

5) Why do couples choose you over other celebrants? What do you think makes you stand out? In other words, what do couples get with you that they might not get with others?

The testimonials I’ve received from my couples indicate they felt very safe in my care. They comment on my professional attitude, calmness and warmth. As a special part of my service, I include two unique and helpful elements to new couples to make “all things wedding” as simple as possible. I also offer elopement ceremonies, mid-week and morning ceremonies at a reduced fee. When a PA is required I hire a roadie, usually my darling husband, my son or daughter, to come along and take care of the technical side of things so I can focus completely on the ceremony.

6) Can you describe a normal wedding day in your life as a wedding celebrant?

The morning of the wedding I recheck the paperwork, go through the ceremony a couple more times, pack my briefcase, make sure the PA is charged and then focus on my hair, makeup and what I’m going to wear J I always allow plenty of time to travel to the ceremony so I’m there at least 30 minutes beforehand to set up and check microphones and have some background music playing as the guests arrive. I find the groom and make sure he’s all set and that the best man has the rings.

7) Can you share your top tips to find the ideal wedding celebrant?

Call the celebrants on your list. A few minutes on the phone can quickly help you decide whether you’d like to meet in person and also if that voice is one you’ll be happy to hear conducting your ceremony. Don’t make price your main criteria. If you enjoyed speaking with a celebrant, take some time to have an obligation free meeting before making a decision. If you meet with a prospective celebrant does he/she listen well and take notes?

What do couples need to look for? Someone you would be proud to have at the helm on one of the most important days of your life. A professional, approachable and well groomed person with whom you feel comfortable and who smiles a lot. If they have a website, read through testimonials.

8.) What’s your top 3 questions couples should ask prior to choose their celebrant?

o Are you available on my wedding date at this venue?

o Does your fee include a professional PA system, a rehearsal and travel?

o How much input can we have in writing the ceremony?

9) Trivial question… favourite wedding location?

I’m sorry but I can’t narrow it down to just one – I have several favourites. The Cedar Creek Winery at Mt Tamborine has an exquisite chapel! The Laguna at Sirromet Winery, The Broadway Chapel in Woolloongabba then there’s the beautiful Glengariff Historic Estate in the Dayboro Valley.

10) Please share one last message to our site visitors. Make them an invitation to visit your company/website, and please indicate 3 AMAZING (yep REALLY AMAZING) reasons to choose you for their wedding day.

You know, we are all conditioned to be self-effacing and humble and it does feel strange to blow my own trumpet. But – I am a really excellent celebrant, because I love what I do and I do what I love. If you want a fabulous wedding ceremony that you will enjoy and remember always, call me on 0417 764 366 or email michelle@marryus.com.au

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