First Times

New experiences become important memories. I recently entered the Laguna Art show, for the first time. It was exciting to see my paintings on the wall with all the other wonderful  contributions made to the Laguna PS fundraiser. 

Even more exciting, when one of my paintings - Lunar Views - was sold!

It got me thinking about the first time we do anything. I have many memories of first time experiences. Some are sad. Some taught me valuable lessons. Some first time experiences we plan with great care, and some occur out of the blue.

I remember my first day at school, though I don't recall much more of the following year at that school. I recall my first kiss. It was an innocent kiss planted on my forehead at a Sunday School picnic. Catch and Kiss was the name of the game. I very much doubt that the game would be offered up as an activity for children these days. It was certainly unexpected by my 12 year old self.  But the memory of it takes me back to how I felt. Nervous that a boy might catch me. Worried that no boys would chase me! There was the heart-pounding fear when I was caught and the relief when the boy opted to kiss me on the forehead. The feelings of those moments return when we think about a first time experience. 

There's our first dates, our first time in hospital, and first time away from home. Another big first for me is the first couple I married. They gifted me a mug, decorated with words: 'Glad we are your first, love Ruth and Tony'. It makes me feel valued when I look at that mug on the shelf. It brings back the special feeling of achieving my first ceremony.

Each of us has a list of first times. These moments, like beads on a necklace, shape the whole of our unique story. 

In my role as a Celebrant I work with couples who are planning their Marriage ceremony. Whether or not either of the couple has been married before, their ceremony is a first time,  it's a ceremony that tells their unique story. 

This is my favourite part of being a celebrant.  Listening to people speak of their plans for the future, and learning about their individual life's journeys and the shared moments that brought them together.  Their first meeting, their first child, or meeting the other's parents or friends for the first time. From all their stories, a ceremony that tells their unique love story is created.

I've been a celebrant for two years now. I was nervous, the first time I submitted Marriage Certificates and other documentation into the Births Deaths and Marriages online portal.  I'm used to the system now, although I still double check my entries. 

Ceremonies, on the other hand, I always feel the delight of a ceremony. Each ceremony is a new experience because it's unique to the couple. Each story is told to fresh ears. Each moment in the ceremony is special and new.

I had many professional 'first' time experiences before I came to celebrancy. I see all of  them as lessons that stand me in good stead as a Celebrant. 

I've performed juggling spots in circus and nightclubs, for huge audiences in pavilions, and television.  Each new venue, location or studio had it's challenges. I became confident in my ability to adapt when things didn't go to plan. 

If you're reading this, and planning to marry, I'd love to hear from you. I want to help you create your ceremony, just the way you'd like it to be. Whether it's a legals only, an intimate elopement, or a wedding where all your friends and family come together, I'd like to help you create the ceremony of your dreams. 

There are many first time experiences that come with a ceremony, and I want to make sure, that whatever style of wedding you have in mind, your first kiss and your first introduction as a married couple, your promises to each other with vows, will be among your finest memories. 

And ... I promise not to juggle unless asked to.