Meet Gwen - Your Wanaka Celebrant
I am a vibrant young(ish) celebrant with energy to share. I have a passion for seeing others happy and believe there could be no better use of this passion than helping to create a beautiful ceremony for two people in love.
Why Wanaka is Home
I have lived in Wānaka for over 21 years and absolutely love it here. Originally drawn to Wānaka for the winter sports, I soon realised how equally amazing summer is and never left.
Skiing and snowboarding, lake swimming, biking and running are all part of what Wānaka is about for me. I feel incredibly lucky to call this beautiful place home.
Professional, Trained and Passionate About What I Do
I am a fully qualified and trained celebrant, having studied with The Celebrant School of New Zealand.
Many people are surprised to learn that formal training is not mandatory for celebrants. I feel that training is foundational to any profession, along with ongoing learning and personal development.
My ceremony knowledge and skills have been externally assessed and validated by trained professional assessors, and I bring that professionalism, preparation and care to every ceremony I create.
I am also a member of the Celebrants Association of New Zealand. This means I have made a commitment to maintaining professional standards, continuing my education and working within a strong code of ethics. I take that commitment seriously and always strive to deliver an excellent service to my couples and families.
Three Small Changes
Eleven years ago, my life took a small change. In fact, three small changes, in the form of my triplets, Aria, Alfie and Billie!
It was a bit of a shock finding out there were three, and it was clearly a life-changing experience. They have many doting surrogate aunties and grandparents in Wānaka who are more than happy to babysit while I conduct wedding ceremonies.
And weddings are my favourite excuse to not be “Mummy, Mummy, Mummy” for a while!
A Little More About Me
I graduated from Glasgow University in 2004 with an Honours Degree in Physiology and Sports Science. This led me to work as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor here in Wānaka.
I think these skills overlap surprisingly well with my role as a celebrant. I am comfortable meeting new people, making people feel at ease and helping them through situations that can sometimes feel a little unfamiliar or nerve-wracking.
A wedding ceremony is a very special moment, but standing up in front of everyone you know and love can feel a little daunting. My job is to help you relax, enjoy the moment and feel completely comfortable being yourselves.
And if you happen to have a wedding dress you need to fit into, feel free to hit me up for a gym programme as well!
Why I Love Wānaka Weddings
Lake Wānaka is a breathtaking and romantic setting for a wedding and the perfect place to start your married life.
I am also happy to travel to Queenstown and the surrounding areas, so you do not have to be getting married in Wānaka for me to be part of your day.
Wherever you choose to celebrate, I would love to hear about your plans, your ideas and your wedding dreams.
Please get in touch and we can arrange a time to meet.