We were in the middle of lockdown and I was travelling between courts throughout greater Sydney, mask on face and hand sanitiser in bag. The courts that were once full of people, were empty and quiet. The clients I used to meet and shake hands with, appeared on screens from afar. No longer did I meet with colleagues over coffee or walk with clients to court.

During this time of isolation, I realised what I loved most about my job. I loved the connection I had with so many interesting people. I loved people trusting me with important things and the pride and great sense of duty I felt to give them everything I could and more. I loved the “thank you for everything” and knowing, in my own small way, I had given them something they would never forget.

“You know where else I could find this?” I asked my boyfriend (now fiancé). “I could be a marriage celebrant!”. I was brilliant at writing court submissions for worried clients facing stressful situations … how incredible would it be to write ceremonies for joy-filled couples excited for one of the best days of their lives?

And the more people I told about this idea, the more I felt I should bite the bullet and do it. My friends and family all agreed I’d make an amazing celebrant (in fact, one friend who had recently married wished I had thought up the idea sooner so I could have been their celebrant).

I had my first wedding booked in months before I completed my course. After performing my first ceremony, the best man said “I’ve been to lot of marriage ceremonies, and this was the best I’ve been to by far”. I knew I had made the right decision.

So here I am 18 months later, a celebrant qualification under my belt and excitement for all the couples I’m yet to meet.

I hope we get to meet and that I get to be a part of your special day.