Hello, I’m Jess

Storyteller, people-person, creative, lover of love - and your celebrant!

I live in beautiful Wānaka with my husband Pete, our two boys and our much-loved dog. I've been married for almost 20 years, so I know that marriage is about far more than one incredible day - although I happen to think that day should be very special too.

For most of my working life, I've worked closely with people. As a life, mindset and health coach, I've spent years listening to people's stories, asking the questions that get beneath the surface, building trust and being alongside people through some of the biggest chapters of their lives.

And somewhere along the way, I realised those are exactly the things I love most.

People. Their stories. Connection. The stuff that actually matters.

So, why celebrancy?

A couple of years ago, life threw me a fairly spectacular curveball.

Going through cancer changed the way I looked at a lot of things. It made me incredibly aware of how precious this whole crazy life is - and how much I want to spend mine doing things that bring me joy and being part of moments filled with love.

I remember thinking very clearly:

I want to work in the field of love.

And becoming a celebrant felt like the most natural next chapter.

I love hearing how two people found each other. I love the tiny details and ridiculous stories that make a relationship completely unique. I love families, friendships, belly laughs, happy tears and those moments when you look around a room and realise just how many people have shown up because they love you.

That's the magic I'm interested in.

Your wedding shouldn't sound like anybody else's.

I'm not here to turn up with a generic ceremony, insert your names and call it done.

I want to know you.

How did you meet? Who made the first move? What do you love about each other? What drives you completely mad? What have you been through together? What makes your relationship yours?

Then I'll take all of that and create a ceremony that actually sounds and feels like you.

It might be romantic. It might be hilarious. It might make everyone cry and then laugh thirty seconds later.

Probably all three.

My style is warm, relaxed and genuine. I'll take care of the serious stuff, guide you through the process and make sure all the legal boxes are ticked - but when we're standing together on the day, I want you to be able to forget about everything else and simply be there.

Getting married to your person.