Ceremonies with Sharon: 10 Questions with Sharon Bridges

Marriage Celebrants - Sharon Bridges

Business: Ceremonies with Sharon
Location: Wollongong, New South Wales
Experience: 9 Years
Profile: Ceremonies with Sharon
Website: www.ceremonieswithsharon.com.au

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hi, I'm Sharon Bridges, I have been a Celebrant for over 8 years and it is the best job I have ever had. I have always wanted to be a celebrant and when everything fell into place, I made the move and I haven't looked back!

I love meeting lots of wonderful and interesting couples and telling their story the way they would like it to be told. We are there to celebrate and be in the moment that is why I like to include your guests in the ceremony and make the whole process stress-free and joyful as possible.

2. What's your experience as a marriage celebrant? How many weddings have you done?

I have been a celebrant for almost nine years and I am about to mark off my 250th wedding, which I am both super proud and honored to have achieved.

3. How far in advance do couples need to secure your services?

18 months is a good time as that is the earliest we can sign legal paperwork.

4. How would you describe your ceremony style?

Relaxed, and fun, with some traditional elements. Not boring or stuffy. I want your guests to feel that they have witnessed a ceremony with meaning for you as a couple.

5. What are your fees for a wedding?

I have 3 packages that I offer

Your Big Day - from $1250 - It’s your day and I want to make it all about you! I create a fully customised ceremony for you that tells your love story, that has your guests laughing and crying (sometimes at the same time) and everyone will have all the feels. In the end, you will be married, and everyone will be on such a high they will continue to celebrate with you long into the night.

Elopement - from $950 - A short and sweet elopement ceremony including a personalised ceremony, legal wording, vows, and ring exchange at a location of your choice and up to 30 of your favourite people there with you.

Just the Legal Stuff - from $750 - A short ceremony with just the legal words only. Can include personal vows and ring exchange (if you want). All you need is yourselves and 2 witnesses.

6. What do you wear when you officiate a wedding?

I always ask if there is a theme, colour etc for the wedding and dress accordingly. I like blend in as much as I can. I have a wardrobe full of outfits that I am constantly updating.

7. How many pre-wedding sessions will the couple need to have with you?

We are all busy and I know planning a wedding takes up a lot of time. Generally, we only need 2 and most of the time these can be done over Zoom. I am more than happy to meet couples in person or set up zoom calls to help with any questions along the way.

8. Will you be able to create a personalised ceremony?

That is exactly what I do. I create a personalised ceremony that is just for you. I have some questionnaires that I ask my couples to complete and I write you ceremony from that information. It can as detailed as you would like. I love including rituals within a ceremony, especially when they have meaning to the couple.

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

I love to travel for a wedding. I travel a lot through the Southern Highlands and South Coast of NSW. But you want me to jump on a plane I can do that too.

10. What is your cancellation and/or refund policy?

CANCELLATION

If the Couple chooses to cancel the Contract they will need to provide written notice to the Celebrant and will forfeit their deposit.

If the Couple chooses to cancel the Contract, for any reason whatsoever, less than two (2) months before the ceremony date, the Couple will be liable to pay the total price to the Celebrant.

If the Couple cancels the Contract, for any reason whatsoever, more than two (2) months before the ceremony date, the Couple will be liable to pay the Celebrant an amount equal to 50% of the total price.

The Celebrant may cancel the Contract at any time by giving written notice to the Couple. If the Celebrant cancels the Contract for reasons other than those stated in previous clauses 4.3, 5.3, 6.2, and 7.2(b), then all monies paid will be refunded to the Couple. The Celebrant will not be liable for any loss or damage, including any consequential loss or damage, arising from such cancellation.