Genene Deakin Celebrant & MC: 10 Questions with Genene Deakin

Marriage Celebrants - Genene Deakin

Business: Genene Deakin Celebrant & MC
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Experience: 6 Years
Profile: Genene Deakin Celebrant & MC
Website: brisbanemarriagecelebrant.com.au

1. Introduction: What's your story?

Hello there, I’m Genene; I’m so glad you found me. If you value your I-dos, we may just be a perfect match. I’m keen to learn about your story and wedding plans, but in the meantime, let me share a little about myself.

Through my love for writing, I am dedicated to creating meaningful and bespoke weddings that will make your hearts sing and delight your guests. My background across various roles and industries all share common threads: creativity, a commitment to helping others, strong organisational skills, and a natural ability to form connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

I enjoyed my childhood in central and far north Queensland; then, as a young adult, I chose Brisbane as my home. With my three gorgeous sons, my husband and the love of my life, a kooky but adorable Schnauzer and a somewhat cantankerous Manx cat, life is wonderful!

My relaxed presence will guide you and your guests through this special (and sometimes overwhelming) occasion naturally and effortlessly. Ten years from your wedding day, you likely won’t remember the name of your musician, your florist, or perhaps mine, but you will remember how you felt. Allow me to create the emotions that envelope you during your ceremony and carry you through your celebrations and into your marriage.

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

As a professional full-time celebrant, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the industry's most gifted wedding professionals (who are also lovely humans) to help create some truly beautiful weddings. When you choose me as your celebrant, my contacts are your contacts. I would love to help you create your dream day, connecting you with like-minded professionals who will bring your wedding vision to life.

Beginning in 2019, I have averaged more than 100 marriage ceremonies each year, remaining dedicated to connecting with my couples and delivering exceptional experiences.

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

You never know your luck, so whether your lead time is long or short, it’s worthwhile checking my availability! When securing my services and your wedding dream team, It’s worth keeping the following in mind:

• Saturday remains the most popular day couples say, ‘I do’, followed closely by Friday and any day over a long weekend.

• April, May, August, September, and October are when the wedding season peaks in South East Queensland, marking my busiest times. Fridays and Saturdays are likely to be booked in advance in these months.

• Wedding packages Monday to Thursday have gained popularity, particularly out on the Scenic Rim. Ask me about my offerings!

• I don’t usually accept bookings more than 18 months in advance – however, I am happy to chat about this with you.

4. How would you describe your ceremony style?

Whether celebrating your marriage with a cast of hundreds, an intimate occasion or a romantic elopement, your wedding ceremony will make your hearts sing and delight your guests! I'll convey your once-in-a-lifetime moment with the perfect balance of sincerity, humour, and flair, evoking an atmosphere of celebration as you enjoy the best day of your lives.

Every wedding is unique, so I collaborate with my couples to ensure that your ceremony captures your essence as a couple, be it light-hearted, romantic, formal, traditional or filled with humour and fun. I understand that some couples will have a clear vision of their ceremony and others will not, so I welcome a level of collaboration that is comfortable for you.

On your wedding day, you can relax knowing I have taken care of everything and that your marriage ceremony will be enjoyable, emotive and memorable for all the right reasons!

5. What are your fees for a wedding?

I offer three ceremonies, Bespoke, Personalised and Intimate, which can be tailored to include any or all of my additional services, be it MC, planner, vendor procurement, on-the-day coordination or a Scenic Rim wedding package. With a little information from you, I will provide an all-inclusive price, detailed quote, and information package.

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

Be yours a formal black-tie affair, a spring garden party or a cocktail soiree; I will embrace your wedding day vision arriving suitably dressed in quality attire, mindful that I complement your dress code, colour scheme and style. Should you have a specific ensemble in mind, I’ll do my best to accommodate your request. A look through my IG page and website love letters page will reveal my wardrobe style.

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

Once you’ve decided we’re a perfect match, we’ll meet two or three more times, depending on your chosen ceremony package and availability. During those appointments, We’ll take care of your legal paperwork, ask you lots of questions about your relationship and the kind of ceremony you envision, and offer as much or as little support as you would like when penning your personal vows. If you have chosen to include additional services such as Mistress of Ceremonies or on-the-day coordinator, we’ll need an additional chat occasionally.

Though it’s always lovely to meet in person, I also offer appointments over a video call and the phone for your convenience. I’m always just an email or message away whenever questions come to mind or you need my guidance throughout our journey together. I’ll be with you every step of the way, calmly guiding you through the process.

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

Each of my ceremonies is unique to the couple who inspired it. Learning about your love story allows me to weave those sentiments throughout your ceremony and learn about you as a couple so that I can ‘tease out’ inclusions that are important to you. Devoted to designing connected and personal weddings, I wish to create an experience you and your guests will cherish and remember.

9. Are you available to travel if needed?

I’ll travel wherever your heart and wedding may take you! I officiate marriages throughout Queensland and Australia, and many venues in SE Queensland don’t attract a travel fee. I’m happy to discuss the details of your wedding plans, and once I have a little information from you, I can then provide a detailed quote and all-inclusive price.

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

In a nutshell, your booking fee is non-refundable, and the balance of your payment is partly or entirely refundable, subject to how far out from your wedding date you cancel and how much work has been undertaken at the time of cancellation.

With that said, I understand that ‘life happens’, so I will always do my best to work with you to find a solution that is considerate of your circumstances and my small business.