OVERVIEW
Voted one of the top Queensland Wedding Celebrants by her brides and grooms in 2020, 2019, 2018 and 2017 with scores of 99% & 98% receiving finalist awards by the Australian Bridal Industry Academy - ABIA. A warm hello and thank you for visiting my page. I received my registration as a Marriage Celebrant in 2008. Over the ensuring years I have had the absolute joy and honour of sharing happiness, love and celebration with so many beautiful brides and grooms bringing with it warmth, caring, kindness and friendship - a richness beyond measure. How do I assist couples in designing the ceremony of their dreams! I offer ideas, inspiration and guidance to alleviate any anxiety and stress as I help couples create the perfect Wedding Ceremony that totally reflects their beliefs and values and one they will both cherish and remember with happiness in the years to come. Whether the wedding is to be simple or elegant, relaxed by the beach, or in a formal setting, each has its own individual charm. My ceremonies are personally designed to suit requirements. Couples may be planning on having a Christian Wedding Ceremony. I am able to assist with this type of ceremony also. Because of the significance of the occasion my ceremonies are conducted with a certain formality and dignity, yet with warmth, sincerity and friendliness. I invite you to read through my website for further information. My website also outlines information regarding other ceremonies I present. I can be contacted via my website or on 0418986062
About
A warm hello and thank you for visiting my page. Why did I become a Marriage Celebrant you might be asking! It was through my role as a Hospital Chaplain and Funeral Celebrant that lead to my being invited to officiate at my first wedding in 2008. What an absolute joy and honour sharing happiness, love and celebration with so many beautiful brides and grooms bringing with it warmth, caring, kindness and friendship - a richness beyond measure.
Mrs Sandra Hill
Business Owner
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FAQ
If you're in a church and are facing the altar, it is usual for the bride to stand on the left side and the groom on the right. Guests should follow suit, sitting on the side of whoever they know best or are related to. Mutual friends can sit on the side that has fewer people. If your wedding is not held in a church you can choose to stand on either side. If the bride chooses the traditional left hand side facing the front some brides prefer their family to sit on the right hand side so that they have full view of the bride and the groom's family on the left so they also have full view of the groom.
The rules have been rewritten with modern veil styles. If you have a traditional veil style that is draped over your face, there are two options. Your father can lift your veil when he gives you away, 'revealing' you to the groom. The other option is for the groom to lift your veil just before the kiss.
You can have someone hold it for you or you can wear your engagement ring on your right hand. If you want to wear it for your reception you can put it on after the ceremony.
Your first kiss as a married couple doesn't have to be a peck. Do what comes naturally, as long as it doesn't involve visible tongue and last more than a few seconds.
There are two optimal times to take off your veil. While it is perfectly okay to wear your veil for the entire reception the first option is after the ceremony (ask your hairstylist to show your bridesmaid how to do this without messing up your hairstyle). The second option is after the first dance while your guests are eating. Once you have taken your veil off you can take it to your bridal suite or have it 'decorate' your chair.
If you don't want to greet your guests in an assembly line at the reception you can do so during the reception by going from table to table during the first course. Of course it is necessary for you to have time to eat and enjoy the first course yourself. You can make a short speech thanking guests for coming also thanking parents and vendors or anyone else who has helped with wedding expenses. This moment shouldn't take the place of personal interaction with guests, it can be a great opportnity to let them know how much their support means to you.
It is appropriate for the groom to mingle with guests prior to the bride arriving. Usually the celebrant receives a message from a member of the bridal party, guest or events co-ordinator informing her of the arrival of the bride and her attendants. The celebrant then asks the groom and his attendants to take their places before the bride arrives and also informs the guests of the impending arrival of the bride.
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Expert Advice
As a wedding professional, Sandra Hill offers expert advice to help couples plan their perfect day. Ask a question or read their expert advice.
Get Expert AdviceAny advice on changing your religion to get married?
We want a celebrant to perform our wedding, as we both have different religions- but i was wondering on your thoughts around changing your religion for marriage? My partner wants me to but I am not sure about it. Any advice?
How long would I require a celebrant for?
Generally, when couples book a celebrant how long do they book them for?
Sandra Hill
Greetings Lucy - Thank you for your question. Firstly a Notice of Intended Marriage form (when applying to the celebrant to be married) cannot be signed before 18 months prior to your wedding day and the latest one month before. A celebrant can be invited to be your celebrant for your special day before the Notice of Intended Marriage form is signed and a deposit paid in order for the celebrant to reserve your date. I arrive one hour prior to your ceremony. The ceremony usually takes around 1/2 hour. After I have congratulated you both I then gather my belongings, dismantle my sound system and respectfully say good-bye to you and your guests as I wish you all a continuing joyous celebration. The approximate time from my arrival to my departure would be around 2 hours. I send my warmest wishes to you both at this exciting time of planning your joyous day - Sandra Hill
Is it ok to use the same Celebrant that our friends used?
What are your thoughts on using the same celebrant that a friend used? Have you experienced this before?
Sandra Hill
Hi Kate - From experience I have noted that many celebrants are chosen by guests who have attended a wedding the celebrant has presented. If you were feeling a little hesitant about using the same celebrant who officiated at your friend's wedding perhaps you could ask your friend her thoughts about you asking the same celebrant to officiate at your wedding. Seeing a celebrant present a wedding is always beneficial as you see first hand the professional presentation of the celebrant and it sounds as though you were impressed by the celebrant's role at the wedding you attended. My very best wishes for the exciting time ahead - Sandra Hill
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Sandra Hill
Sandra Hill
Greetings
Thank you for your enquiry regarding advice about changing your religion in order to get married. It is a personal choice between the couple in the first instance and is something that must be discussed openly together and a resolution arrived at prior to being married. You will have many differences during your married life so this discussion together and reaching a compromise will be a strong foundation for the years ahead when your views differ. I present Christian ceremonies as well as civil ceremonies and when a couple come from different religious backgrounds we work together to design a ceremony that incorporates both traditions in consultation with the couple enabling them to both agree with what is chosen.
If the couple was intending to marry in a church then the minister/priest/pastor would need to be consulted.
Warmest wishes for your special day and abundant blessings for the future.