If you’re looking to change your last name after your wedding, but don’t know where to start, you’re not alone.

In my experience as a marriage celebrant, up to 90% of newly married brides (and a few pioneering grooms and spouses) choose to change their last or family name after marriage and are super confused about how to go about it.

The good news is that I can help save you a lot of time and even some money, too.

Alex and Tom's wedding was a stunning black-tie event that perfectly captured their fun-loving spirits. The couple chose to write their own vows, adding a personal touch to the ceremony that had everyone in stitches and reaching for the tissues as well. Their main goal? To feel happy and in the moment, with lots of laughs and happy tears.

Their ceremony was a testament to their enduring love story, light-hearted and filled with joy, exactly as they envisioned.

Alana and Peter's wedding plans (like so many engaged couples worldwide) were thrown into disarray in 2020.

Between the NSW border closures due to COVID-19 and their original venue in Byron Bay burning down (true story!) Peter and Alana tried for a 3rd and final time to have a super low-key, no stress day just for them and their immediate family.

Something simple, but beautiful, elegant, but without any pretence.

Sam and Emily make time to see their families, to share special moments together, and they love talk on the phone often. They wanted to bring this warmth and appreciation, that had always been shown towards them, into their wedding ceremony too.

With COVID border closures, the tyranny of distance and for those who'd passed away, some of their family were not able to be with us in person, so we incorporated them and their interests as much as we could through readings, a memorial and with a big smoochy kiss right down Alex's lens. 😅

Fun, funny and oh so memorable; I think that these photos from Be Frankie Photography say it all..

And although Lucas and Claire's family and friends were supportive and got into the spirit of things when the big reveal was made, there was a lot of groundwork that went on behind the scenes to make it all look easy and effortless on the day.

Here are a few key points that you need to address and/or consider to ensure that your surprise wedding is just as successful and doesn't fall flat.

“As a completely clueless bride-to-be, I’m excited to be getting married but don’t get all the hype/drama/must haves etc. that many brides can find themselves caught up in. “

When I get enquiries like Kate’s I get a little giddy: a couple who knows what really matters, these are my people!

Paul and Rayleen, who first met when Paul was in town from Melbourne for business, were initially drawn to one another by their quirky sense of humour and shared taste in music and dumplings. It stood to reason that their wedding day should include a decent helping of laughs, music, good food and fun..

Tysen and Kelly's ceremony is a great example of what can be achieved when there is trust and consistent and open communication. Right from our first meeting around 13 months before the big day, they knew what they wanted and better still, told me all about it.

The vision was a warm and intimate, pared-back, but still elegant celebration inclusive of their best friends and family. Kelly's skills as a graphic designer were going to be at the core of the fresh and romantic aesthetic. 

The weather was near perfect, the scene set with modern decor and lush floral arrangements and Maddie and Matt's nearest and dearest had travelled from far and wide and were in a party mood. When you plan your wedding, this is the dream. 

I felt so privileged to create and conduct Mr & Mrs Wigg's marriage ceremony and felt that their gracious and inclusive nature shone through in the many thanks, tributes and acknowledgements to their family, friends and bridal party. There were smiles and a fair few chuckles too, like when Matt promised to cheer on the Swans when they aren't playing the Crows 'to infinity and beyond'. 

But when Maddie's good friend, Jess came forward to read a traditional Irish Wedding Blessing, a favourite of Maddie's late Nana Joan, most guests were a little misty-eyed.

Matt and Maddie's incredible supplier list included some of my absolute favourite Adelaide wedding professionals including the incredible floral artistry of Sam Burnell from Fabulous Functions and Luke Simon Photography, who kindly supplied these divine photos.

Chris and Kylie like to do things their way.

But whether it's riding their bikes, having fun with their kids, Judd and Kobe, or simply laughing at each other's expense; they live life to the full.

I don't think I have ever laughed as hard or as often in a ceremony as I did during theirs.

Kylie conceded that their house IS similar to a prison camp when she forgets to buy chicken chips and Chris promised not to hold Kylie's obsession with Johnny Farnham against her. Aaaw, how sweet!