Grab a cuppa and settle in and get to know Mackay marriage celebrant Kerrie Long. I first met and worked with Kerrie in late 2022 and after inviting her to chat about herself, I can now understand why Kerrie was a remarkable celebrant. Enjoy as you learn how Kerrie can inspire you in love and make your wedding ceremony one to remember. You may even be compelled to take Kerrie up on a dream ceremony site.
Learn more about Kerrie Long
- What inspired you to become a celebrant?
I am honoured to be a registered marriage celebrant. Initially I looked into becoming a Marriage Celebrant as my nest was becoming empty and I needed to fill it up. I love meeting people and being helpful. I am a natural chatterbox! Love is inspiring. I have a strong belief in family and love. Love isn’t perfect and doesn’t always work but if you can hold each others hands and talk through the tough times, and remember that the first to forgive
- What’s the most memorable ceremony you’ve ever officiated?
Every wedding is beautiful and memorable whether it is an elopement in the park, or over 100 guests. Each wedding is as unique as the individuals who are getting married so how do you compare? Early in my Celebrant career at The Old Station Teahouse where the Bride Emily was so creative with her invitations and the Alice in Wonderland theme. Some of what she made is still there!
- If you could officiate a ceremony anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I don’t need to move far from our backyard. Some of the nicest settings are on family farms. We have some stunning locations here. Places we don’t even use. I love thinking outside the square and hope one day we could have a park overlooking Dumbleton Weir or use the parkland next to Yakapari Gardens and Gifts with the backdrop of The Leap. I am certainly happy to travel having loved the opportunity to do Ceremonies in Maleny, Byron Bay, Cairns and Hamilton Island, Earlando, Cape Gloucester and Airlie Beach. Saying that a Hayman Island wedding would be special!
- What is your favourite part about being a celebrant Kerrie Long?
The pleasure I get meeting people and writing their ceremony. I get to share the biggest day of two peoples lives, to be privy to their dreams. To witness the joy and happiness they have for each other. It is a ‘feel good’ occupation.
- Have you ever had any funny or unexpected moments happen during a ceremony?
Children come to mind. A small toddler ‘squatting’ in front of her parents. Wedding rings forgotten or lost. A groom throwing his bride over his shoulder and running down the aisle – earlier than was planned but it was perfect when I had to say come back. It certainly had everyone laughing.
- What advice would you give to couples or individuals planning their special event?
I’d tell them to be true to who you are never forget that it is your wedding ceremony not mine. Plan, have lists and be organised but flexible because inevitably things change. Be relaxed. Last minute isn’t relaxed.
- How do you customise ceremonies to reflect the personalities of the people involved? .
I send out a questionnaire. I ask for forgiveness as it is hard to structure a question asking you to tell me about your love. It’s personal. Some questions may seem repetitive but asked different ways I get different answers. The more you give me the more personal I can make it. How people answer impacts what I can write. After I receive the questionnaire back I send a sample ceremony out to the couple for their thoughts, opinions and edits. I request that they are to be honest with me when I send through their sample –they are to tell me what they like or don’t like because it is their wedding ceremony not mine.
- Kerrie Long do you have any unique or creative rituals or traditions you incorporate into ceremonies?
Everyone has a signature about themselves not intentional but a unique stamp within how they write, how they present themselves. I don’t intentionally have any traditions as I try to make each ceremony as unique as the individuals. For example if I marry a couple and then a friend or sibling I would look at the previous scripts and not use the same quotes/poems or readings. If you asked me to describe what I think I incorporate into my ceremonies it would be a verb – Meraki -which means; to do something with soul, creativity, or love; to leave a piece of essence of yourself in your work. I think you do that as a photographer too.
- What is the most heart-warming moment you’ve witnessed during a ceremony?
I have two. The first year I became a celebrant a family from school where I worked decided to get married (pressure from the kids) and the Mum kept saying ‘we are only doing this for the kids’ and then when she walked down the aisle the emotion was just so strong. Nether of them expected to feel it to the extent they did and it was simply beautiful. I’’lI never forget when the Groom took her hand and said ‘God you’re beautiful’ with tears in his eyes.
Another memorable moment was a couple and the Bride’s background was Māori so I researched, honoured and incorporated the couple touching their noses, one to the other. The Māori people believe that, as the supreme God was creating man and woman, He breathed life into their nostrils. So, as the husband and wife perform this unique Māori custom, they unite their two breaths of life together as one being. This meaningful, intimate gesture symbolises mutual love and respect and it was so beautiful!
- How do you handle nerves or stage fright before officiating a ceremony?
When you are a natural people pleaser like I am you are always nervous! I control my nerves my being organised, having a list (r many), practising my reading and deep breathing.
- Are there any particular themes or styles of ceremonies that you enjoy working with?
A well planned ceremony with a relaxed happy couple is all I need.
- Have you ever had to deal with challenging or difficult situations during a ceremony, and how did you handle them?
Wind is your enemy with an outdoor wedding. On Bucasia Beach for a ceremony, one and only as its too windy the paperwork blew away. Crazy little red head running down the beach, followed by the photographer and gratefully overtaken by the groomsmen and his big foot caught it. I was distraught! I now have a paperweight with me at all times.
- What is your favourite part of the ceremony process, from planning to officiating?
Every step of a ceremony is joyful. Meeting and being chosen as the person to officiate a ceremony is the first step. Writing the ceremony and nailing it with only a few edits is extremely rewarding and then to pull it all together and seeing the smiles of joy on the wedding day, I simply don’t have one favourite as I love every bit of my job that isn’t a job.
- How do you create a balance between tradition and personalisation in ceremonies?
Conversations with my couples help me personalise my ceremonies in conjunction with my questionnaire. Asking questions about what they like, what they don’t like. Providing them with choices. The setting and reception style can give you a clue to the atmosphere of the day. What music do they like, have they chosen a song yet. All little bits of insight into who they are helps me get to know them and balance their wishes with the legalities of marriage.
- Do you have any favourite quotes or readings that you often incorporate into ceremonies?
Quotes and poems I love may not suit everyone and no two ceremonies are the same. I certainly love many as you can tell by the size of the portfolio of verses I give to couples and I still love google for more inspiration. I often (just about always) love to open with a small quote or poem that suits. A new favourite is
“ I am because we are. We are one another’s strength”
My personal favourite is this verse;
“I will love you always. When this red hair is white, I will still love you. When the smooth softness of youth is replaced by the delicate softness of age, I will still want to touch your skin. When your face is full of the lines of every smile you have ever smiled, of every surprise I have seen flash through your eyes, when every tear you have ever cried has left its mark upon your face, I will treasure you all the more, because I was there to see it all. I will share your life with you, Meredith, and I will love you until the last breath leaves your body or mine.” ― Laurel K. Hamilton, A Lick of Frost
I totally loved it when a Groom read it to his Bride, we changed the name and hair colour of course!
- Have you ever had a ceremony that had a surprise element or unexpected twist?
Coming up soon! When the Bride’s vows came through it was WOW! I needed to change a few things in the ceremony. I can’t wait to see the Grooms face as he doesn’t know these words.
- How do you keep ceremonies lighthearted and fun while still maintaining their significance?
Generally, we all want to celebrate the importance of love and marriage but we want to take the ‘stiffness’ out of the formality. By incorporating ‘you’ into the ceremony it becomes light-hearted without trying to turn it into a comedy. It is important to be talking about people not just reading a verse. Guests respond to the fact you know the couple – quirks and all and the light-hearted response comes naturally. I think it’s important to maintain the respect of marriage.
- What is one piece of advice or wisdom you often share with couples or individuals before their ceremony?
Love isn’t perfect and doesn’t always work but if you can hold each others hands and talk through the tough times, open your ceremony book and remember your vows. The first to apologise is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest.
Getting in contact with Kerrie Long
If you felt a connection with Kerrie Long, sounds like you have found an amazing celebrant who is going to support you through your wedding day. Reach out on her Website, or email kerrielongcelebrant@gmail.com
And if searching for a photographer is also on your to do list, please check out my portfolio page and start the conversation about your wedding photography needs.
- Get to know other celebrants in Mackay and Whitsundays.
