When Your Celebrant Really Shows Up: A Milford Beach Wedding Story
Posted on 31 Jan
The Reality of Being a Professional Wedding Celebrant
This was back in the early days, before celebrant Facebook groups, emergency backups, or instant help at the click of a button. If something went wrong, you figured it out.
Two hours before the ceremony, I became violently ill with food poisoning. Not mildly unwell — completely, hideously sick.
The wedding was scheduled for Milford Beach, one of Auckland’s most stunning beach wedding locations. The weather was perfect. The couple was excited. And cancelling simply wasn’t an option.
Getting to the Wedding (With Help From My Partner)
My partner drove me to the wedding, and yes — I vomited out the car window on the way. Glamorous? No. Dedicated? Unfortunately, yes.
When we arrived at the bride’s family home, she hadn’t yet arrived, so I spent half an hour sitting very quietly in her mum’s bathroom, trying to keep it together.
This is not something you’ll ever see on a celebrant Instagram feed — yet it’s part of the unseen responsibility that comes with being a trusted wedding celebrant in Auckland.
The Ceremony: Adrenaline, Sunshine, and Milford Beach
Then something remarkable happened.
Adrenaline kicked in.
We arrived at Milford Beach. The sun was shining, the guests gathered, and the couple stood ready to begin their marriage.
And somehow — despite everything — the ceremony was calm, heartfelt, and seamless.
The vows were exchanged. The couple kissed. Applause filled the air. No one knew what had happened behind the scenes.
That’s the job of a great celebrant — holding the space so completely that nothing else exists in that moment.
The Aftermath (Because Real Stories Matter)
As soon as the ceremony ended and I walked back toward the car, my body finally tapped out. I promptly vomited down the driveway garden as I left.
Not my finest moment.
But definitely my most committed.
Why Choosing the Right Celebrant Matters
This story isn’t about heroics. It’s about responsibility.
When you book a marriage celebrant in New Zealand, you’re trusting someone with one of the most important moments of your life. Your wedding ceremony doesn’t get a second take.
A professional celebrant shows up — prepared, calm, and present — no matter what’s happening behind the scenes.
Today, I’m incredibly grateful for strong celebrant networks, backup options, and better pre-wedding food choices. But the core belief remains the same:
Your ceremony deserves everything I’ve got.
Looking for an Experienced Auckland Wedding Celebrant?
If you’re planning a beach wedding, a relaxed celebration, or a deeply personal ceremony anywhere in Auckland or across New Zealand, I’d love to help create a ceremony that feels like you — minus the food poisoning.
📍 Auckland Wedding Celebrant
🌊 Milford Beach & beach weddings
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