A Moment With 'Life Celebrations with Trudy'
ABIA meets Upper Caboolture marriage celebrant Trudy Vains
Christy Maree Photography
Having sat through her share of boring wedding ceremonies over the years, Trudy Vains was convinced there was room for improvement. So, when life presented her with the opportunity to become a marriage celebrant, she jumped at the chance to do things differently.
“I am fun and I bring a great story together,” Trudy explains, adding that she likes to get wedding guests involved to keep the energy high, and incorporate humour to keep each ceremony upbeat.
ABIA chatted with Trudy as she shared more about her unique approach and revealed the tips she suggests for couples writing their own wedding vows.
Pri Barbosa Photo
Tell us about your wedding celebrancy services.
I provide a range of celebrancy services from ‘legals only’, through to vow renewals, commitment ceremonies and full wedding ceremonies. I like to make every occasion special — even for simple ‘legals only’ ceremonies I bring a table, a table cloth, a faux floral arrangement, a feather pen and colour-coordinated folders.
How did you get started in the wedding industry?
I was happily teaching yoga, when I was told I needed two very big operations on my back. It made me re-think things. I was looking for something that I could do to help others and still manage physically — that’s how I discovered celebrancy.
Winter Ivy Photography
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
I’m based in Upper Caboolture and travel from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast to perform wedding ceremonies.
What inspired you to become a marriage celebrant?
I’ve been to many weddings over the years and felt there was scope to add some fun and character to all the formality. So, when I retired from yoga teaching, I decided to just go for it.
Dee Pauline Photography
Did you grow up wanting to become a celebrant?
No, quite the opposite in fact. At school I had a teacher who ridiculed me in front of the entire class and completely knocked my confidence with public speaking. These days though, I confidently stand in front of hundreds of people with a microphone and share my unique flare and character.
How can couples make their wedding ceremony stand out from others?
They should choose vendors who suit their personality and needs. Choose a deejay who is willing to play your style of music, choose a celebrant who gets your vibe and if you want your dog to be the ring bearer, do it, there are plenty of dog-sitting services who can look after your fur-baby during the ceremony. Make it unique to you and it will be awesome.
You hear lots of wedding vows, are there any that stand out?
I’ve heard so many memorable wedding vows, but here are some that stand out:
“I love you more than chicken wings and fries on a Friday night.”
“I will always protect you from spiders.”
“I promise to always speak, even when not asked.”
“I will always be 10% annoying.”
Humour is always a winner!
Images Winter Ivy Photography
Any advice for couples writing their own wedding vows?
My advice for couples when they’re putting pen to paper is to think about these three things and incorporate a bit of humour.
- What do you love the most about your partner?
- What is something funny that you’ve shared together?
- What are you looking forward to sharing with your partner for the rest of your life?
What was the most memorable wedding ceremony you’ve conducted?
A Scottish wedding at White Chapel Kalbar. The bride and groom were both Scottish and wore their respective tartan sashes. The bride walked down the aisle to a piper and there were traditional elements incorporated throughout their ceremony. Their little son fist pumped me during the ceremony, and the couple gave me loads of info to use for the script. It was full of humour and laughter and there was an exchange of sashes before the piper led the couple out. It was glorious, fun and authentic!
Inc Mill Photography
In your opinion, what are the main things couples need to consider when planning a wedding?
No one else’s opinion matters unless it matters to you, so I suggest listening to everyone’s idea, then planning what you want. It’s a very important day, and if you want a small wedding with fairy lights and no vows, then I say, “Go for it!”.
At what point in their planning should couples choose a wedding celebrant? And how far in advance should they book?
As soon as they choose a date and venue they should appoint a wedding celebrant. A celebrant is the only person that is legally required to be there, so they should be top of the list and it’s a good idea to book ASAP.
Winter Ivy Photography
Image courtesy Life Celebrations with Trudy
What makes your wedding celebrancy service unique?
I am fun and I use a couples’ questionnaire to write their story and tell it with good story-telling techniques. Each wedding is different and I cater to that. I like to get the guests involved, so there’s always a great energy.
What was your favourite wedding?
A beach wedding where everything that could go wrong did go wrong. The couple took it in their stride, made fun of the fact that nothing went to plan and I went ‘off script’ a couple off times to bring in more humour for them. It all came together in the most memorable way for them.
How would you describe the couples you connect with the most?
They are fun, vibrant, cheeky and completely in love. They want fun in their ceremony and have a sense of humour — joy and wit match perfectly. It’s important to be on the same wavelength.
Starlight Productions
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