It is becoming quite common today that Bride's and Groom's request guests at their ceremony turn off their mobile phones and put down their cameras. There are mixed opinions in regards to this. It doesn't mean that the couple don't wish for you to have photos of their wedding ceremony, but they really want family and friends to truly partake all that is the wedding - the wording, the vows, the kiss, the smiles, the tears and the laughter. When people are constantly taking photos, how can they really be listening and paying attention to the ceremony? Another way to look at this is that the couple pay a considerable amount of money to professional photographers and videographers who will prese

As a celebrant who has been conducting funeral services for almost 8 years, Samantha is very passionate about people's lives - learning where they come from, their heritage and lineage. Death and funerals are subjects that don't come up in every day to day conversation however Samantha stresses the importance of being able to put your life story down on paper or that of your parents, partner, aunt, uncle - in fact anyone that plays an important role in your life. With the busyness of every day to day life, it can be difficult to find the time to actually sit down and do this. This is where " A life box " comes in. Samantha sits down with her client for as long as it takes to get their life

This is a very common question asked of Samantha - founder of Life's Celebrations By Samantha. The simple answer is yes! Life is all about choices - so when it comes to your celebration or occasion you can most certainly choose the celebrant that you know and are comfortable with. A lot of wedding venues have their "preferred celebrants" - but that does not mean you have to use them. The venues naturally recommend people that they have seen perform weddings but you are not bound to use that particular celebrant. This is also the case in Funeral Homes. They too have their list of celebrants that they know and are comfortable with, knowing that they will represent their funeral home in a profe

What is a naming ceremony and why is it different from a christening? This is a question that many people ask when they hear of a naming ceremony being held. At a naming ceremony, the child's name is officially recognised and Godparents or Mentors are appointed. There can be religion included such as bible readings but in general it is a lovely way to welcome your child into your family and wider circle of extended family and friends and at the same time give your child the opportunity to choose which religion they may wish to follow as they mature. Life is all about choices so the best thing you can do is choose what is best for you and your family.

Music is important in any ceremony - it creates the mood and adds to the magical atmosphere of a wedding ceremony. So how many pieces do you need and where do they get played? Samantha, from Lifes Celebrations by Samantha can assist with this by offering suggestions. A piece of music or a song is played when the Bride makes her grand entrance! Sometimes the bride likes to have a separate piece for her attendants to walk down the aisle to. This is a personal choice of course. Come time for the Bride and Groom to sign their documents, music is played at that time as well. Samantha always suggests having two peices for this time as it can take a while for photos - sometimes the second song is n

Getting married outdoors on a beach or in a garden is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful way to hold your marriage ceremony. However you always need to keep in mind that whilst many things are within your control in regards to your special occasion, the weather is something that cannot be controlled or predicted. Plan ahead - have a wet weather option - not always what you really want , but at least you know if your Big Day arrives and the heavens have opened up, you will get married in a nice, dry and safe location.