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Teacher. Dog Mum. Daughter. Friend.
Hello, my name is Tegan, and I'm a Grafton-based celebrant.
I have always been a romantic at heart. My favourite film is 27 Dresses, my favourite book is The Time Traveler's Wife and I swoon over anything by Vance Joy or Boy & Bear. Some of my hobbies include asking people to tell me the story about how they met the love of their lives and watching surprise wedding proposals on YouTube.
Growing up in Grafton, I was lucky to be surrounded by long, happy and successful marriages. I believe that marriage is an important social institution, and weddings are the perfect opportunity to celebrate a couple’s lifelong commitment to one another. It wasn’t until my friends all started getting married in my late twenties that I realised just how special it is to be a part of such an incredible occasion. After being Maid of Honour for my best friend in early 2021 - and chief dog-sitter at another friend's wedding just a month later - I decided to sign up to complete my Certificate IV in Celebrancy and become a marriage celebrant.
Now, a full-time English teacher, celebrant and small business owner, I enjoy meeting new people, listening to their stories and celebrating their successes - in learning, life, business or love! When I'm not working, you'll find me fumbling around at the gym, tearing up the squash court, enjoying a burger with friends or taking Shilo for a walk by the river. Prior to COVID, I also loved to travel internationally, visiting the US, UK, Italy, France, Canada and Greece at various times over the last decade. I love to see new places, experience new things, meet new people and taste delicious food. One of my favourite parts about being a celebrant is getting to explore more of Australia - and especially the New England and North West over the last two years, while living and working in Inverell. Now, living back in my hometown of Grafton to be closer to my Dad, I am beyond excited to travel to some amazing pockets of untouched beauty along the North Coast., including Yamba, Coffs Harbour and beyond.
With a lifelong love of writing – including being a published freelance writer for Australia’s largest digital media site, Mamamia – extensive experience public speaking and an eye for detail, I believe I have the perfect skill set to craft – and deliver – a heartfelt, personalised ceremony you and your guests will remember for many years to come. After all, your ceremony should be the best part of your day.
Why Save The Date Celebrations?
Anything worth celebrating is worth saving the date for.
I believe in celebrating all the good things in life. I believe in savouring time with family and friends. I believe in birthdays and anniversaries, engagements and weddings, graduations and retirements - and everything in between. Having lost my little sister, Kelly, at the age of 17, I believe that all celebrations are important. It's worth the trip home. It's worth getting dressed up for. It's worth a thoughtful present or a heartfelt card. It's worth slowing down, enjoying each other's company, sharing good food, a few laughs and an upbeat dancefloor. Celebrations give us a break from the chaos of our daily lives. Something to look forward to with excitement and anticipation and look back on with happiness, joy and gratitude.
It should have come as no surprise to my family and friends when I sent out a mass 'Save The Date' for my mock wedding as a student celebrant. Having never had a wedding of my own, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to put my wedding planning skills to the test. I began to brainstorm local venues and decorations, catering options and drinks as a thank you for my 80 guests, who endured a 30 minute 'rehearsal' and 20 minute 'wedding' for a fake bride and groom they didn't know.
In the end, COVID lockdown struck and my fake 'wedding plans' fell apart. Like many people at the time, I postponed and pivoted, switching out my 80 physical guests for five, legally-permitted guests in my friend's (beautiful) backyard and many more guests on Zoom as I fake married 'Philip' and 'Chloe' and finished my Certificate in Celebrancy just in time for restrictions to ease. While there was no formal reception, we enjoyed a cup of tea, a chocolate brownie and a few laughs to celebrate.
Maybe I'll get a real life wedding one day - but for now, I just enjoy telling people that I'm 'marrying' someone on the weekend... and waiting for them to realise that I'm actually the celebrant and not the bride!