Jaqueline is a trained Secular Celebrant, conducting weddings with deeply meaningful ceremonies and rituals that reflect a non-religous world view.
Jaqueline says: "I serve people of all worldviews and conduct same-sex and inter-faith weddings.
I am cisgender heterosexual, but consider myself an LGBTIQA+ ally and an activist. I conduct secular funerals, memorials, naming ceremonies, as well as marriages."
Jaqueline is registered by the Department of Home Affairs to conclude the legal aspects of a wedding, allowing the couple to combine the celebration if their union with the gravity of solemnising their vows.
Department of Home Affairs registration no. CU/377
SASS: The South African Secular Society
Department of Home Affairs registration no. CU/377
Every wedding ceremony should be a true reflection of the couple at the heart of it. As a secular celebrant who is not aligned with any religious institution, Jaqueline embraces a diverse range of love stories and understands that whether you're a same-sex couple, inter-faith, or inter-cultural, your journey deserves to be told in a way that’s as unique as you are.
With a background in theatre and writing, Jaqueline brings creativity and a flair for storytelling to each ceremony. She works closely with couples to curate a wedding experience that’s personal, engaging, and completely theirs. From helping you craft the perfect vows to designing a ceremony that captures your shared values and vision, she is there to guide and support you every step of the way.
No two love stories are alike, and neither should your wedding be. Whether you want something traditional, modern, or completely out of the box, Matters of the Heart will help you create a ceremony that not only reflects who you are but celebrates your individuality as a couple. Together, we’ll ensure your special day is memorable, meaningful, and full of joy.
In addition to creating a beautiful ceremony, Jaqueline takes care of the practicalities, making the planning process as stress-free as possible. She’ll handle the paperwork and guide you through the legal requirements, so you can focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love. From navigating marriage registration to ensuring everything is seamless on the day, she provides support that helps couples feel confident and at ease.
Your wedding day should be all about you—your love, your story, your way. Let’s create a ceremony that you, your partner, and your guests will cherish forever.
Jess & Beren - fabulous reception
BASIC SIGNING
The formal verbal declaration and signing of the Marriage Register and issuing of the Marriage Certificate. Two witnesses are required to sign in addition to the couple.
This is the only part required by law.
FULL WEDDING CEREMONY
A celebration of your marriage with a ceremony witnessed by all your family and friends, possibly the exchange of personal vows and rings, chosen readings, music, rituals and speeches. Includes the signing of the Marriage Register and issuing of the Marriage Certificate.
ELOPEMENT
A full ceremony and signing - possibly somewhere unusual or spectacular. Just no guests.
Even the familiar tradition of exchanging rings can be personalised.
The rings may be family heirlooms or specifically designed.
You may choose to include guests in the ceremony by having each person bless your bands. Send one ring down one side of the aisle and the other down the opposite, giving every guest a chance to hold our rings and bestow their blessings and positive thoughts toward your marriage.
Many couples like the symbolism of the ancient Celtic practice of "handfasting," or tying hands together.
The bride and groom hold opposite hands (so their arms make a figure eight—representing eternity). Then, their hands are tied together with ribbon to symbolise a union.
You could even use fabric from your mother’s wedding dresses, or ribbons of different colours – parents or significant people come to fasten the ribbons and express what each colour symbolises.
Candles are used in wedding rituals around the world in different ways both symbolic and decorative.
In a version I like, the witnesses light the couple’s candle one by one and speak their witness statement: "Why I stand up for my friend, and why I have chosen to sign my name to this union."
Then the couple lights their marriage candle with their two lit candles. All three candles remain burning. The three candles symbolise the flames you will need to tend to in your relationship. You will need to take care of the light, the fire and the passion of each of your individual lives, dreams, and well-being. And now you will also be tending to the flame of your marriage.
"We just wanted to say a very big thank you for marrying us and giving us such a personalised and relaxed ceremony. We have been complimented on how personal and intimate it was, and I think you completely understood what we wanted.You really made our ceremony very special and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts"
Mother of the Bride:
"Dear Jaqueline, you kept us all in point, through every chapter of this sweet and gracious event. I am eternally grateful. Blessed are those that choose your counsel."
"Thank you again for Saturday, we received so many compliments on the ceremony and are so pleased with how it turned out!"
"We chose to have a small, intimate legal ceremony at my wife's family home, and Jaqueline made the experience truly special. From our very first interaction, Jaqueline demonstrated professionalism, genuine care, and an understanding of our circumstances. She was incredibly accommodating and understood our brief perfectly. On the day of the ceremony, Jaqueline orchestrated everything perfectly, making the moment both meaningful and memorable. We are so grateful to Jaqueline for her role in our day and for the wonderful service she provided."
Beren & Jess
Naa-ilah & Byron - all smiles after the register is signed.
Phil & Amber sign the register
Cleo & Cornel say their vows
Brad & Alexa speak - a small, intimate ceremony in a family home.
Brad & Alexa the register is signed.
Some may think that marriage is old-fashioned. But it's still the best legal protection for the rights of couples and children.
I believe in all love stories. Same-sex, interfaith, secula...
After almost forty years with the same wonderful husband, I believe in love.