I am a trained Secular Celebrant, conducting weddings with deeply meaningful ceremonies and rituals that reflect a non-religous world view.
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
When we curate your ceremony, I believe that any ritual element is fine as long as it is meaningful to you and not disrespectful to anyone else. Humans have been creating ceremonies to mark life events and imbue our actions and milestones with gravitas and meaning for millennia. Different cultures have different traditions with similar as well as unique rituals and practices. Cultural appropriation is not a problem if the “borrowed” activity’s original context is respectfully explored and fully understood. The meaning and symbolism must be appropriate for you.
As a marriage officer and secular celebrant, I meet with you as a couple to discuss what is required by law and what other elements you would like to incorporate in your ceremony. If you are undecided about what music, readings, rituals and vows to choose, I will offer advice. I have compilations of music and readings and a range of rituals and vows from different of cultural traditions to spark your imagination.
As a theatre-maker, I am drawn to the power of visual metaphor and understand that embodied, thoughtful gestures or actions can have deep symbolic significance to the people involved.
I am skilled at writing and editing and am able to assist a you with writing or refining your vows.
Jess & Beren - fabulous reception
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."
Amber & Phil - "You may kiss!"
Phil & Amber sign the register
Brad & Alexa the register is signed.
Brad & Alexa speak - a small, intimate ceremony in a family home.
Jess & Beren - say their vows
Jess & Beren - sign the marriage register