“Everyone has a book in them and how wonderful to hear a chapter of theirs”
And do you have a NOIM?
Two Natural Ladies interview Petra Harmer-Shrowder from PH Celebrants. Petra is a Commonwealth Registered Marriage Celebrant who creates beautiful ceremonies, throughout Australia for happy and sad occasions.
Petra began her exploration into Adventure Ceremonies after a wedding turned into a funeral on the Bedarra islands in Queensland. Her love for travel and something different led her to create services in the air, on the sea, in the snow or some other beautiful destination.
Jo & Vicki chatted with Petra about celebrating people’s lives while they are still with us. “Everyone has a book in them and how wonderful to hear a chapter of theirs” The idea of Living Ceremonies was inspired when Petra’s mum was diagnosed with Alzeimers. A way to remember, acknowledge and learn more about the person and then eat some cake with them!
In a competitive market it’s wonderful to offer something a little bit different. It doesn’t have to be with a huge amount of people or huge amount of expense. It can be beautiful and simple.
Many people forget there are legal procedures needed and when getting married. Petra explains one of the first things is a “Notice of Intended Marriage” (NOIM). There is often surprise at how much is involved in the first meeting with a celebrant and in light of this Petra is offering anyone listening to this, a guide, the top tips, including the procedures and ideas to work out what you want.
“We, the celebrants, need to remember-“The ceremony isn’t about us it’s about the people who are getting married”
In funerals, Petra explained, multicultural elements and rituals can be include as well as information about where the person came from. When her friend’s partner died on Bedarra Island the ceremony included a cocktail and a food dish named after him – it was a celebration!
Contact Petra at PH Celebrants via Facebook or email: petra@phcelebrants.com.au
Mention Two Natural Ladies and get a FREE Celebrants guide, which includes all the legal documents you need as well as tips for the best ceremony for you
