Ali Ever After - Ali Conroy

The ceremony of course! This is the moment you are married and when done right, it is hands-down the best part of your whole day.

My style is creative and warm and ever-changing for every single couple I work with.Laughter is important, we have to be able to crack a joke and have fun.I am open-minded and love celebrating all the sweet, quirky, interesting, weird and wonderful.I tell YOUR story. Not theirs, repurposed as yours. No two ceremonies I write are ever the same.Thinking outside the box and dreaming up unique and special ways to make your Cairns wedding ceremony meaningful are my specialty. So long as those ideas feel good and resonate with you.Understanding you, building a trusting relationship and creating a tailored ceremony is important. Above all, I want to make this experience fun and free-flowing and easy for you both. And wrap you up in a little bubble of love so you can float through the day, worry free.

Your celebrant is the vendor you will spend the most time with. And upon whom so much of you and your guests enjoyment and experience of your day rests. Your ceremony is the beating heart of your wedding day. So your celebrant is the one choice you need to make because they fit you just right.Choose someone you think you will be friends with because in the end, you want to be walking down that aisle to a friendly face, someone you trust and who understands you.You want to feel heard, do they listen and ask questions and are they interested in you or do they just talk at you?Are they flexible and willing to work with you and incorporate your ideas? You want to feel safe, so you can relax and enjoy the moment, worry-free.Choose them for who they are, the value and experience they bring and the time they are willing to invest into building a relationship, tailoring your ceremony and the connection they create. Because that’s when the magic happens!Whatever you do, don’t choose a celebrant just because they are available and the most affordable. By the time you realise the old saying about peanuts and monkeys is true, your once-in-a-lifetime moment has passed. You don’t get a re-do. Talk to me about the many other (way less important) areas you can keep costs down.Questions to ask a celebrant:1. What’s your style of celebrancy and what’s important to you?2. Why did you become a celebrant?3. How exactly do you tailor and personalize your ceremonies? Note: giving you the choice of pre-written scripts or the option to tweak a few words here and there is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is not a tailored ceremony if that’s important to you.4. What materials do they provide to help you plan and create your perfect ceremony?5. How will they help you with your vows and music? Do they have playlists to inspire you and offer a guide to writing vows?6. What are the legals? You want to be sure they are meeting all the legal requirements. If they can’t give you a clear list it’s a red flag. See my list in these FAQ’s.7. Are they a full-time celebrant? Not a deal breaker but good to know.8. Do they use a client management system so you know they are a professional celebrant who won’t miss any important lodgement dates or details.  You will also know you will have an easy planning experience. This certainly isn’t a deal breaker but it makes life so much easier for you.9. Do they give you a client portal / online dashboard where everything is stored in one easy place, so you don’t have to trawl through email trails. Just makes life easier.

It’s totally ok (and really normal) if you have no idea where to start – that’s what I am here for – I am your wedding superpower making the whole experience easy and beautiful and fun. We are going to have a good time creating something very special together.Remember, this is your wedding and there are no limits to what we can do to make it meaningful and special. No question is too small and I have the answers for you, so ask away! I think for most couples the hardest part is knowing where to start and I have that covered for you with my Wedding Ceremony Planner.This planner is really easy to use and it inspires you to be creative. It is full of inspo hand selected from my personal experience over the last decade marrying people from all over the world.Each couple has their own online client portal to ensure nothing is missed. It gives you easy access to everything you need, forms, questionaires, emails, invoice, contract and we can share images and inspo here too.Everything regarding your wedding is kept nice and organized on this page so you don’t have to sort through all of your emails. How good is that?!

Nope, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to and I will back your choices all the way.When making decisions, I find it helpful to ask yourself “does this feel good and right or does it make me feel a bit blah or uneasy?” Listen to your gut, it will clarify your decision making.  On the day you will be surrounded by the choices that make you feel great.As long as we include the legal wording, have you , me and two witnesses to sign the paperwork, the rest is completely up to you. You are freeeee to be yourself, how good is that?!

Yes they do, and some charge $1500.00. I am in the middle.I am also the least expensive and most important part of your day. Your ceremony is the moment that breathes life into your marriage. And when it’s done right, it is always hands-down the best part of your day.Your guests won’t remember the flavour of your cake, the meal, your invites or the colour of your garter, but they will remember how you made them feel. So let’s make them feel something big and beautiful and magical.Their memory should be “that was the BEST WEDDING I’ve ever been to”. If you give me the honour of choosing me, you know that you have a full-time celebrant working with you who is creatively focused on your wedding and sharing this journey with you.

I spend time talking to you both, asking questions and really listening. Not only am I am hearing what you say, I am also picking up on your non-verbal cues, the way you interact and communicate, your manner of speaking/ bantering/ joking with each other.A lot of what I do involves reading between the lines and picking up on subtle clues.I ask you to answer some questions in my ceremony planner – I’ve been told this is a two-beer job! Make this a date night, share a dinner and some wine and fill these out together. Play my curated music playlists in the car on the way so you can start thinking about your ceremony music.Once I draft your ceremony, you make any changes until it feels just right. We make any final adjustments and run over the moving parts of your ceremony (we don’t read any of the words or spoil the surprise) at our final meeting/rehearsal. Just so you know where to stand, how to exchange rings etc so you know what to expect and can relax on the day.

Your choice of music is important for setting the tone for your ceremony.Choose music that you love, makes you feel good or has special significance to you as a couple.For inspiration, I will share with you mycurated playlistson Spotify filled with songs my real-life couples have chosen for their ceremonies over the last year.I can DJ your ceremony music for you from my IPAD or you can choose a tech savvy guest to control music from their phone, on my cues. Generally you will need a minimum of four songs.· Entrance – One to Two SongsOne song is usually enough, however if you have either a long entrance walks or lots of attendants, you may want two songs here. One song for the attendants and one for the bridal entrance.· Kiss and Signing– Two SongsAs you kiss, this song plays. Linger in this moment! When the time is right, I ask couple and witnesses to join me at signing table to sign paperwork.· Kiss and Signing continued –This second song plays directly after the kiss song while paperwork is being signed. It may not be played in full depending on how long the paperwork takes.· Exit / Recessional – One SongChoose a very happy, joyful song for this.· Pre and post ceremony background musicYour guests arrive around 15-20 mins before we begin, so it’s great to have a collection of songs to play as soft background music before the ceremony. You may also like to have a list to play after the exit as happy upbeat background music while the bride and groom mingle with guests.I can create playlists if you would like me to DJ.

Bank on 45 minutes which includes a buffer. I strike a perfect balance so it’s short enough to keep your guests engaged and long enough to give the moment depth it deserves. Pace is important!Most Cairns wedding ceremonies take between 25-35  minutes from start of entrance walk, through the ceremony, kiss, signing and the huge happy exit into hugs and kisses and photos.Remember this includes 4 songs, so this time will fly by. Often couples who wish for a very short wedding are disappointed and so are their guests.Your marriage ceremony is the heart and soul of your wedding and it will set the mood for your entire day. People have travelled to be with you as you marry so make it heartfelt. Your guests love to laugh and cry and feel at weddings and they want to be swept up in a celebration of the two people they love.

YES – I love an elopement in any shape or size! I also love an adventure elopement! I have travelled from Melbourne to Cape York, Sydney to Thailand to celebrate amazing humans finding love. This is going to be a blast!Let’s plan your elopement right now…

1. After checking availability, we have a phone chat to get a feel for each other, we want to gel and feel confident that we will enjoy working together.2. Payment of a booking fee secures your date.3. We meet up throughout the process either online or face-to-face.4. We explore the legal aspects starting with the lodgement Notice of Intended Marriage form and sighting of identification. Fill out this form:https://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/notice-intended-marriage5. The fun stuff begins where we dive into creating your unique wedding ceremony.6. We have a rehearsal or final meeting to answer last minute questions and run over moving parts.7. We get you married.8. I register your marriage with Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages, at this time I can also apply for your Official Certificate of Marriage on your behalf.9. You receive your Official Certificate in the mail which you then use to change your name is desired.

I spend the morning of your wedding day rehearsing and memorising your ceremony so I can present it naturally.I do vocal exercises in the car. arriving 45-60min beforehand so I can prep any props, check seating allocations and set-up are all as per your requirements. Set up my PA, video camera, tripod, mics and sound check.Liaise with vendors and brief your photographer/ videographer on special moments not to be missed in your ceremony. Ground myself and prepare the ceremony space with a meditation and Reiki.Play background music. Welcome guests. Chat to immediate family and check they know where they are seated. Chat to anyone participating in the ceremony such as readers and witnesses. Settle and brief groomsmen. Welcome and brief bridal party. Gather and seat guests. Showtime.A traditional timeline looks a little like this:Pre-Wedding Run Sheet – Cue Cairns Wedding Party45min-1 hr before Ali will arrive at venue and check all OK with set-up, sound check etc.Ali to start playing background music.15-30 min before Partner 1 and attendants and guests arrive at ceremony area.Ali greets guests, briefs participants.5-10 min before Wedding Planner/Ali gives Partner 2 and attendants (aka Bridal Party) their cue.Ali gets Bridal Party into position at start of processional (out of view of guests).When Bridal Party is in position and ready, Ali seats guests.Ali to fade down background music and give brief welcome and unplugged/no photos / housekeeping announcement if required.Ali plays Entrance song.Bridal party commence walking down slowly. No rush.

If having a full-rehearsal will make you feel more comfortable then we will absolutely do one. But if you have enough on your plate or don’t have time, don’t worry.I arrive early to brief everyone involved and I quietly guide you all through the wedding ceremony. All you have to do is be in the moment knowing I am there for you.I also have rehearsal video’s you can share with your wedding party, your dad or escort/s and all main participants.

The best ceremonies take you and your guests on a journey.There is often a sense of past, present and future. You want to have lots of “awww” moments, happy tears, laughter, and a warm-hearted sense of inclusion.The ceremony should feel like a real celebration of you two humans and your guests should recognize you both in all the words we use.

Absolutely!I’ll share with you my expert guide to writing vows which breaks it into bite-sized steps, giving you a few different approaches, so you’ll be sure to find one that works for you.I also have a selection of really beautiful vow samples you can either choose from or use as inspiration. Or do a little blend of both mine and yours!Alternatively, you can skip the personal vows altogether.Plus you have me as your sounding board and safety net – I check the length and tone of your vows aren’t at odds.

Yes. I can print your wedding vows on beautiful card in a big, easy to read font. Or you can hand-write or print your own vows if you prefer.Readers are welcome to bring their own copy of their reading, one in which they have practiced with and are most comfortable with. I can also print their reading on card or hand your readers my iPad from which to read if they prefer.

Yes please! Choose family and friends who will really enjoy being included.Give important people in your life a role or ask talented friends to contribute and make it interesting. They could sing or play a song, read a poem or speech they’ve written, perform a dance, welcome or seat guests, sign your certificates – the sky is the limit and it adds a real meaning to the ceremony. If guests are comfortable playing a role then I can’t recommend this enough.You just have to say “Ali I would really love “Aunty Pat” to be involved somehow” and we will figure out a special way for her to be included. One that she will actually enjoy.

You must give your completed and signed Notice to an authorised celebrant at least one month, and not more than 18 months, before your proposed marriage. Unless a shortening of time has been authorised. The form can be downloaded herehttps://www.ag.gov.au/families-and-marriage/publications/notice-intended-marriage

In Australia, marriage is regulated by the Marriage Act 1961, which sets out the process for getting married and legal requirements of a valid marriage. These are the legal requirements for you and your celebrant:1. A completed Notice of Intended Marriage form must be given to your celebrant at least one month (and up to 18 months) before the wedding.2. You and your partner must provide your celebrant with evidence of your date and place of birth, identity and end of any previous marriages. Passports are ideal otherwise birth certificates plus drivers license is acceptable.3. You must read the “Happily Ever After” brochure and must both sign the “Declaration of no legal impediment to marriage”. By signing this, you declare that you are of marriageable age and that there is no legal impediment to your marriage.4. On your wedding day, you celebrant will solemnise your marriage using the legal wording. You, your partner and your witnesses will sign up to three marriage certificates.5. After your wedding, your marriage celebrant will register your marriage with the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state or territory where your marriage took place.

This gets asked all the time, literally just as you are about to sign on the dotted line! You sign your current name not your married name.You cannot legally change your name to your married name until after you receive your Official Marriage Certificate, usually a few weeks after your ceremony. It is only then you can begin the process of changing your name. So if you are going on an overseas honeymoon straight after the wedding, don’t book your flights in your married name!

On the day of your marriage you, you take home a beautiful symbolic certificate of marriage to commemorate your wedding day. It won’t legally prove your marriage or allow you to change your name. You have to wait for your Official Certificate of Marriage to do this.After your wedding day, I register your marriage online.You then apply directly to the Registry for your Official Certificate by filling out an application, paying the fee, and providing certified copies of your identification.However, I like to simplify and fast track this process for you by applying on your behalf when I register your marriage. This extra step means you don’t have to fill out the application yourself – so much easier! BDM will then contact you directly for payment (standard certificate and postage is $56.00) and they will then post your certificate directly to your home. You can then use it to change your name.Note: I need to sight your original identification in order to apply on your behalf, make sure you bring this when we meet.

Being physically uncomfortable is the one thing that pulls everyone out of the moment. It’s impossible to get swept up in the beauty of your love story when you are in full-sun, hot and thirsty or worried about getting wet.You might think “oh it’s not for very long” but trust me, it’s a deal breaker for everyone. Try going out in your backyard in a suit and dress, stand and hold hands with your partner looking face into the direction of the full mid-afternoon sun and see how long you last.3pm can be a brutal time of day, so if your ceremony is outdoors consider a slightly later start, say 4pm. Or a morning wedding. Or choose a shady area for your ceremony.Have water or drinks on-hand for guests. And have a wet-weather back-up plan in case of rain and be sure to let me know what that plan is.I can bring 10 clear umbrellas or rice paper parasols upon request.

Once you lodge your Notice of Intended Marriage form, it is the responsibility of your celebrant to provide you with this document (Happily Ever Before and After)https://www.ag.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-03/happily-ever-before-and-after.pdfFor information on services and advice for couples and families seehttps://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/

Pack an esky with water, champers and snacks like nuts and take it on your photo shoot. You will be peckish after the ceremony plus it’s way more fun to celebrate with your mates while you take photos. Take a cheap bottle of bubbles to shake and spray during your shoot too.

We sort the legal bits and kick off with some actually fun planning tools.