Sue Warner – her beaming smile greets you from across the room and as you get closer, she draws you in a hug and a chat.
Sue is a wealth of knowledge and a great storyteller.
It’s no wonder that Sue’s couples love having her at the helm of their celebrations.
We caught up with Sue to ask her a few questions.
Hi Sue, where are you based?
On the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula, Victoria. I also have a Melbourne pad now so I go everywhere!
You’ve been a celebrant for 10 years and been part of over 250 Weddings, what would you say is your favourite thing about being a celebrant?
The storytelling with a bit of humour. I have definitely honed my craft* over time and this is my favourite part of the whole day.
Honing our craft is something that our Celebrants are constantly undertaking. Individually and collectively as we learn together.
Sue was an attendee at our Creative Writing Workshop in Melbourne 2022 where we honed our ceremony writing skills with the wonderful Ben Ager.
Number one thing you’ve learnt after being involved in so many celebrations?
Each couple has their own unique story and requirements and I see my role as giving that couple EXACTLY what they want for their day.
I’ll provide lots of suggestions and options but I respect that it is their decision about how they want to roll.
Favourite post wedding drink?
Pornstar Martini.
Dee was so intrigued by this answer, that she needed to do some research…..
A Pornstar Martini is a passion-fruit-flavoured cocktail made with vanilla-flavoured vodka, passion fruit juice, and lime juice. It is traditionally accompanied by a chilled shot glass of prosecco.
Now, Dee can’t wait to prop up the bar and have a Pornstar Martini with Sue.
Best thing about being part of TCS?
I value that my colleagues happily share new ideas and tips that they’ve found work well, or not so well, and that I can add this knowledge to my celebrant tool kit.
You never arrive at a wedding without?
Besides double checking and triple checking that I’ve got everything (certificates, kindle, PA and stand, backup hard copy of ceremony, etc)
I always take my phone. I love posting on Instagram : the setup, the behind-the-scenes mayhem and the mandatory couple selfie post-ceremony!
To know Sue, is to know that there she has many an engaging story to tell. The type that compels you to lean in to know more.
Case in point, when Dee asked Sue how long she had been a celebrant, in classic Sue style she responded with a story that demands a Martini in hand.
Sue was registered as a celebrant in 2013 but moved overseas. Not just moved overseas, but lived on a boat in Caribbean for 3 years!
She didn’t begin practising as a celebrant until she returned to Australia at the end of 2016 and started work as Bellarine Celebrant at the beginning of 2017.
During that time, sailing the high seas and living on a boat, Sue was keeping her skills and registration up to date by completing her Ongoing Professional Development online or in person during fleeting visits home in Australia.
It’s these type of stories and live experiences that Sue brings to the table as Celebrant, Mentor and fabulous women that we just love being around.
Thank you Sue and see you at the bar soon for a Martini.
