Newbie zooms are EVERYTHING! Dee creates such a safe, relaxed and fun space. I feel like I’ve learnt so much already and will be attending as many as I can! Mimi – The Ceremony Collective
What is a Newbie Zoom?
Well, according to the Oxford English Dictionary* “A Newbie Zoom is a monthly event held online over Zoom where TCS Members who are new to Celebrancy. At these informal gatherings, new celebrants may ask questions of their Local Leader, meet fellow Newbies and expand their knowledge and grow in confidence. All from the comfort of their own homes.”
Sounds like fun right….? When I, Dee – TCS Local Leader, first started out as a Celebrant, I was completely overwhelmed by the sheer number of ways to BE a celebrant! I had a piece of paper saying I was qualified and another saying that I was legally authorised to marry people, but that felt a long way off from actually knowing how to do the job of Celebrancy.
Thankfully, I found The Celebrant Society very early on in my Celebrancy experience. I spent days, probably weeks, absorbing the vast array of experiences and insights that each member of TCS has contributed to our Member Forum.
When I became Local Leader, we were just emerging from two years of Covid interrupted wedding seasons with a heap of fabulous Newbies joining us. I decided to host a one-off Zoom to get to know some of these fresh faces and welcome them into TCS and their new world of being a Celebrant.
After three hours of robust conversation, many a question answered and connections made, I hung up determined to make it a regular event… Newbie Zooms were here to stay!
“A safe space with no judgement to listen and learn. Definitely going to keep attending…. got so much from the conversations!” Clint Hong Celebrant
Now, once a month (with a few pauses for holidays!) myself and whoever wants to jump on Zoom, gather to chat, solve problems and answer questions. I love seeing how differently we all work on our ceremonies and in our businesses. The many different ways that TCS Members reflect their personalities and the love stories of their couples.
For all the many different ways to be a Celebrant, my favourite thing is seeing the ways in which we are all so very similar..! The passion for storytelling. The angst over admin! And the utter joy of being part of such a special moment in a person’s life.
That and the CONNECTIONS! Bali Retreat Roommates have been found in a Newbie Zoom. Support crews based in different states. Friends. Dare I say, even Friends for Life.
And yes, we have solved many a problem, reassured many a nervous celebrant, workshopped scenarios and laughed. A LOT!
“The Newbie Zooms are an opportunity to come together and ask questions with no judgement! I’ve gathered lots of practical advice for starting up my Celebrant biz!” Celebrant Monique
Newbie Zooms are moving to the first TUESDAY of the month, starting Tuesday October 1st at 7pm (Melbourne Daylight Saving Time). You can RSVP and find the Zoom link in our TCS Facebook Forum.
*Quite clearly this definition come from the author of this blog and Newbie Zoom Facilitator, me… Dee – Local Leader TCS.
