The year that was
When I cast my mind back to the year that was, I am incredibly grateful for all the connections I’ve made. Each couple who has approached me with a desire to get married has been important to me. The conversations and laughs we’ve shared have been a gift and I appreciate each and every one.
Awards
During the year, I was excited to receive two new awards.
The first was Top 3 Civil Marriage Celebrant for the Tweed Coast & Byron Bay in the Wedding Industry Awards. This comes on top of #2 Civil Marriage Celebrant for the Tweed Coast & Byron Bay in 2023 and 2024. I’m also a Finalist in the Australian Wedding Industry Awards to be held in Sydney on 7.1.26.
The second was “Best Marriage Celebrant in Lismore” in the Quality Business Awards Australia. This is now the 3rd consecutive year that I’ve won this award.
Ceremonies
I’ve officiated numerous “Short & Sweet” legals only weddings on my outdoor undercover terrace and, with the option of a variety of upgrades, in other locations as well. Add to this, elopements and full service weddings held on private properties, in parks, at a brewery in Ballina, “Crams Farm Reserve” near Doon Doon in the Tweed Shire, “Windara” at Casino, “The Edible Garden Cafe & Restaurant” in Wollongbar, “Richmond River Lighthouse” in Ballina, “Hanging Rock Hall” in Wadeville, “South Lismore Bowling Club”, the “Federal Hotel” in Alstonville and overlooking Boulder Beach at Skennars Head, and it feels like I’ve been all over the Northern Rivers celebrating love.
My calendar for next year is filling up too. In January, alone, I have 6 weddings booked! 🎉
Networking
One of the other things I’ve loved doing is catching up with other celebrants and wedding suppliers. This year, there have been many coffee and lunch dates as well as phone conversations. It’s all about sharing the love and keeping it real.
I also helped co-ordinate an AFCC National Celebrants’ Day lunch at Kelp Restaurant in Ballina on 21.11.25. This year was a little different in that I invited one of our local wedding photographers, Lani Ryan Photography, to join us for lunch. Lani shared some tips on how celebrants can work with professional photographers so as to help them deliver the best possible photos to our couples.
On 30.11.25, I also attended a morning tea on the Gold Coast with a group of other celebrants. All of these interactions were a great way to connect with others in the industry and share ideas and stories.
Thank you
A big thank you to all my couples for trusting me with telling their love story and delivering a ceremony that met their wishes. I appreciate all your feedback and 5⭐ Reviews. Whether it was a legals only wedding, elopement or full service ceremony, I have loved them all!
I hope you enjoyed a Merry Christmas ⭐🎄🎁 and my wish is that you have a very happy and healthy 2026 🎉 I hope you can spend some time with your family and friends.
126 ~ 30/12/2025
© Lindy Cooke Celebrant