5 Minutes With Celebrant Elisha Buffone
Self-described as a wandering free spirit, celebrant Elisha Buffone creates ceremonies with soul. Earthy and Full of Heart. After sitting through one too many "cookie-cutter" ceremonies, Elisha decided to become a celebrant so that she could give couples a ceremony that represented their values.
“I create ceremonies with soul. Earthy and Full of Heart. I like to understand all parts of you as individuals and a couple and then shape your ceremony around that.”
Tell us a little about yourself Elisha…
Where shall we begin...???
I am a mix of a wandering free spirit and a wholesome homely nanna. I love to potter around the home, cook, read and create, and then explore all the magic natural beauty of this world when cabin fever hits. I just came off a 4-month stint studying the Northern Territory and am ready to get into the Victorian Wedding season. I have an academic background in sociology and counselling, and I work as a facilitator and yoga teacher when I am not doing celebrant work. I am also an over-the-top dog mum and love animals, so if you're an animal person and want to bring your pets everywhere too, we will get along.
So you're a celebrant; what made you want to marry couples?
In 2016, it was the wedding season for all my social circle. Attending wedding after wedding, I felt so many focused on the look and not the feel. The ceremony seemed the most "cookie cutter" part. My people were doing what they thought had to happen at a wedding rather than creating a ceremony that expressed their values. I decided to bring this into the wedding space; however, I didn't want to train or register as a celebrant until marriage was offered to all lovers.
Describe your style as a celebrant?
I create ceremonies with soul. Earthy and Full of Heart. I like to understand all parts of you as individuals and a couple and then shape your ceremony around that.
What inspires you as a celebrant?
Human stories, stories of growth, triumph, love, and grit. The full spectrum of being perfectly imperfect humans.
What is unique to you as a celebrant that couples won't find from anyone else?
I create a safe container for you to build intimacy with the people you are sharing your love with and who honour and accept all you and your partner are. I do this with a sense of play and wit- the process isn't intense; it's curious and loving.
What excites you the most about celebrating a couple's love?
The bravery it takes to love and live with an open heart. Most of us will be obliterated by love and relationships at some point. To come back to love and the risk of it over and over again is so wonderful and inspiring.
What is your one piece of advice for couples on the hunt for a celebrant who authentically tells their story?
Pick your celebrant based on your values! Date them a little and ask who they are. It'll be a fun and more free-flowing process if your celebrant values similar things to you.
And finally, how long before their wedding do you suggest a couple reach out to you?
Lock it in as soon as you know your dates but 6-12 months out is usually the best.
You can find Elisha Buffone on THEODORE Magazine by CLICKING HERE, at elishabuffone.com or over at Instagram @ebuffone_celebrant
Images supplied by Elisha Buffone.
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