In Conversation with Celebrant Hitched With Jazz
At the heart of Hitched With Jazz is a belief that the ceremony should be just as memorable as the celebration that follows. Blending a creative background in fashion with a natural ability to connect, Jazz crafts ceremonies that reflect who couples truly are together. Each one is considered, romantic and designed to set the tone for the entire day.
THEODORE Mag: What inspired you to become a celebrant and launch Hitched With Jazz?
HWJ: I actually built a career in Fashion Design over the past 13 years. I love creating, and I love meeting people. The toxic nature of the fashion industry was taking its toll on me. I was searching for a passion project that could fulfil my love of meeting like-minded people with my love of everything creative. It brings me so much joy to bring people's ceremonies to life, and I've never looked back!
THEODORE Mag: How would you describe your celebrant style, and what kinds of ceremonies do you love to craft?
HWJ: My celebrant style is laid-back romantic. I believe the ceremony should set the tone for the day and leave the guests with a sense of what makes the couple special as a pairing. How they balance each other out and what the day really means to them. My goal is to have the guests walk away feeling like they learnt something about the couple's love and who they are together. I want each ceremony to be truly memorable, but with the spotlight on the couple, not me. I'm not a comedian, but I keep things lighthearted and love working closely with my couples to bring their ideas to life.
THEODORE Mag: What’s your process like when you first start working with a couple? How do you get to know them and their story?
HWJ: I always sit down with my couples (preferably at their favourite cafe or bar) and get to know them through natural conversation. I like listening to how the couple bounce off each other, getting a sense of who they are as individuals and as a pair. It's important to understand their story through milestones, but it's often the quiet and everyday moments that are most important to a couple. I also love to reach out to a few loved ones to gather diverse perspectives and understand how they are seen by the people closest to them.
THEODORE Mag: You offer both classic and elopement ceremony packages. How do these differ, and what kind of couples are drawn to each?
HWJ: Big or small, I walk away from each ceremony with the same incredible feeling. I love offering different (but straightforward) packages to allow couples to have the right ceremony style for them. My Classic Ceremony is unlimited in size and length. I spend time getting to know what makes the couple unique and work with them to write and perform a bespoke ceremony.
Elopements are close to my heart, and I am finding more and more couples are opting for a more intimate ceremony that feels authentically them, is full of love and is built by a curated selection of vendors without the stress, pressure or price tag of a large-scale event. An elopement ceremony is a 'legal only' ceremony, but we include personal vows, I dos, and a ring exchange if the couple wishes. This ceremony is short and sweet, it's laid-back but still so full of love and all the good vibes!
THEODORE Mag: What do you find most rewarding about officiating weddings, and is there a moment you treasure most on the wedding day?
HWJ: I honestly feel so truly honoured to stand up there with each couple. For them to trust me to perform their ceremony and witness their marriage alongside their most loved family and friends is something I cannot believe I get to call my job! The moment I treasure most in ceremonies is the personal vows. It's such a vulnerable and special moment for the couple to share them, and I get goosebumps every time!
THEODORE Mag: How do you help couples feel at ease on the big day, especially if they’re nervous or unsure about the ceremony?
HWJ: I always encourage couples not to feel obliged to do anything they aren't comfortable with. I love brainstorming different ways to do different parts of the ceremony if they are sitting right. For example, if a couple isn't comfortable reading their vows in front of guests, why not have a first look and exchange them privately before the ceremony?
I also always recommend a rehearsal to help with comfort levels. I don't charge extra for a rehearsal, and they can be done anywhere from the actual venue to a couple's own home or just on Zoom. Sometimes getting a feel for where you will be standing or just running through the ceremony casually can help with comfort on the big day.
THEODORE Mag: What’s one common misconception couples have about celebrants, and how do you like to challenge it?
HWJ: I think couples underestimate how much a great celebrant can add to their ceremony. Many couples put all their focus into the reception (don't get me wrong, I love a party). But it's my mission to make the ceremony the highlight of the day. To break any traditions that don't feel right and build something truly meaningful to each couple.
THEODORE Mag: What advice would you give to couples looking to choose a celebrant who feels like the right fit for them?
HWJ: Grab a coffee with them! I always encourage a casual sit-down with every couple before they book, as I want it to be a mutually good fit. I always hold a couple's date for two weeks, so they have the time to meet a few celebrants and decide together if I am the right fit for them. It's an important role, and one size does not fit all!
Visit hitchedwithjazz.com
Instagram @hitchedwithjazz
DISCLAIMER: We attempt to credit the original photographer/source of every image we use. However, in most circumstances, the images we use are provided by the brands spoken about, and we rely on them to inform us of the image source. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@theodoremagazine.com
More For You
