In Conversation With… Marriage Celebrant Brittany of Per Sempre

Per Sempre is more than just a name; it’s a promise of timelessness and enduring commitment. With almost a decade of experience, Brittany brings a refined and heartfelt approach to every ceremony, blending modern elements with a touch of tradition. Her dedication to creating bespoke, memorable experiences ensures that each wedding is not just celebrated but truly cherished.

“Per Sempre symbolises timelessness and enduring commitment. Whether it’s a stunningly extravagant party, or a more intimate, romantic gathering, a wedding is ultimately about honouring the profound promise two people are making to each other, which extends far beyond the celebrations...”

Your brand, Per Sempre, translates to "forever" in Italian, which is such a romantic sentiment. How does this name reflect your approach to creating meaningful wedding ceremonies?

Thank you! I’ve only recently rebranded to “Per Sempre” after almost a decade of working under “Brittany Turner, Civil Marriage Celebrant”. I have received so much positive feedback around my new brand, which has made the whole process even more exciting (with an extra special thanks to the talented team at Business Brother, who transformed my little labour of love into something so fresh and elevated!)

Per Sempre symbolises timelessness and enduring commitment. Whether it’s a stunningly extravagant party, or a more intimate, romantic gathering, a wedding is ultimately about honouring the profound promise two people are making to each other, which extends far beyond the celebrations. I like to give this the attention it deserves, through a sincere, elegant and engaging ceremony. My approach blends modern elements with a touch of tradition, balancing heartfelt moments with some light-hearted humour, creating an experience that will be treasured by the couple and remembered by their guests.

PS also represents constancy. My role is so much more than just showing up for the ceremony (and, not to mention, setting the vibe for the rest of the day!) I guide my couples through the planning process, meticulously handling as much as possible for them behind the scenes, ensuring everything is in place for a ceremony that feels true to them.

What inspired you to become a celebrant, and how has that journey shaped your philosophy for creating memorable ceremonies?

Back in 2016, a friend was getting married and asked if I would be her celebrant. My first thought was, “What does a celebrant even do?!” (Don’t worry, present and future couples – I know the answer to that now, I swear! All my now-married couples can vouch for me!)

I’m a lawyer, with a communication degree, who has also studied acting at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA). I’ve always loved making people laugh, I’m a total romantic and I can talk underwater. It didn’t take me long to realise that being a celebrant was a perfect fusion of all my passions and strengths.

When I first started studying to become a celebrant, my now-husband and I were still dating. At the time, what little I knew about weddings I’d learnt from being a bridesmaid a few times and living my best wedding guest life. Fast forward to now, as a wife/former bride, I have a very thorough understanding of what’s involved in a wedding, on both a personal and professional level. I absolutely thrive in taking on the Andy Sachs/Emily Charlton-type role for my couples in the lead-up to their marriage moment and beyond (and since we’re on the topic of this iconic movie, I’ll take the chance to quote THE QUEEN: “Truth is, there is no one that can do what I do!”) 

I’m also now a mum of two, and I absolutely love meeting my couples’ favourite people (especially parents they’ve spoken so highly of) on one of the proudest, happiest days of their own lives. Connecting with those who’ve shaped the couple into who they are is such a joy and brings extra warmth to the ceremony (and it’s also very special when guests, post-ceremony, assume I’m a close friend of the couple myself!)

You mention on your profile that your ceremonies are heartfelt and bespoke. Can you share your process for getting to know couples and ensuring their personalities shine through in their ceremony?

Sure! Part of ensuring each ceremony is truly bespoke is capping the number of bookings I take on each year, allowing me to give each couple the time and attention they so deserve and put ample energy into making their ceremony a true reflection of who they are. My personal ethos is quality over quantity, and I’ve carried this into my business.

I’m quite an inquisitive person and can have a conversation with just about anyone! Like attracts like, so I usually find that my couples are a lot like me or someone I’m close with, which makes building a connection even easier. Something as simple as following each other on socials can be helpful too – it’s a great way to interact organically over time.

In terms of getting content for the ceremony itself, I will catch up with my couples over coffee and/or a cocktail and/or a Coke Zero – sometimes in person, sometimes via FaceTime – to talk through the different ceremony elements and how we can tailor each one to suit them (well, aside from the legal aspects, which are set in stone!) One of the best parts of my job is bringing creative ideas to life and finding new ways to incorporate even the most subtle, yet most meaningful, personal touches into a wedding day. My Tell Me (A)more Couple Questionnaire (which I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting) is another key part of my process. I’ve carefully designed it to help me capture all the information I need to weave their unique personalities and style into every inch of the ceremony. I encourage my couples to make a real moment out of completing this Questionnaire – it can be a very sweet date night activity!

What do you think sets a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony apart from the rest, and how do you bring that magic to the weddings you officiate?

The storytelling is what makes a ceremony truly memorable, and that’s a collaborative effort between the couple and I, and sometimes even their guests! When a couple invests in a quality celebrant (that is, not only someone who is an expert at what they do, but also genuinely cares about their couples and is genuinely committed to making their day everything it can be for them) it shows.

I also think, when you truly love what you do and you just know you were born to do it, that passion becomes palpable. When I’m in celebrant mode, the joy I feel really is a kind of magic – and that energy resonates with others. For me, it’s never “just another day at work”. It still feels surreal that I have the privilege of officiating weddings. I never take for granted the honour of being chosen, time after time, by such wonderful people for such an important role.

Do you have a favourite moment or story from a wedding you've officiated that stands out as particularly special or moving?

I actually make a point of noting down a special moment from each ceremony I officiate, to go back and read through every now and then, as I never want to forget a single one.

One incredibly moving moment that immediately springs to mind is the very first time I was able to use the words “marriage is the union of two people…” in the monitum.

Another story that stands out, which is featured in my Voto-Writing Guide (which I gift to all my couples, with “voto” being Italian for “vow”) happened back in 2018. I had been asking a groom (who was an old work friend) for a copy of his personalised vows right up until the day before his wedding, as I always like to have them on my tablet as a backup. However, on this particular occasion, this particular groom WROTE HIS VOWS DURING THE SHORT CAR RIDE FROM HIS ACCOMMODATION TO THE WEDDING VENUE – I kid you not – and, though it pains the Virgo in me to admit it, those literal last-minute vows are still to this day some of the best, most heartfelt words I’ve heard. Truly amazing. What is it they say about how diamonds are made?

For couples considering Per Sempre as their celebrant, what would you say is the one thing they can expect from working with you?

A seamless experience that is perfectly aligned with who they are and what matters most to them.

Find Per Sempre online by CLICKING HERE or follow on Instagram at @persempre.ceremonies

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