The Anatomy of a Modern Wedding Ceremony
- Carina Quinn
- Nov 11
- 7 min read
Before It All Begins – Setting the Scene
Every great ceremony starts long before the music and the walk.It begins with a feeling — that quiet, collective breath as everyone realises this is it.Whether your ceremony unfolds under open sky, in a heritage hall, or your own backyard, the magic comes from how it feels, not how it’s formatted.There’s no “right order” — just moments that matter, shaped around the two of you.
And before anyone even thinks about walking down the aisle, I’ve already been doing the rounds. I’ve checked in with the VIPs — mums, dads, grandparents — letting them know how special this is for them too. I’ve probably commented on how gorgeous everyone looks, had a little banter with the guests about filling the front seats so it looks like you’ve actually got friends, and teased whoever’s standing down the end of the aisle:
“Alright, you’re on your own now. I’m off to collect someone very important.”
Then I wander up to the one who’s waiting — the hum of chatter behind them, their favourite people gathered, nerves and joy mingling in the air — and I quietly say:
“You ready for this? Take a breath. Breathe it all in. This is going to be amazing. I’ll see you when you’re getting married.”
That’s when it all begins to shift from planning to becoming.
The Welcome – Setting the Tone
The moment your guests take their seats, the energy starts to build. As your celebrant, I’m already tuned in — scanning faces, feeling the hum, waiting for the cue that you’re ready. The welcome is where I break the ice, set the tone, and let everyone know they’re part of something that’s about to feel both meaningful and fun.
This is where we honour who’s in the room (and sometimes who couldn’t be), ground ourselves with an Acknowledgement of Country, and invite everyone to take a collective breath. It’s not about formality — it’s about connection.
The Processional – The First Look
Walks down the aisle happen in all kinds of ways.Sometimes it’s one person; sometimes it’s both. Sometimes it’s a crowd moment.
I’ve seen a groom strut (not walk — strut) down the aisle with his crew to War of the Worlds, chest out, owning every beat.I’ve seen wedding parties enter from both sides, spreading across the front like a movie cast, clapping both brides as they came down together — full “yes, queens, this is ON” energy.
And from where I stand at the front, I have the best seat in the house.There’s something so powerful about watching a parent, sibling, or chosen family member walk their person down the aisle. You can see the honour written all over their face — the pride, the emotion, the absolute joy in getting to be part of that moment. It’s pure privilege to witness.
That’s what I love about modern ceremonies — there’s no single “right” way to make an entrance. The music, the walk (or dance, or march, or glide) should feel like you.My job is to make sure it all flows, that your people know when to stand, and that the moment feels grounded and joy-filled, not stage-managed.
The Story – Why Everyone’s Here
This is where I tell your story — the heart of the ceremony. It’s not a résumé or a list of milestones. It’s the feel of your relationship: the inside jokes, the quirks, the things that make your people nod and smile because they know it’s so you.
And this story is what I love the most. It’s the part I like to nail — and I say it every single time I meet a new couple:
“It has to sound like you, and it has to sound like me. That’s how we get the feels.”
Because when those two voices blend — yours, honest and raw, and mine, weaving it into something beautiful — that’s where the magic happens.
I’ll often weave in your words from your questionnaires or conversations — the things you said that made me grin behind my screen when I read them.
The Legal Bits (The Monitum & The Asking)
Every celebrant has to say certain words — they’re the legal spine of the ceremony.The Monitum (“I am duly authorised by law...”) is one of those lines. It’s the official moment that transforms your celebration from symbolic to legally binding.Then comes The Asking — the part where I confirm that you both freely choose to marry one another.
But even these can feel warm and natural when delivered with intention and timing.No one wants a robot at their wedding — so I blend the legal language into your story so it flows, not jars.
The Vows – Your Promises
The vows are the emotional core. Some couples write their own, some choose guided templates, some keep it simple. Whatever route you take, I’ll help you find words that feel natural when spoken out loud — vows that sound like you, not Google.
I do have a bit of a joke about this part, though — because technically, personal vows aren’t compulsory. But I often say I’ve got a few non-negotiables ( it's tongue in cheek, because obviously it's y our wedding), and this is one of them.
Now, I’ve absolutely married couples who’ve skipped personal vows because they’re shy, private, or just not into public speaking — and honestly, that’s completely fine. But here’s why I always suggest them: a ceremony should have ebb and flow. Big moments, sentimental moments, little laughs, those quiet pauses where everyone leans in and listens.
I always tell my couples:
“I’m not a comedian. I’m not trying to be funny — but I do like to have fun.”
And adding that moment where we pause my voice and hear yours — even briefly — adds depth. It changes the pace, the energy, and lets the two people this whole day is about take centre stage.
The trick is keeping them personal but balanced. They don’t have to be poetic masterpieces — they just need to sound like your voice, your rhythm, your truth.
The Rings & The Declaration
The rings are one of those traditions that have stood the test of time. For centuries, people have been slipping these tiny circles of gold onto each other’s fingers — and honestly, there’s something kind of beautiful about that. It ties you to a long line of couples who’ve stood right where you are, promising the same thing: to show up, to keep choosing each other, and to keep building whatever “us” looks like for you.
It brings a touch of tradition, a nod to history, and gives you a bit of bling to carry on with from this day forward — and that’s pretty cool.
And then we hit that moment — the one everyone’s been waiting for. The story’s been told, the laughter’s rolled through the crowd, and the energy is right there at its peak.
“This is it. You get to say this gorgeous, incredible woman is your wife. And you get to say this handsome, devilish, funny, gorgeous man is your husband. So — will you do us the greatest honour? Grab that fella in front of you, plant a big old kiss on him... he’s now your husband!”
That’s the spark — the release. The cheer, the kiss, the eruption of joy. The moment it all becomes real.
The Signing – Making It Official
Once the cheers settle, we take a quick pause to make it official on paper.I guide your witnesses, cue the music, and let you have a few quiet moments together while I check and double-check the details.This is also the perfect time for a mini-performance, photo session, or sneaky sip of champagne.
The Send-Off – The Celebration Begins
I’ll bring everyone back in, announce you both by name, and cue the music as you make your walk back down the aisle — newly married, utterly glowing.That’s the crescendo — the final scene before hugs, champagne, and dance floors take over.
Why It Matters
Every ceremony has these same moving parts — the difference is how they’re woven together.When you strip away the scripts, the rules, the Pinterest templates, what’s left is the heart of it: two people standing side by side, saying “yes” to a life together.
And that, my friends, is the anatomy of a modern wedding ceremony — equal parts heart, humour, and human connection.
Ready to plan your ceremony?
If you want a ceremony that feels like you — relaxed, personal, full of meaning (and maybe a little laughter) — let’s chat. Enquire Here →
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✨ The Dream Team Behind This Day
Every wedding I’m part of is a team effort — a mix of heart, hustle, and a sprinkle of chaos in the best way.
Venue: Matilda Bay Restaurant
Photographer: Henry – Potomoto Studio (@potomotostudio)
Videography: Jeff Ho – OIKOS Studio (@oikosstudio)
Makeup: Karen Ann Makeup
Hair: Cally – Luxe Bridal Hair
Big love to every creative who poured their heart into this celebration. You’re what makes this job pure joy. 💛
Carina is a Perth-based Marriage Celebrant living in the beautiful Swan Valley. She creates fun, relaxed, and deeply personal wedding ceremonies that feel unmistakably you — equal parts heartfelt and joy-filled.
Known for her charismatic energy and down-to-earth approach, Carina brings a balance of warmth, wit, and professionalism to every wedding she officiates. If you’re looking for a celebrant who makes the process easy, genuine, and full of good vibes — you’ve found her.
📍 Perth, Western Australia📞 0417 923 760📧 carina@thewordsmithmc.com.au🌐 thewordsmithmc.com.au
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