Regular readers might recall that Celebrant in Cornwall is growing - and I thought I'd take the opportunity to introduce you properly to my new associate celebrant Caroline with a little Q and A session! (Thank you, Caroline, for being such a good sport!)
• Tell me about your life in Cornwall
I was born in Cornwall, and growing up by the coast I had a fabulous childhood. I moved to Surrey for my university years, and then to Australia with my now-husband - we lived and worked in Melbourne for two years and backpacked our way around south east Asia for another 6 months. However, despite all of the incredible sights we saw on our travels, nothing will ever beat living and working by the Cornish coastline and this is very much home for me.
· How did you get into the wedding industry? I was working in corporate events when my Dad, a very well-known chef, opened his own restaurant and asked me to go in with him and manage it. It was only meant to be a short term arrangement, but we went on to work together for 10 years! During this time I started organising small weddings in the restaurant, which led on to decor and styling, which led onto an outside catering company - with my Mum, who also joined the business. I trained as a chef and catered for hundreds of weddings - but I always wanted to be out front where it was all going on! So I got a job at one of Cornwall's leading wedding venues where I learnt about the industry from the ground up, culminating with launching my own wedding planning business in more recent years.
· What attracted you to work as a celebrant? Almost five years ago my brother and his fiancee asked me to be the celebrant for their wedding and I jumped at the chance. It was amazing to create such a personal ceremony - however, I didn't anticipate how emotional it would be 'marrying' my own brother! The feedback was so wonderful, and I enjoyed the experience so much, I decided I would take the role of celebrant as often as possible.
· Describe your perfect ceremony! I do get slightly over-excited when it comes to weddings. I love ceremonies that are highly personal and I am a sucker for every couple's 'love story'. A perfect ceremony would be in a meaningful location, maybe a family home or the venue of the proposal, preferably outside in the open air and with a relaxed vibe. It would be highly inclusive, with family or friends all participating, and maybe a few (happy) tears too!
· What are you looking forward to in the coming months? What I am looking forward to the most is a HUG! Being half Italian, I am a hugger! I love meeting people and talking about all-things wedding related, so I can't wait to get back to chatting with clients and feeling the excitement of the wedding industry again.
Time for some quick fire questions!
· What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Probably jumping out of an aeroplane at 18,000 feet for charity. Not sure I'd do it again!
· Do you have any claims to fame?
When I was about 11 I appeared on the Live and Kicking show with Andi Peters (now that's showing my age)!
· Are you a dog or cat person?
Definitely dog!
· If you could have any superhero power, what would it be?
When I was younger I used to think I could fly. I would close my eyes and be flying through the air, and I remember it being an amazing feeling. So perhaps I am already a superhero?!
· Rollercoasters – love or hate?
Hate! I am the biggest scaredy-cat when it comes to fast rides and upside-down activities! I used to like the classic rollercoasters, but now you're more likely to find me on the log flume or tea-cups.
· What skill would you most like to master?
I would actually love to be able to arrange flowers properly. I LOVE wedding floristry and I think it's such an art. I could throw a bouquet or buttonhole together if needed, but to create a masterpiece would be amazing!
· Do you consider yourself an extrovert or introvert? Extrovert, of course!
· What three things on your bucket list? My bucket list is actually all ticked off! Maybe I need to create a new one?
· What advice would you give to your younger self?
Oh gosh, that's a tough one! I am very independent and was never easily told when I was younger, however if I've learnt anything over the years it's to be patient, be confident in what you do and never stop learning from others.