I also take particular pleasure in interviewing each couple to 'get to know them', to ascertain their ideas, their hopes, and their choice of words etc, as well as make suggestions from my wide experience to assist them in achieving the perfect format for their individual needs. These could be as diverse as unusual rituals, religious readings, or special blessings to make their ceremony unique, memorable and - most important - relevant to their relationship.

No matter whether a wedding is small and relaxed or large and formal, I give every ceremony the care and attention it deserves, and take pride in creating a special one that guests really do listen to, enjoy, and remember for the significant event that it is.

May I stress that, whilst I encourage couples to participate in the composition of their ceremony (if that appeals to them), they should not be daunted by the prospect of writing their own preamble, declarations of intent, vows etc, because I provide them with a 'swag' of choices to read and choose from. And once they have indicated what they like (and don't like), it's then my job to put it all together in an appealing and flowing format. Several drafts may even go back and forth between us until it's exactly right; and that's perfectly fine.

All of this is covered by my fee, which is advised at the time of enquiry and includes the following:

• initial interview
• completion of the Notice of Intended Marriage (NOIM)
• subsequent meetings, as required
• assistance with wedding etiquette
• stationery, telephone, fax, email & postage costs
• preparation of official documentation
• preparation of application to the R-G for a Certified Copy of the (official) Marriage Certificate
• a presentation Marriage Certificate done in laser calligraphy
• the gift of a souvenir copy of the wedding ceremony
• my attendance at the wedding venue to deliver the ceremony
• lodgement of all documentation with the Registrar-General.

The beauty of civil marriages is that they can take place almost anywhere in Nature's gardens, mountains, valleys, parks, by the sea or riverside; or in halls, reception venues, restaurants, or on boats. I also offer my own private garden - with its fountain-ed pond, and views across bushland to Queensland's Sunshine Coast - for very private weddings with just the mandatory two witnesses present.