Hi everyone and welcome to another edition of The Wedding Wombat. Last week I travelled for a destination wedding. The couple were from Newcastle but chose the beautiful Kangaroo Valley as the spot for their glorious wedding. I was very honoured to be chosen to be their celebrant and MC and help them create the most perfect day. Ebony and Danielle had a great love story and the weather was perfect! Today’s episode is a must listen if you are planning a destination wedding or if you are looking f...
Sep 15, 2022•23 min•Season 3Ep. 43
In this episode of the Wedding Wombat, we are talking with Paul Godden from Angel Wedding Videos. Angel Wedding Videos is an amazing wedding videography business providing wedding video services and they believe in ‘Preserving ALL the special moments of your wedding day for a lifetime'. Paul is a professional videographer with 20 years of experience and is passionate about what he does and why you should have a videographer for your special day. You can contact Paul at Angel Wedding Videos in th...
Aug 18, 2022•49 min•Season 3Ep. 42
Welcome back! This new episode of The Wedding Wombat includes a great chat with Charlie and Ashleigh from the amazing Linton Gardens. Linton Gardens has established an excellent reputation for friendly & professional service and value for your wedding on the Central Coast. They have been doing exciting renovations and are having a Bridal Fair to celebrate including a $6000 wedding giveaway! Lots of info and ideas in this episode plus a new segment- Rapturous Readings! To contact Charlie or A...
Jul 16, 2022•32 min•Season 3Ep. 41
On this episode of The Wedding Wombat, we chat with Eddie Rice about his newly released book "Short Speeches, Big Impact" and get the best tips and tricks to help parents, bridal parties and couples navigate the reception speeches with ease! Grab your pen and paper because this episode is practical and supportive or better yet, grab a copy of Eddie's book which is a veritable goldmine for anyone giving a toast anywhere- including weddings! Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Toast-Short-Sp...
Apr 16, 2022•30 min•Season 2Ep. 40
In this episode of The Wedding Wombat, we explore options for unique weddings with a geeky bent! Yes, that's right if you love Star Wars, Dr Who or a Trekkie, this is the episode for you! Or maybe you love your Joss Whedon or are a fantasy fiend- there is something for every geek in this episode... and if I miss your particular passion, let me know and I'll include options in a follow up episode. I share some of my favourite readings and quotes for including in your wedding to add extra personal...
Mar 16, 2022•25 min•Season 2Ep. 39
This special Valentine's episode of the Wedding Wombat is all about relationships. All relationships have times when they are HOT and times when they are NOT... so in this episode, we talk about how to have healthy relationships- even during the wedding planning process and how to make sure your marriage is happy and loving. Margie McCumstie from Metamorphis Ceremonies talks with Beck Thompson. Beck is an award-winning Dating & Relationship Coach, number 1 international best-selling author a...
Feb 15, 2022•35 min•Season 2Ep. 38
To shed before you wed.... or not? This month we discuss the pressure to lose weight to fit a dress on the day and our podcast guest is the fabulous Stel Coombe-Heath from Wholesome Lifestyle Project. Stel is a binge eating and emotional eating recovery specialist and the #1 authority in helping busy women stop binge eating. She is on a mission to help a million women have a better relationship with food and their body. Stel struggled with a disordered relationship with food and her body for ove...
Jan 15, 2022•39 min•Season 2Ep. 37
Hello my friends and welcome to another episode of The Wedding Wombat and the last one for the year 2021! It has been another tough year for everyone planning their weddings and equally for all of us working in the wedding industry! In this episode, we are looking back at the last two years and counting down the Top 5 most popular episodes and some of the wisdom from each. To work this out, I looked at all the listener stats and downloads and divided each by the number of months to make it fair....
Dec 17, 2021•15 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Welcome back after lockdown and restrictions! Weddings are back and so are we! This is a bumper episode with not one, but two great guests! This episode we speak to the charismatic Wayne Lennan. Wayne is a specialist in advising, creating and servicing Risk Insurance Programmes (Life Insurance, Income Protection, Keyman Insurance, Partnership Protection) for individuals, families and businesses. He is the owner of Insurance for Living located in Newcastle but servicing people Australia wide. Way...
Nov 15, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 35
In this episode, we chat with Julie Newman from award winning business Hunter Valley Tours, who run affordable and accessible tours in the Hunter Valley... and so much more! We had a few audio technical issues with this episode but persevere- especially if you are planning a pre-wedding event in the Hunter Valley or need transport on your wedding day. Visit them at https://www.hvtours.com.au/ Phone Julie on 0456737888 or email to enquire about booking availabilities and pricing at info@hvtours.c...
Jun 15, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 34
In 2020, one of the most popular and listened to episodes was my 25 entry songs worth considering. So many of you loved the collection of entry songs and reached out wanting a follow up episode of exit songs… so here it is! Here’s the link to my playlist with all 25 songs- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/73yoQixTUgiBNRmYVsvQ3L?si=38oaTuLkRMWLG7Xh7zbExQ Contact Margie directly on phone- 0424041212, email – margie@metamorphis.com.au or via Messenger through the facebook page www.facebook.com/Met...
May 15, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 33
In this short but sweet episode of the Wedding Wombat, we are exploring options for bonbonierre or wedding favours for the budget conscious bride. Is it possible to have a special little gift for your guests without breaking the budget? My answer is yes! And each of the Top 5 come in UNDER $2! Here's the links mentioned in the show- http://www.wholesaleweddingsuperstore.com.au https://www.weddingstar.com.au https://www.kmart.com.au https://www.theweddingemporium.com.au https:///www.myweddingwish...
Apr 15, 2021•9 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Hello and welcome to the first episode back in 2021 after a well earned break! So much has happened since we last chatted and we will get into that in today’s show. Plus, we talk with 3 wedding vendors who have joined with me to create something rather special- today’s episode has some big ideas about micro weddings. We made it 2021 and things look to be improving. Trump is gone and covid 19 seems to be on the decline. Dancing is allowed again and wedding restrictions are being lightened. We sti...
Mar 15, 2021•27 min•Season 2Ep. 31
We celebrated National Celebrant's Day in the Newcastle are with a fancy breakfast with guest speakers and networking, prizes and lots of fun! It was a great chance to catch up and celebrate our work and passion for what we do after such a hard year. In this episode, I catch up with a few of my Celebrant friends for a chat and we give advice for couples for their big day! Thanks Fiona, Rhonda and Jeremy- you guys rock!
Nov 21, 2020•15 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, we chat with Allison Ockenden from Today, Tomorrow and Always. Allison is a DNA artisan and creates jewellery, wedding rings, memorial objects... and so much more! Today Tomorrow & Always was officially launched on September 18, 2018 by accredited artisan and mother of four, Allison Ockenden. After experiencing the loss of her fiancé, Allison founded Today Tomorrow & Always in his honour - letting him live on in her heart and hands as she crafts each precious and entirel...
Nov 11, 2020•32 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, we explore something that scares a lot of people- Public Speaking! Speeches are a part of most wedding receptions, but they can seem pretty scary! They don't have to be. Host of the Wedding Wombat, Celebrant and MC, Margie gives some easy to follow tips to make wedding speeches a breeze! Margie is an award winning Celebrant, MC and Speaker and loves her role, being passionate about celebrating love in meaningful, memorable and magical ways! Contact Margie directly on phone- 0424...
Oct 31, 2020•25 min•Ep. 28
Wedding Rehearsals. Are they really necessary? Well, yes. And no. In this episode of The Wedding Wombat, we look at rehearsals and help couples work out if they need one or not. Looking for a unique celebrant who will help you feel relaxed and comfortable so you can enjoy your special day? Contact Margie from Metamorphis Ceremonies today. Phone: 0424041212 Web: http://www.metamorphis.com.au Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MetamorphisCeremonies Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/metamorphis_ce...
Oct 20, 2020•18 min•Ep. 27
In this episode of The Wedding Wombat, we look at traditions in the lead up to a wedding and whether we need to consider their patriarchal influences. Keep, embrace, question or smash the patriarchy? Your choice- but whatever you choose, this is an important conversation to have and consider. We mostly focus on heterosexual couples in this episode as same-sex couples already navigate these questions to suit them already, whilst straight couples have tradition and expectation to potentially rebel...
Oct 01, 2020•20 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, we chat with Gillian Hollingsworth from Taste Me Creative Catering and reveal a gem on the Central Coast. The Wedding Wombat loves discovering special services and venues- especially if they aren't as well known. Gillian does all the catering and functions at The Lakes Surf Lifesaving Club in Budgewoi and rarely does any advertising because it is a special place shared by word of mouth. Well, the secret is out today on The Wedding Wombat! Here's how you can get in touch with Gil...
Sep 20, 2020•24 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, we explore the issues surrounding whether you should change or not change your surname. I share an insightful article by Soraya Kishtwari that she wrote for HuffPost. The original article can be read here- https://www.huffpost.com/entry/getting-married-bride-changing-name_n_5f457611c5b64f17e13562a0?fbclid=IwAR2Wh3IlWD96HcwCfcxkkMIbsz0jaG3OO727J2_5BjTY6ios8gYxxB63Sfc and I share TWO Top Fives this episode- the Top 5 Reasons TO change your name and the Top 5 Reasons NOT to change ...
Sep 11, 2020•22 min•Ep. 24
Ingrid Galloway has been working in the Spa industry since 1999, mainly in 5 star hotels in Sydney, Australia and for her private clients. Her various roles have included spa therapist, manager, trainer and business owner. She loves what she does and often her past clients have praised her for giving them “the best treatment ever”, even though they have experienced many treatments from around the world. Because of her passion in serving couples, she also became a Relationship Coach in 2009. She ...
Aug 31, 2020•28 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of the Wedding Wombat, we chat with Caroline Long, the Senior Sales & Function Coordinator for Hunter Valley Gardens, Mercure Resort Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Hunter Valley! Caroline is also organising the Hunter Valley Gardens Bridal Fair on Sunday 23rd, August 2020 from 10am- 2pm. This will be one of the FIRST Bridal Fairs since Covid-19 reared its ugly head and a chance for couples to come meet the region's finest wedding vendors! Wedding Fairs are all about cho...
Aug 21, 2020•44 min•Ep. 22
In this episode of The Wedding Wombat, we explore another fun idea for a hen's party- an exploration of sex toys and body care products with the girls at a Pure Romance party with Jessica. Jessie is a fun, understanding woman who puts everyone at ease and helps women feel open to discuss and explore their sexuality and sensuality in a safe space. Jessie loves running parties for Hen's parties as they are always full of giggles and the bride walks away with lots of goodies to spice up their soon-...
Aug 10, 2020•29 min•Ep. 21
In this episode of The Wedding Wombat, we chat with Carly Morrison from Psychic Dreaming. Carly is based in Melbourne and offers unique services for special parties- especially when groups of women come together to celebrate. Carly is a gifted Tarot reader, Grand Reiki Master and uses the Singing Bowls and Meditation techniques to give individuals and groups a special and unique experience. What a different idea for a Hen's party! Here are Carly's contact details: Phone: 0422 463 746 Website: ht...
Jul 30, 2020•16 min•Ep. 20
Today we are talking about catering with the fabulous Amanda Suffell from Eat ME Catering. Paella, hen’s parties and so much more- on The Wedding Wombat! The Eat ME team offers basic catering options to the whole kit and kaboodle event planning services. They can create an event your guests will be talking about for years. Eat ME specialise in small group catering options including intimate 3-course dinners to degustation dinners with wine matching!! Offering amazing ideas for hen's parties with...
Jul 20, 2020•24 min•Ep. 19
In this episode of the Wedding Wombat, we chat with the Founder and CEO of My Wedding Wish, Lynette Maguire. We learn about how My Wedding Wish began and about Lynette's passion for making wedding wishes come true for couples affected by a terminal illness. My Wedding Wish is a registered national charity that has been gifting weddings to the terminally ill around Australia since 2013. Generous My Wedding Wish suppliers and community fundraising efforts are able to ensure that our couples can ha...
Jul 10, 2020•35 min•Ep. 18
Welcome friends to another episode of The Wedding Wombat! I thought in this episode I’d catch you up on how the weddings went for the couples I interviewed about their Coronavirus weddings. Yes, there was a register for names and yes, there was sanitiser on tap and yes there were elbows of congratulations but there was so much more- and I’m going to tell all- today on The Wedding Wombat. Find out how Destinee and Ben's wedding went from Episode 11 and how Cat and Jono fared from Episode 13. I'll...
Jun 30, 2020•14 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, we are talking about ways to remember loved ones who have died in meaningful ways on your wedding day. In my work as a Celebrant, this is a conversation I have with lots of my couples as we choose what elements are most meaningful for them. So in this episode, I’m going to share my Top Thirteen Ways to remember and honour those who have died in special and personalised ways on your wedding day! Contact details for Conscious Clay: Website: http://www.consciousclay.com.au Facebook...
Jun 20, 2020•13 min•Ep. 16
Earlier this year, a remarkable woman named Karen Maree Nelson started a Facebook group called "Pay It Forward Bridal and Sell" and you can visit the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/576971226510192/ The group was created to help those who are affected by financial constraints caused by the recent virus, illness or environmental impact due to natural disaster. Members can seek assistance and members are welcome to gift anything to do with weddings or have an item which they are happy ...
Jun 10, 2020•23 min•Ep. 15
In every online wedding forum, someone regularly asks for suggestions for songs to walk down the aisle to. In this episode, I share my list with a mix of popular, traditional, unique and different options. When I came up with this list- and by no means is it definitive, I decided to make sure that each artist could only appear once. Honestly, there were so many incredible songs I could have chosen and I could have easily done a Top 100 and still left great choices out! As you may have guessed if...
May 31, 2020•53 min•Ep. 14
