Being a relative new-comer to the Industry – Erin Alice has certainly hit the ground running.
I’ve really enjoyed having the chance to get to know Erin over the last 18 months or so since she joined Taranaki Weddings – having joined shortly before the country went into lockdown – it took a while to get to meet Erin in person – but since then I’ve had such a great time getting to know her. Erin’s passion for her weddings and her confidence and infectious – but don’t take my word for it – read on to find out more about Erin.
How long have you worked in the Wedding Industry (specifically in Taranaki as well)?
I got my license around October 2019, and my first wedding was in February 2020. It has been all go since then!
Have you always worked in the Industry – if not, what did you do before?
I am an early childhood teacher during the week, and have been for six or so years now.
What made you want to work in the Wedding Industry?
I attended a wedding and saw Rose Haskell in action. I thought about what an incredible job she had (and what an incredible celebrant she is), and how special it must be to officiate weddings. A few months later my friends were planning their wedding and commented on how they wished that I was a celebrant. I took this as a sign, and within two months I had my license! I thought it would just be something I’d have for family and friends getting married, but as it works in New Plymouth, word got out and bookings started coming in faster than expected! I’d never been to many weddings, but a huge amount of funerals. I think I just fell in love with the idea of such a happy, love filled occasion- and getting to be right in the thick of the joy.
Is this your full-time occupation or your side hustle?
Currently it is my side hustle. As mentioned, I am an early childhood teacher. I work at a private centre in Lepperton that has a strong focus on nature and sustainability. I love it, but I would love to find a way to work in the wedding industry full time. But for now, I’ll continue being the gal with many hats!
What’s your favourite moment in a wedding?
Can I say the whole thing? It’s so hard to choose. I love the moment I have at the start with the spouse, waiting for their love to walk down the aisle. Their excitement is contagious, and by the time their love is walking down the aisle, the emotions are overflowing. I think seeing a bride walk with their dad down the aisle is the part that gets me the most emotional, and I have to really make an effort to stay composed sometimes! If you look at the photos of people’s weddings at this point, my face is always horrendous because I either am holding back tears or I have the biggest, goofiest grin!
What’s your favourite thing about working in this Industry?
So many things! I have met some incredible people in the industry who are now really good friends, and I love seeing the collaborations between businesses. I love the creativity so many people have when designing weddings, it’s very much inspiring my future plans! Getting all glammed up for a ceremony is also a bonus. (I spend my days in gumboots usually!).
Tells us three interesting – non wedding related – things that people might want to know about you?
I love Te Reo Māori- I was raised, and schooled, without any knowledge of the language. When I started studying teaching at uni, I became super passionate about tikanga, te reo and te ao Māori. Now, with the support of my partner and work whānau, I am learning not only the language, but everything beyond it as well. I’m very excited to have recently booked a wedding where I will get to speak a lot of Te Reo!
I’m pretty good at macrame, I’ve even made an archway for ceremonies! There’s something incredibly therapeutic about focusing all my energy on tying knots for hours on end.
I’ve been involved in performing arts for pretty much my entire life. I started dance at the age of three, and carried on until I started working full time as a teacher. I danced for a company called Tansi Productions, and was involved in some incredible performances- like dancing at the rugby stadium in front of thousands of people! My māmā got my brother and I involved in theatre as well, and although I no longer do it, my māmā and brother are still heavily involved- she was recently head of costumes for Wicked!
I have had so many amazing opportunities because of my performing background, and I think it is why I enjoy doing ceremonies so much! Another chance to be creative, but in a different way!
I guess all in all, you could say I’m quite the creative being!
To find out more about Erin Alice – Marriage Celebrant or to catch up to see if she’s the perfect marriage celebrant for your special day – check out her listing.
