Penny Cascio
Civil Celebrant
About Me
I love love in all its forms.
Seeing people holding hands whilst walking, or falling asleep on each other's shoulders on the train, watching my dogs playing, or listening to children laughing, watching a good romcom and sharing a giggle with my friends. These are some of the things that bring me joy.
My favourite saying in life is, ”it’s nice to be nice,” and as you can probably gather, I’m a glass half full type of person.
I was born in the UK and grew up in the crazy hair 80’s, and all I wanted to do was travel. In my 20’s I backpacked around most of the world. visiting some amazing countries and absorbing cultures and lifestyles into my soul. I realised that you don’t need money to be happy, you just need love, (mind you if I suddenly became a squillionaire now I wouldn’t complain!) I emigrated to Australia in 1996, lived in Melbourne for 6 years, then married my husband in 2002 and moved to Sydney to be with him, where we now have 2 beautiful teenage daughters, and 2 fluff ball dogs.
Life is good.
Professionally I’ve spent many years demonstrating a variety of products at events and expos internationally, with lots of public speaking and MCing at different ceremonies and occasions, including TV and video. In Melbourne I worked for a construction company in residential sales, helping to design and sell new homes to clients. Once I moved to Sydney my main focus was on being a Mum, with some part time administrative work and writing books amongst other things, to keep me occupied.
I am a stickler for organisation, I love writing and expressing myself through words. I am thorough with my work, making sure everything is considered, and nothing left out.
Becoming a Celebrant has been such an exciting journey as it incorporates everything that I love to do, and it has truly opened up my heart and made me excited about my future.
Helping you create your dream celebration really is a dream of mine too, so if you want to celebrate your love with a ceremony, be it a wedding, naming day, renewal of vows, or simply just because.....I'm your person!
I will virtually hold your hands through the whole process of designing and fine tuning the ceremony that you require. We'll get to know each other along the way so that your service is personal, loving, fun and simply beautiful.
Whatever your vibe, rustic, modern, kooky or elegant and stylish, I will create your story that reflects who you are, with whatever rituals you would wish to include, (the chocolate and champagne one is my fave!)
Whether you want to elope and have a private ceremony, or have a huge "do" with all the family, friends and pets included, I'm here to make sure your service goes to plan, is perfect, and one that will leave you with a lifetime of fabulous memories.
My core values are:
Empathy and kindness to all.
Respect for all.
Equality for all.
Honesty.....
And a sprinkling of giggles.
As your Commonwealth-registered civil celebrant, I am legally required to ensure that your marriage is solemnised and validated properly in accordance with the Marriage Act 1961.
To accomplish this, there are several legal documents that we need to review and sign. This will confirm that you have read and understood the conditions related to your upcoming marriage.
Read my Legals page if you wish to learn more.
“And I’d choose you in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds,
in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you.”
The Chaos of Stars - Kiersten White.
Wedding FAQs
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It is better to book me in at least 6 months prior to your wedding ceremony. That way we have enough time to create and rehearse your special day with all the inclusions you require.
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I will need to sight your photo ID, your birth certificates, passports and/or drivers licences.
If you are divorced, or widowed, I will need to sight the original divorce certificate, or death certificate, copies are not accepted.
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As an authorised marriage celebrant, I need to adhere to the obligations written out in the Marriage Act 1961, which I will discuss with you at our first meeting.
Once all of these validations are met, I write the ceremony around you and your needs, and discuss with you at length any additonal requirements/rites/rituals you may wish to include.
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Yes of course!
I have written an e-book with hints and tips on how to write your vows to help you along.
If you don't want to read them aloud on the day, I am happy to do so for you.
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I provide every marrying couple a commemorative marriage certificate which we all sign on the day.
Your legal marriage certificate which will support your application to change your name after the ceremony can be obtained from the Births, Deaths and Marriages department from the state in which you were married.
I can orgainise that for you if you would prefer.
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You can contact the registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages in the state you were married after your wedding ceremony and obtain your legal marriage certificate which will allow you to apply for a surname change at Medicare, the Electoral Office etc.
My name change kit is included in the Deluxe wedding package,
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Two adults, 18 years or over are needed to witness your marriage ceremony. They must both be able to speak, and understand English, otherwise an interpreter will be required.
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OMG yasss! No question.
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I am more than happy to travel interstate, and overseas if you require.
Additional fees for travel to be discussed.
Let’s Chat
If you are looking for a celebrant to create your perfect ceremony, just leave me some details here, and I will get back to you very soon for a no obligation chat about your requirements.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
