What Would They Know? Mark Doggett of All You Need Is Love

Loving what you do, and seeing it as a vocation is something we would all ideally love about our jobs or professions. Mark Doggett of  All You Need is Love gets to live his dream job every day, tailoring your ceremony to your individual needs and sharing a little of your story with your friends and family on your wedding day. A Celebrant who feels it is a privilege to participate in the first day of your new journey, whose credo is ‘all you need is love’ – well that’s special!

What influenced your decision to become a marriage celebrant?

Well that’s a long story… but basically it’s something I had always thought of doing since a fairly young age but I guess the turning point came some years into my acting career while I was playing the role of Father Raphael Capitola (the catholic priest) on Neighbours. I was constantly getting these remarks from friends, colleagues and family saying things like “You are really good at that! You should do that for real” or from complete strangers “Are you a real Priest?” To which I would reply with a grin “No. Just a very good Actor J” Eventually I gave in and tried my hand at it and it was possibly the best move of my life because I absolutely love it!

Image from Dekuji Photography

Was someone a particular influence on you?

No not really I just got creative and busy and really enjoyed it.

Do most couples request a standard ceremony or are they more inclined to want an individually tailored celebration from you?

I love it when a couple sets their creative side loose and asks me to help them make their ceremony an absolute one of a kind! Sometimes people do really crazy inventive and inspiring things and I get to orchestrate it all. However, in reality most couples want something pretty simple and honest which is totally understandable and I always find a way to make it just that little bit unique and reflective of them as people.

How do you start to write the ceremony vows – what is the starting point?

I am a huge advocate of encouraging couples to write their own Vows as it is such a beautiful opportunity for them to remember and express to each other why they are getting married. Also it helps them to  personalize their ceremony and after all I believe this is really what all their friends and family have come to witness and enjoy. (It’s kinda the best bit)

What inspires you? How do you keep your ideas fresh for each wedding?

Well as an actor you never know when or what your next job will be which is both terrible and wonderful at the same time. The great thing is you know it will always be different and a challenge. This is what keeps you on your toes. I feel it’s sort of the same with my ceremonies. Although the true source of inspiration for me simply comes from my clients themselves.

Do you have a particular ‘style’?

I guess I am honest in style. Relaxed and fun is my motto because after all it is meant to be a celebration!! Having said that I am always ready to play any role and often do.

How can couples personalize their wedding ceremony?

Excellent Question! Firstly be true to yourselves and create the wedding you want! Think about the things that inspire you and make you smile in your everyday life and extract what you can of these and don’t be afraid to try something a little different.

Can you describe a typical wedding day in your life as a celebrant?

Hmmm? Each one is different really as it depends when and where the wedding is taking place but I guess I usually start with a little smile because I do actually get a little bubble of excitement knowing that it is going to be such a special day in so many ways for the people I will be marrying. Followed by food, grooming (very important for a celebrant) checking and re-checking documents, equipment and vehicle. The best bit is getting suited up and setting out on the adventure. The rest you can find out when I marry you J

What questions should couples ask when they are choosing their celebrant?

To be honest it doesn’t really matter it’s more about deciding if they suit your personalities and if they make you feel at ease and confident that they can create the Ceremony you desire. Questions like the ones in this interview would work brilliantly J

What is the best piece of advice you could give to the bride and groom?

Don’t let anyone tell you what you have to do for your Wedding. It’s yours. Make sure you take the time to really enjoy your celebration. You worked hard to get there so you deserve it. Remember that life isn’t perfect and it wasn’t meant to be. When that spanner in the works appears just smile and in the words of Dory (in Finding Nemo)  “Just Keep Swimming” and remember all you need is love J

Do you travel away from Melbourne to perform wedding ceremonies?

I travel far and wide for my ceremonies. It’s an adventure.

Do you have a favourite place/town outside the city?

We are so blessed with beautiful places in this country we call home. I have so many favourite places and I keep finding more because I’m lucky enough to be a Celebrant. Close to home I love the beach the best. Mornington Peninsula is stunning! The Yarra Valley & Gippsland for the mind blowing scenery and FOOD!! Sorry I didn’t really pick one did I?

What is the book that you have most enjoyed reading this year?

Life of Pi. (It’s the second time round and still brilliant)

What do you like to do in your free time?

Be a big kid with my daughter, Work on my home and beach shack, Eat lots of Yummy Food! Travel and be as free as I can be.

Thank you Mark for sharing your story with us. To find out more about Mark and his celebrant services please visit his website.

All images have been used with the permission of Mark Doggett.