Popular radio host Jess Qazi is pursuing a long-held dream to “fill her weekends with wedding ceremonies’’ by becoming a marriage celebrant. Known for her bubbly personality as one half of K Rock’s Tim & Jess show, the experienced presenter is using her skills to help couples celebrate their big day.
“I’ve MC’d a few weddings already and sharing that amazing vibe is such a rush,’’ said Jess.
“There is something so powerful in sharing these huge moments with people.I just want to give them an amazing, customised wedding day that is as unique and special as their love for one another.’’
While Jess has flourished in her gig as Drive program announcer since joining K Rock just over two years ago, she cannot help but feel her announcing abilities can also contribute to the creation of memorable, intimate, and personal moments.
“My dream is radio on weekdays and weddings all weekend long, including MC for wedding receptions. The mic is basically the same; just in one career I have a co-host while in the other I will be leading the ceremony solo,’’ said Jess, who plans to take bookings from March next year.
Jess had not studied since completing her university degree in 2012 so entering the classroom again was daunting, especially as she did not know what to expect from TAFE and adult education. But after severalvyears of contemplating a foray into the world of weddings, and celebrating her own marriage, she finally embarked on the journey. She commenced the CHC41015Certificate IV in Celebrancy at The Gordon in May and will complete the six-month course in November.This is the nationally accredited qualification to work as an authorised marriage or funeral celebrant. The appeal of flexible, blended delivery was clear for Jess — and the fact it was her local TAFE was a bonus.
“I did my research, and The Gordon had the best reputation for getting people industry ready, plus it fit so easily into my current work schedule because the classes are at nights and weekends,’’ she said.
“I wanted hands-on learning and the best part of studying at The Gordon is that I never feel like any of the work I’m doing is not going to be used in my future career as a celebrant. Writing scripts for weddings, funerals, memorials and naming ceremony, to business plans, invoicing and resources to present to real clients when we graduate — it is exactly how we will do these for our very own business.’’
Jess said the teaching team was always accessible and keen to see every student succeed.
‘’The trainers are amazing. They go above and beyond to provide as much feedback as possible. As well as written feedback, the trainers record videos of themselves talking through my work.’’
She said the training had been fantastic for her confidence — an important attribute of a marriage celebrant.
Her teacher, Nicole Penning, said Jess was clearly a people person that “oozed character and charm, personality and vibrancy’’.
“She is enjoying moulding this into what she can envision as a successful celebrancy career. She is no doubt enjoying the comradery with her fellow students, the bonding, and creating lasting friendships with her classmates that will form her network as she begins her celebrancy business journey.’’
With a background inhospitality, recruitment and sales, Nicole started teaching celebrancy in 2017. Like Jess, she was looking for a career that offered flexibility around hours, pay and family commitments, and the ability to work from home and be her own boss.
‘’The best and most rewarding part of the job is the privilege and the pride,’’ said Nicole. ‘’The greatest honour isto help bring dream weddings to life.’’
Looking to start your celebrant career? Don’t miss out on the November intake, head to thegordon.edu.au and apply today.
