Greg Evans
‘Celebrant Porch Thoughts’
When I hear conversations between people who have worked or met Australian radio and television host - Greg Evans, instant descriptions such as “good bloke”, “true professional”, “down-to-earth” and “the guy never seems to age,” are usually accompanied by glowing smiles and nods of absolute agreement.
As Greg continues to rate a high compatibility score with those he meets along his professional and personal travels, his jovial and somewhat quirky sense of humour mixed with his natural ability to connect with people from all walks of life, is perhaps why he has become Melbourne’s most sought after marriage celebrants.
With his seeming ageless looks (unless working alongside his former television robot presenter – Dexter in Domain Real Estate ad campaigns), highly professional compare and presenting skills and passion for being part of a couple’s magical day, I caught up with Greg on his Celebrant Porch to learn why “I do’s” have become his sweet sound of perfection.
What inspired you to become a marriage celebrant?
Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson asked me to marry his daughter because she was a fan of Perfect Match. I did and realised it was a very enjoyable experience to be part of two people’s lives at such an important moment. Some years later I met Dally Messenger III who ran the ‘International College of Celebrancy.’ Dally is a great man and a doyen of the industry, he taught me everything I know and like me, constantly strives for perfection.
With your long-running radio and television background in mind, what do you think your biggest strength is that you bring to wedding ceremonies?
A wedding ceremony is very similar to a thirty minute television show. The bride and groom are the stars of the show and me being the compare. The guests are the audience and they come to enjoy the show, so why not present a good ceremony that people thoroughly enjoy. With my 40 years experience in radio and television I am able to bring professionalism to the table and have the confidence to conduct an enjoyable ceremony.
What should couples consider foremost when seeking a marriage celebrant?
Firstly establish that the celebrant is competent and most importantly that you are comfortable with their personality. Don’t ever choose someone you cannot relate too.
You have the gift of making people laugh. What does a splash of humour bring to a ceremony?
Enjoyment! There is nothing wrong with having a splash of good natured humour included in the service to compliment the seriousness of the ceremony.
Although you have a professional presenting background, what are some of the common ‘cringe factors’ that make for a less fairy-tale start during a ceremony?
I once went to a wedding where the best man handed out chewing gum just before the bride arrived. As she walked down the aisle all the groomsmen were chewing. The celebrant in charge should have made sure that did not happen.
Attention to detail and preparation are reportedly just two of your greatest attributes that you bring to weddings. What are some common tips you provide members of wedding parties at rehearsals to ensure everyone is prepared?
Attention to detail and preparation are part of my DNA. When you host a national television programme everything has to be right. When you host a wedding the same applies. I have many specific tips which I impart at the rehearsal to the entire bridal party and the parents. The most common tip is to proceed slowly with everything.
As a celebrant, what is your secret of helping couples tap into their emotions to help them express their feelings who may be struggling to do so on their ‘big day’?
Yes it is true that some people are very shy and do not like to be the centre of attention as they are on their wedding day. All I can say is try to smile and not show your nerves.
How important is it for couples to involve family and friends during their ceremony?
I consider the involvement of family and friends a crucial part of a wedding ceremony. Life is all about family and friends as is love.
Speaking of family, have you married any of your children and, if so, how did you feel wearing two hats as a celebrant and a proud dad?
Yes, I married my son Jason to his beautiful wife Jaysha. It was one of the proudest moments of my life. It is not often a dad gets to marry his son and be standing right beside him at this momentous time in his life. We both slightly teared up!
What words of advice do you offer grooms whilst they anxiously wait for their bride?
Don’t drink alcohol before the ceremony and if you do have a quick sip … take some breath fresh mints! Also don’t take your eyes of the bride for one second as she walks down the aisle, it should be one of the finest moments of your life.
What ‘awkward’ moments have you've seen during a wedding ceremony; and how did you work with it to keep the proceedings flowing?
Firstly, one bride got a blood nose just before she walked down the aisle. When I went to see how she was her mother and friends had ice packs on her nose and neck. Her mother said she always has a blood nose when she is nervous. She recovered like a trouper.
The second was the occasion when the bride who was one hour late for her wedding because as she was leaving the house with her father. The front door slammed shut trapping her dress and no one had a key. On both occasions I encouraged the guests to support the bride with a cheerful smile and a thunderous round of applause.
As a celebrant, what’s one of the weirdest requests from a bride and groom that you’ve received?
To get married in The Old Melbourne Gaol under the gallows where Ned Kelly was hanged. (Maybe they were swingers!!!!!)
Who is one of our showbiz couples you have enjoyed marrying?
My former Perfect Match hostess, Debbie Newsome to her husband Mark.
What makes a wedding memorable for you on the marriage celebrant side of the fence?
Every ceremony is as unique as the couple involved. A few weeks ago I married a couple in their 70s, it was beautiful to see them so in love and their guests so happy for them.
What is your Porch Thought for the Day?
“It’s advice my dad gave me many years ago; ‘The more you put into something, the more you will get out of it.’