Sometimes you will never know the true value
of a moment… Until it becomes a Memory
– Theodore Seuss Geisl (Dr Seuss)
MAGDA LATEGAN – CELEBRANT
Helping you create and celebrate life’s most precious moments
MY STORY
I’ve had a long and exciting career. From teaching Art in my 20s to embracing the corporate world in my 30s, 40s, and 50s, I’ve always enjoyed organising, creating, and bringing fun and perspective into everyday life.
I recently retired from a distinguished 30-year career with the Estée Lauder companies, stepping down from my role as Regional Vice President, Human Resources, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
I may be retired from the corporate world, but I’m by no means retired from life. I feel energised and empowered to share my life experience with others, both through my work as a Celebrant and through mentoring, training, and consulting.
I live my life with gratitude; as a breast cancer survivor of over ten years, I know the power of precious moments and positivity. We learn from every experience, and I believe my empathy has grown, as has my desire to celebrate life with loved ones.
My hobbies include spending time with my family and grandchildren, scrapbooking, reading, and going away in our ‘new baby’ – our Zone caravan, which is not just a van but an amazing dream home on wheels!
CREDENTIALS
• I am a professional Marriage Celebrant appointed by the Attorney General and authorised by law to solemnise marriages within Australia.
• A proud Australian for 21 years and born in South Africa; I am fluent in English and Afrikaans and can conduct ceremonies in both languages.
• I hold a Certificate IV in Celebrancy from Life Skills Training, and have undertaken Funeral Celebrancy training.
• I’m a member of Civil Celebrations Network (CCN).
Celebrations. There’s nothing quite like them. So many loved ones under the same roof. The sense of connection and belonging. The feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself – of being held by all the people you care about and holding them in return.
Every celebration is unique, but also universal. Laughter, tears, euphoria, nostalgia. The clink of champagne glasses, the joy in sharing a meal. Warm hugs, full hearts. The retelling of old stories, the creation of new memories. Love. Comfort. Kinship. Memories made and shared.
As a trained Celebrant, I’m honoured to play a part in many gatherings. Whether you’re honouring a wedding, special occasion, or a loved one’s life, I can help you create and celebrate significant events with care.
YOUR PERSONAL STORYTELLER
At the heart of every celebration is a story. It might be a love story or a family story, a life story or a birth story. As your Celebrant, it’s my job to listen to your story and retell it in a way that’s true to you and your experience.
Your story is sacred and unique and deserving of a bespoke, personalised ceremony. I treat every ceremony as a blank canvas, never resorting to clichés or templates. It’s a privilege to be entrusted with sharing your story. I work closely with you to make sure the tone is just right.
CELEBRATING WITH CARE
You might think of a Celebrant as the friendly professional who officiates a ceremony – who says some kind words, thanks everyone for attending, then disappears soon after.
I’m not that kind of Celebrant.
I know how much love and energy goes into planning a significant event. That’s why I consider it part of my job to make sure everything runs smoothly on the day. From MC duties to liaising with suppliers, I can take care of some of the stressful elements of event planning so you can relax and be in the moment.
