About Me
Welcome to my introduction to me!
My name is Karen Balbi and I am an authorised civil marriage celebrant, which means I get to make you legally married in Australia.
I have loved doing this since 2019 and I have changed my day job to free up more weekend dates for your big day.
Photo credit: Tom Judson Photography.
My ceremony style is frequently described as heartfelt - something I am very proud of. I strive to give you and your guests all of the feels - I love to see laughter and tears, reflecting the happiness of your special day. My only rules are the words that have to be said in order for your marriage to be legal - aside from that it will be as unique as you are - and that's my vow to you!
In the planning stage I think of you as family and often do feel a little bit choked when I pronounce you as a married couple. It feels like magic to me, that moment. In our time together, I will get to know you well and that will lead to a fabulous story of you to be incorporated in your ceremony script (see Packages for more details).
My character traits and passions
I am compassionate, kind and very empathic, I like people and love meeting them. I love nature and animals. I've worked with dogs and volunteered at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for a couple of years. Stemming from that, I won't do butterfly or balloon releases at ceremony - wildlife warrior, not harmer!
I absolutely love your animals at ceremony though - my dog was my dog of honour at my own ceremony and caused lots of trouble, stole my thunder and made my day! She is Nina, my big love! Animals and children - love them and can help with lots of ideas to incorporate them in your day - if you want that.
I spend a lot of my time enjoying life with my husband (because I bloody love him!) my 2 step children (adult), planning trips home to the (UK) where my birth family and part of my heart are. So yes I do have an accent..... although over there they think I sound Aussie! Which I don't - you'll see.
I love music and go and see as many old time 80s bands as I can - and local ones at the local pub - and Mr Robbie Williams whenever I can - look out for me in his upcoming Movie (true story). Love a good party - Mat (my hubby and roadie when I need) and I like to rise to dress up occasions! Which I will do for a theme wedding too!
I'm a bit of a foodie and love a good feed somewhere new. And I love writing, nowadays I write your scripts and stories and love that creativity. I enjoy the movies, where I do cry easily, but lose myself there, the same as in books. I am fairly well travelled and still have a travel bucket list.
Me
Girls of my family
Nina at my wedding
Just us food shopping