Leigh Kennaway

I have been a Justice of the Peace for close to twenty years. People often think JP’s can carry out weddings and I’ve had to put them right – but more recently I have been asked by friends and family, so I decided to become a celebrant. I have previously been a Best Man at a friends wedding, and the Bride’s Support Person at another wedding, as well as assisting at a number of other weddings and civil unions.

I recognise and value the importance of ceremony for marking milestones in our lives – in this case, the union of two people who are very much in love. Taking part in and helping guide a couple through their unique ceremony is an honour and a pleasure.

I recently helped organise an event at Parliament marking the tenth anniversary of the Marriage Equality Act, which opened marriage to same-sex couples. I’m now looking forward to helping craft and lead memorable ceremonies where fellow members of the Rainbow community declare and celebrate their relationships.