THESE HANDS

The Art Of Ceremony | Aniella Batten

Sydney-based marriage celebrant and content creator Aniella is known for crafting meaningful, highly personalised ceremonies and capturing authentic, considered moments. A true romantic at heart, she takes the time to understand each couple, weaving their story into a ceremony and visual narrative that feels entirely their own.

What advice can you offer in making a ceremony feel truly reflective of the couple - beyond the traditional structure?

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you just don’t have to follow someone else’s version of it. The best ceremonies aren’t built around a formula. They’re built around who you are individuals and as a couple. The tone, the pacing, the storytelling - all of that should feel considered, not default. Sometimes that means shifting things around. Sometimes it means stripping things back. Sometimes it means keeping the structure but completely changing the feel of it. When it’s done right, it doesn’t feel like a performance. It feels easy. Familiar. Like it could only belong to the two of you. That’s always the goal for me.



What are some ways we can incorporate the more personal, everyday moments of our relationship into the ceremony or the day in general?

I always find that it’s the everyday stuff that lands. Not the big moments- the smaller, quieter details that make up your relationship. The way you talk to each other. The habits you’ve built. The things you’d never think to explain, but everyone close to you recognises instantly. That can show up in the story that’s told, in your vows, in the music you choose… it can even be your favourite drinks at cocktail hour, a saying on a napkin or quote on a stamp for the after party... That’s the beauty about weddings- you can truly make it your own. It doesn’t need to be overthought or overdone. Just intentional. If it feels natural to you, it’ll feel real to everyone else.

What advice can you offer in making a ceremony feel truly reflective of the couple - beyond the traditional structure?

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you just don’t have to follow someone else’s version of it. The best ceremonies aren’t built around a formula. They’re built around who you are individuals and as a couple. The tone, the pacing, the storytelling - all of that should feel considered, not default. Sometimes that means shifting things around. Sometimes it means stripping things back. Sometimes it means keeping the structure but completely changing the feel of it. When it’s done right, it doesn’t feel like a performance. It feels easy. Familiar. Like it could only belong to the two of you. That’s always the goal for me.



What are some ways we can incorporate the more personal, everyday moments of our relationship into the ceremony or the day in general?

I always find that it’s the everyday stuff that lands. Not the big moments- the smaller, quieter details that make up your relationship. The way you talk to each other. The habits you’ve built. The things you’d never think to explain, but everyone close to you recognises instantly. That can show up in the story that’s told, in your vows, in the music you choose… it can even be your favourite drinks at cocktail hour, a saying on a napkin or quote on a stamp for the after party... That’s the beauty about weddings- you can truly make it your own. It doesn’t need to be overthought or overdone. Just intentional. If it feels natural to you, it’ll feel real to everyone else.

"When it’s done right, it doesn’t feel like a performance. It feels easy. Familiar. Like it could only belong to the two of you."

What guidance can you offer when it comes to writing vows that feel honest and lasting?

Keep it simple. And keep it yours. You don’t need to cover everything, and you definitely don’t need to sound like anyone else. The best vows are specific, grounded, and a little bit unpolished. Start with what you genuinely love about them, what life together looks and feels like, and what you’re choosing/promising going forward. And don’t edit out your personality in the process- that’s usually the best part. If it feels a bit vulnerable, you’re probably in the right place. If it sounds like something you’d actually say (just slightly more considered), even better. Those are the vows that truly resonate. And if you’re ever unsure, your celebrant is there to guide you. One of my favourite parts of the process is workshopping your vows together, shaping words that feel honest, personal, and completely you.

What guidance can you offer when it comes to writing vows that feel honest and lasting?

Keep it simple. And keep it yours. You don’t need to cover everything, and you definitely don’t need to sound like anyone else. The best vows are specific, grounded, and a little bit unpolished. Start with what you genuinely love about them, what life together looks and feels like, and what you’re choosing/promising going forward. And don’t edit out your personality in the process- that’s usually the best part. If it feels a bit vulnerable, you’re probably in the right place. If it sounds like something you’d actually say (just slightly more considered), even better. Those are the vows that truly resonate. And if you’re ever unsure, your celebrant is there to guide you. One of my favourite parts of the process is workshopping your vows together, shaping words that feel honest, personal, and completely you.

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