Thresholds of Life

04/30/2026

04/29/2026

A recent client whom I worked with to create a Celebration of Life for her husband wrote to me…she confirms for me the benefit of stopping time to honour a life - in a way that reflects the deceased and those who are grieving. It is never too late to do so.

Barbara wrote…

“The entire ceremony and welcoming the friends was a balm to my grief. I didn’t realize how comforting it would be for me…

I cannot tell you how much positive feedback I have received about the service! I am going to forward one e-mail I received from a neighbour who told me he had never been to a better memorial service! What a compliment!

Please stay in touch, and thanks again for all your assistance in conducting the service.”

The email she received read in part…

“Dear Barbara,
Thank you very much for the marvellous celebration of Derek‘s life today.
The whole service was a fitting tribute to Derek. We thought that the celebrant was excellent, the eulogy by Derek’s longtime friend was outstanding, and the music was lovely. We tremendously enjoyed seeing the carefully curated set of photographs...”

If you need a celebrant who will honour your wishes in creating a Celebration of Life for a loved one feel free to contact me.

If you wish to preplan some of your own service to leave with your will, I would be happy to work with you on this as well. Your ceremony. Your way.

Patti Koeslag
Pkcelebrant@gmail.com

04/29/2026

Favours or no favours?

It's a common question.

And honestly it is up to you. Do you have to do them, no, absolutely not?

If you do decide it is something you want to do then I recommend you pick something that can be consumed, such as chocolates, mints, cookies, maple syrup, or, as you can see here, honey. They are more likely to be enjoyed at the wedding and less likely to be left behind.

04/28/2026

It was such a surprise to hear from a recently married couple while they were in Amsterdam on their honeymoon! They had a heartwarming celebration of their love at the beautiful Code's Mill on the Park. Saif and Dana wrote to share the following:

"We just wanted to send a note to say thank you so much for your presence at our wedding. You captured our story so well, and delivered it so thoughtfully and tenderly. We received so many compliments about the ceremony from our guests. People in particular said that it felt like our story told in our own words :) We really loved that about your writing as well."

Florals: Amber Tiede of Riverwood Gardens Riverwood Commercial Ltd
Photography: Lauren Boucher
Venue: Codes Mill on the Park, Perth Code's Mill on the Park

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

Are you currently looking at wedding venues?

Here are some questions to consider when deciding on your venue:
• What is included with the venue booking?
• What is your capacity?
• Do you have an on site venue coordinator?
• If they do, what are the responsibilities of the venue coordinator?
• When can we set up the space?
• When does everything need to be cleared out of the space?
• Are there any restrictions? (for decor, catering, bar, etc.)

It is easy to fall in love with a venue and at the same time it is important to pick a venue that suits your plans for your wedding day.

📷

04/25/2026

I am so very grateful for the families who share their stories and the stories of their loved ones. Their cards, flowers, words and generosity humble me.

04/23/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Jjiy1cqpe/?mibextid=wwXIfr

There’s a quiet place inside me
where everything you were
still exists
unchanged by time

It doesn’t ask for attention
it just remains
steady, present
unmoving

Grief lives there too
not as something separate
but as part of the same space
where love continues

It isn’t something I fight anymore
it’s something I carry
like a thread
woven into everything

The ache isn’t punishment
it’s proof
of how deeply
you were known

I feel it in small moments
in pauses, in memories
in the way certain days
feel heavier than others

And though it stays
it doesn’t take everything
it leaves room
for what still matters

Love didn’t end
it changed direction
and now it rests here
in the quiet I keep for you

— Angels Are Near

04/20/2026

Wise words from a celebrant. I love my work because I get to reflect the couple’s story.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXW_iy9ET3R/?igsh=N2J6NXZ3eDQ2NWtr

01/11/2026