Erica Schamberger
CMC
The Assistant
That's me - Francois. I am Erica's husband and I speak with a slight
French accent. I met my Aussie girl in Europe over 30 years ago.
My Role
My role is to assist the Celebrant in conducting a flawless ceremony. I meet the Bride and
Attendants on arrival and co-ordinate their entry to the music. Seamlessly, the Celebrant's
voice takes over, to be heard clearly by all the guests, as are the voices of any speakers.
My Job Description
- To take responsibility for the sound system. We use fully portable 50 watt Mipro systems,
with discreet wireless microphones, for the Celebrant and guest speakers.
- To take responsibility for the music, if required, via CD or MP3 input. Usually we play music
before the ceremony; for the arrival of the Bride; during the signing of the documents and at the conclusion of the ceremony.
- I also oversee the set-up of the ceremony, so nothing is overlooked.
My Experience
Before taking on the role of Celebrant Assistant, I had for a long time, my own photographic
studio; therefore, wedding ceremonies have been part of my life for over 20 years.
My Thoughts and Observations
- Plan your wedding so the day will be a success, no matter what the weather.
- Do not try to do too much on the day.
- To be comfortable wear appropriate clothes for the location and the weather (I have seen plenty of suits and high
heels on the beach, and summer dresses in winter).
- Be on time, and to make sure that all your guests are, invite them 15 minutes earlier.
- At the reception, long speeches and inappropriate stories or jokes can be an ambience killer
(choose your Best Man wisely!)
Foremost, it is your day, and it will be remembered far more for your smiles, charm and happiness
than for the size of the limo or the cake.
The Assistant