WEDDING PROFESSIONALS

FOR THE LAST 13 years, Michelle “Shelli” Bailey has been an HIV Medical Researcher. “I’m a scientist by day, and a super hero by night,” she jokes. But Shelli is also a Civil Celebrant or “Shellibrant,” as she says.

“I’m in a same-sex relationship, myself, and I’m thrilled to be working with couples who will now be getting married rather than just having a commitment ceremony,” she says.

“All ceremonies are special, however, I cannot wait to marry Robbie and Joep in November this year.

“These gentleman are the most beautiful couple. They locked eyes on one another and spoke for the very first time in 1973. Their black hair and Village People moustaches may be gone but they’ve now been together for 45 years. It will be honour to be the celebrant for this couple, who have ridden the equality rollercoaster on a complete loop!

“They participated in the 1978 street parade that became a riot, that became Mardi Gras. They’ve been through protests and demonstration for the gay community ever since, right up to celebrating this year’s 40th Mardi Gras,” says Shelli.

Shelli mostly works in the Metropolitan and greater Sydney areas, the Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains, Kangaroo Valley, Wollongong and Canberra.

I love being able to give that gift of marriage to two people who are very much in love.