Ali Phillips of Married by Ali named SA’s best celebrant

From months of planning to finally walking down that aisle, SA’s best wedding celebrant has seen it all, revealing the latest trends that are changing the industry.

South Australia’s best celebrant has revealed how the Covid-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of the state’s wedding industry.

Ali Phillips, of Married by Ali, took out the number one spot in The Messenger’s latest Best Of competition, which was a search to find the state’s best wedding celebrant.

After working as a journalist, Mrs Phillips decided to make a career change, officiating her first wedding in 2016.

“It’s been really great, I just love people and to still be connected to people and their stories, telling their story as well as being their wedding wingwoman,” she said.

“There are so many vendors and people involved to help make a wedding day but the nerves are big and especially with the ceremony to kick it all off, I find a lot of my couples feel it there and I can bring in some soothing vibes for them.

“It’s been a real joy and a great journey.”

Ali Phillips conducts the marriage of Jemesie Christo-Gosse and Al Gosse. Picture: Brad Griffin Photography.

Ali officiates at the marriage of Jo and Pat Booth. Picture: Blake Heywood

Only four years into her new found career, like many people, had her industry flipped on it’s head in 2020, throwing a lot of rules out the window.

“We learnt resilience and to support each other as well as learning to be human and considerate,” she said.

“No matter the scale, you really need to be attuned to all the emotions your clients are dealing with.

“After all the restrictions, people are moving away from the wedding season, we now have dates for autumn and winter because that is what feels right for the couple. They’re not worried about trying for the perfect spring conditions anymore.”

Mrs Phillips is a self-proclaimed ‘wingwoman’ for her couples on their big day, helping ensure the occasion truly reflects them.

“I thought I had something different to bring to the celebrant community and to marrying people and being married myself, I knew I could bring something to this,” Mrs Phillips said.

Ali Phillips has been crowned SA's best celebrant. Picture: Blake Heywood

Now with countless weddings under her belt, Mrs Phillips says the most important thing to remember on a wedding day is that it is yours.

“It’s really important to translate what they want for their ceremony and make it feel like it’s them as it kicks off the party,” she said.

“We are spoiled for choice when it comes to high quality celebrants here in SA.

“It’s humbling to be recognised among such a high-calibre field of people, many of whom I am fortunate enough to not only call colleagues, but friends too.”