Love Stories by Bex

 

 

Authentic love stories for the
best day of your life

 

Photo by: Samantha Gades

Kia ora, lovers!

After a long wait (and a lot of paperwork), I was thrilled to become an accredited Marriage and Civil Union celebrant in December of 2022.

As one arm of my established Christchurch-based comms and project management business, Authentic Storytelling, Love Stories By Bex captures authentic love stories to share with friends and whānau in truly personalised ceremonies that celebrate your unique journey together.


“Bex’s attention to detail is incredible. Nothing gets missed; she literally thinks of everything, and this made the process of writing vows and marriage contract formalities so easy for us with ZERO stress.  We loved every minute of our wedding and it wouldn’t have been that incredible if Bex hadn’t been part of it.”
— Janelle (Married 3.6.23)

Nikalya & Kyle, February 2023. Photo by: Lucy Jane Photography

A bit about me

I was born in the States and spent most of my formative years in Scotland studying English Literature and Sound Design before moving to Aotearoa New Zealand in 2008. For more than a decade, I was a technical event producer and gig venue manager (my last ‘day job’ was as Manager of Christchurch Town Hall) before I went to business school and decided to go out on my own.

I’ve been the one-woman band that is Authentic Storytelling ever since. Over the last few years the business has evolved to become the storytelling umbrella that encompasses all of my passions and skills: writing, sound design, project management, event production, and now celebrancy.

 

I live with my husband, Pete, and a spoiled black cat named Wallace in North New Brighton where I typically spend my days writing from my home office, my evenings wrangling live events, and my weekends enjoying the beautiful natural surrounds of the Avon Heathcote Estuary and the expansive New Brighton Beach.

As a fellow 2024 bride, I empathise (deeply, painfully…) with the stress and uncertainty of planning a wedding, and I’m so excited to offer all the diverse skills in my kete to help you realise the ceremony of your dreams.


“We were so lucky to find Bex - it was meant to be! I can’t imagine what our day would have been without her. From writing the most beautiful summary of our love story to calming our nerves in the final days and literally printing our last-minute vow changes the morning of, Bex really did go above and beyond.”
— Nikalya (Married 11.2.23)

Emily & Duncan, October 2025. Photo by: Nat Symonds

What you can expect

  • An absolute commitment to love in all forms, with profound respect and sensitivity to your unique story, culture and background

  • A professional writer with deep experience in telling complex, compelling and often funny stories (I highly recommend a read/watch of the My Stories section of this site to learn more.)

  • An audio perfectionist who has managed gig venues and mixed bands all over the world and who can help you wrangle your ceremony sound with ease

  • An experienced and engaging public speaker who cut her teeth on live tv and radio in front of crowds of thousands

  • Timely communication and support when you need it (comms is my full-time job and Love Stories by Bex is a core part of that job, so I won’t ever leave you hanging for a week on an email reply)

  • A relentless organiser who has built a whole career on making sure the show goes on calmly and with good humour


“Bex, we could not imagine our perfect day without your support and the most beautiful ceremony you put together for us. We couldn’t recommend you more.x”
— Michael (Married 13.12.25)

Jay & Hira, June 2023. Photo by: Elevated Media

Pricing

2026-2027 pricing for a complete Love Stories By Bex full bells and whistles wedding package is $800 including GST. This includes:

  • A detailed planning meeting to discuss your needs

  • A rehearsal the week before your big day

  • A quality PA system with wireless microphones

  • The creation and delivery of a fully customised ceremony

  • A range of resources to help you write your vows, meet your legal requirements, and plan your day

  • Printed keepsake copies of your ceremony and vows

  • The complete Love Stories By Bex Wedding Planner - 25 pages of detailed planning insights and tips from my decade+ of events industry experience. Personalised checklists, spreadsheets, budgeting guides, timelines, and MORE!

 

“Thank you so so much for everything. You actually made it all so easy, and as soon as we met you, we knew that you were it! You took all of the worry out of the ceremony and your regular check-ins over the lead up to the big day were so helpful! Sad that its all over and that we won’t hear from you much anymore! I will 100% recommend you to anyone getting married. xxx”
— Holly (Married 6/2/26)

Grace & Michael, December 2025. Photo by: Amy Ryan

I am also happy to discuss any unique needs you may have and any applicable costs, including a pared-back elopement or “registry-style” ceremony for the reduced cost of $500 inc GST.

I eagerly perform ceremonies anywhere in Aotearoa New Zealand, but $1/km travel charges will apply for locations more than 30km from Christchurch Central.

NOTE: I typically accept new bookings 12 months in advance, but if you’re a keen bean whose big day is a bit further out, I’m still happy to have a chat and pencil you in.

Sound like your perfect match..?


Riahn & Roberto, December 2023. Photo by: Gary Easterbrook

Get in touch!


Need more convincing?

Click the link below to read additional feedback from past Love Stories By Bex couples.