Hey, I'm Ben.
Welcome to my TED Talk... I mean Bio.
I'm a Melbourne-based civil celebrant, proudly registered since 2023.
While MC'ing a friend's wedding reception, I realised how much I loved amping people up. What started as a hosting role quickly became something more. The words I spoke about my friends came from a genuine place, but what struck me most was how willing complete strangers were to welcome me into their world. When you're trusted with telling someone's story, you become that person's spokesperson. Their cheerleader. Their storyteller.
With that responsibility came a feeling that still follows me today: "I'd better not stuff this up."
From my first wedding to the most recent, that mantra hasn't really changed. Being trusted with someone's story is a responsibility I take seriously. I want to tell it in the best way possible.
Before I became a celebrant, I spent years on the radio decks as an on-air presenter for JOY 94.9, Australia's first and only LGBTQIA+ radio station. It was there that I found my voice, although my friends and family would argue I'd been getting a kick out of telling stories, cracking jokes and holding people's attention my whole life. I had the privilege of speaking with a diverse range of people from the community and beyond, hearing their stories and learning from their experiences.
I've also done the hard knocks on the Melbourne comedy scene. Comedy taught me that making people laugh is one thing, but holding their attention is something else entirely. A drunk guy at a pub (true story) once told me, "Nerves are important because the moment you stop being nervous is the moment you stop caring." Whether I had five minutes or twenty, I always cared enough to make sure it was right.
Beyond stand-up gigs came trivia nights, corporate gigs, birthdays and community events. Different audiences and different spaces, but every role taught me the same thing: how to connect with people, read a room and take everyone on a journey.
When I'm not holding a mic, you'll often find me digging through retro stores, doing yoga while convincing myself I'm as flexible as Madonna, or dancing around the house in my pyjamas. Also the type of person who'll put together an outfit that probably didn't require quite as much effort for a trip to the shops.
My friends would probably describe me as a bit of a joker. They're not wrong. Life's too short to take ourselves seriously.
I've always been fascinated by people and their stories. What shaped them, what brought them here and the moments that made them who they are. I love helping people feel seen and celebrated for who they are. That's exactly why I love being a celebrant.
When it comes to weddings, I treat every ceremony like a carefully crafted performance. I'll shape it and fine-tune it until it feels like the very best version of your story. The real stars of the show are always you.
My role is to tell your story in a way that feels honest, entertaining and unashamedly yours. It's more than a job. It's a privilege I don't take for granted.
If you're trusting me with your story, I'll give it the care it deserves.