G’day, I’m Mark — it’s great to meet you!

So, a little about me… where do I start?

I’m a young 51 years of age and a proud dad to four amazing kids — two girls, Amali and Shayla, and two boys, Tex and Hendrix. My kids are my world. I’m so proud of their achievements and love watching them grow and carve out their own paths in life. They share my wacky sense of humour and constantly remind me how grey my hair’s getting — but hey, that’s a pre-requisite for a celebrant, isn’t it?

Family has always been everything to me. I grew up in a close family of four, where I learned that life isn’t about fancy cars or overseas holidays — it’s about happiness, appreciating the little things, and showing respect for others.

I shared a special bond with my dad, who we sadly lost in March 2025. He was my best mate, and I miss him dearly. We did everything together — footy, cricket, tennis, you name it. Dad always used to say “Mates Forever,” and that’s a saying I now share with my own kids. One of the proudest moments of my life was having Dad stand by my side as my best man at my wedding.

My mum is also like a best friend. We chat most days, just doing that general “check-in.” She keeps me grounded — she’ll tell me when I’m right but she’s not afraid to tell me when I’m wrong either! That honesty has helped shape who I am today.

And then there’s my sister, Melanie — my rock. She’s the kind of person who’s there in a flash whenever I need her, no matter the situation. I count myself very lucky to have her in my corner.

Outside of family, people and music are my biggest passions. I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years as a drummer and vocalist in several bands, most recently with The Long Gone Daddys, where I’ve been the resident drummer for the past 15 years.

I’ve also run a successful DJ business for many years, spinning those classic party bangers at countless functions. When it comes to music, nothing beats the 80s and 90s — though I do enjoy some of today’s tunes too (just not that doof doof stuff!).

Now, I wish I could say I inherited my parents’ love of gardening, but sadly that gene skipped me — I struggle to even grow a weed! I do, however, enjoy cooking — my kids might joke that I can’t make toast, but I do a mean pasta, and that’s all that counts, right?

These days, I love winding down with a walk after work or relaxing on the couch with my dog, Ralph, watching Netflix. Sometimes, those quiet moments are the best ones.

At my core, I’m a people person through and through. Nothing beats standing in front of a crowd, entertaining, or officiating a wedding. That’s my happy place. Seeing people smile and knowing I’ve helped make a special moment even more memorable — that’s when I know I’ve done my job.