To love another human in all of their splendour and imperfect perfection, it is a magnificent task…tremendous and foolish and human.
Louise Erdrich
MARRIAGE OFFICER
Jaqueline Dommisse
Jaqueline is a trained Secular Celebrant, conducting weddings with deeply meaningful ceremonies and rituals that reflect a non-religous world view.
Jaqueline says: "I serve people of all worldviews and conduct same-sex and inter-faith weddings. I am cisgender heterosexual, but consider myself an LGBTIQA+ ally and an activist. I conduct secular funerals, memorials, naming ceremonies, as well as marriages."
Jaqueline is registered by the Department of Home Affairs to conclude the legal aspects of a wedding, allowing the couple to combine the celebration if their union with the gravity of solemnising their vows.
Jaqueline is designated by SASS: The South African Secular Society and The Department of Home Affairs registration no. CU/377
Contact Jaqueline to discuss your wedding
YOUR LOVE, YOUR STORY, YOUR CEREMONY
A ceremony as unique as you
Every wedding ceremony should be a true reflection of the couple at the heart of it. As a secular celebrant who is not aligned with any religious institution, Jaqueline embraces a diverse range of love stories and understands that whether you're a same-sex couple, inter-faith, or inter-cultural, your journey deserves to be told in a way that’s as unique as you are.
Your vision
With a background in theatre and writing, Jaqueline brings creativity and a flair for storytelling to each ceremony. She works closely with couples to curate a wedding experience that’s personal, engaging, and completely theirs. From helping you craft the perfect vows to designing a ceremony that captures your shared values and vision, she is there to guide and support you every step of the way.
No two love stories are alike
No two love stories are alike, and neither should your wedding be. Whether you want something traditional, modern, or completely out of the box, Matters of the Heart will help you create a ceremony that not only reflects who you are but celebrates your individuality as a couple. Together, we’ll ensure your special day is memorable, meaningful, and full of joy.
The paperwork
In addition to creating a beautiful ceremony, Jaqueline takes care of the practicalities, making the planning process as stress-free as possible. She’ll handle the paperwork and guide you through the legal requirements, so you can focus on what truly matters—celebrating your love. From navigating marriage registration to ensuring everything is seamless on the day, she provides support that helps couples feel confident and at ease.
Your Love, Your Story
Your wedding day should be all about you—your love, your story, your way. Let’s create a ceremony that you, your partner, and your guests will cherish forever.
CURATING RITUALS TOGETHER
Exchanging rings
Exchanging rings
Exchanging rings
Even the familiar tradition of exchanging rings can be personalised.
The rings may be family heirlooms or specifically designed.
You may choose to include guests in the ceremony by having each person bless your bands. Send one ring down one side of the aisle and the other down the opposite, giving every guest a chance to hold our rings a
Even the familiar tradition of exchanging rings can be personalised.
The rings may be family heirlooms or specifically designed.
You may choose to include guests in the ceremony by having each person bless your bands. Send one ring down one side of the aisle and the other down the opposite, giving every guest a chance to hold our rings and bestow their blessings and positive thoughts toward your marriage.
Handfasting
Exchanging rings
Exchanging rings
Many couples like the symbolism of the ancient Celtic practice of "handfasting," or tying hands together.
The bride and groom hold opposite hands (so their arms make a figure eight—representing eternity). Then, their hands are tied together with ribbon to symbolise a union.
You could even use fabric from your mother’s wedding dresses, or
Many couples like the symbolism of the ancient Celtic practice of "handfasting," or tying hands together.
The bride and groom hold opposite hands (so their arms make a figure eight—representing eternity). Then, their hands are tied together with ribbon to symbolise a union.
You could even use fabric from your mother’s wedding dresses, or ribbons of different colours – parents or significant people come to fasten the ribbons and express what each colour symbolises.
Lighting candles
Exchanging rings
Lighting candles
Candles are used in wedding rituals around the world in different ways both symbolic and decorative.
In a version I like, the witnesses light the couple’s candle one by one and speak their witness statement: "Why I stand up for my friend, and why I have chosen to sign my name to this union."
Then the couple lights their marriage candle with
Candles are used in wedding rituals around the world in different ways both symbolic and decorative.
In a version I like, the witnesses light the couple’s candle one by one and speak their witness statement: "Why I stand up for my friend, and why I have chosen to sign my name to this union."
Then the couple lights their marriage candle with their two lit candles. All three candles remain burning. The three candles symbolise the flames you will need to tend to in your relationship. You will need to take care of the light, the fire and the passion of each of your individual lives, dreams, and well-being. And now you will also be tending to the flame of your marriage.
CELEBRATE YOUR LOVE, YOUR WAY
Elopement Services
Same-Sex Wedding Officiant
Inter-Faith marriages
If you're looking for a simple and intimate wedding, Matters of the Heart offers elopement services that are perfect for couples who want to exchange vows in a private and meaningful setting.
Inter-Faith marriages
Same-Sex Wedding Officiant
Inter-Faith marriages
Matters of the Heart is here to help you create a meaningful and unforgettable ceremony whatever your faith or religion. Jaqueline not affiliated with any religion, and her ceremonies are entirely non-religious, without references to faith or spirituality. If you’d like to include religious or spiritual elements, we suggest inviting a friend or family member to lead that part of the ceremony.
Same-Sex Wedding Officiant
Same-Sex Wedding Officiant
Same-Sex Wedding Officiant
Matters of the Heart is proud to support marriage equality and offers same-sex wedding officiant services. No matter your gender or orientation, we celebrate your love and commitment.
Vow Renewal Ceremonies
Customisable Ceremonies
Same-Sex Wedding Officiant
Renew your vows and reaffirm your love for each other with a beautiful and personalized vow renewal ceremony by Matters of the Heart. Let's celebrate your love together!
Bilingual Ceremonies
Customisable Ceremonies
Customisable Ceremonies
Ensure that everyone can participate and feel included in your special day.
Matters of the Heart offers officiant services in our three local Western Cape languages: English, Afrikaans, and isiXhosa.
We can work with you to find a translator if you want to include another language.
Customisable Ceremonies
Customisable Ceremonies
Customisable Ceremonies
At Matters of the Heart, we believe that every couple is unique and deserves a ceremony that truly reflects their love story. That's why we offer customisable ceremonies to ensure that your special day is exactly as you envision it.
GET IN TOUCH
Feel free to contact us with any queries or questions
