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DANIELLE MCISAAC
36 // EVENT PLANNER, DESTINY CELEBRATIONS

A year ago, Danielle was inspired to start her own business while helping organise her sister-in-law’s wedding.

“I loved it and thought, ‘Wouldn’t this be a great job?’ My husband [Shane] said, ‘Well do it ’,” says the mother of two, whose background is in project management and organisational psychology. Last month, Danielle launched her business Destiny Celebrations at Brisbane’s Greenfest.

Wanting to give her concept a point of difference, Danielle not only plans mainstream events, such as weddings, anniversaries and corporate functions, she also organises same-sex commitment ceremonies and divorce ceremonies.

“If you have a blended family and you’ve decided you want to declare you’re a family unit, you can have a ceremony for that too,” says Danielle, of Ferny Hills. “People are becoming more open to spiritual things that are personally meaningful to them and not necessarily based on tradition or religion.”

Danielle says she draws no distinction between same-sex ceremonies and mainstream weddings. “It’s helping couples stand up in front of their loved ones and say this is the person for me.”

Mindful of the eco impacts of events, Danielle’s business has a “reduce, reuse and recycle” ethos.
“No one’s filled that niche in Brisbane and more people want to make informed decisions. As more people come on board with eco businesses, I’m sure the market will support it.”

With a daughter, Soraya, 2, and a son Aidan, 5, Danielle was motivated to start a small business because of the freedom it would provide.
“It gives me flexibility to manage my work and home life – my kids keep me busy.”

What's On

VOCAL HERO
Ben Lee, now based in Los Angeles, performs songs from his latest album, Ripe, as well as favourites
such as Gamble Everything for Love with The Queensland Orchestra. Sun, Nov 23, 7:30pm, from $70, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, South Bank, ph: 132 849. www.ticketek.com.au

WEDDING DAZE
Five Women Wearing the Same Dress is a light-hearted story about a group bridesmaids, who are all very different but share a common bond. Nov 20-29, 8pm, from $30, Visy Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm, ph: 3358 8600. www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

FOUR PLAY THREE
Tender and romantic, fiery and haunting, Cantilena is a fitting ending to 2008 for the Australian String Quartet. The concert comprises three melodic works from Richard Meale, Schubert and Tchaikovsky. Tue, Nov 25, 7pm, from $20, Conservatorium Theatre, South Bank, ph: 136 246. www.qtix.com.au

PLAY TO WIN
Test your playing skills and celebrate the video gaming culture at the Game On Party hosted by the State Library of Queensland. Highlights include live music, playoffs and new media installations, as well as VJ sets by Jaymis Loveday from CreateDigitalMotion. Sat, Nov 22, 6-10pm, $33, Knowledge Walk, State Library of Queensland, South Bank, ph: 136 246. www.qtix.com.au

OF A FEATHER
Take flight with the new watercolours by wildlife
artist Paul Margocsy in his exhibition Wings. His collection captures with scientific accuracy the charm and character of his subjects. Until Nov 30, Red Hill Gallery, 61 Musgrave Rd, Red Hill, ph: 3368 1442.
www.redhillgallery.com.au