ABOUT OUR FOUNDER
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
My story
A career built around people, experiences and moments that matter.
I'm Natalie Arnold, although most people call me Nat. I'm the founder and Creative Director of Under the Arbour, a wedding celebrant, a storyteller and someone who has spent much of her career bringing people together.
Before weddings became my world, my career took me across the globe working on some of the world's biggest sporting events, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup.
I've led teams of more than 3,500 volunteers and 90 staff, managed guest experiences for millions of spectators and worked behind the scenes on events where timing, teamwork and the ability to think on your feet were everything.
It was an incredible chapter of my life, and one that shaped so much of how I work today.
But somewhere along the way, I realised that while I loved creating experiences for thousands of people, there was something even more special about creating moments for just two.
And that's where Under the Arbour began.
Today, I get to bring together two things I love most: The art of creating an exceptional experience and the privilege of telling people's stories.
As a celebrant, there's nothing quite like sitting down with a couple, hearing how their lives came together and finding the words that make their ceremony unmistakably theirs. As a planner and Creative Director, I love the moving parts, the personalities, the little details and the satisfaction of seeing everything come together.
Outside of weddings, I'm a mum to two boys, a lover of the ocean and someone who has never quite managed to sit still for long. My years as a triathlete and marathon runner have taken me on some pretty wonderful adventures, and I still love finding a new challenge to work towards.
Life looks a little different these days, but the curiosity, energy and love of a good adventure haven't gone anywhere.
And if there's one thing my career has taught me, it's that the most memorable experiences aren't simply about what happens.
They're about how people feel while they're happening.
What to expect from working with me
Professional when it matters, personal from the very beginning.
First things first, congratulations! I'm so glad you've found your way here.
If we work together, you'll quickly discover that I'm someone who likes to get to know the people behind the wedding. Not just your plans, your venue or your running sheet, but who you are, what matters to you and the kind of experience you want to create.
I'm a big believer that the right people make all the difference.
You can expect clear communication, honest advice and someone who takes the initiative rather than waiting to be asked. I'll happily pick up the phone to a supplier, check in with the person delivering a ceremony reading or work through those little details you might not have even considered yet.
I'm organised, experienced and pretty comfortable thinking on my feet. After years of working in live events, there's not much that rattles me!
But I'm also the person who'll have a laugh with you, get to know your family, make your guests feel welcome and probably have the biggest smile on my face when you walk back down the aisle.
I care about creating a beautiful experience, but just as much about making sure you enjoy it.
Whether I'm standing with you as your planner, beside you as your celebrant, hosting your reception as MC or supporting your wedding through our wider Under the Arbour team, I want you to feel comfortable, confident and completely yourself.
Because when the day arrives, you shouldn't be thinking about what's happening next or whether everything is being taken care of.
You should be right there in the middle of it, enjoying every moment.
I'd love to hear what you're planning. Let's have a chat.
Contact me to get the ball rolling!
MAKE YOUR SPECIAL DAY
MAKE YOUR SPECIAL DAY EVEN MORE MEMORABLE
