Whether you are celebrating a new arrival, strengthening the bond with your soulmate or marking the passing of a loved one, I am here to guide you through every step and create your perfect ceremony.
What is a Celebrant?
You'd be forgiven for not knowing what a Celebrant is! I didn't really have a true understanding until I had to speak to one.
The first time I had reason to engage the services of a Celebrant was for my father's funeral. I had a whole host of questions along the way, and the Celebrant guided my family and me through the process with kindness, understanding, warmth and gentle humour. It was this which inspired me to train as a Celebrant myself.
Those four tentpoles form the structure of my work; kindness, understanding, warmth and humour.
A Celebrant is a professional who helps design and officiate personalised ceremonies for significant life events. The Celebrant works with the client to tailor and create a truly unique service; you and I will craft your ceremony around your personality, values and beliefs. By working with you and your family and friends, we will create a meaningful and memorable ceremony to honour life's milestones.
About Me
I was born and raised in Suffolk and now live on the Essex/Suffolk border, close to the river Stour. I enjoy theatre, cinema and the arts and am a trustee of a local arts venue. My background is in theatre and television production. With over 15 years of experience in those fields, I bring my storytelling skills to the planning and delivery of each ceremony; I’m committed to telling the story of you; not just following a template but capturing and communicating your unique story.
I obtained my City & Guilds Civil Celebrant Diploma in 2024.
I'm always happy to chat, with no obligation or expectation. Feel free to drop me an email using the button at the top of this site and I will reply as-soon-as-possible; typically within 24 hours.
Ceremonies, Fees & Locations
Fees:
Weddings, Vow Renewals & Commitment Ceremonies: £550
All other ceremonies: £250
Offers:
For weddings, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies taking place in Tendring or Babergh districts between now and 31st March 2025, I am happy to offer a 20% discount. This is a saving of £110, bringing the fee to £440.
For all other celebratory services (e.g. naming ceremonies, retirement etc) taking place in Tendring or Babergh districts between now and 31st March 2025, I am happy to offer a 20% discount. This is a saving of £50, bringing the fee to £200.
For anyone struggling with the cost of a loved-one’s funeral taking place in Tendring or Babergh districts at any time, I am happy to discuss a pay-what-you-can fee. Please don’t hesitate to ask about this.
All services are subject to my availability.
Please quote ‘Tendring and Babergh’ when making contact to utilise any of the above offers.
Locations:
My work typically takes me across Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex and London. I am always happy to discuss other locations/areas. If there are any additional travel costs aside from the service fees listed above, I will always discuss this with you upfront during your initial enquiry.
Ceremonies - From Planning to Delivery - How Does It Work?
During an initial consultation, we'll take time to discuss your vision, preferences, and any special requirements. I'll take this time to start to understand your story and the significance of the ceremony to you, your family and friends. Initial conversations can be in person, on the phone or video-call, whichever is most comfortable and convenient for you.
I shall then start to plan and design the ceremony. I'll create an outline based on the consultation and start to incorporate personal stories, anecdotes, and special readings or quotes that we may have discussed.
From this plan I will write the ceremony script. This is always personalised and will be tailored to you. It remains a work-in-progress until you are completely happy with it.
I shall communicate with other individuals involved, for example if you have family members giving readings or musicians. I am there to ensure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.
I will also help to liaise with the venue. For example, ensuring that seating arrangements are clearly communicated with the venue.
Some clients may wish to hold a rehearsal, especially if there are a lot of different elements to bring together or intricate delivery. This can be arranged; an additional rehearsal fee will apply.
On the day I can act as a central point of contact, helping to liaise with the venue and ensuring guests are greeted, for example.
I then 'host' the event, delivering the ceremony just as we have planned together.
After the ceremony, you will receive a copy of the ceremony script as a keepsake.
I always remind clients that the ceremony script is never set in stone until you are completely happy with it. It may well go through a number of draft stages, which is normal and all part of the process. I will work with you to craft the perfect personalised ceremony.
Types of Ceremony
Below are examples of the types of ceremonies I conduct…
Weddings
Funerals
Naming Ceremony
Renewal of Vows
Commitment Ceremony
Adoption
Retirement
Change of chosen name
Divorce
House Blessings
Graduation
Milestone Birthdays
Pet Memorials