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It all started with two funerals and a wedding

It was my love of people that drew me to education and which now brings me to celebrancy.

Ceremonies have the potential to do many things. They offer us the opportunity to remember what has brought us to this moment; to celebrate the good things in life; to recognise the difficult times, and to think about our intentions for the future. Ceremonies can bring together feelings of joy, hope and remembrance; a condensed version of life itself.

Celebrancy is soulful work; it is a real honour and privilege to work with individuals and families during these special moments.

Funerals

When someone close to us dies, everything changes. It can be difficult to find our way through the tasks that follow a death, whilst also thinking about how we want to say goodbye.

I will work alongside and for you, to help create a moving and meaningful ceremony; something that can stay with you in the years ahead. A good funeral does three things: the ceremony recognises the life that has been lived, in its fullness, with joy and with tears; it is an opportunity to mourn the death and to say goodbye; and it should direct us to our next steps without them, gently, and with hope.

How I work

We shall meet for as long as is needed for you to tell me about your loved one-their life and their essence and what they mean to others. You might like to share photos, and letters and emails that have been sent to you since their death.

You might have a very clear idea about how you would like the ceremony to be and the music and readings you want to include, or you may feel uncertain-both positions are fine. I can support you to find words and music that seem to fit. After meeting, I will send you a first draft of the ceremony for your comment. I will then send you a second draft, and another if it is needed.

On the day, I will conduct the ceremony and my words will link the parts of the ceremony together. It might be that you or other family members and friends want to speak or sing, that is wonderful and I encourage people to do that. I can be on hand to support if this feels overwhelming on the day.

A couple of days after the ceremony, I will contact you to see how you are and to ask how the funeral felt. I will send you a copy of the ceremony as a keepsake.

Weddings

I will spend time with you both and then send you questionnaires to complete, independently and as a couple. We will make sure that your vows, your expression of commitment, your exchange of rings, your music, your readings are all a true reflection of you and your relationship. Your ceremony can take place in the location of your choice. It is only the legal registration of your marriage which needs to take place in a Registry Office.

Vow renewals

Renewing your vows can be a wonderful way to celebrate your marriage. Formal or informal, intimate or overflowing, these ceremonies can be written to tell your story so far and to set intentions for the future.

Naming Ceremonies

Many people want to celebrate the arrival of their child but may not want a traditional religious ceremony. We can design a ceremony which expresses your happiness and your joy, and also your intentions and hopes for your family. You may choose to name Guide Parents for your child and you may involve them in some way in the ceremony.

Testimonials

“I just wanted to say thank you for everything that you have done for us over the past few weeks.

From our first meeting you put us all at ease, which made the sharing of stories and details so easy and enjoyable.

I could see lots of heads nodding around the room as you talked, the variety of anecdotes struck chords with people she'd met at the different stages of her life, which was wonderful as it was inclusive and she would have loved that.

As I did the rounds, all the guests commented on how fitting and lovely the eulogy was. Many of them repeated the "gentle extraordinariness" phrase and said it was a perfect description.

You truly captured the essence of her character both in your words and your delivery. "

“This wonderful, thoughtful lady handfasted me to my husband one glorious week ago today. We cannot recommend Rebecca highly enough-for any ceremony. She puts everything into her work and her commitment and kindness shines through.”

“The last 10 years have seen a lot of change for us with the completion of our family and our relationship has matured and evolved. We are really proud that our relationship has withstood some testing times over the years and wanted to renew our vows in front of our closest friends and family. A friend recommended Becky to us and from the very first meeting we immediately felt confident that Becky would create our perfect day! Working together with Becky over the next few months we decided that we wanted to hold the ceremony on our special beach. After interviewing us together and following up with separate questionnaires to us individually, Becky came up with a suggested ceremony incorporating a poem we’d had at our wedding, a poem written by our daughter and a hand-fasting ritual. On the day itself we were blessed with a beautiful Cornish summer’s day. The arbour looked absolutely stunning! The ceremony went so smoothly and was so personalised to us– Becky has a commanding, informal style and worked brilliantly with our photographer to ensure the smooth running of the day. Throughout the process we felt assured that everything was under control and we now have some wonderful memories to cherish. The best part for us was the presence of our children who are old enough to remember the day and we really feel that their inclusion – reading a poem and assisting with the hand fasting - has strengthened our family unit even more. We’d highly recommend Becky to anyone looking for a Celebrant. “

“We are all still glowing after our special ceremony performed by Rebecca!

After being married for 13 years, and the arrival for two amazing children, we decided that we wanted to renew our wedding vows. We’d been married in a church with over 100 people but decided on a very intimate ‘Red Thread of Fate’ finger-tying ceremony with the children – a special moment that we could share together – just the four of us.

From the moment we started talking with Rebecca, we knew our special day was going to be memorable. She communicated with the four of us individually, and then wrote the most amazing, touching, emotional ceremony - one we’ll never forget. Rebecca made the whole event effortlessly beautiful. Thank you, Rebecca,!”