My Journey to Celebrancy
My path to becoming a celebrant has been shaped by a lifetime of experiences, both joyful and challenging.
I grew up in Brighton, where my mum and dad ran a busy pub. Our home was always filled with people from all walks of life—different backgrounds, different personalities, different stories. Sometimes it was overwhelming, but it taught me how to connect with others, how to listen, and how to make everyone feel welcome.
I met my husband when we were just 15, both working toward our Duke of Edinburgh awards. We collected our gold award from Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace—one of many proud moments we've shared. We've been married for 42 years, and on our 40th anniversary, we renewed our vows, this time with our two amazing grown up children, our beautiful grandchildren and extended family in attendance. Our celebrant was a friend of our son's, and she made our day so special and memorable. It was one of the moments that made me think: This is what I want to do.
Life's Lessons
Our lives haven't always been easy. I lost my dad when I was 16. Our daughter was diagnosed with cancer at just two years old and has lived positively with a disability ever since..
Through it all—the grief, the challenges, the joy—I've learned the power of connection, empathy, and showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments.
One experience that stayed with me was attending a funeral where the celebrant was quiet and impersonal, and the service felt like it was for a stranger. I left thinking, I would have done this differently. That moment planted a seed.
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Warm and welcoming
I create a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels valued
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Personal and meaningful
Every detail reflects your story, not a template
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Traditional with a twist
Classic elements meet creative touches that make it yours
From Teaching to Celebrancy
At 42, I graduated from the University of Brighton with a BA Honours in Primary Education. I worked as a classroom teacher and special needs teacher for 15 years, and I currently teach part-time with young people who aren't in school for various reasons.
Teaching has given me so much—patience, empathy, and the ability to create meaningful experiences for others. But as I prepare to retire from teaching, I'm ready to bring all those skills, along with my years of life experience.
I want to be the kind of celebrant who listens, who honors your story, and who creates ceremonies that feel genuine, warm, and unforgettable.
What Guides My Work
At the heart of everything I do are three core values:
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Connection
I take the time to truly understand your story. Every person has a unique narrative, and it's through those stories that ceremonies gain their power.
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Empathy
Life is full of significant moments—celebrating love, honoring relationships, saying goodbye. I create a space where all emotions are welcomed and embraced.
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Respect
I honor all beliefs, backgrounds, and choices. There's no judgment, no pressure to conform—just a comfortable space where you can be yourselves.
My Ceremony Style
I describe my approach as classic/traditional with a bit of alternative thrown in. I love the timeless beauty of traditional ceremonies, but I also believe in adding personal touches that make each one unique.
Whether it's incorporating meaningful poems, inviting guests to participate, or designing custom décor with your photos and favorite quotes, I'm all about blending the classic with the creative.
My goal is simple: to create a ceremony that feels warm, personal, and completely you.
Beyond the Ceremony
When I'm not crafting ceremonies, you'll find me spending time with my husband, family and friends, singing with my choir or swimming in the sea. I love reading, writing, cooking and chatting (a lot!).
I'm a people person through and through. I try to smile and laugh often, and I genuinely enjoy getting to know others. That warmth and curiosity are what I bring to every ceremony I create.