٠ In pursuit of a new narrative to dignify life & work ٠
CEREMONIES
Whether you are celebrating the arrival of a new member of the family, sending a loved one on their final journey from this life or commemorating any other important milestone, the way you choose to acknowledge the occasion can be integral to your experience of the whole experience. Who takes part? How do we signify the transitions? What pledges or memories are shared?
I believe that a ceremony to commemorate any of life’s milestones – be it a small, private affair or a more public occasion – can be an enriching and often uplifting experience, if treated respectfully and with integrity. I hope that every ceremony will give us the opportunity to Honour, Accept, Release and Trust in the transitions we are marking.
So, whether you are looking for a professional celebrant to lead proceedings with heart and meaning or simply a personalised ceremony, speech or eulogy for someone else to deliver, please get in touch to arrange a free, no obligation consultation.
HART Framework
HART is the four-layer framework which I weave into all my ceremonies.
I created HART to act as container for heartfelt and meaningful ceremony, whether I develop and lead it for you or you create something for yourself. I was inspired by the fact that the HART, the word for Stag in Old English, is thought by many cultures to symbolise a pivotal life change or new beginning, when it allows itself to be seen by humans. With antlers that grow in Spring and are shed in Autumn it might be seen as a talisman for the ongoing change we experience in our own lives. Believed to be the protector of the forest in which it lives, for me (also a resident of the forest), the HART is a powerful metaphor for the strength, calm and intuitive wisdom that we each hold within us.
HART asks us to Honour, Accept, Release and Trust in the milestone we are facing. We do this by acknowledging where we are right now, the journey we have made to get here and the path ahead of us. Each of these four aspects combine to enable us to navigate our emotions, physical challenges and long-held beliefs. We also recognise our assets, passions and inspirations so that we may emerge stronger, more balanced and ready to move steadily forward. I have shared an overview of the HART framework, below.
HONOUR
We begin by setting the intention to HONOUR ourselves, the current situation and all those involved, (either directly or indirectly).
By respecting this as a time of transition we lay foundations that will help us navigate the path ahead. This is a time to acknowledge our current position as an important milestone in our lives – whether we have chosen it or not; whether it feels comfortable for us or not.
ACCEPT
Once we have made our intentions clear – be that publicly or privately – we begin to ACCEPT that the change we are experiencing is in our best interest, (even if it doesn’t feel like it right now). We ask ourselves to believe that we have the capacity to learn from this transitional time and to grow stronger from it.
By stepping boldly into the transition, and all it brings with it, we can stand bravely in the face of the uncertainty, ready to courageously embrace the change. We live it and feel everything it brings and work through it, one day at a time.
RELEASE
The strength that comes from this acceptance enables us to RELEASE any old fears, expectations or beliefs that we carry – “it has to be perfect”, “I can’t do it alone”, “I don’t want things to change”. This allows us to focus on the present moment, and find solace from it. It also makes space for us to welcome new ideas and celebrate new possibilities.
By outwardly naming any limiting factors we begin to minimise their impact. We also give ourselves the chance to replace them with more motivating and supportive ideas that we build on for the future.
TRUST
The final step to following our HART is to make a commitment to TRUST that whatever the future holds will be in our best interest in the long run. This does require a leap of faith as the future is unknown. However, if we can hold on to the belief that everything happens for a reason, we are more than half way there.
By taking time to pause and appreciate we can see just how far we have come in our lives, already. This is also a time to gather with those who have supported us on our journey; to thank them and ask for whatever help we need moving forward.
FUNERAL
This is a difficult time, saying farewell to a loved one is never easy.
My role is to help you honour your family member, friend or beloved pet by telling their story in an appropriate, heartfelt and respectful way.
As an Independent Celebrant, I will listen to your needs without judgement and will write a completely unique service for you. This may incorporate texts from one or more faith or none at all, whatever you feel is most suitable.
I will lead the service with dignity, integrity and compassion, working alongside your Funeral Director to ensure all details are seen to and that all attendees you’d like to involve in the ceremony have a meaningful role.
Also, my services extend to include scattering of ashes and other dedication ceremonies, as well as memorials or anniversaries.
FEES AND AVAILABILITY
WEDDING
Your wedding deserves to be as unique as you are. From the choice of venue to the music and, not least, the ceremony itself.
As an Independent Celebrant, I am able to create a ceremony that truly reflects you as a couple, recognises your individual journeys to finding each other and celebrates your hopes and intentions for the future.
I will listen to your needs without judgement and will write a completely unique service for you. This may incorporate texts from one or more faith or none at all, whatever you feel is most suitable.
Working with you, or alongside your wedding planner, I will help orchestrate the staging of the event to ensure that all details are seen to and that all guests you’d like to involve in the ceremony (even including pets) have a meaningful role.
Also, my services extend to include renewal of vows and anniversary celebrations.
Please note: In order for your union to be recognised in law and for a marriage certificate to be issued, both the Declaratory and Contracting Words must be said in a Registry Office or licenced venue in front of a legally appointed person. You will need to make separate arrangements for this; I am happy to advise.
FEES AND AVAILABILITY
OTHER
There are a whole host of life stages that are worthy of commemorating with a ceremony.
These could extend to any significant milestone or rite of passage including becoming a teenager, graduating and retiring, well as those which reflect the diversity of our modern lives, like celebrating the blending of a new family through adoption or re-marriage and acknowledging the end of a relationship in divorce. The only limit is your imagination.
I will listen to your needs without judgement and will help create a completely unique. I can offer everything from advice and mentoring as you develop something yourself, right through to writing and leading the ceremony on the day.
Also, I can help orchestrate the staging of the event to ensure that all details are seen to and that everyone you’d like to involve has a meaningful role.
FEES AND AVAILABILITY
Mid-Sussex & surrounding areas.
*Available 365 days, subject to other bookings.
Bespoke ceremony: £900
Pet memorial: £300
Funeral: arranged via Funeral Director
*Events further afield may incur charges for travel & accommodation
Includes:
- meeting to discuss ideas
- writing ceremony
- leading rehearsal (if required)
- conducting ceremony
plus
- commemorative certificate
- copy of service
SELF-GUIDED CEREMONY
In many instances, we are looking for a personal and private way to mark an important milestone.
I have created a workbook to help you do just this.
It will guide you through the ‘at home’ version of the steps I take to create every ceremony – whether on behalf of a paying client or quietly for myself.
ORDER WORKBOOK
I can also offer CEREMONIAL SUPPORT as you work through the workbook or separately.
Two hour session includes:
- online meeting to discuss ideas
- summary & notes
- links to useful resources, as relevant
£150 per two hour session