Family Services

Vow Renewals

 “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn’t go, and doesn’t suit me.
And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we’ve no money for butter.

 … But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start wear purple.”

Jenny Joseph

I Still Do … Me Too!

Maybe first time round was in a registry office, you were married abroad, or it is a significant time in your lives and you want to re-unite friends and family in renewing your vows for each other.

The renewal of vows can be a deeply touching ceremony, even if it is just the two of you. The venue, music, readings and rituals will reflect your choices for your special day.

The ceremony includes home visit if feasible, telephone/email contact and Skype calls plus helpful support from me as your celebrant; draft ceremony for checking, order of ceremony agreed, professional delivery of service in venue of your choice, your own written copy of ceremony

Namings

 “Babies are soft. Anyone looking at them can see the tender,
fragile skin and know it for the rose-leaf softness that invites a finger’s touch…

 … But from the very start, there is that small streak of steel within each child.
That thing that says “I am,” and forms the core of personality.”

Diana Gabaldon, Dragonfly in Amber

Whether you want a non-religious or spiritual ceremony, it is still important to welcome a child into the community of your family and friends.

You may have a naming ceremony, indicating the caring roles of supportive proxyparents  and grandparents. Other members of the family and friends may want to be involved and pledge their commitment.

The venue, music and readings will reflect what you want to say … a meaningful experience for all, or maybe a quiet, simple event.

The ceremony includes home visit if feasible, telephone/email contact and Skype calls plus helpful support from me as your celebrant, draft ceremony for checking, order of ceremony agreed, professional delivery of service, your own written copy of service.

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Other Life Events

 “Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Hummingbirds open our eyes to the wonder of the world and inspire us to open our hearts to loved ones and friends. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and to savour each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and to celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird’s delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life’s sweetest creation.”   

Papyrus

You may be a new blended family and want a ceremony to recognise the integration and individuality of all the family members.

Whilst friends may be having First Holy Communions and Confirmations, you may want to offer your child a Community Day ceremony, acknowledging their uniqueness and contribution to the family as he or she transits through life.

Many societies have specific ceremonies for Coming of Age. You may want to celebrate the young adults flying the coop in a Leaving Home ceremony when they go to University, start a new job, or leaving to work overseas.

Some significant events like a divorce need closure and a quiet, personal ceremony, involving one or both partners, can achieve this, releasing the past whilst honouring the life you had together and wishes for your futures.

Opening a business is a momentous occasion and this can be celebrated with family, friends and colleagues in a personal and meaningful way.

Maybe you would like a retirement ceremony to mark your transition from that working world, commemorated by comments and observations from your work colleagues.

You’ve moved into a new home, the most intimate environment you will be engaged with for your life and you’d like a House Welcoming Ceremony. You may want to stamp your energy on those walls to celebrate and make it your new home. House clearing can be arranged beforehand if required with smudging, drumming or a singing bowl to clear any negative energies.

And many people now want to recognise the contribution that their loyal and beloved pet has made to their life by conducting a personalised ceremony.