For all those I've worked with this year - I wish you a warm and wonderful christmas!

It's getting closer to Christmas eve........when that silent hush starts to descend......when the frenzy starts to subside.........and when you have time to look around and check out the meaning of it all!

I've hung up my non-religious ceremony boots now until the New Year.  But as they hang there getting ready for 2012, I'm mulling over just what Christmas means for all those I've worked with this year.

• To the families I've worked with who've lost someone special and who I've delivered a funeral service for - Christmas will be a difficult time.  I want to say happy Christmas - but those words just don't seem right.
• To those couples who've stood before me renewing their vows - I hope that this Christmas brings you all that you hope for.....and then just that little bit more!
• To those families who've celebrated their new arrival's baby naming ceremony with me - Enjoy your first Christmas together in your new family - and all the stories and fairy tales that now begin.
• To the new business friendships I've encountered this year - I hope you've enjoyed our coffees and conversations as much as I have. 
• And to those I have yet to meet and work with......here's to new beginnings!

This time of year affects us all differently.  It means different things to different people.  Wherever you are and whoever you're spending it with.......may it bring you all that you wish for - and only you know what that might be!

Have a warm and wonderful Christmas.....and above all - keep safe.

XCarole

When a wedding ceremony just has to be different!

As I talk with more and more people about how different their wedding ceremonies can look, I’m beginning to realise that tradition is such a powerful tool!

The yearning to hang onto as much tradition as we can, wrapped with the choice to have designer’s freedom for ceremonies seems to be a common thread of my chats. There is nothing wrong with this at all but using a Celebrant for your wedding ceremony can help build in the best of both worlds.

Take a look at this most unusual marriage proposal – and then look out for the glint of tradition that brings warmth and sincerity to the whole affair.





Now with this particular couple, you would imagine that their wedding ceremony is going to be something quite different and unique. If they were in the UK, I’d be encouraging them to go and do the basic legal necessities at a register office – over and done with in 15 minutes and so impersonal.

Then reach for the stars and design a ceremony that brings all of the ‘wow’ and fragility of romance that these two deserve. With snippets of tradition wrapped with elements of curious design, these two could take their ceremony wherever they want, when they want and have with them whom they want – all without the restrictions of licensed venues or offices. On top of that, add the ability to write your own vows and you have the making of something quite incredible!

Answers on a postcard – it’s called a Civil Wedding Ceremony!

Choosing a celebrant worth their weight in gold!

So you’ve made a decision. You want to renew your wedding vows. You know when and where but you don’t know how!

You’re told that you need a ‘Celebrant’. Chances are you’ve never heard of this before and don’t know where to start – but you have a vague idea that they conduct the ceremony!

Here are my 5 tops tips for choosing the right Celebrant to design, write and lead your ceremony:

• Make sure they’re happy to meet with you to chat about your thoughts – and this should be without obligation and more importantly without cost!


• Find out their experience before becoming a Celebrant – and look out for plenty of experience of working with people and great facilitation and writing skills
  


• Make sure they’re accredited through a recognised Celebrancy body.
  


• Ask to speak with other people who have used their services and who are happy to recommend them.
  


• Check out their website and make sure it gives you the right feel for the kind of person you’re looking for.

And if you’ve got this far and have all the ticks in the boxes, then chances are you’re on the road to making a sound decision. Celebrants worth their weight in gold should be giving you all of this. As ever, my advice is to go with your gut instinct!

Now enjoy the ceremony and those special moments just waiting to happen!