This photo is from the first ever wedding I did as a qualified humanist celebrant back in 2011. (It was a truly epic reception and one I will never, ever forget!) It also came at a time when my world as I knew it had entirely collapsed and I had to start everything again from scratch. Often, that really is when you’re at your bravest, rawest and most unhindered.
That was almost 12 years ago and to say that it lit a fire in my belly to make sure that no couple should ever have an impersonal ceremony ever again is an understatement.
Now, all these years on, proud of all my mentees, excited by the revolution that spread through celebrancy, honoured to be a part of a thriving and supportive network and 420+ couples later….I look at this photo with real affection. I had no idea of the enormity of what was to come. The extraordinary people I would meet, and the lifelong friends I would accrue. The experiences I would be part of and help shape, and the insightfulness that would permeate my mind, heart and soul.
I never take this work for granted and I’m so grateful to every single incredible human who has trusted me with an intimate view into their lives. And who happily never expected (nor asked me) to simply wear a smart and appropriate suit. Here’s to many more moments of meaning shared with what must now be thousands upon thousands of people. And here’s to never being frightened of an upended life and the unknown around every corner.
