WORDS TO CELEBRATE LIFE

For the past two decades, I’ve stood beside many families during life’s most tender and vulnerable moments, though until recently, always behind a camera. Photographing hundreds of weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies has given me a deep understanding of how important these occasions are and just how personal they should feel.

Becoming a celebrant was a natural step. I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right words, delivered with care, can bring comfort, clarity, and a sense of peace. It’s not about grand speeches or poetic gestures; it’s about helping people say what matters when saying anything at all feels impossibly hard at times, certainly in terms of a funeral.

Whether it’s honouring the life of someone deeply missed or celebrating the beginning of something new, I work closely with each family to shape a ceremony that feels right for them. That might mean sharing stories, inviting others to speak, or finding ways to bring someone’s presence into the room, even if they’re no longer physically here.

Sometimes, people write letters. Sometimes, they just need someone to listen. My role is to help guide the process and hold the space. You only get one chance to do these things well, and my intention is always to help create a moment that feels honest, respectful, and quietly memorable.