Love. That’s what really matters. Love, and the people we are lucky enough to share that love with. The last few years have certainly reminded us of this. In my role as a Celebrant, I listen to people talk about those they love most in the world, and have the privilege of writing ceremonies to honour this precious Love.
I trained as an Independent Civil Celebrant in 2019, with a mission to create bespoke ceremonies full of love and meaning. The joy of a Wedding or Handfasting; uniting a couple who stand together in love, defining their future. Welcoming a new life with a Baby Naming or Adoption ceremony, to honour a little one, with vows to nurture and guide.
A Vow Renewal, where a couple who have weathered some of life’s challenges decide to renew their deep love and commitment to each other. Or at the end of a life, when it’s time to say goodbye, and pay tribute to a loved one with a bespoke Funeral service to truly honour their time on this earth and the precious years shared together.
Rituals and ceremonies give meaning to our years. We need time away from busy schedules, to concentrate on the people we treasure the most. Coming together with family and friends helps us to create memories of those important transitions in our lives.
As a Celebrant, the first thing I do is listen. To really hear someone’s unique story, and find a way to tell it, so they know how special they are. To guide families through the many options, and then to write and deliver it in a way that will surpass expectations.
As an Independent Civil Celebrant, my services can include prayers and hymns, if religion is important to you. Or it might centre on a spiritual tradition or a belief system that you hold dear. Or perhaps a secular ceremony feels right for you? Or I can combine aspects of these, to reflect what matters most to you. This is your day, and you have the freedom to choose.
Perhaps your dream wedding is Classically Elegant or Vintage Chic, City Cocktails or Woodland Fairytale, Barefoot on the Beach or a Romantic Winter treat… I’ll guide you through many beautiful stories, readings and poems to go with your chosen music. If requested, I can even write you a personalised poem that details your love story.
“On the day, Charlie was amazing at calming our nerves. We had so many comments saying how unique the ceremony was, how emotional it was and how beautifully conducted it was. This is a result of the hard work of Charlie, she’s just a wonderful person.”
I cherish each Service and Ceremony, and I know how important it is to you. This means that we can have as many meetings and conversations as you wish, and I’ll send you the service well in advance, so you can make sure every word is just right.
I bring professional presentation skills from 25 yrs as a Radio Broadcaster, having hosted events at Birmingham’s Town Hall & Symphony Hall; Wolves, W.B.A. & Aston Villa Football Clubs; London’s O2 Arena, and even in front of Royalty, as a Prince’s Trust Ambassador.
As a former Birmingham Poet Laureate, my creativity and writing skills have been well practised. But perhaps more importantly I bring warmth, understanding and kindness, with a wealth of life experiences to the role. When it’s appropriate, a good sense of humour as well.
I choose to mostly work on Funeral and Celebration of Life Services, as it’s where I can be most of service. Supporting families at their most difficult times has been a privilege these last few years. We all know how precious life is, and I’ve found a sense of deep meaning in working in the Funeral Profession, helping to honour the love shared.
Sometimes stories can be complicated and messy, as well as beautiful, as life sometimes is; but I always follow a golden thread of Love and help to find the right words at a time when that really matters.
I will always be guided by a family and how you would like to honour the life of that important someone. This can be a traditional service, with hymns and prayers, and perhaps classical music; or there may be Football chants and Dad jokes shared, whatever is appropriate.
Sometimes children blow bubbles, or we’ve danced out of a chapel to sounds of Abba, and at one service I handed malt whisky toasts to mourners. There isn’t just one way to say goodbye to your loved one, it has to be personal.
It will always matter that I create the best service possible, but you’re always the one in charge. So it’s always your choice, and I’ll work hard to get it absolutely right.
I’ve had so many wonderful hugs of gratitude after services, and comments saying, ‘it’s the best funeral I’ve ever been to, and will you do mine, when the day comes?!’
I still find myself moved by many services, and am in search of a good waterproof mascara…
“Charlie was amazing… it was as if she knew Dad. The service was so personal and she even made us giggle a few times with stories of his antics! I was dreading the funeral, but it was really lovely and she took such good care of us.”
Contact Charlie if you’d like to know more about a Wedding, Handfasting, Vow Renewal, Unity Candle, Sand Ceremony, Baby Naming, Adoption, Funeral, Memorial or End of Life Service.
‘Love is the bridge between you and everything.’ Rumi
‘The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love, whether we call it friendship, family or romance, love is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light.’ James Baldwin
Charlie is a proud Member of AOIC, the Association of Independent Celebrants. 