Other Services
Naming Ceremonies
Naming Ceremonies mark, in a tangible way, the moment that a name is given or taken, and the reasons that people choose to have Naming Ceremonies are varied and often personal.
A Naming Ceremony is often held as a way celebrating and welcoming a new child with a gathering of family and friends. It is sometimes used as a non-religious alternative to a baptism or Christening. Naming ceremonies are also appropriate for welcoming an adopted child, or for the coming together or blending of two families. These ceremonies also serve as an opportunity for those close to the family to consider the roles that they might play in the child's (or children's) life (or lives), and some parents choose to appoint 'guide parents' who take on a special role in their child's life.
Photo Cred: Oumayma @oumaymabtanfous
I also offer Renaming Ceremonies, or Trans Naming Ceremonies, for people who are transgender or non-binary and who want to symbolise a new beginning with a name that is more representative of who they are. This is a ceremony that allows the person to reflect on their life so far and who they have become and are becoming.
It would be my privilege to facilitate a ceremony for this important transitional moment in your life.
A Naming Ceremony can take place anywhere and can include whatever elements you might like: music, poetry readings, rituals (e.g. tree-planting, sand ceremony, unity candle), or almost anything else you would like to include.
Like with my services for funerals and weddings, I am fully comfortable with having this ceremony fall anywhere on the religious spectrum. If you want to include spiritual or religious reading, that is perfect. If you want to keep it completely non-religious, that's perfect, too! What I want most is to facilitate the creation of a service that is meaningful to you.
Vow Renewal
Vow Renewal Ceremonies are another joyous occasion for many couples. You may be considering this to celebrate a milestone anniversary, or to have the wedding day that you wanted but didn't have the first time around. Perhaps you have just come through a difficult time in your marriage and want to take this step together as a way of moving forward. Whatever your reasoning, a Vow Renewal Ceremony is one in which you re-commit to one another, remembering the vows that you made on your wedding day and re-affirming your commitment to live those vows every day.
Like with the Weddings I officiate, this is another service in which you can have exactly what you want in order to make this day special and meaningful to you as a couple. If you choose me as the Celebrant for this important occasions, I will meet with you more than once, if necessary—either via Zoom or in person at a mutually agreed location. I will get to know you as a couple, your love story and what your journey together so far has been, along with what you value as a couple, so that these things are all reflected in your ceremony that will be completely unique to you. These meetings will also serve as planning sessions in which we would discuss music choices, readings, vows, and the general Order of Service.
Your Vow Renewal can also take place virtually anywhere you'd like. When it comes to locations, I primarily officiate services in the Newport, Cardiff, and Bristol areas, but I am willing to travel further afield provided that you cover costs of travel and lodging (if necessary).
Please fill out the contact form below if you have any queries, or if you'd like to to book in a particular date for either a Naming (or Renaming) Ceremony or a Vow Renewal. I will be in touch as soon as possible.