About me
My story
My many years working as an actor and director in the theatre have led directly into deciding to train as a celebrant. After all story telling is the heart of both roles.
I have a life-long passion for creating special events which mark important rites of passage. Rituals are a significant part of the fabric of all of our lives and cultures and we naturally turn to them in times of change.
My first ceremony was in1987 when my husband and I wanted to create an alternative to a christening for our daughter Grace.
We invited over 80 guests to join us in the middle of Epping Forest to take part in the celebration. We chose seven special life guides who brought different skills and qualities we felt were important for Grace.
Each of the mentors found a place amongst the trees on our naming walk, from where in turn they make their personal promises and dedications.
The celebration culminated in Grace's formal naming in a clearing in the forest. This included symbolic moments, such as the passing round of a basket for guests to put their wish and blessing cards in. My husband wrote a beautiful welcoming song for our daughter. We all then spread out our blankets and enjoyed a lovely picnic.
We had such a fun and creative process in designing our own ceremony, calling on our skills as theatre makers. Our guests said how unique and special it was to be involved in a creative and original ceremony.
We loved it so much that we decided to do it again for our second daughter, Phoebe in1990. This time we hired a canal boat and had a string quartet travelling with us down the river.
These special celebrations have remained an important and significant memory in our family stories and history.
Yes that is me in 1990 with my daughter Phoebe and her Life Guide Jo getting ready to speak
Over the years, alongside my work as a theatre director I continued to create informal ceremonies for friends and family. I loved it so much that I enrolled to study for a professional qualification.
I bring my wealth of experience and skills to shaping, writing and conducting personal ceremonies that are a true reflection of you.
I live in East London and work in London and the South East. I am happy to travel further at an additional charge.
Why not give me a call or send me a message and I'll get right back to you. I look forward to hearing from you
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With love Carole
My qualifications:
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Diploma in Naming and Couples celebrancy
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NLP Master Practitioner - professional member of ANLP
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BA Hons in Drama - Exeter University
* Photo from Grace and Sam Willis'wedding in 2017 at Oxon Hoath with permission