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Becoming a celebrant wasn’t something I ever planned. In fact, I stumbled into it by accident, an unlikely twist of fate that, over time, evolved into something I came to deeply care about. It all began in 2011, with the sudden death of my friend.

As a local preacher in the Methodist church, I was used to public speaking. But I never imagined I’d ever be standing in front of a crowd, guiding people through one of the most challenging moments in their lives. But when my friend passed away, his widow reached out to me with a request that would unknowingly set the course for my future. She asked me to officiate his funeral.

To say I was taken aback would be an understatement. At the time, I had no experience with funerals, and certainly no training to deal with the complexities of grief. But I knew this was something I had to do for her — and for him. I agreed, even though I wasn’t sure how to go about it. I did what I could to learn what I needed to know, focusing not on any technicalities but on honouring my friend’s life and helping his loved ones say goodbye.

The ceremony was simple but meaningful, with a few laughs (as was fitting for him!) and it had a profound impact on me. There was something incredibly powerful about being the one to guide people through such an intimate and raw moment, helping them connect with their memories and emotions. It was a privilege to be there for my friend’s family in this capacity. The experience left a mark on me, and as the years went by, I began to get more requests from friends and acquaintances in need of someone to officiate funerals with weddings too, along the way.

What started out as a single, unexpected event soon grew into opportunities from time to time to help others during significant milestones. It felt like a role that was a natural fit for me – providing comfort, guidance, and ceremony for people at some of the most poignant moments of their lives.

Each ceremony was different, each person and their story unique, but the core of it remained the same: the need for connection. Whether it was celebrating the beginning of a couple’s life together or honouring a loved one who had passed, I found deep fulfilment in helping others navigate these important transitions.

The Celebrant Circle

Eventually it was time to seek out formal training to deepen my understanding of what it meant to be a celebrant. I went along to a training course run by Jacqueline and Shelley at the Celebrant Circle (www.celebrantcircle.com) where I learnt not only the practicalities of officiating ceremonies but also the emotional and psychological aspects — how to craft a ceremony that reflected the values, personalities, and stories of those involved, and how to create a space that allowed for healing and closure. It was an absolutely brilliant course run by two ladies who are utterly dedicated to their vocation, and I made friends for life at the same time! I launched Sunbeam Celebrancy soon after and wondered where the path would lead next…..

Following the path…..

Looking back, it feels like becoming a celebrant was less a choice and more a series of events that led me down a path I didn’t expect. But now, I can’t imagine my life without it. I have taken on this vocation full-time, leaving the Accountancy profession behind after a career spanning some 35 years. It’s really quite amazing to think that I now spend my days in a role that’s both humbling and rewarding, and I feel honoured every time someone entrusts me with their special moment, knowing I can play a part in helping them create a ceremony that reflects their deepest values.

It all started with a simple request from a widow who needed someone to help her say goodbye to her husband. From there, it blossomed into something I couldn’t have anticipated but will forever be grateful for. Sometimes, the best things in life come when we least expect them.