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Available for
Countries Covered
Areas Covered
I travel Nationally & Internationally
Specialisms
Very techno savvy . Professional visual eulogies. A wealth of experience in ritual and ceremony and all supported by 'Free at the point of use' professional grief counselling when required. An experienced public speaker.
Affiliations
Senior Member of the ACCPH and a member of the AOIC
Languages
English and Sign
Hi, I'm Steve
Simply put:
Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skilful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” William A. Foster
And there are many alternatives…but if you’re looking for someone who is highly professional, organised, and engaging, then you need to look no further. I have over 20 years of experience working with the bereaved within the community. I’m also an established public speaker with a degree in Theology and a Diploma in Communication Skills…
But of course, don’t take my word for it…do take a look at the comments and reviews from families I’ve served before. They speak for themselves and I treasure every one of them.
What's my ceremony style?
You can expect a mindful, polished ceremony with lots of fresh ideas. I have the technical know-how to create a professional photographic eulogy, using your photographs and videos and setting them to one or two pieces of music, offering a special moment within the ceremony, and passing it on to you as a keepsake afterwards.
Having a sense of musicality and language and a deep understanding of liturgy and ritual means creating something seamless and poetic. Being an established public speaker, I tend not to read from scripts; I address the congregation instead. But of course, the quality of the funeral ceremony will always be underpinned by a deep and empathic understanding of grief and loss, and I believe all of this sets me apart.
Prices From
£215
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South Shropshire Remembrance Park
This woodland burial site offers a unique and special location—a serene & timeless woodland cemetery situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty. I have officiated many graveside ceremonies here, using natural ritual and liturgy. During the colder months, ceremonies are held inside the pavilion warmed by a huge wood-burning stove and candles.
A Stunning Location
Why choose Steve?
“We were blown away by the setting, the warmth of your words, the quality and tone of the music and the lovely visual tribute you put together so brilliantly and seamlessly for us.” – Fliss.
Another review: “You distilled the details into a heartfelt, intimate and meaningful remembrance of Mum’s life. You had paid attention to everyone’s input and took the time to reference things that each of us had told you. People afterwards were asking whether you knew her, complementing your words and the accuracy of your observations. Surely that is a testament to your professionalism and integrity.” – Philip
What do I offer?
Unfortunately Celebrant Steve is not available for weddings.
Unfortunately Celebrant Steve is not available for Naming Ceremonies.
Unfortunately Celebrant Steve is not available for Renewal of Vows
Funerals
In 2003 my wife lost her daughter Katie to Glioblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer that occurs in the brain or spinal cord. She was six years old. It was an incredibly cruel end to a long two-year battle with the disease. We have been gripped by our loss ever since – and have resolved to devote the rest of our lives to helping people who experience loss and grief in whatever circumstances. We’re both fully qualified Counsellors and Grief Specialists.
Since Katie’s death, we have adopted the symbolism of the Dragonfly as a way of reminding ourselves of how special and unique she was. It has since become representative of my work as a Grief Specialist and Funeral Celebrant. And so, the Dragonfly for us represents going beyond what is on the surface and looking into the more profound implications of life. It is a symbol of new beginnings and so, represents hope, change, and love.
Turning the ordinary into extraordinary moments
Very Techno savvy and engaging speaker.
You may wish to opt for a Simple Ceremony or a Celebration of Life, or a Semi-Religious/Spiritual Ceremony, or even a woodland burial, either of which may include:
A Candle Lighting Liturgy
A Celtic Blessing
A Photographic Visual Tribute set to music
Live Music & Song
A Reflective Video
A Rosemary Blessing
A Floral Tribute
Specially Commissioned Poetry/Verse
A Military Salute
Signed Ceremonies for the hearing impaired
Personal Testimony
Eulogy
Prices From
From 215.00
Why choose Steve for your funeral?
What you did for us was quite exceptional! Beautifully orchestrated.
You went above & beyond with communicating & liaising with us to ensure our mother’s funeral service went smoothly & was conducted just as we had wished.
There is nothing at all workaday or formulaic about what Steve does. Every service is different, well thought out and very well presented. Our families love him. – Independent Funeral Director
Reviews for Celebrant Steve
Total Reviews: 62
Average Rating: 5
reviews (62)
Dauta Barnard from son Jnr
Asking a stranger to conduct my Mum’s funeral service felt like a leap of faith. Steve came highly recommended and he was absolutely the right choice. He conducted the ceremony with great dignity, distilling the events of my Mum’s long life into a heartfelt, intimate and meaningful remembrance of her character and personality. Afterwards, mourners asked whether Steve knew my Mum, which is a testament to his professionalism and integrity.
During our first meeting, he quickly gave focus to the ceremony with useful ideas about the order of service, while also supporting our music choices with helpful feedback and encouragement. His delicate balance of listening and suggesting was a great reassurance to us at a time when the service seemed vague and uncharted.
In a second meeting, Steve got to know the details of my Mum’s eventful life through our own recollections. Steve was able to absorb a lot of detail in a short space of time without losing sight of who my Mum was. During the service, he didn’t simply repeat the minutiae but treated us to a story of how my Mum’s experiences formed her character, and how she in turn influenced others. He took the trouble to include things that each of us had told him about my Mum and this inclusivity helped bring people together during this final farewell.”
Memorable
People are still talking about my Husbands funeral and more than one person has said that’s exactly what they want for their funerals when their time comes
Michael George
Dear Steve,
On behalf of my mum Iris & my family, we would like to thank you for such a wonderful celebration of my stepdad Michael’s life.
From the first initial WhatsApp meeting & the face to face meeting at my mum’s home, right through to the service for Michael everything was so special & was a very true reflection of my stepdad.
The photos & music went hand in hand & really touched us all. It gave my mum such happy memories of their 36 years together.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you so very much.
Debbie
