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Latansani
reviews (24) - leave a review
Available for
Countries Covered
I travel Nationally & Internationally
Specialisms
All rites of passage: weddings/ civil partnerships, renewals, naming days, funerals, remembrances, scattering of ashes.
Languages
English and French but, with an ear for languages, I would be happy to recite (or sing!) in others.
Hi, I'm Julie
I would be delighted to work with you on creating your own, personal event – just the way you want it. I chose the name Latansani because it means ‘forget-me-not’ and, as your leading celebrant, I want you to have an unforgettable experience – for all of the right reasons! I’ve spent a career in teaching and, as a very ‘untraditional’ headteacher, have always encouraged my students to chase their dreams and to author their own lives. It’s why being a celebrant now is so rewarding – not just to use my own talents in helping you to say ‘I love you’ or ‘I do’ or ‘Welcome to the World!’ or ‘Farewell’ but so that I can be inspired by your stories, all the people, places and events that have impacted your life and that make you uniquely you!
What's my ceremony style?
I write and conduct all styles of ceremony – they can be at any place on an array from classy and conventional to alternative and quirky, and for any purpose. I have a collection of texts and poems from which you can select or I write fresh scripts, poetry, histories, biographies, eulogies, orders of service – even songs – if you are willing to share your anecdotes with me. I love a good party and have been known to spend a day sewing a speciality outfit for fancy dress – usually, my style is classic but give me a theme and I’ll give you a costume – steampunk, Bohemian, Indie, film themes…you name it, I will make it. I can be guided by you entirely, or if you need my expertise in leading you through the whole process, and wish to be less hands-on, then I am confident to guide you fully.
Prices From
£200 for funerals/related events; £625 weddings...
Why choose Julie?
I am proud of my rich cultural heritage and understand people from all walks of life. I can incorporate aspects of your faith or cultural tradition, or create something quirky, reflecting distinct values and wishes. I write for any faith or none. Either celebrating a joyous event, or experiencing great loss, listening to you is key! If you have explicit ideas, I will interpret them to your liking; if you are unsure of any aspect, I have vast experience of being able to draw out your vision. Together we can craft a lasting, memorable event that suits your needs.
What do I offer?
Weddings
It is so important for us to discover how you want your dream day to unfold. You want your wedding to be unique for all of the right reasons. At our first meeting, we can chat to your heart’s content about any specific ideas that you have; together we can make this vision clear so that I can begin the crafting of your wedding ceremony. Latansani creates bespoke, never-to-be-repeated ceremonies.
I will complete the first draft of the written script within four weeks of the consultation and the second draft within two weeks of discussing and receiving your amendments; the final draft of your wedding ceremony will be completed and printed one month prior to your wedding day. I will be at your selected venue two hours before the scheduled start, ready to be at your service and to lead your much anticipated day. Afterwards, I will present you with a commemorative copy of your wedding ceremony script and a unique Latansani blessing certificate. Should you require additional services or if you would like me to stage manage the event, coordinating your whole team of wedding professionals – photographers, florists, performers, speech makers – you can be assured that you are in the best, most competent and professional hands.
Prices From
£625
Why choose Julie for your wedding?
Experienced, calm and in control, whilst flexible, compassionate and dedicated to meeting your needs.
Naming Ceremonies
I write original and family oriented celebrations, and I am most careful to ensure that they are child friendly. If you would like to celebrate the birth and unique identity of your child but have decided against a traditional style religious ceremony, alternatives such as a blessing, naming ceremony or simple “naming day” are becoming increasingly popular. A naming ceremony gives you, the parents an opportunity to gather with family and friends, to welcome your child into the world. There’s no legal aspect to this type of ceremony, just pure celebration – the joy of this is that the ceremony can be held wherever you like: at home, in the garden, in a park, in the woods, in a tent, at a hotel.
I can vary the length of the ceremony from a short but sweet twenty minutes to an all-day celebration. Naming ceremonies are suitable for babies, toddlers, older children, adopted children and stepchildren. During the ceremony, you can be as involved as much as you wish or you can let me lead the way. You can express your love and commitment, acknowledge the wider role of family and friends, and declare hopes for your child’s future. Ceremonies can be combined with symbolic actions that have meaning to the family, such as sand ceremonies, tree-planting, candle-lighting, or hand or foot-printing. I will spend time getting to know your family to conduct a ceremony which is personal to you and meaningful. We can decide upon any combination of promises, readings, poems, rituals and any music you might like.
Prices From
£150
Why choose Julie for your naming ceremony?
I’ve had so much experience of working with children in my previous ‘life’ as a teacher and headteacher, as a Mum myself, and as a soon to be Grandmother. Babies, toddlers and children are an absolute joy and help us to see the magic of our grown-up world through beautifully innocent eyes.; they can also be wonderfully unpredictable so you can count on that experience to handle whatever limelight stealing antics that might occur on your chosen day.
Renewal of Vows
I love these musings from children about what is love – they sum up why this aspect of Latansani is so vitally important because they remember the promises we made to each other in contracts, often many moons before.
“Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.” Tommy – age 6
“When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That’s love.” Rebecca – age 8
“You really shouldn’t say ‘I love you’ unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget.” Jessica – age 8
Renewing your vows is the chance to say what you mean…a lot and aloud!
Services are similar to the wedding ceremony package and include consultation, performance and leading of the ceremony and commemoration copies of all aspects of the spoken words.
Prices From
£300
Why choose Julie for your renewal of vows?
Choose me because this is absolutely a joyous celebration to lead. It’s no mean feat getting through some of the trials we have to face but to get through it alongside someone special? Well, that is something worth celebrating!
Funerals
Civil Funerals are becoming more commonplace in the UK, as they are an alternative to a religious or an atheist funeral ceremony, or perhaps a combination of both. I write original and sensitive funeral services and eulogies. I can incorporate poetry, lyrics, readings as per your wishes or those which may have been outlined in last requests. The funeral service will be so personal, with the history and wishes of your loved one at the heart of the commemoration.
In a scheduled meeting with those responsible for organising the service, I help to put into words, in the most dignified manner, what needs to be said. My services include any necessary liaison with funeral directors and crematorium staff. If you are planning a scattering of ashes service, I will liaise with those responsible for the proposed site.
With your help, I can place the emphasis on the life of the deceased, not the beliefs of me as the person officiating. I write each ceremony to capture the essence of your loved one, using words, perhaps a specially written poem, music and personal reminiscences through a biography, gathered with sensitivity and care for those who are bereaved and in mourning.
Prices From
£200
Why choose Julie for your funeral?
I led the tributes and eulogy at my own wonderful Mother’s funeral to make sure that this beautiful lady had the service that she had pre-determined. It combined music – which meant so much to her as well as the important people who had featured in her life – poems, readings and even a most unique video montage – a pictorial chronology of a full and vibrant life. It represented her personality and life entirely and left those gathered to honour her in no doubt that she did it her way! I will guarantee no less for your service.
Reviews for Latansani
Total Reviews: 24
Average Rating: 5
reviews (24)
Such a beautiful ceremony
We first met Julie when she created a beautiful goodbye for “mum” after she passed away. We knew then we wanted Julie to be the celebrant at our wedding this year in August. Julie made our day so special, she spent time getting to know us, working with family to get them involved and became more than a celebrant, and more of a friend. Julie went the extra mile, ensured we felt comfortable and eased the nerves on the day. It would not have been the special day it was without Julie as part of it. We cannot thank you enough Julie for helping us create a day we will always remember. ❤️
Funeral
Thankyou very much for being my celebrant at my mother’s funeral for the service you helped edit over and over again and for an expert delivery without notes and for being so kind to everyone especially me. You are the best celebrant I have ever had and all the guests were singing your praise. I really felt you gave me everything I wanted and never left me hanging. It’s difficult condensing a persons life in timely words but with your good judgement and turn of phrase we achieved it.
Perfect in every way
I don’t think I can express how brilliant Julie was as the celebrant for my daughter’s naming ceremony. From the moment I met Julie I knew she was exactly the right person to lead the ceremony and she did not disappoint. She listened to everything I said about the day and it was exactly how I wanted it to be. She gave me advice and ideas and I really felt like I had a close friend performing the ceremony. Thank you Julie, it was a perfect day and a lot of that was due to you.
