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The Happy Celebrant
reviews (12) - leave a review
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I travel Nationally & Internationally
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Accredited by Humanists UK | Main image courtesy of hermionehardwick.com | Additional pictures - lashmarcreative.com and martynhand.com
Hi, I'm Anna
I’m a celebrant accredited by Humanists UK.
Firstly, huge congratulations on your engagement, wedding anniversary or new arrival. I know how exciting and over-whelming planning your big day or family celebration can be – and I would love the opportunity to help support you as you plan one of the most important milestones of your life.
I’ve been a journalist for 18 years and I love telling other people’s stories. As a writer, I know how to get to the heart of a story – to focus on the things that really matter. My ceremonies have been described as all ‘killer and no filler’ – and that’s because I really focus upon the things that truly matter to each couple or family.
I absolutely love being a celebrant. Nothing makes me happier than receiving feedback from couples thanking me creating their perfect ceremony.
What's my ceremony style?
I love setting a scene and bringing stories to life – ideally with lots of humour – to keep things as fun and interesting as possible. No two celebrations are ever the same.
As your celebrant, I would take the time to get to know you and understand your dreams and vision for your very special day. I’d be careful to consider any sensitivities around the family dynamics or faiths, to create a truly inclusive event that all of your loved ones can enjoy and be a part of.
You might have a really clear idea already of the type of wedding or naming celebration you want, and if so that’s great – but if not, I’d be happy to give you lots of ideas – from readings, poems and songs to some really touching and beautiful rituals, such as hand-fasting.
If you would like any further information, I’d love to hear from you.
anna.bailey@humanistceremonies.org.uk
www.thehappycelebrant.co.uk
Why choose Anna?
I’d take the time to really understand your vision for the day and faithfully tell your story. I’ve often been complimented on my ability to put people at ease, and I really enjoy helping others articulate their feelings.
I’m a confident public speaker, and I get genuinely excited when I find the perfect reading or poem for a celebration.
For me, it’s really important that creating a wedding or naming ceremony is a really fun and enjoyable process.
What do I offer?
Weddings
Unlike a civil or religious service, a Humanist UK ceremony is totally unique to each couple and family – no two ceremonies are the same, and there is no set script. I’ll work with you to write a totally bespoke celebration, that reflects your personalities, and it can be held in any location or venue of your choice.
During the process, we’d meet up so I talk to you about your relationships and gather lots of information about your story – so, how you met, the proposal, what you love about each other, and your hopes for the future. We’d also discuss any rituals you’d like to include, and how you might like to include your family and friends during the ceremony. From our conversations, I’d write your script. And, following your feedback, I’d make any amends and we’d go back and forth until
Why choose Anna for your wedding?
If you have any doubt, please take the time to read the incredibly kinds words and reviews I’ve received from many couples who’ve I’ve worked with in the past.
This beautiful YouTube video was created by award-winning videographer Phillip Smith and beautifully captures part of a ceremony I conducted for a wonderful couple at Gaynes Park, near Epping Forest.
Naming Ceremonies
Each naming ceremony is totally unique and tailored towards the needs of each family. Although each one is different, they usually include parental promises along with the appointment of ‘guide parents. Typically, they last around 15 to 20 minutes and I’d try to keep things as relaxed and informal as possible. Quite often, people like to hold these at the family home or back garden, a village hall or function room. Wherever it’s held, there is usually lots of noise and plenty of other children running around.
During the process, I’d take the time to get to know you, and understand your needs for the day. From our conversations, I’d write your script, which I’ll then amend as you wish until you’re completely happy with it. I’d also offer lots of ideas for readings and symbolic rituals such as a certificate signing, planting a tree, or writing in a memory book.
Why choose Anna for your naming ceremony?
I’d take the time to really understand your vision for the day and faithfully tell your story. I’ve often been complimented on my ability to put people at ease, and I really enjoy helping others articulate their feelings. I’d a confident public speaker, and I get genuinely excited when I find the perfect reading or poem for a celebration. For me, it’s really important that creating a wedding or naming ceremony is a really fun and enjoyable process.
Renewal of Vows
No two ceremonies are the same, and there is no set script. I’ll work with you to write a totally bespoke celebration, that reflects your personalities, and it can be held in any location or venue of your choice.
During the process, we’d meet up so I talk to you about your relationships and gather lots of information about your story – so, how you met, the proposal, what you love about each other, and your hopes for the future. We’d also discuss any rituals you’d like to include, and how you might like to include your family and friends during the ceremony. From our conversations, I’d write your script.
Why choose Anna for your renewal of vows?
If you have any doubt, please take the time to read the incredibly kinds words and reviews I’ve received from many couples who’ve I’ve worked with in the past.
This beautiful YouTube video was created by award-winning videographer Phillip Smith and beautifully captures part of a ceremony I conducted for a wonderful couple at Gaynes Park, near Epping Forest.
Unfortunately The Happy Celebrant is not available for Funerals.
Reviews for The Happy Celebrant
Total Reviews: 12
Average Rating: 5
reviews (12)
Anna was incredible from start to finish!
Anna was incredible from start to finish! Anna was very approachable, took so much interest in our story and put in a lot of time to get to know us as a couple, it was like chatting to a long-lost friend.
Anna created the most special script; it blew us away when we first read it. On the day, Anna presented our ceremony flawlessly and captured everything that we could have wished for and so much more – it was romantic, entertaining, intimate, unique and personal.
The ceremony was without a doubt, our favourite part of the day. Many guests also commented on how incredible the ceremony was and how it made them feel even more connected to us as a couple, which set the tone perfectly for the rest of our special day. We cannot thank Anna enough and would wholeheartedly recommend to other couples.
Anna is simply splendid
Anna is a wonderful celebrant. She took so much care in creating our wedding ceremony. Her skills as a journalist came into their own when interviewing us beforehand for colourful anecdotes about our relationship. We had some serious moments and lots of laughs in there and our guests said it was the best wedding they had ever been to. Her delivery was exceptional, and she managed to keep going even when our little boy stole her water and demanded to be taken to the park! Really glad we chose Anna as she helped make it the best day of our lives.
Just brilliant
We contacted Anna fairly last minute, and had just under a month to put everything together and Anna took on the challenge wholeheartedly. From start to finish our experience was wonderful. Anna really got to know us and our story. When the ceremony was read back to us, it was just brilliant and so beautiful. It was very clear that Anna had really listened to all the key moments that contributed to where we are today. There was a perfect balance of emotion and humour and we knew our ceremony was in good hands.
On the day, everything went so well. Anna arrived nice and early and was a calming presence. We had the best day ever. So many of our friends and family told us it was the best ceremony they’d ever been to. Two of our friends even said it had changed the way they think about marriage, having previously been opposed! Thank you again for everything – it was the most wonderful day full of so many happy memories!
