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Wisteria Independent Celebrant

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Available for

Countries Covered

I travel Nationally & Internationally

Affiliations

Association of Independent Celebrants, Civil Ceremonies Limited

Languages

English

Hi, I'm Dawn

I am a passionate and creative story teller, and am truly looking forward to telling your story to make your ceremony unique and memorable. There is nothing quite like the feeling of weaving together threads to create something wonderful…and that’s exactly what a celebrant does with the snippets gleaned from you, your friends and your family, when writing a ceremony. McFly put it perfectly…It’s All About You!

My own story began many years ago, when I started my career as a teacher. I have spent much of my career living and working overseas, in Germany and the Falkland Islands, teaching children of serving military. My father was military, and my daughter is married to an RAF Officer, so I have a strong military background. After qualifying as a Couples and Families Celebrant, I then also went on to qualify as a Funeral Celebrant.

What's my ceremony style?

My style is a blend of traditional and modern…there is definitely room for both, and if you are struggling to get the balance ‘just right’, perhaps one of you wants one thing, someone else wants something totally different, I might be able to help. Ultimately, though, my years of experience in teaching, my background in the military and my own family values, blending team work, love, patience and compassion for others, is what has instilled in me the values that I hold most dear. Values that actually work well within relationships too!

Prices From

£600

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Why choose Dawn?

Being creative, I love it when a couple tell me that they ‘have some ideas’ – but are not quite sure how to pull them all together – if this sounds like you, then I would be more than happy to help! Weaving the threads together to make the final ‘finished piece’ is my speciality! One memorable ceremony took place IN a river (ok, a stream!) wellies on, dresses tucked into knickers, children splashing and squealing happily, picnic on the bank, and everyone just so relaxed! In contrast, recently I had the honour to take part in a wonderful fusion ceremony over two days, that completely blew me away with the sheer colourful, joyful participation and exquisite detail – simply divine! My ceremonies are always professionally written, beautifully presented and completely bespoke to you. You will have complete control over any editing and changes that you require, at all stages of the process. I can’t wait to meet you!

What do I offer?

Name change wedding

Weddings

Every wedding is special – each time I speak to a couple, they become my ‘favourite couple’! The lovely thing about being a wedding celebrant, is that we are always meeting people at their happiest time of life. It really is that simple…when you love someone, and are about to declare it in front of family and friends, there is no better feeling in the world…and I am SO lucky to have been chosen to share that moment with you.

My prices start from £600, which means that I am your exclusive celebrant.
This price includes our initial chat, followed by a longer ‘in person’ or ‘Zoom’ meeting to get to know each other better. It will also include me writing the script and making any changes so that it is perfect on the day – you will get a copy of this in a presentation folder.
I can source any music, poems and readings if you need help in this area, but you are welcome to send your own choices to me.
I can support you with writing your vows and send information to help with this.
If you need a private ‘vow rehearsal’ before the day, we can arrange this.
If you would like a symbolic ritual included in your ceremony, we can discuss this.
If you require a certificate of your ceremony, this is also included in the cost.

Prices From

From £600

Why choose Dawn for your wedding?

Planning a wedding ceremony is time consuming, but it needn’t be stressful – the ceremony is what most people remember, where you stand up and commit your lives and your love to each other in front of all of your guests! This part needs to be perfect…and all about the two of you! I will make sure that your guests hear your story, see your love for each other and feel that they are part of it. And most importantly of all, I will make sure that you both have the best day of your lives.

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Naming Ceremonies

Celebrate the arrival of your baby or child by having a beautiful naming ceremony. This is different to a Baptism, because the focus is on welcoming your child and introducing them to your family and friends, rather than on the religious aspect.

Every naming ceremony is different, and I will work with you to create a truly memorable day. You could have it themed around a special book or poem, or even your child’s favourite character or toy! For that ‘Extra Sparkle’, a Unity ceremony might be included, such as candle lighting or a Tree of Wishes for your child. I have lots of ideas and am always happy to help you create something unique to you and your family.

Prices from £350 for a standard length ceremony, to include one special ritual, writing of the ceremony and a copy of the script in a presentation file, a certificate and my undivided attention on the day of course!

Prices From

£350

Why choose Dawn for your naming ceremony?

As a primary school teacher, I am super organised and very relaxed with small children around me, so YOU can relax in the full knowledge that all of your younger guests will be more than welcome and completely included in the ceremony.

Naming ceremonies are simply glorious! I especially love blended naming ceremonies, where more than one child in a family or group is being named – we can have so much fun with this, and include fabulous rituals for the children and family to share in this special ceremony.

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Renewal of Vows

Renewing your vows can be a way to mark a significant anniversary or milestone in your relationship. You may be going through, or have recently overcome, difficult times and wish to reaffirm your love for each other. Or maybe you simply enjoyed your wedding day SO much, that you want to do it all over again! Whatever your reason, you can be assured that I will work closely with you both to ensure that your ceremony is perfect – whether you decide to have a small, intimate ceremony or invite everybody in your address book! I can’t wait to hear your story.

Prices start from £595 and, like a wedding celebration ceremony, include an initial no obligation chat, which could be a telephone or Zoom conversation.

Following this, we can either do an ‘in person’ meeting to gather more details, or we could have another, longer, Zoom call.

It will also include me writing the draft script and making any edits that you want so that your final script is exactly as you want it for your ceremony.

I can support you with writing your vows, or write them for you if you prefer.

If you would like a symbolic ritual included in your ceremony, this would be included in the pricing given after our initial meeting.

After the ceremony, you will be given a copy of the ceremony script as a keepsake.

A certificate of your ceremony is also included in the cost.

Prices From

£595

Why choose Dawn for your renewal of vows?

I have always said that being in love is the best feeling in the world…to be able to celebrate many years of love with you, would be an absolute honour! Let’s relive your memories and share your wonderful journey, both the ups and the downs (nothing is perfect, but that’s the beauty of love, it endures!) with your family and friends.

You will have my complete commitment, both in the planning stages, and on the day of your ceremony. I only ever book one ceremony per day.

I can’t WAIT to share your love story!

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Funerals

A funeral or memorial service is a significant and major event, marking the end of a unique life. Usually, time is short in preparing for it, and there are so many other things happening at the same time. You want it to go well, with a ceremony that truly reflects the personality and individual beliefs of the person everyone has come here to honour and remember.

Planning your own funeral. Many people are now planning their own end of life ceremonies, and if you are at this stage in your preparations, I can support you through the process and talk about options. Together, we can create the ceremony that YOU want. Of course, I will be sensitive to your family’s needs, and work in a way that makes this painful journey as easy as possible. When the time comes to say farewell, I will work closely with your family to ensure that your wishes are carried out in the way that you planned.

My Fees – from £250, children under 18 free
Additional fees will apply for extended length ceremonies.
I will always confirm my full fees after our initial conversation.

Prices From

£250 - Children FREE

Why choose Dawn for your funeral?

The ceremony should be as unique as the person we are there to remember…and that’s where choosing me as your independent celebrant can help. I will work closely with you, and whoever else you would like me to contact, to create a ceremony that truly captures the character, spirit and essence of the person, and tell the story of a life that has been lived, putting them at the heart of the ceremony. By working together, we will create the final farewell that you need at this most personal and challenging of times.

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Reviews for Wisteria Independent Celebrant

Total Reviews: 10

Average Rating: 5

reviews (10)

CELEBRANT-DIRECTORY-ARCH-NO-DIAMOND-35

Mum’s funeral

5 Stars
Sarah Whyte

Funeral | 04/29/2023 | Lea Fields Crematorium, Gainsborough

Thanks again Dawn, that was really wonderful! Loads of people complimented you on your lovely service. And I didn’t expect to find the whole thing so uplifting and happy!

Sarah X

CELEBRANT-DIRECTORY-ARCH-NO-DIAMOND-35

Personal, sensitive funeral

5 Stars
Peter Mann

Funeral | 04/29/2023 | Lea Fields Crematorium, Gainsborough

Good morning Dawn

I would like to say on behalf of the family, a big thank you to you for the lovely service that you carried out for my wife, Liz. yesterday. You brought a personal sensitivity to the proceedings with your natural style. I have never been to a funeral, until yesterday, where I felt the celebrant was possibly a member of the family. You were lovely, thank you.

Peter xx

CELEBRANT-DIRECTORY-ARCH-NO-DIAMOND-35

Heartfelt service

5 Stars
Wendy Elstry

Funeral | 11/18/2022 | Hutcliffe Wood Crematorium

I just wanted to thank you for such a heartfelt service at Hutcliffe Wood for my dear friend Mick. It wasn’t an easy one by any stretch, but you captured him perfectly. The way you brought all aspects of his life together, his RAF service, his family and his more recent role as an advocate for vulnerable children, was beautiful. I know that his military family were very touched at being so well guided and supported by your expertise in such things…your military background and knowledge was invaluable. Thank you for making such a difficult time more bearable. Wendy

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