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Behind every name there’s a story. When I named my twins, I made sure their first names had the same number of letters, which only seemed fair. Each of them also has two middle names, chosen from family members on both sides. We didn't want a religious ceremony but I didn't know a non-religious celebration was even an option!
A Naming Ceremony is a meaningful, personal way to welcome someone new into your family or community. It can be completely non-religious, or we can include religious, spiritual or cultural elements that feel right for you and your family. When a child joins your family later on, perhaps through adoption, a Welcoming Ceremony can be a life-affirming way to show them and everyone else that they belong.
Parents often choose special adults to play a guiding role in their little person's life - the equivalent of godparents, but with titles that fit your style: Guide Parents, Good Parents, Sparents!
There are no legalities, so your ceremony can be as creative as you like - with readings, music, promises, or rituals like candle lighting, tree planting or mixing coloured sand.
And naming ceremonies aren’t just for babies. Adults changing their name or families blending are causes for celebration too!
Read my blog for tips on holding a Naming Ceremony.
How we'll work together.
1
Story Gathering
It all begins with a friendly, no-pressure chat, to see if we click. If it feels like a good fit, I’ll send over a booking form to secure your date, and a questionnaire to help me get to know your day inside out. Then we'll get together for our story-gathering meeting, ideally in person at your venue, where you can paint me a picture of how it all began - how you met, what made you realise this was it, how the question was popped and what your life together looks like. It’s where your ceremony story starts to take shape.
2
Ceremony Writing
After our meeting, I take all those notes, memories and moments and weave them into your bespoke ceremony. If you’d like your friends or family to take part, I’ll find thoughtful ways to include them, whether that’s through readings, music, or even a surprise performance! And if there are symbolic rituals that hold meaning for you - tree planting, candle lighting, gift giving, or something totally unique - I’ll weave those in too. I’ll share a draft for you to review, and together we’ll polish it until it feels just right.
3
Ceremony Delivery
When the big day arrives, I’ll be there nice and early to make sure everything runs smoothly, checking in with your venue and key suppliers so everyone’s on the same page. I’ll brief your key people and anyone taking part, so they know exactly what to do and when. I’ll lead your ceremony with warmth and presence, guiding your guests, your readers, and anyone involved in symbolic rituals. Afterwards, you’ll receive a commemorative certificate and a digital presentation copy of your full ceremony.
Optional Add-Ons
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On-site ceremony rehearsal with key people
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Vow writing service
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Printed presentation copy of your ceremony
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Printed Order of Ceremony for all guests
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Sign language interpreter
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Foreign language translator
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Filming and live streaming services (scroll down for more details)
Please note: if you’re planning a symbolic ritual involving candles, sand, ribbons or something else, I’ll help with the ideas, and you source the props.
Contact me for prices and more information.
Captured On Film
As a filmmaker, it would be remiss of me not to offer videography and content creation services. I'm pretty good at multi tasking, but even I can't officiate and film at the same time. I can, however, sort it all out for you with hand-picked videographers, content creators and technicians.
Event Videography & Content Creation
Family event videos have come a long way - they're now more like documentaries, shot with creativity and cinematic feel. A film is a timeless reminder of your day - options include highlights, full ceremony and speeches. Event Content Creation is the current trend, in addition to or as well as an event film. Shot on phones by a dedicated content creator, it's a set of short reels to capture the 'realness' and behind-the-scenes moments.
Family Story Film
Now here's a gorgeous idea: a film of your Family Story that you can send out with your invites and even play at the ceremony to get everyone in the mood. We spend a fun-filled day capturing your story in words and larking about to get some footage of you having family fun. I then edit it with music to create a 2-4 minute homage to your unique family. If you want guaranteed tears at your ceremony, this is the way to go.
Event Live Streaming
There may be some important guests who just can't make it to your ceremony but still want to be part of your big day. I can organise live streaming of your ceremony that can be accessed by a password-protected link from anywhere in the world. It can also be recorded for future viewing pleasure. We'll need to involve your venue in our planning so we can ensure uninterrupted streaming, so the earlier we can make plans, the better.
