Justine Lister
Celebrant……
Your unique story deserves a bespoke ceremony
About me
Hello there. Thanks for stopping by!
The question I am most often asked is ‘What made you want to be a celebrant?’
I can only be honest.
I love stories about real people, everyday people, people like you, living their lives, falling in love, working hard, having babies, raising families, and juggling work and life, day in and day out. I am inherently nosey and fascinated by how wonderfully different we all are. Honestly, I could chat all day about what makes you and your loved ones laugh, what your core memories are, your dreams for the future and how your life has been pieced together.
Growing up, I was a book worm and still am. I find solace, inspiration and courage in carefully selected words that can make me feel all the feels within the turn of a page-what a gift these writers have, to take others on such a vivid journey in someone else’s shoes.
What if I could do that for someone?
Reflecting on my own past experiences, the good and the bad-it was during life’s peaks and troughs where words-the right words-were hard to find. How on earth can you ever find the right combination of words to express the sheer joy and fizzing of the real thing, or that whoosh of overwhelming, intoxicating emotions when you become a parent?
By listening to your stories, hearing about the things that matter to you, noticing the subtle way your tone of voice changes and observing what lights you up as you speak, I will be able to find, curate and weave together the right words for you and your occasion.
What an absolute privilege it would be to create a lasting legacy of words that would celebrate a unique moment in someone’s life.
And that is why I have become a celebrant.
Your Questions Answered
Why choose a celebrant led ceremony?
A celebrant led ceremony gives you complete control over the content and feel of your ceremony. You are not restricted by time or rules that tell you what can and cannot be included.
Can symbolic actions be included?
Absolutely!
Tying the knot – a sweet symbolic action that represents the uniting of a couple.
Jumping the broom – my favourite. A leap of faith into a new beginning.
Sand blending- once blended the different coloured grains are never to be separated-great for naming ceremonies and families with children.
Candle lighting – one flame from multiple sources, to bring together the love and light of each individual.
Circles of love – be surrounded by the people who love you the most at a special point in the ceremony.
There are many others, or you may have a unique idea of your own that we can bring to your ceremony.
**some symbolic actions will incur an additional cost.
What would your perfect ceremony look like?
Readings, music, poetry, words from family and friends, personalised vows, a unique symbolic ritual that represents your personal circumstances? You can have it all (or just a few elements, as you wish) with a celebrant led ceremony.
What types of ceremony are there?
Wedding or Civil Partnership celebration ceremony-a truly unique celebration for your special day.
Renewal of Marriage or Civil Partnership vows- for a special anniversary, to celebrate coming through a tough time, or to simply have your special day all over again.
Commitment Ceremony-for the couple that don’t want to or can’t be legally married-this one is for you. You still get your special day.
Naming ceremonies-for babies and older children. The loveliest way to welcome the next generation into the world and pledge your love and security for them.
Gender affirmation ceremony- for individuals who have finally found their inner peace in the world. You definitely need to celebrate and be honoured!
Family blending- Celebrate and symbolise your new family unit with a bespoke ceremony that truly celebrates and welcomes every member of your family.
Where would you like your ceremony to be held?
If you have a celebrant led ceremony, you can have your ceremony wherever you like and at the time of your choosing. You don’t have to choose a legally registered venue. This gives you the freedom to pick the venue that you want and not one that you must choose.
Think of the options available to you both: your family home or garden, the restaurant you had your first date, a special place you have visited, or maybe sunrise or sunset on the beach.
Which one is right for you ?
Perhaps you have a unique set of circumstances that makes you unsure of what ceremony would work for you? I can help you and talk you through all of the options available.
The right words for you
