Shared with the family’s consent, this poem was read during a recent funeral service I had the honour of officiating. As an independent celebrant, no two ceremonies are ever the same. Each one is shaped around the person at its heart; their story, their beliefs, their history, and the things that mattered most to them. […]

Let’s start with some good news. You don’t need to be confident, outgoing, or comfortable speaking in front of a crowd to have a beautiful wedding ceremony. In fact, one of the most common things I hear is, “I’m really not looking forward to standing up in front of everyone.” If that sounds familiar, you’re […]

If the thought of writing your wedding vows fills you with excitement, you’re in the minority. For most couples, it starts with good intentions. “We’ll do them next week,” you tell yourselves. Then life gets busy. Before you know it, the wedding is only a few weeks away and you’ve still got a blank page […]

When Sarah and Jamie got engaged, they threw themselves into wedding planning with enthusiasm. Within a few months, they had booked the venue, chosen the photographer, sampled cakes, debated flowers, and spent far longer than either of them would care to admit discussing table plans. Like many couples, they were excited about creating a day […]

There’s an important conversation happening in Scotland about how we honour and remember our loved ones, one that expands the choices available to families at the most difficult times of their lives. Traditionally, people have chosen between burial and flame-based cremation, but as of March 2026, there is now a third option: water cremation. 🔗 […]

If you’ve been wedding planning recently, you may have noticed more and more couples talking about celebrant-led weddings. A few years ago, they were still seen as something a bit “different.” Now? They’re quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for weddings in Scotland. So, what’s behind the trend? Why are so many couples […]

If you’ve ever wondered where the phrase “tying the knot” comes from, the answer lies in a beautiful old tradition: handfasting. This symbolic ritual has deep Scottish and Celtic roots, and it’s making a big comeback in modern weddings. Whether you’re planning a romantic ceremony by a loch, a grand castle wedding, or something simple […]

When I tell people I’m a celebrant, I often get a curious look followed by the question: “So… what exactly do you do?” It’s a fair question! Celebrants aren’t as widely understood as registrars or ministers, but once couples discover what a celebrant does, they usually say, “That sounds amazing! I didn’t know we could […]

Scotland is one of the most magical places in the world to get married (though I may be a little biased!). From wild lochs and misty glens to castles and cosy barns, you’ve got the backdrop of dreams. But what about the ceremony itself? If the idea of a “cookie cutter” wedding doesn’t feel right […]

When planning a wedding in Scotland, one of the first questions couples often ask is: “What’s the difference between a humanist celebrant and an independent celebrant?” It’s a really important distinction, and knowing the difference can help you choose the right fit for your ceremony.   Humanist Celebrants Humanist celebrants are part of a recognised […]

Choosing your celebrant is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during wedding planning as it’s one that can truly shape the atmosphere of your big day. After all, this is the person who will stand with you, tell your story, and guide you through one of the most meaningful moments of your life. […]

If you’d told me ten years ago that I’d be standing at the front of a wedding ceremony, ribbons in one hand and vows in the other, I’d probably have laughed and gone back to writing a blog. But life has a funny way of connecting the dots, doesn’t it? Looking back, my years in […]

I’m so excited to share something close to my heart… the launch of Milestone Days, my celebrant practice based here in beautiful Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire. So, what is Milestone Days all about? Quite simply, it’s about people. It’s about love, life, and everything in between. Those moments that shape us, define us, and deserve to be […]