About Little Ol' Me
From Police Officer to Life as a Celebrant – My Story
So, you want to know a bit about who I am? Grab a brew, get comfy, and let me tell you how a Scottish lass who spent 30 years in policing ended up creating ceremonies in Blackpool.
My Professional Journey
Choosing to become a Celebrant has taken me far from my first love - my career (sorry Hubby!)
For thirty years, I served as a Police Officer, both in the UK and abroad, dedicated to supporting and protecting communities.
Not the career path you'd expect for someone who now spends their days helping people celebrate love and life, right? But stick with me – it makes sense, I promise.
I began my service “on the beat”. My early days were spent in uniform, each day a blend of fear, excitement, challenge, and reward. Proper character-building stuff. If you are of a certain age, you will remember the TV Programme - The Bill. Well, I was often likened to Viv Marella. Google is your friend here!
Anyway driven by curiosity and a love of research – some people would just call me nosy, but let's go with "professionally inquisitive" – I soon moved into the more covert side of policing, specialising in the area of intelligence gathering. It was the perfect fit for my naturally curious nature and determination to uncover details that matter.
(Turns out, those detective skills are absolutely brilliant for getting couples' stories out of them. Who knew?)
The Big Change
After three decades of service, I retired and recently made the leap into the Celebrant world. And honestly? Best decision ever.
I'm now a fully qualified and insured Independent Celebrant, and I absolutely love creating ceremonies that celebrate people's lives and stories in a way that feels real and meaningful.
I genuinely care about people's stories – always have. And I believe everyone deserves a ceremony that matches their unique journey, whether it's a wedding, vow renewal, funeral, celebration of life, or naming ceremony.
What I Bring to Ceremonies
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Empathy
I've sat with people during their worst moments and their best. I get it. I really do.
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Warmth
Life's too short for cold, formal ceremonies. Let's make it full of love and laughs.
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A Good Dash of Humour
Because laughter is magic, and ceremonies should have joy in them.
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A Big Belief That It Should Feel Right For You
Not for your mum, not for tradition, not for anyone else. Just YOU.
Whether we're celebrating love, honouring a life, or welcoming someone new to the world, I'll create a ceremony that's thoughtful, personal, and full of heart, with a few smiles (and maybe happy tears) along the way.
Many of my old skills from policing have been useful in my new career – though there are a few I hope I'll never need again! (The handcuffs are definitely staying retired. Unless you specifically request them for a quirky ceremony element. No judgment here!)
Who I Work With
I work with people from all walks of life and proudly welcome every background, belief, and story.
Whoever you are and whatever occasion you're marking, I'll bring professionalism and the fun to make sure it's meaningful, memorable, and unmistakably you.
Basically, if you're looking for:
- Fun without it being forced
- Heart without it being cheesy
- Inclusion without making a big deal about it
- A ceremony that feels like YOU
We're going to get on just fine.
On a Personal Note
I now live on the picturesque Lancashire coast with my husband Roy and our two dogs: Misha, a lively Hungarian Vizsla, and Maggie Mae, a spirited cockapoo. (They're both convinced they're humans. I've given up arguing.)
In 2016, Roy and I got married in a celebrant-led ceremony in New York City – an experience I planned myself from here in the UK.
It was incredible, and honestly, it's one of the reasons I knew this was the career for me. A ceremony that’s completely yours is where the magic happens.
We had dreams of returning to the "scene of the ceremony" for our fifth anniversary, but the global pandemic had other plans. (Bloody typical.)
During that period, we relocated from Scotland to our new home by the English seaside – a move that was both surreal and unforgettable.
Ready to Start Your Ceremony Journey?
Something Unforgettable Together.
So that's me former detective, adventure enthusiast, slightly mad wild swimmer, and now your celebrant.
I create ceremonies that feel like you, through and through. No stuffiness, no boredom, no wondering when it'll be over.
Just proper, heartfelt, memorable moments that you and your guests will be talking about for years.
Fancy a chat?