Hello, I'm Sara
I am a celebrant and a professionally trained singer, living with my husband in Saffron Walden in the north of Essex. Telling stories is my passion, and I would love to tell yours.
Whether we are marking a beginning, an ending or something joyful in the middle, your ceremony will be written from scratch, for you, and delivered by someone who has spent a lifetime learning how to hold a room.
The Moments I Would Be Honoured to Lead
Funerals and Celebrations of Life
Saying a final farewell is one of the hardest things any of us has to do. Having worked in the funeral industry before becoming a celebrant, I know the practical side as well as the emotional one, and I will hold your hand through both. Whether you would like a traditional ceremony, one that respects religious beliefs, or a full celebration with champagne and all the trimmings, I will always look to it must reflect your loved one and honour them properly.
Weddings and Elopements
A romantic at heart, writing for couples who are romantics too. Any venue, any length, any shape, filled with the details that are actually yours. From a stately home lawn to an orchard, which is where I conducted one of my loveliest ceremonies. Let’s bring some magic and elevate your ceremony.
Vow Renewals
You already have the story. Now let us celebrate it properly, with those who have played a part in your lives together. These are wonderfully relaxed occasions, and my only real rule is that we have some fun, whilst paying tribute to the significance of the event.
Naming Ceremonies
Colour, laughter and a whole family taking part, including the other children who often want a job of their own. For babies, for older children, and for adults too.
A Storyteller Who Has Sat Where You Are Sitting
I came to celebrancy the long way round, through music college, the opera stage and then, after losing my mum and my stepson within six months of each other, through a job at our local undertakers. That is where I learned that the part of the work I loved most was looking after the families and loved ones.
What that means for you is this. I am not squeamish about grief and I am not shy of joy. I will ask you the questions that reveal the tiny nuances, the ones that make everyone in the room say yes, that was exactly them. My mind is always racing to find a way of including something nobody has thought of.
I am, by my own admission, quite an old fashioned girl. I am also, on a good day, a fairly cheeky one so if you want to push the boat out, you will find no resistance here.
And Yes, I Can Actually Sing At It
Music has been my whole life. I trained at Trinity College of Music and have sung with English National Opera, English Touring Opera, Suffolk Opera and on the lighter side, played lead roles in many musicals. I am equally at home singing opera or a ballad.
That means your celebrant can also be the person who sings your mother's favourite aria, or performs while the drinks are poured before your wedding breakfast. It is a rather lovely extra layer and we can talk through your favourites.
Words From the Families I Have Walked Beside
Thank you for your super delivery of the service. You have fabulous public speaking skills, gentle serenity, supreme confidence and professionalism, and an emotional empathy and intelligence.
Thank you for the beautiful service for my Gary. Your care and compassion helped make a very difficult day much easier for me and everyone that attended. I will always be grateful.
I just wanted to say thank you so much for the beautiful service you conducted for my dad's funeral last week. Your kindness, compassion, and the care you took in telling his story meant so much to our family.
Celebrant covering Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk
Saffron Walden, Or Further Afield - You Only have To Ask!
Home is Saffron Walden, one of the oldest towns in the country, which means Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire and Suffolk are all comfortably within reach.
I am spoiled for beautiful places here. Old Park Meadow near Dunmow and the Arbory Trust in Cambridgeshire for natural burials, Cam Valley Crematorium, our historic Town Hall, the walled garden at Bridge End Gardens, Hedingham Castle, Audley End, the Knights Templar barns at Cressing Temple and Duxford for the aviation enthusiasts, to name but a few.
I also know the delightful Lunigiana area of Tuscany, so if your plans involve Italy, do ask. I am happy to travel anywhere in the UK or further abroad. It all adds to the excitement.