Hello! And welcome!
So glad you stopped by.
Hi, I'm Louise Williamson, an Independent Celebrant based in South West London. Although I am based in London I do travel throughout the UK and internationally.
And I happen to think I have one of the best jobs in the world, (apart from those who save lives!).
I really don't see it as a job, more of a special privilege and honour. Hearing all the fabulous love and life stories from all the wonderful people I meet and creating very personal, unique ceremonies to share those stories, truely is magical!
Anyway, I am sure you have some questions so let's start with the obvious......
What is a Celebrant ?
In short a Celebrant is a person who leads ceremonies to mark important life events, such as weddings, vow renewals, funerals, and naming ceremonies, as well as any other special occasions and celebrations you wish to mark.
But we are so much more!
A writer of stories.
A maker of magic.
A creator of dreams.
A mentor and confidant.
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We spend time getting to know you, your wishes, desires, hopes, and what you want to achieve from your special day.
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We help you plan; make suggestions and recommendations; offer ideas and thoughts so that the you get the most personalised and unique ceremony to treasure forever.
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We can include any religious, spiritual or symbolic elements that you wish, taking inspiration from any personal and cultural beliefs or traditions that you wish to incorporate.
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We work with you to create a beautiful bespoke ceremony with the emphasis on personalising the service with words, rituals, music, imagery, anything that is appropriate for or resonates with you.
Crucially, a Celebrant gives you freedom.
Freedom to have the ceremony you want, when you want and where you want - your back garden, up a mountain, on a beach, under the shade of a favourite tree.
There are no rules, no restrictions, no formats, no templates, no cut and paste. This is your time to use as you wish, to create a meaningful and unique ceremony that reflects you and your story.
Your Day.
Your Space.
Your Way.
About Me
Your next question is probably, who is Louise?! If we are going to spend time together, then I'm sure you would like to know a little bit about me before revealing your life's secrets! So this bit is all about me.
I am Irish, the youngest of 6 and am still described as “the baby” although it’s been a very long time since I was that!! I grew up in Dublin and came to the UK over 35 years ago - for a weekend. I just forgot to go back!
I am married with a wonderful teenage son who thinks I am totally insane, but who still comes to Mum when the going gets tough for my special maple syrup pancakes – they cure everything apparently!
I've been told I love to talk and have the "gift of the gab", but I am just genuinely interested in the wonderful stories I hear and love to know all about them. It is truly a great honour to be entrusted with them and to weave them into a heartfelt ceremony.
I like to think I am creative and will turn my hand to most things, sewing, upholstery, upcycling furniture, wallpapering, woodwork, painting, anything really. I love adding to my power tool collection, which hubby is not allowed to touch without prior approval and adequate supervision!
I am currently trying to be self-sufficient growing a variety of veggies in my small south-London garden and am in constant battle with the snails! Let’s just say it’s a “work in progress” and Sainsburys won’t be losing a customer any time soon. But the beetroots did well this year.
My Background
I spent 25 years in the movie entertainment industry navigating the world of consumer products marketing, (that’s all the movie merch!) enjoying the odd bit of red-carpet Hollywood glitz and glamour along the way. Private Jets really are very luxurious! I was the one up the front giving all the presentations to various businesses and industries around the world, so I am more than at home talking in front of a crowd.
International travel meant I worked with some extraordinary people from all walks of life and all corners of the world. This gave me a deep insight into and appreciation of our wonderful diverse cultures, creeds, rituals, and traditions. How we are all really looking for the same thing. Love, acceptance and kindness.
I love foreign languages and am fluent in French and German, with a grasp of a few others, so I can offer a multilingual touch to my ceremonies, creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for individuals from various backgrounds.
Beyond the glitz of Hollywood, I am also a qualified Day Skipper. Did you know that are three approved locations in the UK where you can be buried at sea (once you have all the right documents approved by the Marine Management Organisation). So I am happy to man the helm as well, if a maritime theme is what you are after.
