Steve Swain Independent Civil Celebrant

31/12/2022

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

23/12/2022

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

21/12/2022

As we draw a close to 2022, it's time to take stock of the year. For me, when I receive personal messages like this it really means so much, and reminds me what a great celebrant business I am building up.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

16/12/2022

Wow, while flicking through my local newspaper this week, I couldn't believe it when I saw myself featured.

It feels great to read a sum-up of my business in the local press, particularly at this time of year, and makes me realise how far I have come.

Thanks to Liam Maynard at the Colchester Gazette

12/12/2022

I am genuinely thrilled to see this story on my first year as a celebrant featured on the Essex TV website.

It feels so good to be recognised as a leading celebrant in the Essex region.

Here's to many more years!

https://essex-tv.co.uk/successful-first-year-for-essex-celebrant-as-he-clocks-up-his-200th-service/

09/12/2022

It's such a satisfying feeling to receive positive feedback when I have conducted a service. It makes me proud to know I've done my best and brought comfort and joy to the many families I work with week after week.

Please get in touch now to make a booking for 2023 and beyond.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

06/12/2022

At this time of year, some of you may be considering having a winter wedding. There are many good reasons to have your wedding in the colder months. You can take advantage of beautiful Christmas decorations, and have a winter wonderland theme with white lights and fake snow!

Another advantage is that it can be very romantic with a snow-covered landscape, and imagine a big roaring cozy fireside setting.

Whatever your reasons for choosing a winter wedding I would be delighted to be your celebrant - why not get in touch today.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/weddings.html

02/12/2022

A naming ceremony is a wonderful way to welcome a new baby into the world, and a celebrant can help to create a special and unique occasion for your family.

They can also work with you to create a ceremony that celebrates all of the important people in your child's life, from parents and grandparents, to godparents and friends.

If you choose me as your celebrant I will also provide guidance on the legal aspects of a naming ceremony, and can work with you to create a customised certificate for your child. This certificate will be a treasured keepsake that commemorates this special day in your child's life.

28/11/2022

When you are planning your wedding, it is important to choose a celebrant that is right for you.

A celebrant can help to make your wedding day more personal and meaningful. They will work with you to create a ceremony that reflects your unique relationship and celebrates your love for one another.

Together, we can create a wedding day that is truly memorable. So if you are looking for a way to make your big day even more special, please consider using my services.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

24/11/2022

A wedding is one of the most important days in a couple's life, and it should be a day that reflects their unique relationship.

A celebrant can help to create a wedding ceremony that is personal and meaningful, one that celebrates the couple's love for each other.

From choosing the perfect readings and music to crafting a beautiful ceremony, a celebrant will work with the couple to create a wedding that is truly special.

Feel free to call me to discuss your ideas for your own wedding.
https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

22/11/2022

As Christmas fast approaches you might be thinking about popping the question. It seems the festive period is the most popular time of the year to get engaged.

Naturally, this can be a really nervous time but with a little bit of preparation beforehand, you can (hopefully) ensure things go smoothly.

Why not check out this handy little guide I found - and good luck!

https://www.interflora.co.uk/blog/how-to-propose-marriage


Interflora

17/11/2022

Is all this wet weather making you fret about your wedding day?

No need to worry, why not make a feature out of using wedding umbrellas - there are so many different designs and colours, you can make it a fun part of the day.

When you choose me as a celebrant, you also have someone you can trust to guide and help you prepare for the big day.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

15/11/2022

Over the years I've worked with some fantastic businesses near where I'm based in Colchester. Many of these businesses work in the local wedding, funeral and naming ceremony industries.

I love collaborating with partner companies, who like me, are all trying to create the perfect day, whatever the occasion.

Below are just a few of the businesses I am happy to recommend:

Jennifleurs Florist Colchester
Vanessas Florist
Layer Marney Tower

If you would like to work with me on any upcoming projects, you can find my contact details on this website: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/information.html

I'm based in Colchester, Essex where you will find amazing venues such as the historic Colchester Castle and the elegant Town Hall. Also, I work closely with a number of local funeral directors, ...

10/11/2022

The wedding venue is one of the most important decisions you can make when planning your big day, so I thought I'd list a few locations that get great reviews online.

All these five venues are near where I am based in Colchester, so they would be really handy for me to offer my celebrant services.

Anyway, these are just some of the places I know of... feel free to tell me about any other venues that you've had a great experience with?

The Rose and Crown Hotel Colchester
Stoke by Nayland hotel
The Barn Brasserie, Great Tey, Colchester
East Mersea Hall Wedding and Events Venue
Markshall Estate

08/11/2022

Did Bonfire Night remind you of just how stunning a great firework show can be? A professional firework display will provide an attractive and thrilling backdrop to a truly unforgettable wedding ceremony.

If you choose a celebrant such as myself, then together we can make a special and unique day for you and your partner.

See my website for more details: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/weddings.html

04/11/2022

If you or your fiancé are members of the British Armed Forces then you can have a military wedding. This means you can wear a uniform and have a Guard of Honour, which is often called an arch of sabres or steel.

There are some fantastic things you can do to make your military wedding stand out from the usual ceremony. For example you could consider cutting the cake with a sword...

Why not get in touch with me to discuss the many possibilities:
https://www.steveswain.co.uk/military-weddings.html

31/10/2022

Has Halloween brought out your dark side? Getting married doesn't have to be about a white dress, suits and flowers - with a celebrant you can make the day your own.

If you would like a gothic wedding think about the location, the theme and the colours. Popular gothic wedding ideas include skeletons, candles, black or red chandeliers, dark red roses, and black wedding dresses. They’re popular in Autumn, with the dark evenings and Halloween, but you can embrace this magical and mysterious theme at any time of the year.

Get in touch with me today so we can talk through any ideas you may have for your wedding. Visit my website: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/contact-us.html

28/10/2022

It's Friday!!! Are you thinking of having your wedding on the day before Saturday? A lot of people think Saturday is the day for a celebration, but there are so many advantages to choosing Friday.

Cost and timing are a big reason, as venues will often have more availability and you may get a better price.

As long as you give guests enough time to book the day off, everyone will have the Saturday to recover/continue the celebrations...

I'm always available for a chat to discuss your wedding plans: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

24/10/2022

Would you like your wedding ceremony in a private house, garden, outside or in a marquee?
Do you want to get married abroad, but share your celebration with family and friends when you return?
Would you like to invite more guests than can be accommodated at a registry office?

If these are the sort of questions that strike a chord with you, then please get in touch - let's work together to create a personal, unique ceremony that's special to you and your loved one.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/wedding-ceremonies.html

20/10/2022

As part of our celebration of National Parenting Week, we thought it would be great to highlight some of the fantastic readings that can be used for naming or adoption ceremonies.

As your celebrant, we will work together to create the perfect ceremony that is personal to you and your loved ones. I find readings can be a great part of the event, especially when many of us struggle to put our feelings into words.

Have a look at the one below by Teri Harrison.

18/10/2022

This week is National Parenting Week, a celebration of the important role parents play in their children's lives. I love that conducting naming and adoption ceremonies is part of my role as a celebrant.

They say you shouldn't work with children and animals but not in my case - sometimes it's the kiddie mischief and off-script antics that make these ceremonies such fun!

Check out my website for more details: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/naming-ceremonies.html

14/10/2022

I love getting positive feedback after a service. It's motivating to know that I am making a real contribution to people in the local community and beyond.

To find out more about how I can help you: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

12/10/2022

By using a celebrant you can have the ceremony of your choice for your loved one, and that means you don’t have to follow traditional ideas and formalities.

Together we can choose readings, poems, and music to create a funeral that is unique, loving, and memorable.

Feel free to contact me, there's lots of information on my new website: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/funerals.html

10/10/2022

Being a celebrant is a wonderful part of my life. This is because I get to speak to some amazing people and hear their stories.

I wanted to do this so much that I studied a lot and obtained a Celebrant Diploma from The Regency Academy and a City & Guilds accredited programme certificate as a Civil Celebrant. The hard work has paid off because I'm doing what I love every day.

Anyway enough about me... if you are interested, my website is a great source of information: https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

07/10/2022

Today is World Smile Day which has the theme: 'Do an act of kindness. Help one person smile!' Are you ready to take the and make one person smile - it might just be the best thing you do this month.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

05/10/2022

Every day I work with some amazing people. My aim is to do the best job possible for them and their loved ones - so it's really great to receive positive feedback like this.

03/10/2022

The death and funeral of a friend or relative is a very emotional time. Many of us find it difficult to talk about death, but by using a celebrant you can have the ceremony of your choice for your loved one.

For many, it's the opportunity to celebrate the life, loves and achievements of the person who has died.

For more details see https://www.steveswain.co.uk/funerals.html

29/09/2022

Have you ever thought about including handfasting in your wedding ceremony?

It involves gently wrapping cords or ribbons around the bride and groom’s clasped hands and tying a knot, symbolically binding the couple together.

It will certainly make a memory you will keep forever...

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/handfasting.html

27/09/2022

I really enjoy performing naming and adoption ceremonies. It is a very special way of welcoming a new arrival into your family and the wider community.

There are many ways to make your child’s ceremony personal, meaningful, and unique. Why not get in touch today and we can talk through some ideas.

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/naming-ceremonies.html

23/09/2022

We are finishing the week by celebrating the re-launch of my https://www.steveswain.co.uk/ website!

It's been completely refreshed and is packed with extra content all designed to make it easier for you to create your own perfect ceremony.

A huge thanks to Cathy at Impress PR for giving my business a new lease of life!

Please let me know what you think of my new site...

21/09/2022

Do you envisage your wedding being a bit different to the ones you've been to before?

If weddings in a church or registry office don't float your boat then you need to think about speaking with a celebrant.

Once the legal part has been done, you are free to enjoy your wedding day as you want. You can choose the location, the readings, poems - as well as who takes part.

Why not get in touch with me and I'll tell you more...

https://www.steveswain.co.uk/weddings.html

16/09/2022

15/09/2022

If you want a wedding that is unique, with no script and in a location of your choice then get in touch.

You may want to read your own vows on the beach, at a football stadium or even in your back garden.

The event is about the couple, whether they are getting married, renewing their vows or have chosen a civil or commitment ceremony.

You can find out more about wedding ceremonies at https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

13/09/2022

People often think they can't have religious songs or readings if they use a celebrant.

However, I create meaningful life-centered ceremonies. Religion can be included, but at the same time doesn't have to be. It's your choice.

To find out more about working with a celebrant for a funeral, wedding, naming or adoption ceremony please visit https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

08/09/2022

We all love getting positive feedback. Here is a note that was sent to me after a funeral - it was so uplifting to receive this after working with another wonderful family.

06/09/2022

Naming and adoption ceremonies are a fantastic way to welcome someone new into your family. These happy, relaxed events can include balloon releasing, tree planting, songs and poems.

They can take place in your home, a village hall - in fact anywhere that you feel comfortable!

Find out more at https://www.steveswain.co.uk/

01/09/2022

Did a romantic holiday see you pop the question this summer? If so, now you are back home you will be thinking about everything from dates and wedding venues to dress shopping and cake makers.

If you want a wedding or civil partnership ceremony with a difference then get in touch. With a celebrant you can have your ceremony in a village hall, garden, park or on the beach - wherever you have permission.

So, get in touch today to find out more - email [email protected] or call 07435 153776.

24/11/2021

Thought for the day

15/10/2021

Thought for Friday