Your Best Life- Helen Phillips Humanist Celebrant

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Your Best Life- Helen Phillips Humanist Celebrant

Non-religious, personal & fun Wedding and Naming Ceremonies in Yorkshire and the North of England.

15/02/2025

🥹 I watch the whole room change 🥹

I was talking to a couple about yesterday, and I realised that I barely have any photos on my grid of R & D's beautiful day there last September. So that certainly needs rectifying!

The Merchant Taylor's Hall is an oasis of space and sanctuary right in the heart of York. A short walk from the Minster and backing right up to the City's wall, once within its historic building and grounds, you feel in your own little bubble, certainly the best of both worlds 🥰

We had a gorgeous, heartfelt ceremony that included tears of sadness as we remembered special people and tears of laughter and joy, especially when we relived R & D's love story, which really has to be heard to be believed. 😂 There were also lots of meaningful moments and involvement from R & D's three girls 😍

Hopefully, I will be back there again soon, helping more couples to make lasting memories into a carefully curated ceremony.

14/02/2025

♥️ Something in the air tells me that time is right ♥️

As Valentine's Day is a day all about love, it is clearly a highlight of a Wedding Celebrant's calendar!

So whether you are:
💐 exchanging presents, cards or flowers
🫂 spending quality time together
💍 popping the question (congrats if so!)
❎️ not really marking the event at all
the time is always right to remind someone you love them.

You might tell them or show them in another way, such as making them a brew or brushing their hair.

We all have our own love language, which makes each and every relationship special and unique 🥰

As such, why wouldn't you also want a ceremony that is special and unique?

The time is also right to talk to me about your ceremony as there are only a few spots left this year now, and 2026 enquiries are steadily flowing in so get your dates booked in, you don't want to be 'waiting all your life but [be] too late again' 😆

P.s. this is a special song for me and my own love. Yup, I am a soppy romantic, it goes with the territory 😂

13/02/2025

🙋‍♀️ Just know that I got you 🙋‍♀️

Today, on Galentine's day, as the mother of a girl who is rapidly heading towards her teenage years, I hope that my daughter finds her sisterhood and friends who support and lift her up. I hope that she takes inspiration from strong role models that she knows or sees in the public eye and stands up against those who threaten or undermine the hard work done on gender equality and want to take us backwards not forwards (yes, I am looking at you, Mr President!).

This poem from is a favourite of mine, along with 'I hope my daughter uses her voice', and I love to see it incorporated in a Naming ceremony 💪👧

08/02/2025

🐶 It's a special kind of love we share 🐶

Many of my couples have dogs that are their pride and joy. Often, these fur babies aren't able to be with their humans on their wedding day. However, if your venue allows and you and, importantly, your pooch(es), are up for it, then dogs are always 100% welcome in my ceremonies.

, despite their name, are not exclusively for Humans 😆 I pride myself on being inclusive, and this includes animals too!

So, if you really want your beloved pet involved in your ceremony, then talk to me about how we can make it happen 😃

📷 Frank & Cleo captured beautifully by the super talented (oh and with their humans, Kat & Ant too 🤣).

07/02/2025

💜 Remember the love 💜

Earlier this week, it was announced that , that has been a regular part of my small biz life for the last 18 months, is coming to an end 😢 Maryanne is responsible for many photos on my grid including this one that perfectly captures the fun we had on the monthly shoots 😄 I know I can always book in for a brand shoot with Maryanne though and I am excited to see what is to come 😁

I have met so many amazing people through VS, notably others working in and with the wedding industry .digital and I will be forever grateful for the connections made.

It has made me remember what I always say to my kids; 'be sad that it's over, be happy that it happened'.

Life is never one dimensional. It's a constant mixture of highs and lows, the end of one chapter and the start of the next. We can only move forward, not back, no matter how good it was. Marriage and parenting are exactly the same, and so, often, in my ceremonies, we reflect on this, creating a safe space for a mixture of emotions and celebrating what has passed before whilst looking forward to what is coming ahead 🥰

Get in touch to speak to me about your special and significant celebration!

04/02/2025

🗣 Speak a language of love 🗣

I received this lovely review from Steph about her & James' wedding ceremony, and it made my heart sing. You don't just have to take my word for it that I am your best life Celebrant 🤣🤣

What was also lovely was that it popped up in December, several months after the ceremony itself, which took place in March. I hugely appreciate all reviews and feedback, and I totally get that you might not get round to writing reviews for your fave suppliers straight away.

Some couples need a break from weddings after all the planning and excitement of the day itself, and/ or you might be super busy with work or life. Steph, for example, is a super talented and in demand illustrator (you can check out her work ).

So I just want to reiterate that there is no expiry date on leaving a review. If you haven't got round to writing one for your wedding suppliers and think there's no point, I promise you there is! We always love to be reminded of you and the party we played in the joy of your day 🥰

As small, independent businesses, wedding vendors thrive on reviews, and they not only give us a boost, but they really help those couples starting out on their own wedding planning journeys 🥰

03/02/2025

✍️ Writing prose, anything goes ✍️

It might sound cliché but, when it comes to , anything really does go!

Want to walk down the aisle with your dogs? 🫡
Want to down a shot with your guests? 🫡
Want impromptu flashmob singing? 🫡
Want a magician to conjure the rings? 🫡
Want your kids to roam freely as they wish? 🫡

Want you and your guests to feel fully immersed and invested in a ceremony 100% personal to you? 🫡🫡🫡

Whatever you want to include (or not include!), I can help you every step of the way, so get in touch to book a connection call and find out more!

02/02/2025

🌤 The first glimpse of the sun 🌤

Today is the hindu festival of Vasant Panchami, which celebrates the birth of Goddess Saraswati, who is a representation of knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom. It also signals the arrival of spring, new life, and hope

Meteological spring may still seem a long way off here in the U.K. however, whatever season they fall in, every Humanist ceremony is symbolically a kind of spring, a dawn of something new and the beginning of a new chapter; whether that be the start of married life, birth of a child/ re-birth for whatever reason or moving forward without a special someone in it.

Although Humanist ceremonies are, by their very nature, non-religious and don't contain acts of worship, in my ceremonies, you are always welcome to incorporate cultural references that reflect your heritage and background. Any such acts are incorporated in a respectful and graceful way and are performed by a carefully chosen contributor (like S's lovely mum here).

Pictured is a take on the ritual of granthibandan, tying of the scarves around the newlyweds to symbolise the bond, not just between the couple, but also the union of two families.

If you want to discuss how you can have a ceremony that is reflective of you and your love whilst equally reflecting your own heritage and culture, then please get in touch to schedule a no obligation connection call 🤙

📷

01/02/2025

💝 Share this special day with me 💝

Handfasting is an ancient practice that has its origins in pagan and celtic rituals, and it pre-dates most of the better-known 'traditions' that we think of in ceremonies such as ring exchanges or signings.

It is also a wonderfully visual way to symbolise your coming together as your hands and arms entwine, and then the knot that represents your marriage is tied. This is the origin of our phrase 'tying the knot' so, in your ceremony, why not literally, as well as figuratively, do just that??

Some couples like to do a handfasting instead of any over symbolic act such as rings and even centre it as the main event in the ceremony. Others prefer to layer it on top of those, say after a ring exchange, and at the end of a ceremony to finish on a high. There is no right or wrong way. You choose what works best for you!

You can also choose if you want your friends and family to help place the ribbons, or I can do it (as captured here by at the in August last year), what each ribbon represents and any words you would like said alongside.

Also, please note that I never charge any extra for any symbolic act. If your ceremony feels right with one, none, or ten, I will work with that to ensure you get the ceremony that is 100% right for you 💯

30/01/2025

☎️ If you need me, call me ☎️

I love a bit of motown and especially Marvin Gaye as my parents would listen to it a lot when I was growing up.

This song also featured as a singalong in one of the first Celebrant ceremonies I attended several years before I trained myself with , and it is one of the things that I loved most about the ceremony, it was so much fun!

I have to say that I absolutely love a spot of communal singing in a ceremony, and as I always say, singing is not the exclusive domain of religious ceremony.

So if you fancy incorporating some singing into your day, then I'm ya gal! Get in touch to chat (or sing!) through your plans for your day!

26/01/2025

🪟 I'll go out of my way for you 🪟

It's been over a month since the Gavin & Stacey finale, so hopefully, everyone has caught up on it now! If not, here is your spoiler warning 📣

The last ever episode of the iconic sitcom contained not one but two weddings, which, of course, generated much excitement for me!

What was lovely to see from a professional point of view was how different they were, which just shows that there is certainly not just one way for your ceremony to be.

So wherever you want it to be, whoever you want to invite, whatever you want to wear and whether you want to exchange rings, , hugs, as your Celebrant, I am here to champion you and your love in the way that is authentic and right for you 💕

If you want to find out more, then get in touch to book a Connection Call for a no obligation chat with me 😃

25/01/2025

☺️ Nothing wins hearts like cheerfulness ☺️

It's well-known that today is Burn's night today, and I will certainly be celebrating due to my Scottish heritage 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

However, did you know that today is also the Welsh equivalent of St Valentine's Day, Santes Dwynwen, and so many lovers across Wales will be marking the occasion by sharing cards, gifts and romantic meals 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

The story of Dwynwen is actually more tragic than romantic, so I won't dwell on that 😆. She did, however, see her life out in the most beautiful of places that is one of my most favourite places, Ynis Llanddwyn which would also be the perfect place for a proposal or perhaps an intimate elopement 🥰

As a Celebrant, I am super passionate about respecting and celebrating your heritage into your ceremony so whether you want to get married on Ynis Llanddwyn or include something that nods to your celtic culture in your ceremony, I will be sure to cater to your heart's desire ❤️

24/01/2025

💜 Because I'm making it mine 💜

If you want to make your ceremony 100% uniquely yours, then have you considered a Celebrant ceremony?

You might not know much if anything about or how the process works, so hopefully, this post helps guide you through process (at least how it looks with me) via 5 steps to your best ever ceremony 😊

I have couples at all stages of this process at present & for those at the very start of the wedding planning journey, it can feel pretty daunting and overwhelming at times. Nevertheless, I promise, if you choose me as your Celebrant, I am here to be alongside for every step along the way 😃

#

23/01/2025

🎤 The one thing I want you to know 🎤

Is how amazing and Celebrants are. Sometimes, it does feel like we need to remind the industry of our presence with registrar ceremonies still being much more mainstream (but let's face it, do you really wanna be 'mainstream'? 😆)

Regardless, I won't tire of relentlessly shouting about your ceremony options so you make a fully informed choice on which is right for you and a huge, heartfelt thanks to all those suppliers who champion and advocate alternative ceremonies 😘

21/01/2025

🥳 A day in your celebration 🥳

What's your favourite birthday tradition? Is it cake and candles (whatever your age)? Perhaps it's the gifts and surprises you receive? The cards sent from afar? Or maybe it's a nice birthday meal and drinks with those you love? How else do you celebrate?

Today, on completing my 42nd trip around the sun, I have had all the above including not just any cake, an M&S chocolate cake, tulips from Amsterdam (via Leeds) and a birthday meal seemingly with everyone else in Garforth and surrounding environs who has a birthday today 😆

A wedding or naming, as other forms of celebrations, are also your own distinct combination of traditions, those that are meaningful and to you, that you intentionally choose to include. I always encourage my couples and families to select and retain those traditions they like and ditch those they don't. As such, every ceremony is uniquely different and reflective of that specific couple or and I am right alongside to guide throughout the process so please get in touch to find out more about working with me.

20/01/2025

🌷With a heart that's true 🌷

It's my birthday week! I am back from a fab weekend in Amsterdam, which included the Dutch National Tulip day, plenty of Heineken, bitterballen, and a lot of laughs. I certainly embraced my brand of living my best life 😃

I am now working through lots of lovely January enquiries and paperwork for new bookings and planning meetings. I can't lie, progress has been slow today 😆 but I promise I will be back on it after the big day tomorrow so please bear with me and drop me a line if you are waiting on anything!

#2025

16/01/2025

🔗 A vital connection is made 🔗

I didn't name my initial calls with couples and families 'Connection Calls' by chance or because it sounds nice (though what wordsmith doesn't love a bit of alliteration 😄). I am intentional with all my language, and this is no exception. For me, connection is vital as it's the spark that ignites a relationship and upon which every else is then built.

Brené Brown sums this up perfectly for me (as she does so much). Find and build a connection with someone, and this becomes a trusted safe space in which you feel seen, heard, and valued, where you can talk openly, be authentic, and won't be judged. This is precisely what I aim for, right from our first interaction in a Connection Call to your ceremony on the day.

If you are looking for suppliers for your wedding or naming day, then I highly recommend you spend the time finding those that you have a connection with. They are the ones that will lift you up and support you wholeheartedly through what can be a stressful and overwhelming planning process at times.

If you think I could be the right Celebrant for you, then please reach out to book one of these Connection Calls. Last few spots for 2025 are going fast, and my diary is open for 2026 and now 2027!

13/01/2025

❤️ And the love kickstarts again ❤️

From my last wedding of 2024 to excitedly looking forward to my first meetings and ceremonies of 2025.

After the .weddings fayre at the weekend, I am feeling energised and ready to go! The majority of couples I met yesterday are planning for 2026 and so I still have some 2025 spots from spring onwards if you are getting married later this year and would like to explore availability for a ceremony with me 😃

Get in touch via phone, DM or email to book a connection call!

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Church Farm View
Leeds

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http://Yourbestlifecelebrant.com/

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🏋‍♀️ Carry their 20% 🏋‍♂️ I may be non-religious but at worship at the Church of Brené Brown 😆 I love what she has to say on so many topics, and I know that these words on marriage ring true for so many of the couples I work with. Marriage is rarely 50/50. Together, you need to make 100, but how you get there will vary. Some days you're the 80 and other days you're the 20. It's about working together, flexing as necessary so you carry the other, or they carry you. Take a listen, and if you love Brené and her words as much as me, then I think we could be a great match 😍 #brenebrown #brenebrownonmarriage #marriageisnt5050 #marriage #loveandmarriage #wordsonmarriage #humanistcelebrant #yorkshirehumanistcelebrant #engaged #gettingmarried #marriedlife #wedding #weddinginspo #celebrant #yorkshirewedding #leedshumanistcelebrant #LeedsCelebrant #weddingcelebrant #nonreligiousceremony #nonrelgiouscelebrant #nontraditionalcelebrant #nontraditionalwedding #Yorkwedding #bradfordcelebrant #Wakefieldcelebrant #2025wedding #2026wedding #weddingplanning

🤍 No matter what you do. I'd like to share it with you 🤍 "Let's get lost into the white fields" I absolutely loved my first time @whitesykefieldsweddings near York last month. This venue is right in my sweet spot; a funky, chilled out barn venue with splashes of bright colours and a team who couldn't be more helpful and on it 😀 It was also a great fit for K & A, not purely because White Sykes is also a potato farm supplying to Walkers, and K's maiden name was Crisp (hence the crisp themed tables) but also because she and A like to have fun (see if you can spot some references to A's sense of humour in this montage) and wanted a laid back vibe which all their guests, including dogs of honour, Frank & Cleo, would feel welcomed and relaxed. Their ceremony was, of course, in keeping with all of that, including welcomes in both Welsh and French and plenty of jokes and laughter 😃 I really hope to be back there next year or beyond, so if you are looking for a celebrant, look no further and book a connection call with me to find out more! #whitesykefields #whitesykefieldscelebrant #whitesykefieldswedding #Yorkwedding #yorkcelebrant #Septemberwedding #autumnwedding #autumnalwedding #humanistcelebrant #Humanistwedding #humanistceremony #inclusivewedding #inclusivecelebrant #inclusiveceremony #yorkshirewedding #northyorkshirewedding #yorkshirehumanistcelebrant #yorkshirecelebrant #Northyorkshirecelebrant #northyorkshireweddingvenue #yorkweddingvenue #nonreligiouscelebrant #nontraditionalcelebrant #alternativecelebrant #wedding2025 #wedding2026 #alternativewedding #farmwedding #barnwedding

🫧 You are creating all the bubbles at play 🫧 There are some things that are simple pleasures in life, crunching crispy autumn leaves under foot, a baby's laughter, blowing bubbles 😃 Sometimes, as humans, we can overcomplicate things and forget the simple things that make us truly happy 😊 A wedding day can be a bit like that. You can get caught up in the planning of the day; what will you eat, what flowers will you have, what will you wear, and you can forget that, at the heart of it all, is the declaration and celebration of your love ❤️ So, my advice when planning your day, and especially if it all feels a bit much and overwhelming, is focus on what is really important to you, what really matters to you and what makes you happiest. If you think this could include a highly personal and heartfelt ceremony, then I'm your gal! Get in touch to book a connection call and find out more! 📷 @brandingphotographeruk #simplethings #simplepleasures #bubbles #biffyclyro #Celebrant #humanistcelebrant #humanistceremony #yorkshireweddingcelebrant #yorkshirecelebrant #leedscelebrant #yorkcelebrant #wedding #humanistcelebrantyorkshire #westyorkshirecelebrant #northyorkshirecelebrant #Wakefieldcelebrant #northallertoncelebrant #thirskcelebrant #bedalecelebrant #harrogatecelebrant #nonreligiousceremony #nonrelgiouscelebrant #nonreligiouswedding #nonreligiouschristening #nontraditionalcelebrant #nontraditionalwedding #nontraditionalceremony #nonreligiousceremony #alternativecelebrant #alternativeceremony

🎙Touch me deep, pure & true🎙 The superb talent of @jadelamey.singer deserves a spot on my grid! It was a delight to work alongside such a lovely person, and there is no one I would have rather sheltered from the rain in the @townheadestate greenhouse with 😆 Swipe to hear how gorgeous her voice is, and make sure your sound is on! The first two vids are songs that hold a special place in my heart and spoke right to it 💓. Then, later, Jade was accompanied by the equally excellent @saxeveryweekend, and together, they really got the party going🎷 Also featuring beautiful blooms from @walterandblossom and, if you look carefully, you will see the talent behind these, Sophie, as equally in awe of our private performance 😍 First photo by the Queen @jogreenfieldthephotographer👸🏼 (All subsequent shoddy footage and photos by yours truly 😆) #townheadestate #townheadestatewedding #townheadestatecelebrant #lakedistrictcelebrant #lakedistrictwedding #lakesidewedding #lakewedding #townheadwindermere #windermerewedding #humanistcelebrant #windermerecelebrant #humanistwedding #personalisedwedding #personalisedceremony #nonreligiousceremony #nonrelgiouscelebrant #nontraditionalcelebrant #lovestory #storytelling #storytellingcelebrant #engaged #gettingmarried #weddingsinger #weddinginspo #wedding2025 #wedding2026 #weddingmusic #ceremonymusic #soundon

❤️‍🩹 When you miss me ❤️‍🩹 * Trigger warning, post addresses death & loss * As mentioned on my stories, last weekend, I saw @girlsaloud at the arena here in Leeds, and I was really moved and struck by the way they incorporated Sarah into the set. It was done in a heartfelt, empathetic, and intentional way, and simultaneously, the concert felt joyous, jubilant, and uplifting. It was a celebration of life for the living, enjoying being in the moment and together, and yet also acknowledging those that are no longer with us and who are forever missed. This is exactly what I strive for when remembering and honouring lost loved ones in my Wedding and Naming ceremonies. The girls included photos and footage of Sarah and ensured that some of her iconic lines like 'here I am, a walking primrose, and 'it might sound crazy but your voice still lives me all funky' (which you can hear in the reel) were still delivered by Sarah herself and there was a touching rendition of 'I'll stand by you' dedicated to her. However you want to acknowledge and remember loved ones in your ceremony and the rest of your day, I will do my best to ensure we strike the right tone, use language that feels appropriate to you and that we include them in a way that is holds space for them and you and, at the same time, maintains the high energy and joy that your ceremony deserves. Please do talk to me about ideas and ways to include a lost loved one in your ceremony and wedding. #girlsaloud #humanistcelebrant #humanistceremony #holdspace #heartfeltwedding #empathy #empathiccelebrant #weddingceremony #namingceremony #weddingcelebrant #celebrant #namingcelebrant #yorkshirehumanistcelebrant #yorkshirecelebrant #LeedsCelebrant #yorkcelebrant #meaningfulceremony #ceremony #wedding #Naming #nonreligiouscelebrant #nonreligiousceremony #alternativewedding #alternativechristening #alternativeceremony #alternativecelebrant #quirkywedding #quirkycelebrant #quirkyceremony

🌬 Hovering on air 🌬 I am still on a high from my first wedding of the year which was @the_faversham right here in Leeds. It's a totally fab venue with so much space, and J & S definitely made the most of it with so many fantastic finishing touches and personalisation, including, of course, a personalised Humanist ceremony 😀 Supplier dream team: 📷 @mattsimphoto 🌹@hydeparkflowerclub.by.dotties 💄@rosierobertsbeauty 💇‍♀️@hairbyleahluchia 🎧@rave.thedate 🎤@emberbound 👗@saltairebridal ✏️@stephaniekateillustration #Leedswedding #leedscelebrant #yorkshirecelebrant #humanistcelebrant #yorkshirehumanistcelebrant #yorkshirewedding #alternativewedding #nonreligiouswedding #nonreligiouscelebrant #alternativecelebrant #quirkycelebrant #unweddingleeds #alternativewedding #uniquewedding #personalwedding #leedsweddingvenue #leedsweddingsupplier #westyorkshirecelebrant #northyorkshirewedding #wedding2024 #wedding2025 #wedding2026

🩶 Aisle goals 🩶 Imagine if this was the aisle on your wedding day? For one of my couple's this summer, it will be! I am super excited to be officiating a wedding at Kirkstall Abbey, which is one of the most historic and iconic locations in Leeds, and I got real goosebumps when visiting with B & J ahead of their ceremony there 🥰 This is certainly a venue that needs to be seen to do it justice. If I haven't worked at your venue before, I will always do my best to visit it before your wedding, especially when it is as unique as this one! #aislegoals #weddingaisle #walkingtheaisle #weddingvenue #Leedswedding #weddingleeds #leedscelebrant #Celebrant #weddingcelebrant #westyorkshirecelebrant #yorkshirecelebrant #humanistcelebrantyorkshire #humanistceremony #kirstallabbey #kirkstallabbeywedding #leedscelebrant #nonreligiouscelebrant #nonreligiousceremony #nonreligiouswedding #nontraditionalwedding #alternativewedding #weddinginspo #weddingplanning #engaged #gettingmarried #wedding2024 #wedding2025 #historicweddingvenue #abbeywedding

🤍 A mid-winter wedding in the shire of York 🤍 My final ceremony of 2023 was a beautiful winter wedding set at the stunning @hospitiumweddings @yorkvenues, and I can't quite believe it hasn't graced my grid until now! There were plenty of laughs alongside touching moments as I shared A & S's love stories. There were a pair of perfectly picked readings beautifully delivered, one incredibly well-behaved pooch, and it was all topped off with a textbook tying of the knot 🪢 💛💙❤️ The historic hospitium was the ideal choice for a historical and literary loving pair. The tables were all named after their favourite books, including The Hobbit, Pride and Prejudice, and The Prisoner of Azkaban 😃 The Hospitium is a fab venue and being right in the centre of York, within the museum gardens, it has a location that really can't be rivalled. If you want to match this unique venue with a unique and personal ceremony, then get in touch! #Yorkwedding #yorkweddingvenue #weddingyork #hospitium #hospitiumyork #hospitiumwedding #hospitiumweddingyork #Yorkshirewedding #yorkshireweddingvenue #yorkcelebrant #yorkshirehumanist #yorkshirecelebrant #celebrant #weddingcelebrant #northyorkshirecelebrant #northyorkshirewedding #wedding2024 #wedding2025 #engaged #gettingmarried #alternativewedding #unwedding #quirkywedding #westyorkshirecelebrant #westyorkshirewedding #yorkcitywedding