Zoe Wray Celebrant

15/05/2024

Obviously it's not about getting gratitude...but when a family wants to show it...it means the world! My job is an absolute privilege.

29/04/2024

26/12/2023

I always feel somewhat melancholy on Christmas Day… I can’t seem to help it (although, of course, I smile and enjoy anyway).

And I have learned over the years to accept that and not worry as to why I have all I could possibly want but cannot feel the happiness my blessings warrant.

Joy cannot be forced.

You can feel lonely even when surrounded by people.

Perhaps working alongside the bereaved at this time of year has changed the way I see this time…exposed me to seeing pure heartache & grief when those around you appear to be having fun.

Gratitude, however, can be created.
Peace can be claimed.
But joy, like melancholy comes in and out like weather.
On a timetable only the soul understands.
And that’s okay.

So take this time as it comes, my friends.
Even blessings can feel heavy sometimes, a thing we cannot explain.
And happiness can often be too hot to hold onto, if you’re missing someone you love.

Merry Christmas my friends.
I share this, not to bring down the mood but just incase anyone else feels the same.

We’re never alone.

To all those struggling through the loss of loved ones which is even more difficult at this time of year - I send you much love. This too shall pass.

06/12/2023

At yesterday's amazing UK Weddings Conference with Guides for Brides we were astonished to discover that so many venues did not know the ceremony options available to couples...

But all were keen to find out!

Did you know?...

✨️ Getting married at a licensed venue does NOT mean you are compelled to have a registrar-led civil ceremony.

✨️Many couples now choose to complete their legal marriage before the 'big day', allowing them to have a fully personalised and flexible ceremony with an independent celebrant at a venue of their choice, whether licensed or not.

✨️In the Guides for Brides panel of brides and grooms, when asked whether their ceremony options were explained by their venue, ALL said no (registrars were presented as the only option)... and ALL said if they knew, they definitely would have considered a celebrant.

✨️So couples... the choice is yours!

✨️And venues... when showing couples around, please do explain their ceremony options. More choice and personalisation = a happier couple and an even more wonderful wedding day 💖

Find out more at independentcelebrants.com 👉


Perfect Words Ceremonies by Nikki Wood

14/06/2023

If someone's grieving for their dad or the father figure in their life, they may find that Father’s Day on Sunday and the days leading up to it are particularly hard to manage. Some advice here from Sue Ryder on how to cope
👉 https://www.sueryder.org/blog/coping-with-grief-on-fathers-day

23/05/2023

A group of young people in Northern Ireland are trying to help others deal with their grief.

24/02/2023

Credits:Writer/Director: James ArdenProduction Company: Brother FilmProducer: Georgiana ClarkProducer: Isobel HerbertFirst AD: Joshua JacobDOP: Charles MoriF...

26/11/2022

Our new animated films aim to help children understand funerals and allay any concerns they may have

23/11/2022

Great day working as the event facilitator at Tourism For Good Summit at Winslade Park - Inspirational Speakers & a new angle for me professionally.

09/09/2022

We are delighted to be holding the second AOIC Celebrant Awards in October 2021. Fill out the form to nominate a remarkable celebrant today!

06/08/2022

The best wedding festival

26/07/2022

Grief can be difficult and stressful and nearly everybody goes through it at some point in their lives. Despite this, it can be very difficult to predict how we might react to a loss, as it is a very individual process. The mental health charity Mind explains what grief might feel like...
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/bereavement/experiences-of-grief/

19/07/2022

If you know someone struggling with funeral costs.

Did you know that there is a whole section on the government's website about help with costs and funeral expenses after someone has died? Follow the link to find out more 👇
https://www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/bereavement

08/07/2022

What happens in the last days of life is different for everyone. But it can help carers and relatives to know a little about what to expect, so Cancer Research UK has put together some general information about what might happen and what can be done to support a loved one through their dying process.
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/dying-with-cancer/last-few-weeks-and-days/final-days

05/07/2022

Always love conducting ceremonies here…today Carla & Steve renewed their vows

30/06/2022

This essay, by Leonor Pacheco, was a runner-up in the 2021 Kimberley St John Essay Prize. Earlie...

13/06/2022

Lovely day on Saturday leading the wedding ceremony for a wonderful couple…amazing venue

Always nice to get positive feedback…

‘Hi Zoe

Thank you so much for doing such an amazing job at our wedding on Saturday. We had so many comments on how moving it was - we both felt you absolutely hit exactly the right note and gave us the ceremony that we will remember for ever.

And it was so great that my brother and your husband know each other!!

Thank you so very much for helping make our day so special.

Caroline and Nigel x’

06/06/2022

A carer can be someone of any age, who may be in paid work or not, who supports a friend or family member due to their illness, disability, frailty, mental health or substance misuse. Carers Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of caring. It aims to