Togetherness Family Celebrant

03/07/2024

Spring wedding, professional photos ready and followed up with this special Thank You.
I'm touched. Taking the time to personalise a thank you to me, it means loads.
After all - it was my pleasure to officiate the ceremony and share the fun and
laughter and announce the new titles.
Hooray 🎉, you beautiful new Mr & Mrs and the adorable Happy.
Thanks for choosing me xx

22/06/2024

My front garden would be great, 😜

We’re touched by the comments from people who share why natural burial resonates. 🙏🍃

04/06/2024

Would have loved to attend but can't. Hopefully this is the start of many.

Abode. are delighted to be hosting the first ever LOCAL WOMENS CONNECT event on 19th June @ 7pm.

The event is open to all local women involved in business (or wanting to be) and will provide the perfect opportunity for networking,business spotlighting and to hear from those women already well established in the field.

And as if that’s not enough, Abode. will be catering the event with our show-stopping Gourmet Graze platters.

Share to your story, tag your friends and get your tickets via the link below. The closing date for signup is 13th June.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/local-women-connect-tickets-911661473007

29/05/2024

Beautiful outlook.
We don't talk about this enough, but we must. Loved ones have enough to deal with when you pass but they would rather know your chosen music, readings, words, flowers etc etc.
Now when I'm out with friends and the subject comes up ( cause I allow it to 😜 ), it gets people thinking and telling me their wishes!
Great craic'.... problem is, I can't remember - so they need to write it down and pass it my way, or record their wishes and send to me.
I need to out live them all. 🤞😝
I don't want anyone else but me choosing the music, 😭.
Think about it...share it. Then put it to bed. X

One time I met a man
Who only had a month to live
And I asked him if he had
Any advice that he could give

He said “I wake each morning
Knowing I am going to die
So each day must remind me
I am blessed to be alive

You see, my life’s on countdown
As each hour is unfurled
I know the clock is ticking
On my time here in this world

But what you’re overlooking
Is that it’s the same for you -
You know that I am dying
But forget that you are too

So make the most of sunshine
And go dancing in the rain
And sing a little louder
When your favourite music plays

Notice nature’s colours,
Savour everything you taste
Stop waiting for tomorrow
‘Cause you’ve got no time to waste

And could you say convincingly
That you’d have no regrets?
If just the next few days or weeks
Were all that you had left?”

And then my breath caught quickly
When he turned to me and asked
“Could you say that you died happy
If this day had been your last?”

*****

Becky Hemsley 2023
Artwork by Caspar David Friedrich
(I discovered this artwork on a recent visit to London).

29/05/2024

I'm all in support of this 🌺. Back to the earth for peace, perfect peace.

It’s nice to think that with natural burial, our contribution to the planet extends beyond our lives. 🍃💚

08/05/2024

Any further questions re my job as a celebrant for the planning of the 'celebration of life' - please feel free to PM me.
I am local to Bairds of Antrim.

**Dying Matters Awareness Week 2024**

This year’s theme, ‘The way we talk about Dying Matters’, focuses on the language that we use, and conversations we have, around death and dying.

Our funeral glossary can help you understand the terminology associated with funerals, burial, cremation, memorial masonry, and estate planning.

Visit www.funeralpartners.co.uk/help-advice/a-z-glossary-of-funeral-terms/ to explore and gain clarity on unfamiliar terms.

06/05/2024

Change required........

"My philosophy is: What people say about me is none of my business.
I am who I am and do what I do.
I expect nothing and accept everything.
And that makes life easier.--
We live in a world where funerals are more important than the deceased, marriage is more important than love, looks are more important than the soul.
We live in a packaging culture that despises content."
Sir Anthony Hopkins

30/04/2024

Whilst having a bit of time out in the beautiful town of Altea, Alicante. Having lunch, sipping wine, dodging the rain and look what pulls up right beside us!
The beautiful display of flowers on the hearse was amazing.
A family was in sorrow. It was hard to avoid. The church is situated for all to see. It just didn't seem right but what can they do when a beautiful church is in such a tourist area?? I took the snap when everyone was inside the church ( just incase anyone thinks this was disrespectful). 😜
Never seen wreaths like this before!

24/04/2024

Sweetest memories. The story of my bride & groom & Happy.
Engagement snaps, planning and scripting with me, a pop along to the registry office the day before the ceremony ( followed by afternoon tea with the families) and then the crowd arrived and the mega celebration happened. Now they honeymoon ❤️. Happy, included in it all. ( with her Nanny now).
Having their special wedding day, the way they wanted. Writing their own vows, including others, Taylor Swift music. Two perfect days for everyone.
Engagement and Wedding photos by the wonderful Kalie Reid Photography.

I cannot carry out the legal side of the marriage as I am not a humanist celebrant but this is a way around me being your celebrant. Add a prayer into the ceremony if you or your family might prefer or leave it out. At least you have that option. My faith remains with me.
Happiness, togetherness and perfection is key to me. T. X
P.s. check out the fab cufflinks!

20/04/2024

Thanks to the team at Bairds of Antrim , for the care and attention to detail given yesterday as Izzy (age 54) was laid to rest.
Izzy had 8 weeks notice and planned her ceremony, just the way she wanted it to be.
This was honoured and now we all know, she really is in Peace Perfect Peace. ❤️
Delivering a ceremony for Izzy, was my honour and Bob Marley's music opened and closed her celebration of life. Speaking to others about your final wishes isn't wrong, just sensible.

15/04/2024

14/04/2024

Just a few snaps of the ceremony held yesterday at The Wool Tower , Broughshane.
A great team to work with in a magical setting and the assistance of 2 best men to help create perfection. Loved the craic' and banter with those that travelled especially for the wedding from England, Scotland, Wales and America.
To receive a thank you text this morning, topped it all. ❤️
Hopefully more photos to follow from the professional, Kalie Reid Photography.

12/04/2024

Again?? A beautiful token of thanks to receive after
a ceremony held today in The Lounge, @ The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Templepatrick for a celebration of life after a private committal.
A pleasant way to have tributes and togetherness on the loss of a loved one. ❤️

10/04/2024

2 wedding bands and a shiny new collar all ready for a big day ahead. ❤️
Can't wait to officiate this ceremony and see how little Happy behaves 🤞.
A few sleeps to go.....

05/04/2024

Closing up on a busy week. Working closely with Wilton Funeral Director and Kirkwoods Funeral Directors making sure every detail was taken care of for perfect ceremonies.
To receive flowers to say thanks to me is always a shock, I'm just so very touched that whilst in their dark days, families still plan to thank others. Humbled by follow up gestures of gratitude.
My pleasure to be there to help in whatever way I can. Togetherness being key. ❤️

28/03/2024

Great team to work with. Finer details always covered.

Proudly serving the families of Belfast for generations....

25/03/2024

It is my pleasure as a family celebrant to script over the weekend to make sure that a celebration of life is carried out to perfection.
To receive this card and gift in return today has warmed my heart. Being in touch with what a grieving family are going through, listening and being there for them at their troubled time. No need for thanks but so very much appreciated.T. x

21/03/2024

I don't like to just disappear after leaving a bride and groom. A thank you and reminder of my happy wishes must seal our connection.
So nice to receive kind words in return. Warms my ❤️

20/03/2024

Such a beautiful March day yesterday at The Ballygally Castle Hotel , Co Antrim. It allowed me to experience the Belvedere Room as a wedding venue. The surrounding gardens and river made it all very calm and tranquil for everyone. The sun shone, the blue sky made a superb backdrop for the team at Make My Day Photography It was a truly gorgeous Spring wedding. Lovely to work alongside Catherine Hamilton, Soprano and Harpist. What a talent?? All I had to do was talk!
Many congratulations to another very happy couple. ❤️

18/03/2024

Another knock, another love story to collect.
Good to know today that some people (like me 😇) took it easy on the St. Patrick's day celebrations and found time to talk about their big day. The city was quiet as we had a
great chat re their 'after registry office' party.
Lovely venue chosen in Belfast where I can join the happy couple and tell their love story to all of their guests.
A clink off a glass, Your finest attention please' and back to the bride and groom. After all, it is your day, your way! 🥂.
Back home now, nails painted, ready for a full ceremony tomorrow for others. ❤️
So much love going around. Loving it. 💋

09/03/2024

Rockhill House Estate ..have you heard about this gem?
Letterkenny, Co Donegal. A truly perfect wedding day/weekend setting. I stayed recently and just loved all the estate had to offer.
Look at the fabulous Orangerie room set into the rocks to have your wedding feast and your party. It was magnificent.
With 19 bedrooms and 8 guest rooms in the coach house, you can hire the whole house for your big celebration. Fabulous honeymoon suite.
Add in the wellness spa, clay pigeon shooting, even yoga!!!
I suggest this is well worth a Google if you are looking for your wedding venue.
I loved my stay here, the staff were excellent and the setting was perfect.
I need to return for yoga in the yurt - or the wellness gardens 🧘🏻‍♀️.
[email protected] any enquiries.
Maybe see you there as your celebrant and qualified yoga instructor sometime. 😜
Simply fabulous find. ❤️❤️

01/03/2024

Having 'all the fun at the fair'.
Caught on camera by Harry from Friends and Lovers at the lovely wedding fair on Sunday at The Finer Details, Lurgan. So enjoyed chatting with you all and helping with your planning and sharing your ideas. Looking forward to doing it all again sometime. Tracy ❤️

25/02/2024

Caught on checking over my finer details at the wedding fair at The Finer Details, Lurgan.
A fabulous setting for meeting new people today and helping others with their plans.
Maybe see you there - here until 5pm.

24/02/2024

Looking forward to meeting and chatting with you tomorrow ❤️ T. X

Our Spring Wedding Fair brings together a community of amazing, local, creative wedding suppliers!, who will be on hand to give you expert advice and inspiration for your wedding day. Save the date and join us on Sunday 25th Feb 2-5pm - Free entry & parking!

16/02/2024

14/02/2024

Happy Valentine's to you all.
It doesn't matter who or what you love ❤️
Remember - self love is key 🧘🏻‍♀️🌹

13/02/2024

Queens University, Belfast. Isn't this just a beautiful campus, situated on University Road?
Did you know that it is possible to hold your wedding ceremony here?
A full in house catering and event team would be delighted to tell you more.
You could take a look at
The Great Hall which holds approx 140 guests.
Riddell Hall -150 guests
Even The Queens Film Theatre can be used (somewhere a bit different) - holds 200 guests.
They also have The Council Chamber - 96 guests &
The Harty Room - 120 guests.
Well you could be spoilt for choice. Why not check it out for yourself at [email protected] or 028 90971969. Each space looks amazing. ❤️
Maybe see you there someday 🤞

05/02/2024

Deciding who will help you present your ceremony can be problematic. Whilst the clergy, registrars, Celebrants and humanists may be familiar terms, until it comes to booking one, many couples will be in the dark about the differences between them.

02/02/2024

Oh what a treat to be planning for little Arlo's naming ceremony coming up. Such a wonderful little man getting ready for a special day out with his mum and Dad, family and friends to officially give him his title. This will include a poem written by his parents and a few speeches.
Of course followed by a few ' hip hip hoorays 'for Arlo on his naming day.
Not sure if he looks too bothered about it all though, snaps he was happy to pose for, cute and sweet.
Arlo is almost 3 years old. It's never too late to officially welcome a child onboard, they deserve a big warm welcome after all. 💙💙💙

14/01/2024

Preparing a Proposal perhaps?
2 significant dates ahead, one month today will be good old St.Valentine's Day or a 2nd chance is available each leap year. According to St. Brigid and our very own St.Patrick, an Irish tradition makes Feb 29th,
Bachelor's day, when it is the lady's privilege to propose. Exciting.
But hey, whatever the day, happy planning on the proposal and you know where to find me to put a beautiful seal on your very own "togetherness" ❤️