Sunny Ceremonies with the Joy of Family at the Heart?

So, why would you have a

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Why have a naming ceremony?

There are many reasons…

Maybe you have a new baby; you don't want a christening, but would like some kind of ceremony to mark the occasion, with your wider circle of family and friends around you. You may even want to allocate Godparents (or Guideparents) as significant other people in your child's life. And the ceremony can take place whatever age your child or children are - and wherever you want it to be!

Or maybe you would like to have a Welcoming Ceremony to welcome an adoptive child into the family - or step children into a blended family.

Or maybe you are thinking of having a Re-Naming ceremony if you have changed gender or identity, as a way of celebrating your new life, and as an expression of pride in who you are!

I love doing all of these!

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Every family has a story to tell

I love finding out your story and presenting it to your wider circle of family and friends who are important to you. I love to hear why you chose the names you did, and what hopes and aspirations you have for the future.

If it's a Re-Naming Ceremony, I love to hear the names you are choosing for yourself and why they are significant for you.

If it's a Blending Ceremony, I love to hear about the stories leading up to the joining of the families and where things go from here.

There's no doubt about it, but a new member of the family is a great cause for celebration, and I will help you craft a ceremony that you will all remember. I can't wait to hear your ideas to make it even more special!

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Why choose me

Naming Ceremonies are my absolute favourite things to write and officiate as they have family and community at their heart!

As human beings we have a great sense of rites of passage, and enjoy marking key moments in life with rituals and celebrations. What better way to mark the arrival of a new baby, or a new person into the family, than having a personalized ceremony that can take place anywhere you want - in your back garden, at the local pub, on the beach, in the village hall; the important thing is that the people you care about are coming together in love and celebration.

Naming ceremonies are joyous occasions and I love being part of that happiness!

Get in touch

This is what you get when you book me:

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    A free of charge 30 minute discovery meeting (preferably face to face but can also be done on Zoom).

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    If you decide to go ahead with me, I will then send you a booking form with details of the deposit needed to secure the date.

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    I will also send you a questionnaire to fill in all the background info necessary to craft the script.

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    I will write the first draft of the script (which usually takes about 2 weeks)

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    I will send the draft script to you , and we will arrange a one-hour follow-up meeting in order to have further discussions (re changes, music, readings, rituals etc.)

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    We will be in further e-mail/whatsapp/phone contact until you are 100% happy with your script and it can be 'signed off'

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    On the big day, I will arrive at least one hour early to ensure everything is as it should be.

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    I will officiate the ceremony itself, which everyone will enjoy - most of all YOU!

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    I will give you a copy of the script in a presentation box as a keepsake of the ceremony

All of this, for £375!

Travel within 20 miles of a CV34 postcode is included in the package; any additional mileage is charged at 50p a mile.

An additional charge is made for any 'props' that may need to be purchased (such as candles, ribbons for handfasting ceremonies and so on)

Get in touch

Do get in touch and we can take it from here!

I would feel honoured and privileged to play a part in your Naming Ceremony, whatever form it takes. I can't wait to hear all of the ideas and quirky touches you have for it!

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Kind words

We recommend Jo at Sunlight Celebrancy whole-heartedly!

Jo met with us before the ceremony to discuss our vision of how we wanted the Naming Ceremony to be and what elements we wanted to include. When she sent the script to us, it was perfect in every way and we didn’t want to change a thing! She arrived an hour before everything kicked off to make sure everything was in order and to talk to our six Godparents about what was going to happen.
The ceremony itself was spectacular – so moving in every way; she had everyone roaring with laughter and also crying their eyes out! We also planted a cherry tree in the garden with all the guests invited to shovel a spade full of earth around it, so that everyone felt included.
None of the guests had ever been to a Naming Ceremony before and everyone was bowled over at how special it was. And the children loved it! Definitely a very special day that we will always remember with love and happiness.

Jessica and Adam Dudley

Warwick, September 2023

We had the enormous pleasure of Jo being our incredible wedding celebrant.

From the very beginning, she was enthusiastic, creative, and wonderful in so many ways. Jo made the entire process feel so straightforward and had lots of fun suggestions of how we could make the ceremony personal and special. Her professionalism shone through in every interaction, from our fantastic pre-wedding meetings to the way she guided us through writing our vows and selecting readings. Jo made our service incredibly personal and memorable and we loved every part of the script she crafted. We received countless compliments from our guests about how positive, engaging and 'us' the ceremony was, with several saying it was the best wedding ceremony they had ever experienced. Her warm and polished style added a special touch to the ceremony, making it just perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a better celebrant—thank you so much Jo!

Lauren and James Davies

Wedding, August 2024

Great fun and interesting

A great, fun and interesting ceremony, officiated with confidence and grace, that will set you up for your future ceremonies and delivery. I really enjoyed being present. Great interaction with the couple and guests throughout.

Marcia Bravo

Academy of Modern Celebrancy Mentor, Warwick, July 2024

Jo would make any event magical

I knew I wanted to mark my son's first year of life and the wonderful people who had supported us through it in a special way. Though having never attended a naming ceremony before, I wasn't sure how the day itself would look or what the process would be like.

Jo was incredible in her role as Celebrant. She guided me through the whole process with professionalism and utmost warmth, from our very first conversation. Her care and compassion for both of us shone through and I think Sunlight Celebrancy is the absolute right name for what she does. 

She spent time getting to know us, learning about how family, friends and godparents had each contributed across the past year and beyond. I actually think she provides excellent value because her service reaches far beyond the event day itself, with a great deal of preparation beforehand.

The result was a gorgeous day filled with love, respect, gratitude and light. This was despite having to last minute postpone the event from the original date due to my son being unwell and she had so much understanding for the situation.

I can highly recommend Sunlight Celebrancy for any meaningful event in your life. Jo's care, warmth, organisation and dedication shine through in all she does. She would make any event magical.

 

Liz Shipsey

NAMING, NOVEMBER 2024