I have done many and varied things in my life, but few have brought me greater joy than marrying people.
It is a great honour to be able to help a couple design their unique and personal wedding ceremony, to help them create vows that they will cherish for the rest of their lives together and to bless them on their happy day.
If you choose me to marry you, I promise that it will be a delightful and meaningful marriage ceremony that we create together.
My beliefs
It is your beliefs and values, not mine, that are important here. But for those who are interested in where I am coming from, I would describe myself as spiritual rather than religious.
I believe that the ‘divine light’ is in each of us, and also that there is something wonderful at work in the world that is infinitely bigger and grander than we are. These two beliefs create both a sense of our own magnificence and, at the same time, tremendous humility. This seems about right to me.
My early days
I have always been interested in why people, throughout history, have held the beliefs they do, and particularly the relationships between science, society and faith. I was trained as a biologist. In my early days I taught Science and Religious Belief at the Open University. I later pursued a career in law reform relating to animal welfare and then became a writer, editor and journalist.
Training as an Interfaith Minister
I trained as an interfaith minister simply because I was interested in the truths that lie at the heart of the great faiths (beneath the dogma and doctrines) and during these studies I discovered many writings and music of deep beauty, which I am now able to bring into wedding ceremonies. I was ordained in 2006 but it is only in the last few years that I have found time to really devote myself to creating meaningful weddings as a Scottish marriage celebrant.
As an interfaith Minister and member of the Interfaith Ministers Association I cater for the needs of people from all faith backgrounds and none.
Other interests
My other interests now include singing (I have eclectic interests – from sacred chants and gospel to jazz!), writing for pleasure, giving humorous speeches (I am a member of Toastmasters), hosting bed and breakfast and retreat guests at my home and taking ‘down time’ with my dog.
Love like you’ve never been hurt
Dance like no one is watching
Work like you don’t need the money
Live like today is the last day of your life
Anon