About Catherine
Choosing a celebrant is really about connection and whether we click. Here’s a bit about me to help you see if I might be the right person for you.
I was born and raised in London, spending three years in Canterbury for university where I studied Music and English. For many years, I played the cello and performed in various settings, including weddings and funerals, where I developed a profound appreciation of the place of music in ceremonies and the impact it can have on the people who are part of them.
I work on the senior team at the Royal Academy of Music in London and thrive on its energy and the dedication of the staff and students. Helping to shape the journeys of exceptional young musicians from all over the world is a privilege. This background has given me extensive experience with formal and ceremonial events, allowing me to bring a blend of polish and playfulness to celebrations.
Life Beyond Ceremonies
My love of the arts is wonderfully diverse. In a typical week, you might find me enjoying a Mahler symphony, a DJ set, or watching a band in a local pub. I love folk festivals, late-night jazz evenings, and weird immersive theatre experiences.
Since 2009, Ealing has been my home, though in truth, it's my allotment that keeps me rooted here. Tending fruit, vegetables, and flowers keeps me connected to the rhythm of the seasons – something I also seek out in my travels. I've explored Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa, with Cuba, Iceland, and Mexico still on my list.
Closer to home, I often mark the equinoxes with solo retreats for walking, reflection, and log-burner action, combined with a visit to ancient Neolithic sites like Avebury or a longbarrow somewhere in the Wessex Downs.
Of all the countries I've visited, I've spent the most time in France. I know the North and South very well and I'm gradually filling in the gaps by exploring the rest of the country's regions, paying particular attention to food and wine! As a lifelong francophile and French speaker, I absolutely love creating ceremonies in France for couples seeking something truly special.
My Ceremonial Style
I lead ceremonies with grace, a sense of humour, genuine warmth, and a collaborative spirit. I approach each ceremony with integrity, compassion, and dedication, but I'm never above embracing the unexpected. When things don't go perfectly, like a wedding in the rain, I lean into it as it becomes part of the story.
I value tradition, but I'm not afraid to include a contemporary or unconventional twist when it suits the people I'm celebrating. As a passionate gardener and horticulturalist, I love weaving botanical references into the heart of my ceremonies to create connections with nature and really memorable prose.
