Civil Celebrant: Jane Arnold

This beautiful photograph by Jo Thorne captures the magic of Madeleine and Tom’s Handfasting Ceremony.
The day was hot and sunny and full of flowers, Champagne and so much love and happiness.
Three Pools was a perfect setting and everyone agreed that it was the best of celebrations.
I have had a lovely message from Tom and Madeleine:

“We just wanted to say such a massive thank you for everything you did for the ceremony. It was so amazing and special; we will remember it forever. Everything worked so well, and it was so much fun. It was everything we could have wished for and more. The ‘poison’ circle was so beautiful; during the ceremony, bees and butterflies were enjoying it too. The cocktail ceremony was amazing, and the handfasting was so special.”
It was a day to remember and I was so glad to be their celebrant.

Three Pools
Jo Thorne

Today we celebrated the life of a young man with Haribo sweets and Quavers and the colour purple.

All prepared for a Memorial Ceremony for a wonderful man. His family and friends from the village went on a walk around the countryside he loved, shared tea and cakes and then gathered for a relaxed ceremony full of memories, music and specially written poems. A good way to celebrate a life well lived.

A close up from the beautiful floral arrangement made by Steph Steph - Floral Rebellion for a recent ceremony. Most of the flowers were from the gentleman’s garden and as he was a keen plantsman this was particularly important for his family.
celebrant

My dear friend Carol has just visited Iona and sent me this postcard. The prayer is a favourite of mine and I often use it in ceremonies. It was such a lovely thing to come through my letterbox!

Wishing Tim and JJ a very Happy Anniversary. Their handfasting ceremony last year was an absolute joy and they are such a loving couple. It was a pleasure to be their celebrant.

It is so important for people to have a chance to speak freely about death- it has been called one of society’s last taboos. Here is a selection of events in and around Salisbury for Dying Matters Awareness Week.