"The soul soars where words from the heart are spoken"
A little bit about what I do and why I do it...
Hello! I’m Emma, an Art-Deco loving, Yorkshire Tea drinking, Agatha Christie and Star Wars superfan!
I was 17 years old when I decided I wanted to become a Celebrant, having attended the very impersonal funeral service of a vibrant, loving friend, shaping how I felt about loss for YEARS - until I attended my lovely Nanny Joan’s funeral, which was a heartwarming celebration for the life of such an irreplaceable amazing beloved lady, a day filled with smiles and laughter admist the sadness.
Our greatest life events - whether they are happy or sad - are our 'rites of passage' onto a new journey, a new chapter of our book of life, or the closing of that story and we deserve so much more than a half-hearted, lack-lustre welcome, joining or farewell. That’s what inspires me to create bespoke ceremonies of distinction, that celebrate EVERY story, even the challenging or heartbreaking ones, because the only things that matter in life, are the memories we make with our family and friends, the memories we create for the loved ones we leave behind, and how we ourselves are remembered....and it is my greatest privilege to be able to bring meaning into those moments and memories.
My lovely Nanny Joan and Grandad Des
A little bit about me, and life 'B.C.' (behind celebrancy)
..When you are entrusting someone with your most important life events, it's good to get to know a little bit about that person behind their profession, so here's a little bit about me personally...
My family...
I am blessed to be married to 'the beautiful Jay'. Our lovely daughter, our dog, and Jay's cherished beaten up VW Campervan, complete our family unit.
Pastimes and Hobbies...
Agatha Christie, crime novels, history, and decluttering are my go-to mood boosters....The Hunter family share a combined love of The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Star Wars and Monty Python!
My 'go-to' 'tipple'...
Yorkshire Tea! I can't function without a good cuppa!
Music that soothes my soul...
- Listening to 'the beautiful Jay' singing around our home; if you are looking to include 'chilled out' live acoustic music at an event do consider him - he is AMAZING ( www.playjay.co.uk )
- John Barry's 'The Old Woman' from my favourite fim 'Somewhere in Time'
- The Poldark theme music and Enya's 'Watermark'
- Donovan's 'Little Tin Soldier' (my Dad sang it to me when I was little)
- The Three Degree's 'When will I see you again' connects me to my friends
What lifts my spirits...
Hummingbirds! Considered to be spiritual messengers, as their tiny wings move in a figure eight pattern (the ancient symbol of continuity) these tiny birds represent the colour, fleetingness and enjoyment of life.
Most embarressing moment...
...There have been a lot! BUT one of the most mortifying ones, was when I was shopping for groceries, wondering why people were staring at me, realising (when I go back to my car) that I still had the blue plastic shoe covers over my shoes, that I had been wearing while I was watching my daughter at her swimming lesson...I was SO embarrassed!
My biggest regret...
..Wasting SO much time worrying about things I have absolutely no control over! My vocation is a constant reminder that life is fragile and worry just wastes that precious time!
Favourite quotes...
I can't choose one! I have three favourites;
- "To believe you are 'less' than you are, is to shatter your 'whole' self"
- "Hearts are broken where words are left unspoken"
- "Nothing changes if nothing changes!"
Most humbling moment...
The first funeral service I delivered - to be entrusted with the memory of someone else's loved one is the highest and most humbling honour.
Nicest thing anyone has ever said about me...
..."She's all 'hearts and flowers'; she talks a million miles per hour but gives love and support the same way"...