Creating ceremonies that
STAND OUT
Everyone loves a good wedding…
…. because a celebration of love is the best thing in the world right? But do you sometimes forget whose wedding ceremony was whose and have they all started to blend together a little bit? Well if you don’t want the same for yours…..
Welcome to Lizzie Shea Ceremonies!
Geri and John, Bury St Edmunds
"Lizzie really took the time to 'get us' as a couple and the celebration she delivered couldn't have been more perfect"
Pete and Sita, Cambridge
"Lizzie is fun and full of energy with an infectious zest for life. She will tell your story with compassion and humour"
Clare and Bob, Boxted
'Lizzie supported us every step of the way and nothing was too much trouble. Her natural chilled vibe rubbed off on us nicely"
Let's share the story of you …
Your story as a couple is unique and special and the journey of how you met, fell in love and now how you want to share your life together is amazing and a joyous occasion worthy of an epic celebration!
In essence it's a love story worthy of a film script because after all it's your story. Now, we may not have a Hollywood budget but that doesn't stop us creating the perfect script. No way.
As a Professionally trained Independent Celebrant, I promise to work with you to craft a ceremony that tells your journey that will be so full of energy and joy, that I guarantee your guests will be laughing and crying in equal measure.
As you make your commitments to each other and promises for the future we'll make sure that everyone leaves reeling in your love and feeling good.
...after all that's what it's all about isn't it?
It all starts with you
As Harry once said to Sally....
“I love that you get cold when it’s seventy-one degrees out. I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich. I love that you get a little crinkle above your nose when you’re looking at me like I’m nuts. I love that after I spend the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night."
For a great wedding ceremony I will try to get to know just some of the reasons why you 'click' as a couple - just like Harry and Sally did. As I unravel your story in front of your guests they will wonder why we haven't met before as I must clearly be a close friend as I know you so well!
Now that's the secret of a cracking ceremony!
I can help you write your vows – so that they are honest and true (with humour too if you like!) and if you would like to plan some surprises along the way for your guests or partner that's good too.
If you want your dog, children, parents, football team or cuddly toy involved that’s no problem – whatever you want I can do. Some quirky, off the wall ideas - no problem. Everything is possible and I will create the perfect ceremony that is a genuine reflection of you both.
So if you want to have an immersive, memorable and truly bespoke ceremony just get in touch.
I can’t wait to hear from you (and if I'm busy I have many lovely celebrant friends that I can recommend.)
Something a little different...
Most celebrations have some form of ritual that we are familiar with such as exchanging vows and rings and that's perfect for some couples whilst others want to mix it up a bit with some new ideas. I can you explore what would work for you but here's a few to get started ....
Handfasting – an ancient Celtic tradition and where the phrase ‘tying the knot’ comes from. This involves tying the couples hands together with ribbons or cord to symbolise the joining together as a couple
Jumping the broom – A tradition that dates back to the 1600’s. As the bride and groom literally jump over a decorated broom they symbolically jump into their new lives. (It also makes a great photo opportunity!)
The list is endless and includes rose ceremonies, sand ceremonies, unity candles, ring warming and wine ceremony.
We can decide together what would work for you….
Don’t know where to start with planning your big day?
I have been wedding and event planning since 2004 and I know that attention to detail and the creative little touches makes all the difference.
You can book a private mini workshop with me to help you know where to start. What suppliers to use, how to structure your day, how to manage your budget and a creative thinking brain dump to explore those little touches that will make your day unforgettable and one that STANDS OUT!
I am also available to stay on for the day and MC your celebration to make sure everything runs soothly, discretely ensuring everything goes exactly as you planned.
Celebrant Services
Create the ceremony content so that it reflects you perfectly.
Help you write your vows and choose any rituals if appropriate.
Deliver the ceremony.
Commemorative bound ceremony script to keep.
From £1000
Celebrant plus MC
Celebrant package PLUS
Host and MC for the day introducing the speeches, first dance, cake cutting, making sure Granny has a cuppa and generally being there to ensure the day goes without a hitch.
From £1300
Mini Workshop
Local suppliers
Idea generation
Complete a planning grid for your day so you know what needs doing when so you don't miss a trick.
Tips and advice on how to make your day perfect
£400
Our Process - How we make it happen
Getting to know you...
making sure we have good vibes
It’s important that you feel comfortable with me and we ‘get’ each other! I offer a free chat over a cup of coffee so that we can find out a little about each other. If you like what you see we go to....
1
2
Planning Meeting
Now the fun begins..
4 months before the big day.
Using a questionnaire that you will have completed I find out your story.
We choose possible readings, music, personal tributes, symbolic elements - whatever you like. We create the best celebration of you two!
3
Script Creation
Tweaking to perfection
I will then craft your script and ceremony from start to finish and then send through (or read to you if you prefer) for your initial feedback. Hopefully you’ll be bowled over but I am happy to tweak or change it until it is just perfect and we are ready to roll.
4
Pre-wedding..
..calm those nerves
A few days before the wedding we will meet and run through everything in a mini-dress rehearsal and answer any last minute questions so that you are completely relaxed on the big day!
5
The wedding day...
...enjoy every second
I will arrive early with a big smile on my face - after all I can’t wait to tell your story. I am there to manage the whole ceremony from start to finish so that everyone is comfortable and relaxed and that you getting hitched goes without a hitch!
6
After the wedding...
...as the journey continues
You will receive a commemorative copy of your script as a momento of your perfect day.
I often stay in touch and it's extra special to be invited back for other family, naming or vow renewal celebrations, down the line.
Where to have your ceremony?
Wherever you like....it's your day.
Inside, outdoors, at a festival, stately home, licensed or unlicensed venue- the choice is yours.
Although I am based in glorious Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk I can travel in a day to all of East Anglia and London but with enough notice I can do any celebration anywhere in the world.
(Except underwater scuba diving as I'm scared of sharks.)
It's not just weddings...
If you want to celebrate anything I would love to help you....
Naming Ceremonies
There are so many perfect occasions to have a naming ceremony from...
…welcoming a baby to the family with a love filled ceremony focused on promising support and care from those that love them.
….welcoming adopted or step children into the family
….combining naming ceremonies with weddings where two families become one
….transitioning ceremonies
It’s truly special when a couple decide to celebrate their love for each other by renewing or reaffirming their vows of commitment to each other. I can help to create and deliver a ceremony that reflects the memories you have created together and looks to the future as you strengthen your commitment to each other.
With opportunities to involve those who have shared your journey along the way or just a small intimate ceremony that’s full of love and promise.
Vow Renewals
Other occasions
If you want to celebrate or commemorate any event that is important to you I can help to create a special ceremony to mark the day.
As a besotted pet owner I completely understand the pain at losing a pet and with compassion and understanding will help to craft the perfect send off for your furry friends - (and it's a nice excuse to get a photo of my puppy called Panda on this page!)
Or if you want to celebrate a company anniversary, 5 years clear of cancer, transitioning or even coming of age - tell me your story and I will craft a bespoke ceremony that is meaningful and memorable.
About Lizzie
Why I love being a celebrant
Having been trained as an Independent Professional Celebrant I see it as an absolute honour to be involved in peoples special moments and love to creatively write and tell peoples stories. Engaging an audience and sharing the couples love with their guests is the most rewarding thing.
What I love
I love people and family. I have two beautiful children, a fabulous husband and a huge extended family that all mean the world to me. I genuinely love finding out what makes people tick and hearing their stories. I love that everyone is different and I thrive on their quirks!
My favourite animal
Dogs – especially Tibetian Terriers as they are intelligent, cute and strong willed!
My favourite meal
Brunch. I love a long relaxed drawn-out brunch after a family celebration the night before. I love a house full of family with various bodies appearing at the table throughout the morning. The sharing of stories and laughter filling the house along with usually the smell of burnt toast.
My favourite place
Whilst I live in Bury St Edmunds which I love, my favourite place would have to be by the sea. Any season you’ll find me out and about walking the beaches with my dog in tow and seeking that perfect coffee shop
My biggest dislike
Being charged extra for ketchup (I am an addict) and intolerance of others
Best Trait
If you want something done - I’m the one!
Favourite song
September by Earth, Wind and Fire
Favourite TV program
I am a bit of a soft touch and love momentous moments and so I'd have to go with 'One born every minute'
Plus....
I am a trained primary school teacher and subsequently have had a career in Marketing, Events and especially Weddings for over 20 years.
I am a fully trained Independent Celebrant and a member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants.
FAQ's
What is a Celebrant?
Well the name is in the title I guess…. a Celebrant is a professional who can conduct ceremonies that are celebrating some of lives biggest moments such as weddings, funerals and naming ceremonies.
They have been trained and are experienced in understanding how to create and deliver the perfect ceremony that reflects both the occasion and the people involved so that it is memorable and unique.
Can a Celebrant legally marry you?
In England and Wales, by law, marriages must take place in a licensed venue such as a register office or a licensed hotel and be conducted by a registrar or a religious leader.
However I can help you to arrange a legal simple Register Office Ceremony that does the legal part just like when you register a birth or death and this can cost as little as £46. This can take place before or after the main ceremony that we create together.
In other parts of the world celebrants have legal power but we’ve just got a bit of catching up to do here.
Why use a celebrant?
Firstly, you can do it anywhere as it doesn't have to be a licensed venue…. In your garden, local pub or up the top of a mountain! It can also take place in any licensed venue, stately home, castle or palace.
Secondly, there are no restrictions on the content to the ceremony. That means that it can be completely personal to you, involve family and friends or even the pet rabbit if you would like!
Can it be religious?
I believe in equality and diversity and my task is to deliver a ceremony that is meaningful to you. Therefore, I am happy to either include or not include any religious content that you would like.
Can you help write my vows?
Absolutely! However you would like them- an outpouring of your love and commitment or a mix of fun and serious – whatever you want to say and however you want to say it, we can work together to get them perfect.
Diversity and Inclusivity Policy
I work within the boundaries as set out by my professional organisation and the standards of celebrants as set out by The Fellowship of Professional Celebrants and the Wedding Celebrancy Commission.
I will always try to encourage a supportive and inclusive culture within any industry I work in.
I genuinely believe it is within all our best interests to promote equality and diversity as we eliminate discrimination.
My aim is to ensure that each and every couple, family and industry colleagues are given equal opportunity.
Finally and most importantly each person I deal with will be respected and valued by me.
