Hello! I'm Nicky,
I'm so glad you've found your way here.
If you're looking for someone warm, organised, and genuinely invested in making your ceremony everything you hope it will be, you're in the right place. Let me tell you a bit about myself and why I absolutely love what I do.
My Journey to Celebrancy
I was born and raised in Watford in a wonderfully close-knit family. Growing up, Saturdays meant watching Watford Football Club with my mum, dad, and sister – a tradition that continues in our family today. Summer holidays were simple bed and breakfast trips to Bournemouth, and family gatherings for every possible occasion. Those experiences taught me the value of being together for life's moments, big and small.
Life took me into a 25-year career in the events industry, where I organised everything from intimate business dinners to glitzy fundraising balls. Before that, I worked in property management and as a legal secretary. Throughout all these roles, my knack for organisation and attention to detail (my family lovingly calls it OCD, though I prefer "highly organised") served me well.
But events work, while exciting, was about other people's visions. I wanted to do something more personal, more meaningful.
Why I Became a Celebrant
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The Moment Everything Changed
The truth is, I came to celebrancy through both loss and inspiration.
When my mum died just weeks before my daughter was born, her funeral was disappointingly impersonal. The celebrant kept calling her "Mrs. Smallwood" – so formal, so cold, nothing like the warm, loving person she was. It's something our family still talks about today, that sense of disappointment at such an important moment.
Years later, I lost a dear friend after her long battle with cancer. Her family had put so much love into planning her funeral, but the priest who led it completely lost control. Although my friend would have laughed at the chaos – she had a wicked sense of humour – it was heartbreaking to see their careful planning fall apart.
These experiences stayed with me. Then last year, after losing my job and visiting my daughter in Australia over Christmas, I had a conversation with an old friend who'd retrained as a celebrant. Listening to her talk about the weddings and naming ceremonies she'd conducted, seeing the absolute joy on her face – something clicked.
This was it. This was how I could use my skills and experience to make sure other people's meaningful moments are celebrated properly, with the warmth and personal touch they deserve.
Every Ceremony Deserves to be Marked
Wedding Ceremonies - From £700
Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments of your life. Together, we'll create a ceremony that tells your love story in your own words, whether you dream of something traditional and elegant, relaxed and informal, or a little bit quirky.
From intimate elopements to grand celebrations, I'll work with you to craft every element – the tone, the readings, the rituals, the vows. This is your moment to celebrate exactly as you choose.
Vow Renewals - From £700
Whether you're marking a milestone anniversary or simply want to reaffirm your commitment, a vow renewal is a beautiful way to celebrate your journey together. We'll reflect on everything you've shared and create a ceremony that honours both where you've been and where you're going.
Funeral & Celebration of Life Ceremonies - From £295
Saying goodbye to someone you love is never easy. I'll sit with you, listen to your stories, and create a ceremony that truly honours your person. Whether you want a traditional funeral or a joyful celebration of life, we'll make sure their memory is celebrated in a way that feels right for your family.
Naming Ceremonies - From £350
Welcoming a child into your family – whether through birth, adoption, or surrogacy – is a moment of pure joy. A naming ceremony allows you to celebrate this new beginning in your own way, with the people who matter most gathered around you.
I also create naming ceremonies for adults celebrating transitions – coming out, gender affirmation, or reclaiming a name after divorce.
What I Bring to Your Ceremony
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Professional Experience
Twenty-five years of event management means I understand logistics, timing, and coordination. I know how to think on my feet when things don't go exactly to plan (because let's be honest, something always happens). I can keep my cool under pressure while keeping everyone around me calm and even smiling.
I'll work seamlessly with your venue, your suppliers, your family members – making sure all the moving pieces come together beautifully.
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Personal Touch
But here's what really matters: I genuinely care about getting your ceremony right. My friends describe me as empathetic and supportive, someone who listens and really hears what you're saying.
I believe every life and love story deserves to be celebrated, no matter who you are or where you've come from. That belief sits at the heart of everything I do. Your ceremony will honour your story, your values, your dreams – not some generic template.
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Sense of Humour
I love to laugh, and I believe even the most meaningful moments can include joy and lightness. If you want humour woven into your ceremony, I'm absolutely here for that. Life's too short to be overly serious all the time.
A Bit About Me Personally
When I'm not creating ceremonies, you'll find me:
- Watching dog videos obsessively (we had a beloved crossbreed who's no longer with us, and I particularly love Labradors)
- Enjoying West End musicals – I was in a musical production company years ago, so musical theatre holds a special place in my heart
- Heading to the beach whenever possible – my family's love affair with Bournemouth continues across generations, but also to far flung shores
- Taking city breaks with my husband Simon and friends
- Trying new gins and doing distillery tours (I'm a self-confessed gin lover)
- Embracing anything with sequins or glitter – perhaps that musical theatre background shining through
- Getting far too excited about Christmas – I'm still like a big kid when the festive season rolls around
I'm married to Simon, who's Australian. We met while working on a project together in London, and what I remember most about those early days is how much we laughed. Still do, actually – we still find the daftest things hilarious.
Our daughter (affectionately known as Mouse) is currently living her biggest adventure in Australia, which gave us a wonderful excuse to visit Sydney.
Where I Work
I'm based in North West London and regularly work across Greater London and surrounding counties including Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Cambridgeshire.
I particularly love working at converted barns, quirky venues, outdoor spaces with water views, manor houses, and places with historical significance – though I'm equally happy creating ceremonies in your garden, a local hotel, or anywhere else that's special to you.
Let's Create Something Meaningful Together
I'd love to hear about what you're planning. Whether you have a clear vision or you're just starting to explore options, let's have a conversation and see if we're the right fit.
After all, this is one of life's most meaningful moments. You deserve a celebrant who'll make sure it's marked exactly as you want.