Naming ceremonies don't need to take place in traditional venues, many are held at home, or in public spaces.
This gorgeous little girl's Naming Day ceremony day was held in the grounds of a local art gallery and museum (we checked first that it would be ok!)
On the day, we had some light rain, but it didn't matter - because we were prepared! In fact, if anything, it made it even better - because we huddled underneath, and around, the gazebo.
Celebrants celebrate, tell stories and help to create memories, and so do great photographers. I have had the pleasure of working with some wonderful photographers, who connect with whoever the ceremony is for and with their guests.
Photographers, like Liam Doyle (of Folkstar Photography) who totally get what is going on and are interested in, and care about, capturing special moments like these...
Laughter, the Beatles, and bubbles: a perfect end to a perfect ceremony…
Thank you to our star guest's mum and dad for entrusting me with such a special moment in their precious daughter’s life.
Thank you to this gorgeous wrestling loving bundle of fun for being a superstar – and for my flower and for teaching me how to emulate, and pull off, her very effective and impenetrable ‘stare’.
To each of the guests for their energy and enthusiasm and for everything that they added to the ceremony.
And to our wonderful photographer, Liam Doyle (of Folkstar Photography) who captured all of these special moments – and many more.
This is the poem, written by Emily Martin, that was read by Lyla's mum at the end of her Naming Ceremony:
The Wonderful Things You Will Be
When I look at you and you look at me
I wonder what wonderful things you will be
When you were too small to tell me hello
I knew you were someone I wanted to know
For all of your tininess couldn't disguise
A heart so enormous and wild and wise
This is the first time there's ever been you,
So I wonder what wonderful things you will do.
Will you stand up for good by saving the day?
Or play a song only you know how to play?
Will you tell a story that only you know?
Will you learn what it means to help things to grow?
Will you learn how to fly to find the best view?
Or take care of things much smaller than you?
I know you'll be kind and clever and bold.
And the bigger your heart the more it will hold.
When nights are black and when days are grey -
You'll be brave and bright so no shadows can stay.
Then you will discover all there is to see
And become anybody that you'd like to be
And then I'll look at you and you'll look at me
And I'll love you whoever you've grown up to be.
Hi, I am Lorraine Hull, an award-winning Celebrant, based in Liverpool.
I am most usually asked to conduct ceremonies in North-West England and North Wales but I am happy to travel anywhere within the U.K. or abroad.
At the risk of shouting (and sounding extremely cheesy) "I LOVE MY JOB!".
I really love getting to know the couples and families that ask me to be part of their special celebration, whether that is for a Wedding/Civil Partnership, Renewal/Reaffirmation of Vows, Naming/Welcoming, or Celebration of Life/Funeral
I love hearing, writing and telling love and life stories (and also finding out about hopes and dreams - which are the stories of the future!)
I love to create and conduct unique, meaningful ceremonies that are perfect for each couple, individual, and/or family.
I love helping to create and celebrate happy and poignant moments, which form memories that will last a lifetime (that also includes the memories that I get to keep too - what's not to love?)
I believe that ALL people (and animals) should all be treated kindly, fairly and with respect.
I think for myself and act for others. I advocate anti-racism, the appreciation and celebration of diversity, dignity, justice, equity and equality for ALL through everything that I say and do: Love is Love, Family is Family, Life is Life.
You may like to know that I was trained to the highest level as a Celebrant and have continued my professional development. I hold Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. I adhere to a strict code of conduct and I am committed to identifying, developing and sharing best practice with my Celebrant colleagues, so that we can all be the best Celebrants that we can possibly be.
To contact me please email: lorraine@liverpoolcelebrant.co.uk or call: 0744 932 3988