Hello, I am Lesley. I am an independent celebrant, living on the Essex coastline, based in Tendring which is in close proximity to beautiful beaches and countryside, I am also just 30 minutes from the Suffolk border, giving me the opportunity to cover 2 counties. 

I have raised a large family, where each of them are unique and have taken different paths. It has been a joy to celebrate and help organise their individual celebrations, from birthdays, graduations, coming of age, marriages and love choice (same sex). 

All of these, and many more, are all major events in someone's life, no matter their age and they all deserve to be celebrated in a ceremony that is as individual as they are. 

Whatever the celebration you require, I will do my utmost to create a ceremony as unique as your signature. 

I have genuinely always enjoyed helping people achieve their dream day, for many years making bridal party dresses. Just as a bride's bespoke dress doesn’t start at the sewing machine, but with discussions with her dressmaker, the wording of a celebration starts with discussions with the celebrant, rather than at a word processor. Not everyone has a clear picture of what they desire, indeed even when they initially have an idea, they often change their minds when they see how many options they have. 

Although I have complete respect for all organised religion, my own path has been more of a spiritual one. I am passionate about all things holistic and have qualifications in Crystal and Rahanni Healing, Aromatherapy, Colour therapy, Indian head massage and am currently studying for a Master Herbalist Diploma. This has led me on a path of all things natural, so if your dream location is deep in the forest, or your deepest desire is to feel the sand between your toes during your ceremony, then maybe I am the celebrant for you! 

Within my last employment as an HR / PM manager, I had to work collaboratively with department managers as well as senior management. They would often want different things and results; I was responsible for helping them to find pathways to achieving their goals.  

As a naturally shy person, working at this managerial level was initially hard for me. However, as I gained experience and responsibility, I soon discovered that I was in fact an outgoing person, enjoying interacting with others.  This was truly a journey of self-discovery. I was often moved by the sharing of stories of people's life journeys when running development training sessions. 

The confidence gained by speaking to audiences, often with people I did not know, is a skill that I am grateful to have attained and one which affords me the ability to deliver your chosen ceremonies with poise. 

Lesley