Hello everyone! I am your Hand On Heart Celebrant, Debra Massey.

I love my job creating bespoke ceremonies filled with love, laughter and memorable moments for my clients!

In the lead-up to your wedding, I will meet you face to face, with no obligation, simply to listen to your dreams for your wedding ceremony and to see if I can help.

I am a published author, experienced national public speaker, and qualified executive coach, so the writing and presentation of your ceremony will be crafted to a high standard. As someone who was previously an award-winning primary teacher, I love including children as well as adult guest participation. From a selection of attached photos, you will see pets have also had starring roles.

The resulting draft scripts, with support for vows and readings, as required, will be interwoven around your personal love story and preferences.

Many unity symbolic actions, such as handfasting, a leap of faith, and cocktail mixing, can also be included in your bespoke ceremony - to mention but three endless possibilities! As well as being fully qualified as a Civil Celebrant, therefore able to incorporate global influences, I am happy to include religious or non-religious content to encompass exciting and interesting enrichment opportunities for each ceremony.

No two are the same, and no love story is a repeat of someone else's, so why wouldn't you want a personalised ceremony for the happiest day of your life?

I was previously an award-winning teacher with a First Class Honours degree specialising in English, Drama, and Dance. Therefore, both you and your guests will be entertained by a memorable ceremony that blends funny details, romance, and moments of reflection, including acknowledging someone special who is important to you but has passed away.

Having already planned and executed weddings for brides and grooms and members of the LBGTQ+ community, I celebrate love in every form, wherever, whenever, and however your dream ceremony needs to be. From an intimate forest setting for an elopement to a remarriage to surprise unsuspecting guests, these are just two recent client briefs I have met.

If you have a large-scale event in a licensed setting or a rustic wedding in the countryside, have a look at the photos here to see what a Hand On Heart Celebrant can offer you on your day. I also have an outdoor wedding in the grounds of a villa for a summer wedding already booked for 2025. I also have excellent contacts with suppliers to meet your other needs if you are looking for inspiration.

Dream big - and do get in touch, as I would love to bring those dreams to a reality.

I always meet clients face-to-face at the venue and can provide additional resources - and many ideas tailored to your theme. (If further afield or overseas, then meetings online could be the start if face-to-face meetings are not possible). However, telephone calls and initial meetings do not mean you are locked into a contract: you have a 14-day cool-off period before we formally begin our partnership.

I can also offer a writing-only package and have some availability for 2024. I am also taking bookings for 2025 and 2026, so please get in touch. (I am happy to travel.)

In the lead-up to your wedding, I will be there to listen and support you, and I can assure you that I never book more than one wedding a week.

I also offer a couple of ceremonies for free through my local hospice and a discount for carers. Why? I realise that love may be limitless, but barriers beyond our control make it even more important in the darkest of times to have a happy event to plan and look forward to with those you love most in the world. I also offer other couples' ceremonies, including celebrations of civil partnerships, commitments, and vow renewals.

Likewise, I offer family ceremonies to welcome a new child, or even a pet, where additional adults pledge to support the parents and child, family members including children promise to look after the pet and love it unconditionally. For children coming into a family or community through displacement or adoption or for adults claiming a new identity through a transgender journey, I can also offer a happy celebration ceremony to mark a major milestone.

Thanks for reading - and enjoy your day your way!

Debra Massey, your Hand on Heart Celebrant is based in Hertford, Hertfordshire.