It was attending other humanist wedding ceremonies that inspired me to become a celebrant. I loved how personal and unique they were - being able to hear their story, have symbolic gestures that meant something to them, choose their own vows. All very emotional - with happy tears and laughter.

I'd love to help you to create a memorable ceremony that is absolutely right for you as a couple, whether it's shared with a large gathering of family and friends, or a small intimate affair, just the two of you, or even an elopement.

I'm more than happy to have an initial no obligation meeting or chat to see if I'm the right 'fit' for you both, either at my home (although perhaps not a good idea if you might be allergic to my fur babies!) or somewhere neutral. And, if I'm not the right 'fit', that's okay - it's your ceremony, and you should be comfortable with your celebrant.

I live in Grangemouth, near Falkirk (home of the Kelpies), so I'm especially handy for venues throughout the central belt. But I am willing and able to travel as far north as Perth, as far south as Biggar, as far east as Dunbar and, as far west as Loch Lomond (my happy place).

A humanist welcoming or naming ceremony is unique and personal to you. I absolutely love babies and, not being fortunate enough to have any children of my own, it's a great excuse for me to get a cuddle, and be an honorary auntie for the day.

While this type of ceremony is often thought of as a secular alternative to a traditional christening for new babies, it doesn't have to be. It can be a lovely way of formally welcoming someone into a family regardless of age. It may be an adoption, or the joining of two families, or the recognition and celebration of gender reassignment.

The ceremony itself is entirely up to you. It can range from a small, intimate affair in the comfort of your own home, to a large venue with lots of family and/or friends. It can be formal or informal, serious or lighthearted, and you can include symbolic gestures such as handfasting, lighting of candles or a sand ceremony. You can have music, readings, poems and even baby shark. (I'm perfecting happy to make a fool of myself for other people's amusement)!

Bereavement is one of the most difficult and distressing of all life experiences, and is understandably a time of sadness and mourning.

In my experience of meeting families to find out about their loved ones and their lives, while there is sadness, it can often be somewhat therapeutic to spend time reflecting on happy times, rather than being completely consumed by grief.

It is of great importance to me to then compose and conduct a ceremony and tribute that is unique and personal, is genuinely heartfelt and sincere, and wholly reflects the wishes of the family and their loved one.

Of course not every life is a long one, and not every death is expected, and my role as a celebrant in such tragic circumstances can be one of comfort and support.

Whatever the circumstances though, it's important to keep loved ones' memories alive, and close in your heart.