Real Life Ceremonies: Personalized Celebrant Services
Together we’ll create a unique and unforgettable ceremony that is as special and memorable as the loved one whose life you are remembering and celebrating.
What does a Funeral Celebrant do?
As a Funeral Celebrant I work with families and friends during their time of loss to co-create ceremonies that make their loved one’s life story the centerpiece of the ceremony. I put forth my best effort to provide a funeral service to “Honor a Life Like No Other With a Ceremony Like No Other.”
In many cases, those left behind have faced circumstances over which they felt very little control. My process of ceremony co-creation recognizes this, and I strive to make sure that each person feels heard, valued, involved and empowered.
The process from first contact to ceremony
- Consultation: I meet with the family of the person who has passed to learn about that person’s early years, their education, career, hobbies, sense of humor, values, and legacy – in other words – their Real Life. I then help the family decide which readings, songs, and poems will be shared in the ceremony, who will speak, as well as the format and structure.
- Composition: Drawing upon my 35 years as a professional writer, I compose the ceremony using powerful, insightful, and personalized writing to share the memories and stories that honor and celebrate a life and remain as a keepsake.
- Officiating: I officiate the ceremony (and graveside committal ceremony, if requested), creating a unique, fulfilling and meaningful ceremony that is both a Farewell Gift to the one who has passed on, and a Forever Gift to loved ones and friends.
“At the heart of any meaningful ceremony is the ability to connect with people and “Get the Story Right.” I feel honored to connect with people, ask the right questions to really understand and “feel” their stories, dig deeply to write and share those stories compassionately and compellingly, and officiate the ceremony in ways that make the gathering an interactive, deeply meaningful and unforgettable experience.”
Steve Lawrence ~Certified Celebrant
Family members
“What can I say? I was floundering about, wondering where to even start or how I could get a group of people together to honor and celebrate Pete’s life in the way and to the degree he deserved.
I was so very sad and feeling lost – and afraid that I would come away from the ceremony disappointed that it didn’t measure up to all that Pete was to me and to so many others.
And then you came along with your magic gift of encouraging me to share my heart with you so we could work together in perfect harmony and bring to light the full dimension of who Pete was. You said that all you wanted was the best for me – and you really meant it.”
~ Bless you, M.L
Funeral Directors
“I have been working with Steve for several years and no matter what the circumstances are surrounding a death he has a natural ability to provide families comfort and peace. He takes his time talking with family members to create services that are custom tailored and personalized to each individual.
Steve is kind, empathetic, genuine, and easy to work with. I often get compliments from family and friends attending services about the service he provides being the nicest and most personal ceremonies that they have experienced. I cannot recommend his services highly enough.”
~ Alison Weaver
Ness Sibley Funeral Home
Weddings
“Steve made our wedding a day to remember. His personal touch mixed with his witty sense of humor made the ceremony something we will never forget. While our families grew up with Steve, he still took the time to meet with us to ensure the ceremony was focused completely on our story.”
~ Sarah and John Lisak