Meet Jo
Hello, I’m Jo
Welcome, and thank you for visiting my website. I’m Jo, an independent celebrant, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have found a role that brings together so many things I have loved throughout my life — people, communication, music, emotions and, most importantly, helping others create meaningful moments.
01 / My background
A little bit about me…
My career has taken a few different paths!
I originally trained as a classical musician and spent many happy years teaching piano and violin while raising my family in Ayr, Scotland. Music has always been a huge part of my life, and it still has an important place in the ceremonies I create.
When my children reached their teenage years, I trained as a hypnotherapist and Relax Kids Coach. Working mainly with children, I taught relaxation techniques and helped them understand and manage difficult emotions. This taught me the importance of listening carefully, communicating sensitively and helping people feel at ease.
02 / A new chapter
A change of direction
In 2016, my life took an unexpected turn when I discovered that I needed hearing aids.
Living with hearing loss has been a huge learning curve and given me a different perspective on communication. Sadly, this hearing loss meant eventually teaching music was no longer possible, and I found myself wondering what the next chapter of my working life might look like.
In 2020, I returned to my native West Country — and it was here that I discovered my calling as a celebrant.
An old school friend mentioned celebrancy, and something about the idea immediately struck a chord (no pun intended). The more I thought about it, the more I realised it brought together so many of the skills, passions and experiences I had gathered throughout my life.
03 / Finding my calling
Why celebrancy?
I am naturally empathic and genuinely interested in people and their stories. My background in music has given me a love of creating atmosphere and choosing the right words and music for a special occasion. My experience as a hypnotherapist taught me how to listen carefully, communicate sensitively and help people feel comfortable.
Most importantly, my own experiences have taught me that life's important moments deserve to be recognised, remembered and celebrated.
04 / Working together
Your ceremony matters to me
When you choose me as your celebrant, you can expect a personal and supportive service from our very first conversation.
I will take the time to get to know you, understand what matters to you and keep in regular contact throughout the planning process. I want you to feel confident that your wishes are at the heart of your ceremony.
And, of course, my hearing loss doesn't stop me from doing what I love! I have a listening device which feeds your voice directly into my hearing aids if I need a little extra help.
Whether you are planning a wedding, a celebration of life or another special ceremony, I will do everything I can to make it personal, meaningful and truly you.
I very much look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me.