True Love. True Story.
Hello, I’m Laura.
I love to create meaningful ceremonies for modern couples that are engaging, exceptional, and unforgettable. Happily married, I am a book loving, dog walking, song singing, and coffee drinking mom.
I met my husband, Andrew, in a pub in the west end of Glasgow. Between the pints of Guinness and the midnight curry, it was love at first sight. We’ve been together for twenty years – the first half spent in Scotland where our sons, Thomas and Harry, were born; and now here in Canada.
Aside from me showing up embarrassingly late, our wedding ceremony was quite predictable. Comprised of old-fashioned language and cliché sentiments; it wasn’t really a reflection of us or our relationship.
I don’t want that for you.
How I Became an Officiant
It was a few years ago now.
I was months away from turning 50 and struggling with the very idea of it. Having had successful careers in marketing and education, I still felt that there was something else I should be doing – something on a more personal level. I also knew that whatever it was, it was time to get on with it.
“It didn’t take long to recognize that my experiences and skills had all led me to this.”
As it happens, we were in England visiting family and I went out for dinner with my sister-in-law and her friends. One friend, who was an Officiant, was late because she had been marrying a couple. All I could think of was just how amazing that must be! That moment was all I needed. It didn’t take long to recognize that my experiences and skills had all led me to this.
I enrolled at The Celebrant Foundation and Institute, which is based out of New Jersey and trains Celebrants around the world. I spent the next 10 months studying ceremonial rites, with a dedicated focus on Wedding Celebrancy. The first wedding I performed was for my best friend and her love. Of course, it had to be perfect - what an absolute joy that was!
Honestly, I’ve never looked back and take the greatest happiness from every wedding I have the privilege of conducting.
Here are some things you should know about me:
I love to …
marry people of any faith or gender
write (former marketing manager)
speak in front of an audience (former radio show host)
perform ceremonies in any venue or setting
make your guests feel they are part of the ceremony
create ceremonies that are relaxed, fun, and a little emotional
tailor ceremonies to reflect any spiritual and cultural backgrounds
I am…
extremely organized
detail oriented
a certified Celebrant (graduate of The Celebrant Foundation and Institute)
an ordained Minister with CIMM
licenced to perform weddings in the province of Ontario
based in the Kawartha Lakes
committed to community
I have…
a black dress obsession (and usually wear one for ceremonies)
a weakness for dogs, HGTV, and Kawartha Dairy ice cream
All to say, you are trusting me to play an important role for a very significant moment in your lives, and I take that very seriously.
“Laura is incredibly personable. She is kind, thoughtful, and accepting. Laura accepts people exactly as they are and understands whatever it is that makes them special.
She’s funny, too. She understands what a couple wants from their wedding and goes to great lengths to make it perfect.”
“Laura was absolutely phenomenal!“
“As someone who tends to be a perfectionist, I was thrilled by her exceptional level of organization and responsiveness. She truly understood the importance of a well-planned ceremony and collaborated with me seamlessly to craft a flawless script. During the ceremony, Laura's conducting was flawless, leaving no room for any unexpected surprises.
I cannot express enough gratitude to Laura for her invaluable contribution in making our special day even more extraordinary.
Thank you, Laura!”