Hello, I’m Laura!
I create personal ceremonies for modern couples that are engaging, exceptional, and unforgettable. I am a happily married, 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 almost 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.
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.
“We chose Laura to marry us for many reasons: She’s funny, charismatic, charming, sensitive, and a great listener. She’s easy to talk to, non-judgemental and caring.
Laura will take the time to create a personalized ceremony and not just recite some generic piece. She’ll work within your time frame and handle any scenario you throw at her.”
~.S.O. & S.H. Aug 21
Services
Weddings
You’ve got the perfect venue in mind, and are planning a wedding that includes friends and family, and maybe even your dog. You want your guests to share in your love story, and to be part of a ceremony that is engaging, exceptional, and unforgettable.
