Modern Stories

Contemporary ceremonies can sit between the traditions we value and the modern lives we lead. They can be things of beauty which live long in the memory. Here, I explore my writing inspirations and how I approach my craft.

Contemporary ceremonies can sit between the traditions we value and the modern lives we lead. They can be things of beauty which live long in the memory. Here, I explore my writing inspirations and how I approach my craft.


 

at a time


Heaney and Enjoying the Everyday

Letting the world work on us and the natural delight that comes.  more  

Forough Farrokhzad and What We Leave Behind

A meditation on death and what it leaves us with.  more  

Report Card

18 months in and I've learnt a lot.  more  

Elizabeth Barrett Browning: The Best Thing in The World

Her sonnets normally take centre stage. This one's a little different  more  

Wedding Vows You Won't Regret

I encourage my clients to see vows not as sacred oaths never to be broken but guidance to be lived by.  more  

Forough Farrokhzad: I Will Greet The Sun Again

One of my favourites from Iranian poet and icon Forough Farrokhzad. When it comes to readings and memorials, we can shy away from some poets because of the strength of their voice....  more  

The “We” of Wedding Speeches

Escape the trap of “I” and honour the collective nature of speech giving   more  

Recent Readings: Neruda's Love Sonnets

Love poetry can be difficult: too sensual, too sorrowful, too cliche? I found this Neruda poem worked better than expected.  more  

A Valediction: Forbidding Mourning

Whilst celebrants might avoid a poem which such a title, especially for modern ceremonies, this one stands the text of time.  more  

Eulogy Writing

Independent celebrants have a chance to shape your ceremony with a eulogy; but how might you shape your own?  more