My wonderful new chapter as a celebrant

I’d had a successful  career  in corporate HR for over 25 years working predominately in international organisations. A big part of my role involved creating and delivering large scale international projects e.g. Talent & Development strategies/M&A; always working across different time zones with frequent business travel, often at short notice. I became very good at juggling multiple priorities, working to tight deadlines and being an adaptable, agile contributor. It was engrossing, exhilarating and all consuming.

In 2019 I felt restless. I’d achieved all the major professional goals I’d set myself and could no longer ignore my yearning  for a well rounded life. As a humanist I believe that this is the one and only  life we have, so it’s important to make the most of it. I’d stumbled across an article about Carol Smillie, a humanist celebrant and was intrigued.  Further research described a role filled with creativity, storytelling, connecting with others, collaborating and creating ceremonies of joy and celebration – it sounded wonderful.  My mind was made up. Working in HR gave me useful transferable skills  and in my personal life I’m the go to social planner/organiser for my family and friends. The catalyst came with the global pandemic and a death in my family. Life had changed, I’d changed and knew this was the right time to make a complete lifestyle change.

Becoming a celebrant has been the right choice for me.  It’s been a learning process and a wonderful reevaluation – redefining my priorities and rediscovering what brings me joy. Being part of a significant moment in a couple or family’s life is an incredible privilege. It is a genuine pleasure to meet different couples/ families and go on a delightful journey working  together to craft a perfectly fitting ceremony for each one.  I’ve had to push myself out of my comfort zone, not always easy but always necessary for change and growth. That said, I recognise that getting to the same innate, intuitive fluency with tech and social media as digital natives is highly unlikely – but you never know!

In addition to naming ceremonies I also offer blended family ceremonies, adoption ceremonies, re-naming ceremonies and  I also offer  wedding ceremonies, vow renewals and elopement ceremonies.

Me in a nutshell

1. My name is ‘pronounced ‘shaar-mee-uhn’. It’s ancient Greek in origin and means ‘joy/’delight
2. I’m a South-West Londoner and enjoy walking the abundant green space it has to offer
3. I care deeply about climate action, human rights, children’s protection, education and literacy
4. I love music, literature, art, dance, film and opera. I believe imagination, creative expression and is essential, enriching and helps us connect with others
5. As a child I wanted to be a Blue Peter presenter.  I’m just as curious to discover new places and people; still eager to travel, pitch in and participate and be part of something bigger than oneself
6. I’m an auto/biographies enthusiast and find other people’s stories fascinating
7. I love both cityscapes and big landscapes – my favourites are Scotland, Scandinavia, South Africa, Switzerland & Canada
8. I believe a judicious blend of serious-mindedness and light heartedness makes for a life that’s both meaningful and joyful

 If this resonates with you, let’s chat 

Email me charmian.todd@humanistceremonies.org.uk and we’ll arrange a conversation