“This was a wonderful experience for us. Thank you Tamiko. We feel so lucky to have had you as our celebrant and would wholeheartedly recommend you to anyone..  We also had so much positive feedback from guests. ‘Where did you find your celebrant? She was perfect.” I have run out of superlatives – it was utterly flawless!” G.S

Hello, I’m Tamiko O’Brien an accredited Humanist UK celebrant, and I lead ceremonies for weddings, civil partnerships, funerals, and memorials throughout London and the Greater London area.

Each life is unique and complex, defined by its particular blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary, with its luminous as well as darker moments. Meanwhile, our relationships may be woven with similar elements – love, passion, hilarity, exasperation and quiet contentment – and yet they are completely distinctive.

Working as a humanist celebrant to support couples and families, to create ceremonies that capture what is particular and meaningful for them, is the greatest privilege. Weddings, funerals and memorials are such critically important milestones in our lives, they should be crafted with care, compassion and sincerity, rich with reminiscences, joyful, inclusive and authentic. This is what I set out to achieve.

The role of celebrant requires a range of skills and insights and my 30 years’ of working in higher education and the arts has equipped me for the challenge. But while I’ve organised numerous events and written and delivered many talks and speeches, the skill I value most highly in my work as a celebrant is my ability to listen deeply and actively.

“We have had so many appreciative comments about the funeral. Thank you so much for writing such a lovely tribute for P, pulling it all together, and ensuring all went so smoothly.” R.I

“You listened and interpreted so well achieving a balanced and accurate picture of O’s life.  The script reflected the atmosphere we were after – genuine, warm, with thoughtful reflection as well as some humour and lightness. Your presentation on the day was just what we hoped for and we had so many positive responses…” O.L

“we wanted to say how much we appreciated your organisation and sensitive delivery of T’s memorial… I think everyone present felt the warmth and sense of community that you managed to convey as well as the admirable summary of T’s life and work.” MB and MTB

“You have been so good throughout this whole experience – sensitive and seeming to sense what I wanted when I was feeling numbed and incoherent. When I look back on T’s burial and the celebration of life event  – I am very happy with how they both went and wouldn’t have changed a thing. This is in a large part due to your work, your guidance and understanding every step of the way.” VJB

 

More information on my approach to weddings is available here, for funerals and memorials there is a drop down menu here. Please feel free to contact me with any questions using the details in the column on the right.