Hi, I'm Bo! I'm a warm, inclusive and professional celebrant. Now...
I certainly hope so!
I live for life's celebrations, and really want to know: what does your special day look like?
Is it a fun ceremony which brings your loved ones together, but avoids the trappings of tickbox events?
Is your personal taste something more intimate, in a place which really speaks to you?
Or perhaps you want to go all out on a historic theme, your favourite pop culture or something we're going to have to invent some new words for?
Whether you're planning a wedding or a different celebration, my ambition is to make your ceremony as fun and as meaningful as possible. I'm a trained actor who will bring professionalism, warmth and wit to your ceremony. Let me “tailor-write” and perform a unique ceremony you will remember forever!
...but what is a celebrant?
Very simply, a celebrant is someone who officiates at a celebration! From conducting wedding ceremonies to baby namings, I'm an independent celebrant who will make your special day feel fun, unique, and above all, yours.
People often choose a celebrant as they find that a religious ceremony does not represent them. And registrars are great at the practical stuff, but often don't feel personal enough for what should be a lifelong treasured memory.
I'm an independent celebrant, giving you the freedom to do things your way. Unlike a humanist celebrant, an independent celebrant is able to include religious elements in a ceremony, should that be your wish.
And you can trust in me, as I'm certified by the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants.
What can I do at a ceremony?
This is where things really get fun!
You can draw on the classic ceremonial ideas: for your wedding that might mean vows, ring exchanges and readings, but done with a fresh angle! (There are a few rules on what can be involved - more details on my weddings page.)
You can bring in loved ones to contribute: perhaps live music, a performance or a friend's poetry reading. And I love than hearing about unusual family traditions which can be folded in to the day!
Or you might have an idea for something really unusual. The bigger the better!
Having said all that...while some people do have specific ideas in mind, maybe you know that traditional ceremonies aren't for you, but have not have sussed what your day should look like. And we can talk about that to see what is right for you!
About me...
"Yes, of course they like you," my partner said after I first met his parents. "My Mum said you were...very expressive!"
I'd say that's a pretty fair assessment of me. I've got a lot of fun and love to share!
Professionally, I funnelled that for 17 years into my company, Hobgoblin Theatre, where I would write, perform and direct. Then I realised my vocation was helping others celebrate their milestones.
Still, it's a background which comes in pretty handy as a celebrant. Making sense of a story and finding fresh ways to share it? Tick. Delivering an emotionally-connected and memorable event? Tick. And I have worked a lot with children, so when it comes to ushering and focusing an energetic and excited crowd? Tick tick tick.
I'm often asked what my dream event is to be a celebrant for, and let's just say, I would consider retirement after a Neighbours-themed wedding!
Away from the celebrations, I'm a lifelong Londoner, and I live in Brixton with my partner. So long as there is yoga, chocolate and theatre on hand, life is sweet.
And if you're thinking that Bo is an unusual name, we have my nephew to thank for that: he couldn't say James when he was young, and Jimbo quickly became the more manageable Bo!