Celebrant
Wedding Celebrant with Compassion | Norfolk & Suffolk | Deniz Paradot
I didn’t set out to become a celebrant — I was called into it by love.
When my sister asked me to officiate her wedding, I was honoured beyond words. To be trusted with something so personal, so important — to hold space on a day that would live in memory forever — was one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Then my daughter asked me to be her celebrant too. “Dad,” she said, “I don’t want to be ‘given away.’ I want something different. I want you to be there — not just as my father, but to help us tell our story.”
And so I stood with them, not as a figure of tradition, but as someone who knew them, felt them, and could bring their ceremony to life with warmth, depth and joy.
Since then, I’ve chosen to conduct a few ceremonies each year — because I want to continue to share, give, and be part of these very special occasions.
What I bring
I’ve spent a lifetime working with people — as a qigong teacher, mindfulness coach and mentor. I listen well. People open up around me. And in listening deeply, I begin to understand what matters most to each couple.
I bring a deep sense of calm to what can be a stressful day. I hold a safe space for the couple — present, grounded, and fully there for them.
I create bespoke ceremonies that reflect you — your story, your values, your way. Whether you want laughter or stillness, poetry or simplicity, I’ll help you shape something meaningful and memorable.
On several occasions, I’ve been stopped by couples who told me that, in listening to the ceremony, they felt a renewed affection for each other — that I reminded them what marriage is truly about.
I don't use pre-written scripts. Everything is written just for you.
I don’t do performance. I do presence.
And I always bring a bit of heartfelt humour to balance the beauty.
Weddings and vow renewals
Whether you’re celebrating new beginnings or reaffirming your journey together, I approach every ceremony with care, compassion and clarity.
Your ceremony should feel like you. It should hold you, reflect you, and stay with you — long after the day is done.