Funeral Arranging and End of Life Decisions – a Step by Step Guide
My new book is to be published by Troubador Books on June 28th 2022 and will be available on Amazon and in all major book stores as well as the smaller independent bookshops.
Recent Posts by sarahchapman
Bev and Barney’s Wedding
There was so much love and laughter in Torbay Barn, Devon when Bev and Barnaby celebrated their wedding with their family and friends. It was extra special for me as I had known Bev and her family for years and was so touched when she asked me to be a part of their wonderful day.
Chloe and Rob’s Festival Wedding
The scene was set for a festival themed wedding at Holsome Park near Diptford, Devon.
For Chloe and Rob, attending gigs and festivals together is a regular occurrence included attending V festival, Glastonbury, Reading and even Benicasim in Spain. Camping, dancing and having a great time in a field clearly linked to their chosen venue.
Funeral Feathers
The most meaningful funeral captures the life and personality of the person, which can be shown through the choice of music, poems and flowers and the involvement of family and friends.
Music for Funerals
Every ceremony is unique and personal, and music can be crucial in setting the tone and feel. Music can bring people together in emotionally distressing times and also give pointers back to the past, drawing on family traditions that have been laid down and maintained over the years. Hymns and religious music are sometimes chosen for this reason and it is always moving to see family and friends stand and sing a favourite hymn together.
What Does a Celebrant Do?
The dictionary definition of a celebrant is: ‘a person who performs a rite’. This has traditionally meant a vicar, minister or priest, with the ceremony taking place in a church or other religious building. These days, we have more choices and the importance of selecting the right celebrant for your loved one’s celebration of life cannot be underestimated.
Steph and Morgan’s Oak Tree Wedding
It was a warm, sunny day as Steph and Morgan celebrated their wedding with their family and friends at Middle Coombe Farm, Tiverton.
The scene was set under the oak tree.
Naomi and Graham 9th Anniversary
I have been privileged to be a part of Naomi and Graham’s journey together as they first asked me to lead their renewal of vows ceremony seven years ago. Since then, we have celebrated on the beach at Watergate in Cornwall and here in their garden but, sadly, their plans to celebrate their 8th anniversary in 2020 was cancelled due to Covid 19.
The Gould Family Blessing
On a beautiful day in August I was excited to perform a Naming and Blessing ceremony for the Gould family near Exeter. It was even more special as the ceremony had been postponed many times due to Covid 19.
Michelle and Richard had asked me to write a ceremony to name their three children and also to celebrate and bless their family in front of their guests.
Each child lit a candle as a symbol of their unity with each other. The candles will be re-lit on their birthday each year as a reminder of the celebration.
As their guests made their promises to the children, they came forward to place their roses into a vase symbolising their love and support for this wonderful family.
Michelle and Richard had chosen four Fairy Godparents to also care and support the children.
Will you promise to be an ear to listen, a voice to advise and a pair of arms that will always have a hug waiting when it’s needed and sometimes when it’s not?
They also witnessed Michelle and Richard signing the Certificate.
It was fitting that music from the Disney film, Moana, was chosen – You’re Welcome!
After the ceremony we all made our way outside to blow bubbles and raise our glasses to Team Gould!
Katherine and David’s Wedding
Katherine and David celebrated their love with a beautiful Wedding ceremony at The Lavender House in Ashburton in front of their family and friends. Katherine’s son accompanied her down the aisle and they chose roses for the Flower Ceremony, pink and white which symbolise new beginnings, happiness and completion.
Their hand fasting cord was made of three strands;
Red for passion, courage, and determination, Black for positivity and protection and White for wholeness and inspiration
Katherine and David invited these qualities and elements into their relationship and affirmations for their marriage.
This amazing couple had been through a lot to be together and chose this poem, read by Amanda.
Love Isn’t Perfect
It isn’t a fairytale or a storybook
and it doesn’t always come easy.
Love is overcoming obstacles,
facing challenges,
fighting to be together,
holding on and never letting go.
It is a short word,
easy to spell,
difficult to define,
and impossible to live without.
Love is work,
but most of all,
love is realising that every hour,
every minute,
every second of it was worth it
because you did it together
Anon
Happy Ever After to you both!
