My name is Sarah Hammal and I am a trained Humanist UK wedding celebrant. My work can vary from very traditional wedding ceremonies, to the weird and wonderful. I love helping a couple craft their experiences into a highly personal ceremony that wows their guests.
Humanist weddings are, in a nutshell, completely unique. Each ceremony is made specifically for the couple and explores what they want from their celebration so that the couple and their guests have the best day imaginable. Humanism is a stand point that does not believe in God. The focus in both Humanism and in a Humanist wedding is that we should try to be the best people that we can be in the here and now. Humanist weddings are not yet legally binding in England, but hopefully will be soon. We can build in the legal element of the marriage through joint ventures or the this can be carried out on another day, enabling the focus to remain on the celebration of the union.
Every humanist wedding is unique but often couples ask what the process is and what to expect. It is essential that we meet a few times so that the wedding that I write for you reflects you properly. It is usual to have an initial meeting, a detailed planning meeting and a rehearsal. As well as the ceremony itself, you will recieve a presentation copy of your wedding script and certificate. Since each Humanist wedding is tailored to the couple, the process is very flexible. I generally charge £400 for these services as a guide.
About Me
I have lived in Sunderland all my life, apart from brief forays into the 'Toon'. I have a fantastic, supportive family and two little boys who are a source of constant education about the meaning of love and happiness (and stickiness). I am happy to travel to locations that fit with your dream wedding as far as the Lake District and North Yorkshire. My passions include attempting to bake, reading graphic novels, and I'm currently obsessed with Gardeners World as I renovate the gardens at our new home. I'd love to hear about your inspirations as a couple and learn how we can use them to build a unique wedding ceremony for you.
I started my career as a teacher of Religious Education and taught about Humanism alongside other faiths. Teaching instilled in me that planning is everything, the importance of time keeping to the second and how to write a script that can captivate and hold an audience! I love to write and perform unique ceremonies and can't wait to do my first ceremony in cosplay.
Make It Unique
Some couples like to include within their ceremony a gesture that symbolises their relationship. For example, traditional handfasting ceremonies celebrate two individuals becoming one and can be tailored to reflect the couples by asking different groups of family members to come and perform the binding. Sand blending can enable extended families with children to include everyone and blend them together as one big new family. Outdoor ceremonies lend themselves to the blanket ceremony or flower ceremonies. Please ask how you could incoprate a symbolic gesture into your big day.
A wedding is not only about two people but also about the joining of two or more families. Invite them to participate and share the joy of the day. Children can be a wealth of entertainment, particularly if the thought of your big day is stressful, so call forth our youth and utilise their charm. Additionally, there is no greater honour than to be asked to read or perform at a loved one's ceremony. With a humanist wedding you can give that honour to those you love to the extent that you wish.
Humanism is all about making ethical choices, so why not build that into your wedding and shout proudly that you wish the best for mankind and our planet? Do this through your venue choice, your wedding favours, donations to charities and the inclusion of ethical readings.
Testimonials
Here are comments Humanists UK have received from some of the fantastic couples I have worked with.
"Sarah was fantastic. From day one she was very warm and totally understood the type of service I wanted. It was surprise for my husband and whole family and Sarah went to extra lengths to make sure it stayed that way. Everyone commented about the lovely service Sarah conducted and both myself and my partner thoroughly enjoyed our special day. Thank you for helping to make such wonderful memories that myself, my partner and children will cherish forever."
"The ceremony exceeded expectations, not just met. Excellent communication and personalisation throughout the process."
"Sarah was a lovely lady and put our story together perfectly. Would definitely use her services again and would highly recommend her to others looking for a Humanist ceremony."
