Ceremonies by Diane

10/05/2026

Today marked the end of Demystifying Death Week…
but perhaps these conversations should never belong to just one week.

In my work within the community as a celebrant and someone who holds space for others, I see how deeply people long to talk honestly about love, loss, remembrance, and what truly matters, yet so often we avoid the conversation.

But speaking about death is not morbid.
It can be one of the greatest gifts we leave those we love.

Sharing funeral wishes.
Choosing music or readings.
Talking about how we wish to be remembered.

Making space for the conversations that really matter.

These conversations can bring comfort, clarity, and peace when families need it most.

I feel incredibly privileged to support so many people in my community through grief, ceremonies, difficult times, and life’s important moments.

Every story reminds me that life is not measured only in achievements, but in kindness, presence, laughter, love, and connection.

Perhaps when we speak more openly about death, we also learn how to live more fully.

💛

Maybe tonight is the perfect time to begin one gentle conversation.

05/05/2026

*What could possibly go wrong with a fully translated Portuguese ceremony?*

Absolutely nothing! It was seamless all thanks to the bride’s brilliant brother.

Daniel, you are officially my go‑to for all future Portuguese translations. Dream team material.

Ana and David’s wedding in April was an absolute joy from start to finish.

The stunning Dunkeld House Hotel gave them the most breath taking backdrop and right on my doorstep too.

But of course, the real show‑stoppers were Ana and David themselves.

Those smiles… they lit up the whole room. You could feel their happiness and it was impossible not to be swept up in it.

A truly beautiful day for a truly beautiful couple.

Congratulations again, Ana and David, you could tell you loved every minute… Those smiles said everything. Much Love ❤️

20/04/2026

😮 When the Car Gives Up but the Celebrant Doesn’t!

Not even catastrophic engine failure can stop me from seeing my lovely couple married ♥️

Last week, on my way to marry the lovely Neil & Clair, at the beautiful Deanshaugh, my car decided to dramatically give up on life in the middle of nowhere (but obviously in the middle of somewhere) 😳

😮Zero power! crankshaft pulley that simply detached itself! It wasn't my day.”😢

But nothing — and I mean nothing — stops me getting to my couple!

🐑 Enter Farmer Graham, whose attention I managed to catch in his sheep field, appearing like a Highland superhero on a quad bike.

After I’d gathered every last bit of wedding paraphernalia, (not forgetting the script) from my dead car, he helped me bundle into the back of his sheep trailer. Yes!!! You heard me! 🐑 a sheep trailer.

Two wheels. No suspension. The kind of vehicle designed for livestock, not celebrants.

And off we went!

Clinging on like a rag doll for dear life as we careered along the country road and eventually bouncing up the driveway.

It was not elegant. It was not dignified. But it was also absolutely brilliant — because it got me to my couple👏👏

Not glamorous. Not graceful. But iconic.

But did I arrive? Yes.
Did I marry my couple? Absolutely.

Thanks to Farmer Graham, I arrived in true rural style and Neil & Claire got the wedding they wished for 🥂

Photos, because you honestly need to see this to believe it!

Congratulations Neil & Clair and thank you for the photographs!

19/03/2026

For any of my local clients in and around the Pitlochry area who are struggling with the loss of a loved one this may be of benefit 😔

The Bereavement Journey

Our friends at Pitlochry Baptist Church would like to share something really worthwhile for anyone who may be struggling with loss.

The Bereavement Journey is a 7 week course which is designed to support people who have experienced the loss of a loved one whether recently or some time ago.

Grief is deeply personal and can come and go at different times, often when you least expect it.

The Bereavement Journey provides a gentle, supportive space with short films followed by open discussion which can really make sense of grief and help you move forward. Talking out loud with people who can sympathise and understand what you're going through is truly helpful and reminds you that you're not alone in what you are feeling. That said, there is no pressure to share more than you are comfortable with.

The course will run on Monday evenings from 7pm-9pm commencing Monday 20th April 2026 for 7 weeks at Pitlochry Baptist Church.

If you feel this may be of benefit to you or someone you know then please consider getting in touch at [email protected] or contact ourselves on 07902 076125.

You don't have to go through grief alone 🤍

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day always brings a moment of reflection for me.

Today I’m thinking of my beautiful mum, Myra — I can't be with her today as I'm holidaying in Harris ♥️ my mum has always encouraged me, believed in me, and supported me in everything I’ve chosen to do. She truly has been, and still is, one of my greatest supporters.

She is also a wonderful mum to Colin and Lynn, and an amazing Nana and Great-Nana, whose love, warmth and encouragement touches all of our family. She has a way of supporting each of us and always cheering us on in life.

Mother’s Day can be many things for many people. For some it is a joyful day of celebration, for others it can bring an ache of missing someone deeply loved.

So today I’m holding space for my mum as well as all the mums who nurture, guide and love so fiercely.

As well as those whose mums are no longer physically here, but remain forever present in their hearts.

Love like that never really leaves us . 🥰

Thanks mum ♥️ Happy Mother’s Day 🤍

27/01/2026

Honouring the Bard

As Scotland celebrated Burns Night on Sunday, G made veggie haggis and we raised a glass to the Bard whose words continue to echo through so many of the ceremonies I’m privileged to lead, weddings, funerals, memorials and namings.

Burns understood people. He wrote about love, loss, laughter, belonging and the ties that hold us together, the very heart of ceremony.

Whether I’m welcoming a new life, celebrating a couple’s commitment, or honouring someone’s final chapter, I often find myself returning to his honesty, humanity and deep sense of connection.

One of his lines reminds us of the dignity in every story:

“A man’s a man for a’ that.”

So, to Burns, to the poetry that comforts us, the words that unite us and the stories that shape who we are.

Slàinte mhath 🥃

27/12/2025

Looking back to a truly special day ❤️

Storms may come, but love holds steady.

On 4th October, I had the honour of being part of Sarah and Craig’s wedding day in beautiful Perthshire. The wild storm Amy arrived the night before, but nothing could dampen the love, laughter and joy that surrounded them. They are a happy, lively and wonderfully funny couple and family and their day reflected that in every way.

It was extra special to work with them again, having previously celebrated their wee girl Scarlet’s Naming Ceremony back in December 2019 — such a hoot then and an absolute joy to come together again for another milestone in their family story.

A truly joyful, heartfelt celebration and such a pleasure to be part of.
So lovely to revisit this beautiful moment. Thanks Sarah and Craig Thoms! Diane 🎉🥰😁

24/12/2025

🌲 As the year draws to a close, I want to offer not only season greetings but my heartfelt thanks to each of you.

It has been a true privilege to walk alongside you this year through moments of love, loss, remembrance and new beginnings.

To be invited into weddings, funerals, memorials and other rites of passage as your community celebrant is something I hold with deep respect and gratitude.

At this time of year, many traditions speak of light returning in the midst of darkness.

I have been deeply moved to witness that light again and again this year — in your stories, your courage, your love and the care you showed for one another.

Wishing you a warm, joy-filled Christmas and a New Year bright with connection, hope and gentle moments of happiness.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. Diane ✨🎄

16/12/2025

Happy 38th birthday to this beautiful gal 🥰 love you to the moon and back and beyond!!

09/11/2025

Words cannot convey enough thanks to the brave souls that gave and those that still give their lives to protect us. Thank you all. ❤️