STUART BUTTERWORTH
The Caring, Can-do Celebrant
About Me
Let me help you create a special memory that lasts a lifetime.
Whether it be your unique wedding, vow renewals, or naming ceremony, I put you at the centre, from first enquiry to the big day. Those closest to me say I have the three ‘senses’: sense of humour, sense of occasion, and sensitivity. I am dedicated to inclusivity and my six core values: care, love, empathy, positivity, patience, and professionalism. So invite me into your world, and together we will make your moment magical.
It's your day, so feel free to express yourself! You might want to include some religious elements or none. Rituals - old, new, or devoid of any ritual - is fine with me. Some people like to include family pets, such as a ring-bearing dog, while others may prefer to have family members involved in their ceremony. You set the tone for your ceremony: should it be emotional, romantic, or humorous and entertaining? As the McFly song goes – It’s All About You!
Before training as a Qualified Independent Wedding and Vow Renewal Celebrant with the Celebrant Coaching and Training Academy, I had a thirty-five-year career as a musician, teacher, and conductor—so I can cope with any occasion, whether it be big or small, and I’m no stranger to visualising, organising and realising events – I was also the creative director of an international music festival for four years, which was known as the ‘Rolls-Royce’ of its genre. For twenty-four years, I have been the co-proprietor of an award-winning group of children’s day nurseries, winning seven successive Ofsted ‘outstandings’ and nationally recognised awards, including one for inclusivity and the coveted Investors in People Gold award.
I have been married to Linda for thirty years. We have adopted four children, taken care of two grandchildren through kinship, and live on the beautiful Solway coast with our three Cavapoochons, Herbie, Coco, and Lulu.
In summary, I am a creative person with a keen eye for quality and detail. I am not shy in front of a crowd and have the life experience to manage situations with sensitivity and humour when appropriate.
Every journey starts with a single step – Get in touch and get the ball rolling.
My Beliefs
I care about people, their lives, and communities, and those who have finally found their soulmate, their forever family, or their place in the world; it’s a privilege when clients allow me to share in that.
I get people’s differences, no matter what their age, sexual orientation, or identity. I stand alongside them and their families, and I’m enthusiastic about a cause even if it differs from my beliefs or experiences.
I admire individuals who have overcome challenges, emerging stronger with fresh perspectives. Being kind to clients and their families and respecting their unique stories is essential.
I am loyal throughout our journey together, and I plan to use my life experience, personality, and sense of humour to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
I am a positive, patient, and professional individual who enjoys learning, researching, listening, being thorough, and seeing things through to a satisfying conclusion.
My Six Core Values
Care
I am passionate about caring for people, understanding what's important to them, and paying attention to detail. I also care deeply about my role as a celebrant.
Love
I show love and respect to my clients, their union, and their community, and I love the joy being a celebrant brings to others.
Empathy
I get what clients and their families are about, stand alongside them in their precious moments, and fully understand what being a celebrant means.
Positivity
I see the best in people, remain positive in challenging situations, and approach the role of celebrant with a positive attitude.
Patience
I am committed to giving the gift of my time, allowing clients the space to communicate their hopes and dreams, and being patient and kind to myself in my personal growth as a celebrant.
Professionalism
I strive to deliver a professional service and end product for clients, exhibit a professional approach when dealing with other service providers, and recognise the role of a celebrant as a profession.
My Personal Qualities
Enthusiastic
I am enthusiastic about clients’ plans, their lives together, and the role of being a celebrant.
Considerate
I am considerate toward clients, their families, and other service providers, and I would like to be known as a thoughtful celebrant.
Charismatic
I can use charm without ‘smarm’ when dealing with others and delivering ceremonies, utilising my personal qualities to attract, retain, and inspire clients, and exhibiting an understated charisma - I’m a professional, independent celebrant, not a circus act!
Dedicated
I am devoted to my clients and their families from the first meeting to the ceremony and beyond, and I am committed to being a celebrant.
Thorough
I strive to craft the ideal words meticulously to convey a client's story, carefully choose the appropriate poem, reading, or piece of music, and carefully consider the intricacies of the ceremony, along with my clients' identity and culture. I approach celebrancy with thoroughness and an eye for the details that truly matter.
Funny
I’m not talking about telling jokes but sharing the humour of situations with clients, approaching difficulties with a sense of humour when appropriate, and laughing with and alongside clients. I try to make the most of the fun moments that being a celebrant can bring.
What People Say
About Me
“Stuart cares about people and isn’t afraid to show it. He always considers people’s needs and feelings and will do everything he can to accommodate them.” Deana P.
“Stuart has an innate ability to empathise with the experiences of others. He can make all his endeavours joyful and enjoyable, which makes them so appealing.” Margaret B.
“Stuart has endless patience and affability. He has a ‘can-do’ attitude.”
Chris W.