Oaklands Celebrants Claimed

“To me the important things in life are: family, friendship, happiness, kindness and laughter. I am lucky to have all of these things in mine.” Denise Durband

Firstly, let me say thank you for taking the time to read more about me, Denise Durband, owner of Oaklands Celebrants. I know time is precious and I’m grateful you’ve used a moment of yours to take a look around my website.

Becoming a celebrant has been a natural progression for me, and one I feel proud and privileged to hold. Being among groups of friends and families as they welcome new additions, celebrate partnerships and say final farewells is a very special thing indeed, and something I don’t take for granted.

It seems only fair that, if you’re going to allow me to get to know you and for me to have a role in your memorable ceremony, that I tell you a bit about me too…

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“I’ve Learned That People Will Forget What You Said, People Will Forget What You Did, But People Will Never Forget How You Made Them Feel.” Maya Angelou

I was born in Liverpool and lucky enough to meet my wonderful, supportive husband and partner some 37 years ago. We moved to the Wirral in 1990 and have had many happy years on the peninsular bringing up our two children.

Working with a diverse mix of people along the way – I love meeting new people – I spent most of my career in management and training. But my journey to becoming a celebrant was always bubbling away in the background.

I have a natural affinity with people and have always been fascinated with the stories they have to tell. I’ve also always been the person called upon when an event needs organising or a speech needs writing.

In 2017, I sadly lost my Dad. I proudly spoke at his funeral and afterwards couldn’t quite shake the feeling that perhaps my role on that day had actually been something that had been staring me in the face for a long time … that my vocation was as a celebrant.

I trained with UKSOC and used my own experiences both personal and in business to become a Celebrant.