As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on what has been one of the most fulfilling, transformative, and heart-stretching years of my celebrancy journey. Every ceremony I’ve crafted—whether a wedding, naming, renewal of vows, funeral or memorial—has brought me something new to learn, someone new to love, and a story I’ll carry with me forever.
Here’s a look back at the highlights, lessons and milestones that made 2025 such an incredible year for Shelley Bell Celebrant.
✨ Celebrating More Love Than Ever Before
This year I had the absolute joy of officiating some stunning weddings. From rustic barns and woodland clearings to elegant manor houses and intimate back-garden “I do’s,” I’ve witnessed so many couples step into the next chapter of their lives.
What I learned:
Every couple has a unique rhythm—and my job is to honour it.
More people than ever want ceremonies that feel deeply personal, authentic and joyful.
Micro-weddings continue to shine! Less crowd, more heart.
✨ Helping Families Say Goodbye With Gentleness and Honour
Funeral and memorial work remains one of the most meaningful parts of my role. In 2025, I supported more families than ever as they navigated grief, remembrance and celebration of life.
What I learned:
Grief is not linear; it’s a landscape.
People want honesty, warmth and storytelling—not just formality.
Remembrance rituals are evolving, and it’s beautiful to see families embrace new ways of honouring their loved ones.
✨ Expanding My Skills Through Training and Professional Development
I truly believe a celebrant should never stop learning, so this year I committed to growing my toolkit.
In 2025 I:
Completed advanced training in grief literacy and compassionate communication
Took refresher courses on inclusive ceremony writing
Joined workshops on creative storytelling and ritual design
Continued bringing celebrants together for learning and support
Attended national celebrant networking events to keep my practice fresh, modern and connected
What I learned:
You’re never “done” learning how to serve people well.
Inclusion is not a trend—it’s a commitment.
Creativity blooms when shared with other professionals who care deeply about this work.
✨ Creating New Rituals and Ceremony Styles
This year brought some exciting innovations to my ceremonies! I developed:
New unity rituals for couples wanting something nontraditional
Healing rituals for families marking anniversaries of death
Blended-family vow wording
Ribbon blessings, letter rituals and symbolic elements inspired by client stories
What I learned:
People want ceremonies that reflect who they are, not what tradition dictates.
Every story has a ritual waiting to be created.
The simplest gestures often hold the most power.
✨ Growing the Shelley Bell Celebrant Community
2025 was also a year of wonderful engagement—online and in-person.
My blog, social media platforms and newsletters reached more couples, families and readers than ever before.
What I learned:
People crave open conversation about love, grief, celebration and remembrance.
Sharing knowledge helps families feel empowered during life’s biggest moments.
Community is everything.
✨ A Year of Gratitude
Finally, the biggest lesson of all:
Gratitude is at the heart of this work.
Every ceremony is a gift. Every family is a teacher. Every story is a reminder of what truly matters.
In 2025 I learned to slow down, listen harder, breathe deeper and treasure the profound privilege of being invited into the most intimate moments of people’s lives.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As I step into a new year, I carry with me fresh inspiration, deeper wisdom and even more love for the craft of celebrancy. I cannot wait to write more stories, craft more meaningful moments, and support more incredible people in 2026.
Thank you to every couple, family and individual who trusted me this year. You are why I do this.
Here’s to another year of connection, ceremony and heart.
— Shelley Bell Celebrant
