Spotlight interview with Celebrants Collective Certified Wedding Celebrant Sabine Smith

What did you do before becoming a celebrant or in addition to being a celebrant now?

I have been a lecturer and programme manager in the adult education sector for the last 12 years.

What experiences or past skills do you think helped you with being a celebrant?

Delivering meaningful and interesting lessons to groups of individuals has been the highlight of my time at the college. My lessons had real impact on the learners, as they were directly connected to their professional pathways. 150 learners have completed the qualification during my time as a programme manager and they have gained sustainable employment.

What made you want to train to become a celebrant?

Unfortunately the pressures of online teaching and the continuous changing of the goalposts within the educational sector have worn me down a bit and I do not feel the love for it anymore. Training to become a celebrant is making me feel positive about the future again and exciting to be involved in positive life events.

What did your friends and family think of your decision to become a celebrant?

Some did not even know what a celebrant is and what they do. One of my friends thought I was going to become celibate and they felt sorry for my husband HAHAHAHAH! However once I explained what a celebrant does and how they engage and connect with people, they were all very supportive and they encouraged me to embrace this new pathway of positive vibes.

Why did you choose to train with the Celebrants Collective?

I loved Claire's hair. LOL! The vibrant colour and her open smile. I had looked a few options. Some training organisations were very corporate and stiff, others are very loud and a bit intimidating. Claire and Natasha made me feel welcome and their warmth was exactly what I needed, because Covid and the pressures at work had made me go down a mental health spiral. I've had nothing but positive vibes all the way.

Did you have any worries about being a celebrant which the course has helped you resolve?

I did not think I could write in a creative way. But the gentle and persistent encouragement of both trainers has given me self belief and I am getting better at it.

What was your most favorite part of the course and why?

I LOVE the tutorials. Sometimes I have listened in, even though I should have been working. Don't tell my manager! I love the group chats and the exchange of experiences. The other members of the group are kind and supportive and I love listening to their ideas for the different tasks we have to complete. I have learned so much from them and Natasha and Claire. I have learnt loads about poems and books which I had not considered before.

How has your training with the Celebrants Collective help you to become a confident celebrant?

The training has helped me to become a more positive person all round. I feel confident about my future as a celebrant and I am ready for the new challenge ahead. I love the fact that I am able to create a new career for myself with a more positive outlook. 

What’s been your biggest takeaway so far about training to be a celebrant?

A more positive mind set.

What kind of celebrant do you think you’re shaping up to be?

I want to be create unique, memorable and personal ceremonies which will reflect the couples I am working with. I am passionate about meeting people and listening to what they want their weddings to be like. I cannot wait to officiate beautiful ceremonies on Cornwall's beaches and other fantastic landmarks. I just can't wait to confirm my first gig.

How have you been making a name for yourself since as a celebrant trainee?

I am working hard on my social media accounts. I have 130 followers and I have written to a number of venues and wedding planners to introduce myself and to arrange Zoom meetings. I have published my website and I have business cards and flyers printed. Unfortunately I can not give the flyers out at the moment as we are in a lock down again. I had a feature about how to get organised despite Covid 19 restrictions in a magazine and I am planning another feature in next month edition of Your Wedding Magazine. I regular post on my Instagram and Facebook accounts and I am planning to create a social media planner to have regular exposure.

What would be your advice to someone looking to train to be a wedding or funeral celebrant?

I would say do it!! It has been such a positive experience for me and I am so glad that I chose the Celebrants Collective rather than other organisations I did consider initially.