Q: Hi Yvonne! Tell us a bit about where you’re from and what you were doing before becoming a celebrant.
I am originally a Perthshire lass, I studied to Masters level in Marketing in Dundee, moved to the tropical island of Reunion for a year of sun, surfing and fun, then on to Edinburgh for work and settled over the bridge in Fife 20 years ago and I have been here ever since!
Before becoming a celebrant I worked in a few different industries, digital marketing and SEO, banking, further education, recruitment, coach transport and laterally as an Account Manager for a local chamber of commerce.
I studied to become a celebrant during Covid and after qualifying and becoming authorised to legally marry couples across Scotland, I worked full time as an Account Manager and as a celebrant for three years.
Then came the time for one full time jobs to go, and so it was the office job that was added to the previous career pile. Becoming a celebrant is the best thing I have ever done!
Q: What inspired you to become a celebrant?
My husband and I were married in 2016 by a humanist celebrant and when I worked for a private hire coach company I would often see celebrants at wedding shows and I’d think ‘they always look really happy!’
So, after a few years or staying safe working for someone else, and with this thought always being in the back of my mind. I had the time and freedom to pursue the idea when we were all locked down during the pandemic.
I approached Fuze Ceremonies who married me. The celebrant who married me is actually a director and co-owner of Fuze Ceremonies and she referred me to UKCAPSA for professional celebrant training. After successfully studying online over six months and passing the online SQA Diploma in Celebrant and Public Speaking, I interviewed with and joined the team at Fuze!
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
I am very creative and love crafty stuff (when I get the time.) I’m also a trained pianist and used to play the violin and clarinet (albeit I’m a bit rusty now!) I channel all my creativity and artyness into creating beautiful ceremonies now!
However, give me a theme for a party and I am ALL over it!
Q: What does a perfect day off look like for you?
Heading out on an adventure with my husband Allan and our two cocker spaniel girls Skye and Ember, especially if the sun is shining and there is a large glass of chilled Pino Grigio on the horizon.
I actually need to leave the house to take a day off! We are looking forward to chilling at Loch Tay in the hot tub for a few days soon.
I also love to travel and experience new parts of the world and party with our circle of awesome friends!
Q: Who or what inspires you most in life?
Humans, innovation and culture. People are fascinating and there is ALWAYS something new to discover and learn. Being a celebrant means that I meet so many different people with different stories and experiences and I just love hearing life and love stories.
Q: What do you love most about Scottish weddings?
Firstly I love that we have the freedom to be legally married by celebrants in Scotland. This is not the case in the rest of the UK currently. I love that I have legal authorisation to marry couples absolutely anywhere in Scotland. From your own back garden, gorgeous venues, to beaches, or the top of the mountain. We really are spoilt for choice.
There’s something truly magical about a Scottish wedding. Maybe it’s the sound of the bagpipes echoing through the hills, or the ancient traditions like handfasting and toasting with whisky from the quaich that still carry so much meaning today.
But what I love most? It’s how couples throw themselves into it, mixing heartfelt stories with pure personality. One minute we’re deep in tradition with the kilts and tartan, the next we’re laughing about who leaves the dishes in the sink or who snores the loudest! Never two weddings are ever the same and I love it!
Scottish weddings have a way of being deeply emotional, wildly adventurous and fun and I’m here for every second of it.
Q: Any words you live by or a favourite quote?
Tempus Fugit – Time Flies. Enjoy your life as we only have one to live!
