JMH Celebrancy For every hello, I do and goodbye. Hello, I’m James Montgomery-Heffernan, the person behind JMH Celebrancy. Based in Shepperton, Surrey, I create personal, meaningful and inclusive ceremonies for funerals, celebrations of life, weddings and naming ceremonies across Surrey and surrounding areas. I’ve always been fascinated by people and their stories. Everyone has experiences, relationships, memories and little quirks that make them wonderfully unique, and I believe those deserve to be recognised and celebrated. Before beginning my journey into celebrancy, I spent much of my professional career in senior leadership roles within housing and community services. Throughout that time, I’ve supported people and families through difficult circumstances, significant life changes and moments when compassion, understanding and simply taking the time to listen can make all the difference. Those experiences have shaped the celebrant I want to be. Ceremonies that feel like you Funerals and celebrations of life Losing someone you love is never easy. My role is to listen to your memories, understand the person you’re remembering and create a farewell that genuinely reflects their life. I believe funerals can be deeply meaningful without being overly formal. There can be tears, but also smiles, laughter and stories that capture someone’s personality. Sometimes it’s those little moments that mean the most. Weddings and celebrations of love Your love story is yours, so your ceremony should be too! Whether you’re dreaming of something romantic and heartfelt, relaxed and informal, or wonderfully unconventional, I want to help create a celebration that reflects your relationship and personalities. There are no expectations to follow a particular format. We can explore the words, memories, humour and symbolic moments that make your ceremony special. Naming and welcoming ceremonies Welcoming a new member of the family deserves to be celebrated. Naming ceremonies offer a beautiful opportunity to recognise your child’s arrival, celebrate family relationships and involve the special people who will support them as they grow. Every family is different, and that’s something I believe should be embraced. My approach I’m naturally warm, approachable and compassionate, with a sense of humour and a genuine interest in getting to know people. I understand that planning a ceremony can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly following a bereavement. I’ll take the time to explain the process, listen carefully and work at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I’m also passionate about inclusion and accessibility. Whatever your beliefs, background, identity or family circumstances, I want you to feel welcomed, respected and able to be yourself. I’ve completed the Centre of Excellence Becoming a Celebrant course and am nearing completion of my Level 3 Diploma in Funeral Celebrancy with IPC Celebrant Training. For me, celebrancy is much more than delivering words on the day. It’s about building trust, understanding what matters and creating a ceremony that people will remember for the right reasons. Whether you’re welcoming someone new, celebrating love or remembering someone special, I’d love to hear your story. James JMH Celebrancy For every hello, I do and goodbye. www.jmhcelebrancy.co.uk [email protected] 07706 495510