My Story Welcome to Pitch Perfect Ceremonies. I'm Helen, founder and creator.
I'm 44, a Nurse by background, living in the heart of Oxfordshire, minutes from the Ridgeway, with my husband and our three teenage daughters. I am an empathetic soul who loves all things classically romantic.
My journey towards becoming a celebrant started in 2019 at what was the worst time of my life. I was 37 years old when my first husband Tim died very suddenly and unexpectedly next to me at home. Our daughters were 12 and 10 years old at the time. Our world fell apart overnight, but we were lucky to have an incredible support network around us.
I never imagined I would be planning my husband's funeral after he had died at just 40 years old. Through a local funeral director, I met the celebrant who would conduct Tim's funeral ceremony. He was lovely and really took his time with us. When the day came, it felt like he had known Tim all his life. After the funeral, I planned Tim's memorial and delivered part of the ceremony myself - this was incredibly hard, but it was amazing seeing everyone share in his memories and legacy.
Very sadly, the following year I lost my father. We wanted the same celebrant that had supported us when we lost Tim, and again, he delivered a truly personal ceremony that reflected who my dad was.
I met Neil at the end of 2019, and I honestly believe he was sent by Tim. It was love at first sight and the start of my ‘chapter two’. We got engaged the following year and after several COVID delays, we finally had our wedding day in 2022.
Reflecting after our honeymoon, I started to think about our ceremony. We had a registrar-led ceremony, and while I was happy to be married to Neil, it was disappointing that we only met the people conducting our ceremony 10 minutes before it took place. The ceremony felt impersonal, like we were on a conveyor belt.
I started researching other ceremony options and discovered celebrancy. I remembered the celebrant from Tim's and my dad's ceremonies and how they supported us to celebrate their lives in a truly personal way. I became curious and imagined a wedding ceremony where I knew who was conducting it, where we could make it personal for us, and where we weren't constrained by time.
In 2023 on our first wedding anniversary, Neil and I eloped in secret and did it again, but this time with the most incredible celebrant. We met several times before the ceremony, had a beautiful candle ceremony and a sand blending ceremony to include our three children. It was perfect for us. At that moment, I knew I wanted to give other people that feeling. I wanted to use my skills and my voice to tell other people's stories, to be part of the big moments in their lives.
I trained with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy (AMC) because I wanted comprehensive training that would enable me to be the best celebrant I could be. After completing my wedding celebrant training and then my funeral celebrant training, I created Pitch Perfect Ceremonies - and here we are!
My Approach to Ceremonies
My style is relaxed, fun and full of joy! I bring authenticity, warmth and understanding to every ceremony I create. I believe that:
- Your ceremony should be as unique as your relationship
- The process should be enjoyable, not stressful
- Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and included
- Personal details make all the difference
- Emotions matter – whether it's laughter, tears, or both!
I genuinely care about everyone I work with and everything I do. I care about creating your perfect ceremony and ensuring it sets the tone for the most amazing and memorable day. I take time to truly get to know you and what's important to you, giving you all of my time, knowledge and experience to ensure everything is truly perfect!
Outside of Celebrancy
Day to day you'll find me at my happiest either out in the fresh air with my dogs eating something delicious, or attempting a new form of exercise – sometimes with success, others not so much!
I love country walks, good food, and spending quality time with my family. My nursing background has given me a deep appreciation for life's precious moments, which I bring into my celebrancy work.
My Training & Accreditations
I am proud to be:
- Fully trained and certified by the Academy of Modern Celebrancy
- A member of the Association of Independent Celebrants
- A member of the Celebrant Directory
- A member of the Celebrants Collective
- Committed to ongoing professional development
- Fully insured
Services Overview What ceremonies I offer ...
Wedding Ceremonies
Your love story is unique, so shouldn't your ceremony be too? I create relaxed, joyful ceremonies that feel authentically you, whether you're exchanging vows in a rustic barn, woodland glade, or country house.
Vow Renewals & Commitments
Celebrate your continuing journey together with a ceremony that honours your shared history and looks forward to your future adventures.
Intimate Elopements
Sometimes the most meaningful moments are shared just between two people. Let me help you create a magical, intimate ceremony that focuses purely on your love.
Nightingales Wedding Guest Companion Service
A unique service combining my nursing background to support guests with additional needs at your wedding, ensuring everyone can fully participate in your special day.
Funeral & Memorial Ceremonies
Celebrate a life lived with a ceremony that truly reflects the person, their passions, accomplishments, quirks and loves, in a way that brings comfort and meaning.