The Acorn Grove Portfolio Page for Mental Health Support

The Acorn Celebrations

“The bird is gone, and in what meadow does it now sing?”

― Philip K. Dick

a lone bird sitting on top of a beach next to the ocean

Why Me?

Becoming a celebrant felt like a calling to me after I organized my father’s funeral. That profound experience showed me the deep comfort a truly personal ceremony can bring to those mourning. It was a moment filled with grief but also love and celebration of a life well-lived.

Now, in every service I lead, I aim to bring that same sense of personal touch and heartfelt connection. I understand the importance of honoring someone's unique journey and the solace that can be found in sharing those cherished stories and memories. In this role, I bring not just professionalism but also my own experiences of loss and remembrance, hoping to offer some comfort to others during their times of farewell.

white and black bird on black concrete post during sunset

"The highest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude."

-Thornton Wilder

About me

When you choose me to create the ceremony for your loved one, I will work closely with you and your family to listen to your stories and craft a ceremony that truly honors their memory. Every individual is special and unique, and our memories of them are equally special and unique. My goal is to create a ceremony that reflects their personality and your love for them. I will guide you through the process, helping you decide what should be said and when to say it, incorporating all the unique elements you wish to include to honor and remember your loved one in a way that feels right to you.

“A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again.”

— Maya Angelou

black bird flying under white clouds during daytime

What I Offer

I know arranging a funeral can be an overwhelming task when you are going through a time of grief, and, as a funeral celebrant, I aim to lighten this burden.

Once we have made contact, I offer a structured action plan, tailored to your needs, to help guide you through each step of the process.

person holding pencil near laptop computer

person writing on brown wooden table near white ceramic mug

Meetings

Scripting

Rehearsals

To understand your loved one’s life and the unique elements you wish to include in the ceremony, I will assist you by:

Listening and Understanding: I will meet with you and your family and friends to listen to your stories and memories, gaining insight into your loved one’s personality, values, and the legacy they leave behind.
Discussing Preferences: We will discuss your preferences for the ceremony, including readings, music, rituals, and any special elements you wish to incorporate.
Planning the Ceremony: Together, we will outline the structure of the ceremony, ensuring it reflects the individuality of your loved one and your wishes for their remembrance.

To create a cohesive, heartfelt, and respectful ceremony script that captures the essence of your loved one, I will assist you by:

Crafting the Narrative: Using the information gathered during our meeting, I will draft a personalized ceremony script that tells the story of your loved one’s life and honors their memory.
Incorporating Special Elements: The script will include any specific readings, music, and rituals you have chosen, as well as personal tributes from family and friends.
Reviewing and giving Feedback: I will share the draft script with you for review, making any necessary adjustments based on your feedback to ensure it meets your expectations and wishes.

To ensure the ceremony runs smoothly and everyone involved is prepared and comfortable with their roles, I can:

Conduct Rehearsals: We will hold rehearsals to practice the ceremony, ensuring all participants are familiar with the flow and their roles. This helps to alleviate any nervousness and ensures a polished presentation.
Coordinate Participants: I will coordinate with other speakers, musicians, and participants, providing guidance and support to ensure everyone understands their part in the ceremony.
Make Final Preparations: We will make any last-minute adjustments and finalize all details to ensure the ceremony is a fitting tribute to your loved one and runs smoothly.

bird flying above water under white sky during daytime photo

Get in touch

Share with visitors how they can contact you and encourage them to ask any questions they may have.

Please feel free to contact me for an informal chat and to explore how I can help you navigate through this moment in your life. Together we can create the funeral ceremony you and your loved ones will remember and cherish forever.