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Hand On Heart Celebrant: Debra Massey
Let's create and celebrate life's memorable milestones together! 

Welcome to Hand On Heart Celebrant: where you will be supported by a qualified celebrant and coach, in making the most important moments with those you love, lifelong highlights.
Hand on Heart is the name of my company, as it reinforces the trustworthy way in which I work whilst listening to your greatest hopes and dreams for your ceremony.
In my hands, you can relax and enjoy every minute of your celebration, knowing each detail will be considered, creating your day with creative and bespoke content, unique to you.

Debs

About
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About Hand On Heart Celebrant
- and me, Debra Massey

#YourDayYourWay is always what matters most.

I have experience making this happen in a forest,  traditional wedding venues, a garden - and a villa, to name just a few possibilities!

I do this because I love it and enjoy enabling your dreams become your reality.

As well as being a highly qualified celebrant and executive coach, with 34 years of award winning experience in schools, I have national public speaking experience, am a published author, with a First Class Honours degree, including Drama and English specialism.

All this means that you are choosing a professional who can listen, present and write well.

Having experienced 'that magical moment' when I met my own soulmate 37 years ago, I recognise the importance in the little details, that make each love story precious. To write and share that on your special day, is an honour and always a privilege.

Being a Mum of 2 sons - and a Nana, means I also love naming ceremonies to welcome your precious baby into this World too - or to celebrate a first birthday. The gift of a child is the greatest gift of all.

For our Silver Wedding Anniversary, we  agreed on 25 people for those 25 years, recognising our relationship was strengthened and guided by some very special people, including our two sons.

Hence I love a vow renewal as much as a wedding ceremony!​​​​

Lastly, to pay back the gratitude to Welwyn Garden City Isabel Hospice for looking after my Mum,  I offer free ceremonies for couples and families, hoping to bring light and love at what I know to be the darkest of times.

Perhaps that explains my delight in creating personalised events for families and couples, so that your unique love story, your milestone moment can be shared with those most important to you?

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'I love the personalised approach and having recently been the Mother of  the Groom, I realise how important it is that a ceremony should include family and friends in creative ways unique to each couple. 
Modern, fun-filled ceremonies involving your guests with laughter and an occasional happy tear, are always central elements to every ceremony crafted by me, your Hand On Heart Celebrant.
Your ceremony will always be created however, whenever and wherever you most want it to happen.'

Debs, your Hand On Heart Celebrant
Services

Services

At Hand On Heart Celebrant, your milestone event is in safe hands. 

For all couple celebration ceremonies including wedding, civil partnership, vow renewal and commitment ceremonies, as well as baby naming and welcome ceremonies, it will  be crafted from start to finish by an interested, professional who loves this role.

The outcome will be a bespoke ceremony including laughter, love and plenty of fun along the way!

 

Most ceremonies are planned and led in Herts, Beds, Essex, Cambridgeshire or Northamptonshire. However, I am happy to discuss events further afield.

 

What can you expect from Debra Massey, your Hand On Heart Celebrant?

  • Proven success leading small, intimate to large events.

  • DBS enhanced, experienced working with vulnerable adults and children: confidently adapted ceremonies to be inclusive of all.

  • Delighted crafting LBGTQ+ ceremonies.

  • A dog lover, including animals in ceremonies.

  • Qualified coach: interested in listening to your story, to build a celebration ceremony where your unique journey can unfold.

  •  National public speaking experience.

  • Whether indoors, in a traditional venue, in your own home, or outdoors under trees, on a beach, a forest or farm...your dream celebration is a heartbeat and a phone call away.

  • I love seeing dreams held dear, come to reality, but remain flexible:

  • Meetings will be planned around your other work / life commitments, during the day, in evenings and at weekends.

  • I only do 1 event in any week, a maximum of  2  a month.

  • No two ceremonies I provide are the same.

  •  “YOUR day, YOUR way!”

Anything else?

  •  You can have this celebration at any time of day or night, with any content you wish, anywhere!

  • Guest participation: as much as you wish!

  • Symbolic actions: hand fasting; unity candles; sand ceremonies - just 3 of many possibilities.

  • Religious - or non-religious content.

  • Toasts and global traditions, making your celebration ceremony like no other!

  • Keeping in touch planned during the day, in evenings and at weekends.

  • No hidden extra costs.

​​

I look forward to hearing from you as the first step towards your ‘happily ever after' next step.​​

Gallery

 Gallery

Your special ceremony, can be uniquely provided whenever and wherever works for you. 

No two celebrations are the same, as no two relationships ever will be - just look at these examples of events from February 2024!

What's missing? Your day with Debra Massey, your Hand On Heart Celebrant​!

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        Testimonials

Please see Google Reviews for most up to  date reviews: https://g.co/kgs/NykaZEg

'Our situation was a little different to the norm. I being English and my partner a French national.
As there would be a number of French only speakers at the wedding we wanted to find a way to make them feel included... the fact that Debs can speak French was a huge bonus and through careful planning and multiple drafts of the ceremony script... Debs helped us to plan/organise the day in way that made the French contingent feel part of the wedding day experience. I  applaud her patience and persistence as I was not the best at prompt replies. It is clear that Debs has wealth of experience when it comes to these type of events and this was invaluable throughout the whole process.' Stephen
'It felt like I'd known Debs forever with her kind, selfless, professional approach coupled with a wonderful sense of humour, Debs played an integral part in making both days (a Western celebration followed by an Indian wedding day) so very special. Debs took on board what my daughter wanted and from her wealth of experience had some suggestions that made the day even more memorable. Thank you so much, Debs.'  Maboob


'We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect celebrant for our wedding day. From our very first meeting, Debs made us feel completely at ease, taking the time to get to know us and understand our story. The ceremony was heartfelt, beautifully delivered, and felt truly personal — exactly what we hoped for and more. She guided us with care and professionalism through every step of the process, offering helpful suggestions while always making sure our wishes were the priority... Debs spoke with warmth, sincerity, and just the right touch of humour, creating a joyful and emotional atmosphere that resonated with us and our guests. Many of our friends and family commented on how moving and meaningful the ceremony was. It was a moment we’ll treasure forever, and we’re so grateful to Debs for playing such an important role in it. Thank you for making our special day truly unforgettable. Marina


'Thanks to Debs we had the perfect ceremony. She guided us through every part of it and made it so personal to us. She also included our children which made them feel so special. Debs also kept in contact from the start which was so reassuring and is so easy to talk to. We would recommend Debs 100%! She made our day so special.' Expensiveyellowconfetti269,
From the moment we first met Debra, we knew everything was going to run smoothly for Mums funeral service, and that we were in safe and professional hands. Debra’s support and gentle guidance through the service planning made what is a sad and stressful time, easy and comforting. We threw a huge amount of historical and anecdotal information at Debra, at random times (and through varying media)... from many family sources. She wholeheartedly invested herself... to learn about Mum... her communication was constant and attentive, right up until the morning of the service. We always felt that Debra had our thoughts and feelings as her priority. Debra’s impeccable attention to detail crafted the most memorable and beautiful tribute. The balance of light and shade, humour and gentleness was perfect. She spoke with kindness and love in her voice, looking at us during the service, and we knew the room was filled with warmth and joy, and even smiles and laughter, just as Mum would have wanted... Debra completely choreographed a truly personal, loving and heart-warming ceremony, as if she really knew Mum.
Debra was amazing through the whole journey and her sensitivity, compassion and sincerity were a constant. She really did make a sad day into a celebration and a beautiful send off for Mum, for which we will always be grateful.
Whatever service you require, we would recommend Debra wholeheartedly.' Sara


‘If you are looking for someone extra special for your special day then Debra is the lady for you. Debra knows how to make every occasion truly unique, she has a a gift in making a person feel special, listened to and valued. I cannot think of anyone more perfect to be a celebrant. ❤’ Lissa B 
‘After postponing our wedding multiple times due to the complexities and stress of traditional venues and guest lists, we were seeking a low-key celebration for our second marriage.When we discovered Debs, everything changed. She not only made our dreams a reality...  to have the wedding in our cosy garden at home, keeping it a surprise until the day. Debs orchestrated the ceremony flawlessly, making it personal and unforgettable, tailored uniquely to us. I wholeheartedly recommend Debs; she is a remarkably talented Celebrant who helped create a day we will cherish forever.’ Vicky 
'Deb spoke at my daughters naming day... a day filled with people who we loved from young to old from all pathways of our lives. When she spoke it was with understanding, kindness and empathy for us as new parents. She understood what we wanted from the naming day and remained true to our wishes. I have no reservations at all in recommending her to others interested in doing an event " their own way" - she gets it! You really won't be in safer hands.' Lisa 


‘Debra Massey delivered the most beautiful heart warming vow renewal ceremony. She thought of everything from writing the script and presenting the ceremony. She is always clear and super organised ... Debra Massey shows friendliness and professionalism. We had a unity candle ceremony with a certificate signing. As a family we had a sand ceremony ... followed by the hand fasting ceremony with different coloured ribbons, “tying the knot”, making our day special and memorable. We absolutely loved the whole experience. We highly recommend Debra Massey to make your service unique, bespoke and special. She is really the best.’ Shrey


‘If you are looking for a celebrant for your special day I would highly recommend Debra. She stands out from the field and her warmth and dedication shows in her attention to detail, whether in published writing or in live events . She has a distinct flare for imaginative content and has the expertise and professionalism to include whole families in particular, and the ability to involve children with special needs.’ Caroline


‘Debra shows true professionalism, warmth, and attention to detail truly makes any ceremony unforgettable. She really is the best for any memorable and meaningful wedding.’  Mel B

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Contact
 

I am looking forward to hearing from you:
'Please don't hesitate to get in touch as a first step in making a current dream ceremony become your reality.
Indoors at a venue, in your own home, on a farm, beach, or woodland: your day will be planned your way.'

With 
Debra Massey, your Hand On Heart Celebrant.

Tel: (+44) 07903577202

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As rated 5* by Hitched and Google Reviews
Qualified to lead unscripted full handfasting ceremonies, as well as more traditional events. 

 

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© 2024 by Hand On Heart Celebrant

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