I was brought up in a non-religious family in North Belfast during the 80's, a pretty tumultuous time for Northern Ireland, and particularly for North Belfast. My family were passionate about peace and were part of the integrated education movement in the 80's. As such, I went to both an integrated primary and secondary school and promoting shared and integrated education in Northern Ireland is something I am still passionate about. 

So, it's not surprising then as an adult I discovered Humanism and realised that being non-religious does not mean a lack of belief, on the contrary! It means I believe in wonderfully fulfilling diverse things like science, reason, equality, respect, universal love and tolerance and my duty to be a decent human and try to look after the place for the next generation!

When I realised I could train as a Humanist Celebrant and marry people, I jumped at the chance and I haven't looked back! It is a brilliant job that I absolutely love! I get to meet so many unique and interesting people and I feel privileged to play a role in such an important day in a couple's life.

It is really important to me that modern Northern Ireland couples have a choice of how they get married; optimistic for the future and not shackled by the constructs of the past. A wedding day should be all about the couple and be expressive of their love and uniqueness, regardless of background or identity. I am passionate about a shared future in Northern Ireland for ALL it's wonderfully diverse humans and I want to be part of something that drives change towards a better, more equal, more respectful, more tolerant, more open and more accepting future for EVERYONE!