Rosemary Sloman

Celebrating the milestones in our lives is so important.

Important because these are the times that families and those you love and care about come together to support and show their love: to mark the passage of time (special birthdays), affirming time spent together (anniversaries / vow renewals) to embark on a new journey (marriage/commitment/civil union) and say farewell to a family member, colleague or friend (life celebration/funeral/ashes interment). Sometimes it is all about the well known and well worn, comforting rituals that become the known pathway for the occasion. Other times it is all about the person, couple, or people involved. Every celebration I conduct is bespoke, curated especially for the occasion, the person or people involved. There are no two ceremonies the same. After all families can be a bit like licorice all-sorts…some are colourful, some are multi-layered and sweet, others well rounded with their features easily distinguished…and then there are the black and twisty/curly ones…my own life experiences allow me to embrace all of those differences and to curate an occasion that will long be remembered.

LIFE CELEBRATIONS & FUNERALS

I have walked the pathway of terminal illness, personally and professionally and understand that journey. I work with families to bring out the very best of the life of their loved one who has passed on. I have had experience with the deaths of children, those who have taken their own lives, trauma victims/sudden death and those who have lived a long, rewarding and satisfying life.Life celebrations or funeral services are not what they were…these days anything goes! The choice and options of how best to honour and celebrate life are infinite. Long gone are the rigours and rituals of old world faith based services. Death is openly talked about, no longer in hushed tones and children are no longer excluded from death and the dying process. It is a special time for me to truly engage with families to craft the best possible life celebration.

MARRIAGE & CIVIL UNIONS 

Taking the step to a public declaration of love is HUGE. In a day and age where it is acceptable to go through life with a ‘partner’, it is a real honour for me to play a part in legally bringing two hearts together.  I understand this is not a step that is taken lightly or frivolously, therefore I work with couples who come to me, whatever age, gender or orientation, to understand how I can craft a ceremony that is inclusive and brings out the best in each person and also involves their families and those they care deeply about. In a day and age where often,  the “dress” or the venue/entertainment becomes the star of the show…it is my aim that the words spoken and vows exchanged become the most remembered part of the day: the essence of the occasion and the reason why.

OTHER OCCASIONS 

My skills have also been called upon to perform house blessings, naming ceremonies, ashes interment and the unveiling of memorial headstones, candlelit memorial services and special milestone birthdays and anniversaries. I also offer my skills and experience as a ‘mistress of ceremonies’ and compere for public events.You will find me approachable, competent, real and committed to providing the very best possible service that I can. I embrace cultural diversity and work to a pathway of inclusiveness. I am comfortable and experienced on Marae and with Marae protocol.

I encourage and welcome your inquiry regarding my services.