I'm a qualified Independent Celebrant living in Quorn in Leicestershire. I absolutely love to create and deliver bespoke wedding ceremonies, vow renewals and commitment ceremonies. Writing words that capture the very essence of you as a couple. I'm also a journalist, so I know the power of words, and the impact of a good story, well told.

Your ceremony is as unique as you are and is tailor-made to your specifications. Think of it as a custom-made suit that fits you perfectly.It should be uplifting and heartwarming and make your guests smile and sniff! It's a milestone I want you to remember for many years to come.

You can have your ceremony wherever you like - in your back garden or a stately home. The only requirement is that the legal formalities are completed first. I've used many symbolic rituals in my ceremonies that couples were keen to include. Simple handfasting, lighting unity candles, exchanging rings, of course, and even tequila shots from a traditional quaich. This is a two-handed Celtic cup used back in the day to symbolise friendship and trust.

If you're stuck for ideas I have plenty, and with your permission I like to contact best men, bridesmaids and family for some back stage gossip about you. Your ceremony can be as lively or as serene as you like. You can have music, poetry, readings of a secular or spiritual nature, and even alpacas as ring bearers if that's what you fancy.

My ceremonies tend to be relaxed affairs, I don't want my couples stressed. Nerves are normal, but if you can trust the celebrants hands that you're in, then you will have a truly magical day, that you and your loved ones will thoroughly enjoy.

I often get asked, ' Won't people know that it's not the legal service?' Truthfully, no, they don't because you can make vows and promises to each other that are personal to you, exchange rings, sign a wedding certificate and walk down the aisle if that's what you want to do. Even if they are aware that you went to the registry office on a wet Wednesday with your mum and dad, they suspend belief because they are hopefully having a lovely time, and the service they are witnessing is all about you, your feelings about each other and why you want to spend your lives together.

When couples contact me, I arrange a no-obligation chat, preferably in person, to find out how they see their big day and to see if they feel comfortable with me. If they want to book me after that, it's all good, and we arrange another meeting at their venue to talk through logistics and for me to get their back story from them.

We discuss any symbolic rituals and readings. You don't have to have everything carved in stone; there's a lot to think about, and I can help with suggestions for poetry, for example.

Six weeks before the ceremony I send a copy of the script for approval. If you want to make changes, no problem. And RELAX!

Celebrant Jane is a wedding officiant based in Quorn, Leicestershire.