Independent Modern Celebrant
Every life deserves
a story well told
Warm, personal ceremonies for weddings, funerals and naming days — written around you, and no one else.
Chapter One
A warm welcome
“Because life should always be measured by moments and memories.”
I’m Victoria, though most call me “Tory,” and I’m an Independent Modern Celebrant based in the heart of beautiful Northamptonshire.
I believe every person is one-of-a-kind, and that their ceremonies should be just as unique. Whether you’re honouring a life lived or celebrating a new beginning, I take great care in crafting ceremonies that truly reflect the individuality and essence of each person or couple.
Chapter Two
How we’ll work together
We meet
We sit down together — in person or over a call — and talk. About you, your family, the moment you're marking and what it means.
I listen and write
I take everything you've shared and craft a ceremony that is entirely bespoke. We read it together, refine it, and polish it until every word feels right.
Your day
On the day, I guide your ceremony with warmth, calm and care — so you can be fully present in the moment while the story unfolds.
Chapter Three
Ceremonies
Weddings
A ceremony written from your love story — vows, readings and rituals that feel unmistakably yours, held wherever your heart asks.
Funerals & celebrations of life
A gentle, honest farewell that honours the person you loved — their humour, their kindness, the life they lived — told with warmth and grace.
Naming days
A joyful gathering to welcome a little one — promises from the people who love them, and a keepsake of words to treasure as they grow.
Tree planting ceremonies
A living keepsake, rooted in the ground — written for the moment, and for all the years it will grow after it.
Any Time, Anywhere
I offer you the freedom and flexibility to be as creative as you wish when planning your special life event — the sky is the limit! Whatever the event: it could be an uncoupling ceremony, a graduation from University, a special Birthday or Anniversary — I can help you mark your occasion in almost any location.
Weddings, Partnerships & Vow Renewals
Tying The Knot
Did you know that this term comes from the traditional rite of Hand Fasting, often called Hand Tying? It’s a beautiful way to include something traditional in your unique celebration.
Your Day, Your Way
I believe we are all unique and that this should be celebrated and reflected in all of the ceremonies and services I create. I will work with you to weave a memorable and unique ceremony that celebrates your love story and your commitment to one another.
Blended Ceremonies
There are so many ways to make your big day truly magical. Unlike traditional weddings, a Celebrant-led ceremony allows you the freedom to blend your belief systems uniquely.
Celebration of Life · Interment of Ashes · Memorials
I embark on the journey with you offering my support, empathy and time. I work closely with a wide number of providers and hold the intention of making the process a little easier at what is such a difficult time.
My commitment extends well beyond normal expectations as my aim is to ensure that this day of all days will be cathartic by crafting a significant, heartfelt and memorable farewell.
When a Child Has Died
As part of my commitment to supporting families during the most difficult times, I offer my funeral celebrant services without charge for children and young adults under the age of 18.
Chapter Four
About Victoria
Home and heart
I’m Tory, an Independent Modern Celebrant based in the heart of beautiful Northamptonshire. I live in Brackley with my husband Gary, and a menagerie of animals. Phoebe, our pooch, is a rescue from Romania. Our kitties Ruby, Nora and Hugo are all rescues too, and then there’s Myrtle our tortoise.
In my free time I can often be found in the garden or in the west wing being creative! I love the outdoors and feel at my absolute best when I’m immersed in the heart of nature — which is a blessing in my role as a Celebrant, as I am often out and about conducting tree planting ceremonies amongst other things.
Books and belonging
I have a passion for books and am a devout bookworm. One of my favourite writers is a lady called Cicely Mary Barker, writer and illustrator of the children’s books, The Flower Fairies. My husband also loves books and Hay-on-Wye is a popular holiday destination for us both. Hay is the second-hand book capital of the world and home to the Hay-on-Wye Literature Festival.
You could say it is my spiritual home, as my personal belief system is rooted in nature and human rights — no surprise that it is where we chose to get married back in 2022. That’s a tale for another day and one I look forward to sharing with you. Our henna ceremony was unforgettable, as was jumping the broom.
Small pleasures
I have a weakness for perfume and expensive shoes, and then there’s my stationery obsession. Thankfully, I am able to amass stationery without feeling too guilty, as when I’m not leading ceremonies, I am writing a book. Some of my pencils are made from recycled newspapers and others have seed capsules which can eventually be planted — all small components of my continuing efforts to lead as green a life as possible.
I hold a Diploma in Celebrancy and operate entirely independently.
Founder Director and proud member of the Celebrant Co-operative Society
Centre of Excellence certified
Working closely with families and couples to create bespoke ceremonies and services that are as meaningful and unique as possible. No two ceremonies are the same, but all are truly unforgettable — and for all of the right reasons. Whether honouring and celebrating a life well lived or welcoming a new one, I care deeply about ensuring every life event is crafted and delivered carefully and professionally.
Chapter Five
Where I work
I can and will travel countrywide across the UK and the British Isles. Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Bedfordshire are closest to home, and I am always happy to travel further afield by agreement. Journeys beyond a radius of 50 miles attract an additional mileage fee, charged at 55 pence per mile — please ask for further details.
- Northamptonshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Oxfordshire
- Bedfordshire
Chapter Six
Kind words
It is a privilege to be part of life’s most important moments. You can read what families and couples have said about their ceremonies on the sites below.
Begin your story
I’d love to hear yours
I would love to start a conversation with you and answer any questions you may have. Please reach out in any way that is easiest for you and I will set time aside for you.
Weddings · Funerals · Naming Days
Or please use the form below if you’d find this easier.
Tell me about your day
I’m looking forward to getting to know you and helping you plan your important life event.