Hello. I’m Nicky Duddell, a Humanist Wedding Celebrant, trained and accredited by the wonderful people at Humanists UK.
As you have found me, I’m guessing that you know that Humanist Wedding Ceremonies and Vow Renewals are ALL ABOUT YOU! Think of a Humanist Ceremony as the perfect Pick and Mix selection; the ‘Smorgasbord‘ of your love story, told just as you want it to be.
A wedding ceremony is out of the routine of everyday life, so your ceremony should be extraordinary – celebrating your love in whatever form that love takes; celebrating how you have chosen to live your lives together.
And yes, before you ask, as your love story is told there may be tears – but just the right amount – and many, many smiles and huge amounts of joy. You’ve made a momentous decision to marry; so, whether your ceremony is private and intimate or a grand fully fledged affair, my role is to craft and deliver your ceremony, capturing who you are…
… but who am I? Well this is me beaming on my wedding day back in 2002. I remember this moment clearly – a line from a poem written and read by my husband had our family and friends roaring with laughter, albeit moments earlier we had also been rapidly blinking away tears – three cheers for waterproof mascara! This is how we wanted our wedding ceremony to be.
I was a commercial lawyer for more years than I care to remember – but I have got over that now! It may be due to my years as a lawyer, or perhaps I am just naturally curious, that I relish quizzing my couples.
My happy place is the New Forest where I live with my husband – still penning the occasional poem – our teenage son, and two thoroughly spoilt rescue moggies.
My happy moments are as a ‘proud mum’ clapping and whooping (apparently too enthusiastically!) at school concerts; finishing that early morning 5k when I nearly didn’t force myself out the house; being with our great friends whether around a dinner table, out on our bikes, or in a lovely New Forest pub.
I have few dislikes – but please, no rhubarb or gooseberry ever!
As a Humanist I hold dear important principles in my everyday life – equality, inclusion, diversity, honesty, humanity, compassion and warmth – not forgetting fun as well! To explore humanism further click on the Humanists UK logo.
This spinning planet that we all inhabit is pretty amazing; so, I like to share a little love with the environment. Hopefully you have some love to share with it too, so please have a look in ‘Latest News’ to find out more…
“It was really lovely – very, very good, with the perfect use of humour”
