Circle of Love Celebrant Services

18/10/2026

✨. WEEKEND WONDER✨

This morning started with quite a frost, but once the sun came up, it turned into a beautiful day for a walk in the autumn sunshine with two very important parts of my life. ❤️🐾

Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make a weekend wonderful.

A walk, some sunshine, a path to follow and good company alongside you.

I love how this photo captured our shadows stretching out in front of us — and if you look closely, you’ll spot another little shadow joining us too! 🐾

It’s easy to get caught up in everything we need to do, but sometimes it’s good to slow down, look around and simply enjoy where we are and who we’re sharing the moment with.

Here’s to finding a little wonder in the ordinary. 🍂✨

14/10/2026

✨ MIDWEEK MILESTONE ✨

Have you ever wondered why a groom has a best man?

It’s one of those things we see at almost every wedding, but how often do we stop and think about where the tradition actually comes from?

There’s a lovely Scottish connection to this one.

The term “best man” has a documented Scottish history going back to the 18th century, and interestingly, there was also a “best maid” – someone who had a similar role supporting the bride.

The best man wasn’t simply there to stand beside the groom. Traditionally, he could be involved in the preparations, helping with the wedding and the celebrations around it.

And I rather like that idea.

Because when you think about it, that’s still what the role is really about. Having someone beside you who knows you, supports you, keeps you calm when things get a little hectic – and perhaps makes sure you actually remember the rings! 😄

But here’s where I think traditions can evolve.

Why does your best person have to be a man?

Your best man could be your best woman, your brother, your sister, your best friend, or simply the person you most want by your side.

Traditions can tell us where we’ve come from, but they don’t have to dictate where we’re going.

For me, that’s one of the lovely things about a Humanist ceremony. We can look at the traditions, understand the meaning behind them, and then decide which ones have meaning for you.

Because ultimately, it’s not about following a tradition just because that’s what we’ve always done.

It’s about making it yours. ❤️

10/10/2026

✨ WEEKEND WONDER ✨

In between working this week, I made the most of getting out in the garden.

The weather was lovely, and I was amazed to see so many different butterflies enjoying the Michaelmas daisies — Peacock, Red Admiral, Cabbage White and Small Copper — along with plenty of bees. 🦋🐝

It’s wonderful to see the pollinators still around and making the most of the last of the flowers in the garden.

We’ve also had some frost this week, and sadly, it did mean that some of the bees didn’t make it.

It’s a gentle reminder to enjoy each day and appreciate what we have while we have it. Life, in all its forms, can be fragile and fleeting, and sometimes it’s the simplest things that remind us just how precious it is.

A patch of flowers, a butterfly passing by, or the hum of a bee can be enough to make us stop, notice and appreciate the moment. 🌿✨

What has made you stop and wonder this week?

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

🌿MIDWEEK MILESTONE🌿

Hi! My journey to this week’s Midweek Milestone has been a bit of a mixed one. I’ve been full of a cold, which has definitely slowed me down a little!

However, one of the things I love about my work is that so much of it can be done online or remotely, so it doesn’t have to stop completely.

This week I’ve been following up with couples, arranging initial conversations, and working on a ceremony I’ll be performing next month.

So, while I might not have been firing on all cylinders, there has still been plenty happening behind the scenes!

How has your journey to this week’s Midweek Milestone been?

05/10/2026

💫. MONDAY MAGIC 💫

Have you heard of box breathing?

I was reminded of it recently because I used it at the end of a podcast episode earlier this year which I did with with Caroline Young

It’s a wonderfully simple technique:

🫁 Breathe in for 4
⏸️ Hold for 4
🫁 Breathe out for 4
⏸️ Hold for 4

And repeat.

I came across a recent article from Patient.info looking at the evidence behind box breathing and some of the effects it may have on stress and our nervous system.

Recent research suggests that this simple breathing technique may help reduce physiological stress responses and feelings of stress and anxiety in the short term. (⁠Patient)

And perhaps that’s the bit I like most.

We spend so much of our time rushing from one thing to the next. Sometimes we don’t need to do more. We simply need to pause.

Four seconds in.
Four seconds holding.
Four seconds out.
Four seconds holding.

Four simple numbers. One little pause. ✨

You can read the Patient.info article here: https://patient.info/features/mental-health/box-breathing-simple-technique-surprising-results
⁠Box breathing – simple technique, surprising results

And if you’d like to hear the podcast where I originally used box breathing, I’ll pop that link below too.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/caroline-young6/episodes/Grief-Coaching-with-Cate-MacLean-e3gv7mp/a-aci6nts

02/10/2026

✨ WEEKEND WONDER✨

Why Circle of Love?

Have you ever wondered why I don’t use my own name as a Humanist Celebrant?

Here’s why I chose Circle of Love. ❤️

When I shared the news with a good friend that I had become a Humanist Celebrant, they said:

“Wow, how lucky are all those people going to be, surrounded by your circle of love?”

It was really a reflection of who I am as a person. But those words stayed with me.

The more I thought about them, the more I realised that they summed up what I do.

Every ceremony is about a circle of love — whether it’s surrounding a newborn, a couple getting married, or celebrating the end of someone’s life.

I like to think that my ceremonies allow you to share your circle of love with me, and in return, the ceremony I write creates an outer circle of love around you, your family and the people who matter most.

And that’s why it’s called Circle of Love. ❤️

30/09/2026

🍃 MIDWEEK MILESTONE 🍃

One thing I was reminded of at the wedding show is that every couple is different.

Some couples are ready to stop, chat and tell you all about their plans. Others are still looking around, gathering ideas or simply not ready to talk- and that’s absolutely fine. We understand that we won’t be everyone’s choice.

But when a couple does ask us to get in touch, we take that seriously.

For me, being a celebrant isn’t just about the ceremony itself. It’s also about being professional, following through on what I’ve said I’ll do, and giving people the time and attention they deserve.

Not every conversation will lead to a booking-and that’s okay.

What matters is that every couple feels listened to, respected and treated with care. 💚

And if you didn’t make it along to the Wedding Show but would like to have a chat, you’re very welcome to get in touch. I’d love to hear what you’re planning.

29/09/2026

With The Edinburgh Wedding Exhibition – I just made it onto their weekly engagement list by being one of their top engagers! 🎉

28/09/2026

💫 MONDAY MAGIC 💫

I’m still buzzing from being at at the weekend, alongside -WilsonButler and Independent Humanist Ceremonies .

It was fantastic meeting so many couples and hearing all about their plans. The atmosphere was great, and I really enjoyed meeting the other exhibitors too.

My follow-up emails are now sent, and I’m looking forward to carrying on the conversations with the couples I had the chance to speak to.

There’s something rather special about hearing people talk about their plans for such an important day-and being able to be part of those conversations. 💕