MEET SUE
“I am at heart, a natural organiser, but also a creator of beautiful things…”
I’ve been married for 37 years, have two wonderful children, a couple of gorgeous grandsons and a lovely extended family, both here in the UK and in various parts of the world.
Any spare time I have will probably find me doing one of the following: cooking, walking in the Black Mountains or painting (on canvases, not walls and furniture, although I have done a lot of that too!).
I first considered becoming a celebrant over 20 years ago, when I briefly worked as the Communications & Events Manager at Child Bereavement UK. A significant part of my role was to assemble their annual Review, which involved interviewing and listening to the stories of parents and children who had experienced such bereavement.
The time wasn’t right for me to become a celebrant then, but the experience led me to understand that how adults and children involved in such tragic circumstances are cared for and listened to at the time, can make a big difference to their long-term outcomes.
As things turned out, the two primary career paths I’ve taken have given me just the right skill set for planning, writing and officiating at both wedding ceremonies and funerals too.
MY CAREER
My original career involved 18 years working in television production. Having trained at the BBC, I worked on a wide variety of programmes, including many recorded and ‘live’ studio shows and then at ITV, organising and accompanying film crews on location in the UK and worldwide. Amongst many things, this work required scrupulous organisational skills, liaising with people in a diversity of roles, accurate scriptwriting and editing, close attention to detail and the ability to remain calm in difficult situations.
When my children were small, I took time out from work to pursue a part-time degree in English and History of Art, which later led to my role as Friends & Patrons Events Manager at the Royal Academy of Arts, where I organised cultural and arts-based tours and excursions for their Friends and Patrons.
I must have organised private tours to over 1,000 venues in London and around the UK. This sometimes comes in handy if clients are looking for that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ venue for their wedding!
“Sue’s organisation and attention to detail are impeccable and yet marvellously invisible, allowing participants to simply enjoy the pleasures of a full and satisfying day.”
MY EXPERIENCE
In 2019, I started my own small tours business (Sue Stamp Tours), which I run alongside my work as a Celebrant. Over the 20 years I’ve been a tour manager, I have collaborated with many people in a wide variety of positions, from owners of stately homes to recalcitrant coach drivers (and many lovely ones too of course!), but most importantly, I have been privileged to have met many delightful people along the way, who have enjoyed and appreciated my tours.
I mention all the above because the skills and experience I gained in my various careers, truly complement my role as a celebrant.
Everyone has their own unique personality and life story. It’s my role as a celebrant to craft the right words to create a ceremony that quintessentially captures the essence of those you love.