Meet Angharad
Creating ceremonies with connection, warmth, and a little honeybee magic
Hello! I'm Angharad Churches, the person behind Gwenyn Ceremonies, and I'm so glad you're here.
If you're reading this, you're probably in the process of planning something important—a wedding, a funeral, a naming ceremony, or another milestone moment. You're looking for someone who'll truly listen to your story and help you create a ceremony that feels right for you. That's exactly what I do, and I'd be honoured to work with you.
Why "Gwenyn"?
Gwenyn is the Welsh word for honeybee, and these remarkable little creatures inspire everything I do. Bees work together, they're vital to their community, they create something sweet that lasts, and they're deeply connected to the natural world around them. That's how I approach celebrancy—with a focus on connection, community, authenticity, and creating meaningful moments that stay with you long after the ceremony ends.
Plus, I love the nod to my Welsh heritage. Born and raised in South East Wales, I'm proud to serve this beautiful region and weave a touch of Welsh character into the ceremonies I create.
My journey to celebrancy
Before I became a celebrant, I spent over twenty-five years working as a secondary school teacher in Monmouthshire and just over the border in South Gloucestershire. Teaching gave me so many skills that I bring to ceremonies today: endless curiosity about people and their stories, deep empathy and patience, the ability to communicate clearly and confidently in front of groups, and the knack for staying calm when things don't quite go to plan (which, let's be honest, sometimes happens at ceremonies!).
But more than skills, teaching gave me joy. There's something magical about being present during important moments in people's lives, whether that's helping a teenager achieve their dream place at university or standing with a couple as they exchange vows they've written from the heart.
With my daughter now at university and my son finishing his GCSEs, this felt like the perfect time to embrace a new creative chapter. Celebrancy combines everything I love: storytelling, supporting people through meaningful moments, celebrating individuality, and creating experiences that bring communities together.
What makes my approach different
-
I'm endlessly curious
I ask a lot of questions—not because I'm nosy (well, maybe a little), but because I genuinely want to understand what makes you tick. What's your essence? How do you want to be represented? What matters most to you? The more I know, the more personal and authentic your ceremony becomes.
-
I value authenticity above all
You'll never hear me deliver a ceremony that could belong to anyone. I don't have a one-size-fits-all template with your names swapped in. Every ceremony I create is built from scratch, based on your specific story, your values, and your vision. Whether you want something traditional with cultural touches or something wonderfully unconventional, I'll honour your choices without judgment.
-
I bring warmth and professionalism in equal measure
I'm friendly and approachable—I want you to feel comfortable sharing your story with me. But I also take this work incredibly seriously. You can trust that I'll show up prepared, deliver your ceremony with confidence and poise, and handle every detail with care and professionalism.
-
I love tradition and culture
From handfasting and jumping the besom to cultural rituals from your heritage, I'm passionate about incorporating meaningful traditions into your ceremony. These symbolic elements add depth and beauty, connecting us to the generations who came before while celebrating the moment we're in.
-
Storytelling is my superpower
Whether it's the tale of how you met, the adventures your loved one had during their lifetime, or the journey that brought your family together, I'll weave those stories into your ceremony with skill and heart. You'll hear your own narrative told back to you in a way that makes you think, "Yes, that's exactly right."
My values
-
Empathy and kindness
Life's significant moments—both joyful and sorrowful—deserve to be approached with deep empathy and kindness. I create ceremonies that hold space for all emotions and treat everyone involved with respect and compassion.
-
Community and connection
Like the honeybees that inspire my work, I believe we're stronger together. Ceremonies aren't just about the main participants—they're about bringing communities together to witness, celebrate, and support one another.
-
Rooted in South Wales
There's no "right way" to have a ceremony. Your way is the right way, and my job is to help you create something that reflects your personality, values, and vision.
When I'm not creating ceremonies
You'll usually find me walking Moss, my Schnauzer cross, through the beautiful Welsh countryside we're lucky enough to call home. At home, I'm kept company by Mika, my ginger cat who has very strong opinions about everything.
I'm a devoted fan of crime dramas and documentaries (particularly anything historical), I love exploring the rich history of our local area, and you'll often find me on the sidelines cheering enthusiastically at my son's rugby matches. I'm passionate about music—everything from indie to 2000s dance, though I'm still working on appreciating jazz!
Why South Wales?
I was born and raised in this region, and I can't imagine working anywhere else. From the rolling hills and serene rivers of Monmouthshire to the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean, from the historic charm of market towns like Abergavenny and Usk to the vibrant energy of Cardiff and Newport—this area offers everything you could want for a meaningful ceremony.
I know the venues, I understand the local character, I appreciate the Welsh traditions that might be important to you, and I'm connected to the wonderful network of suppliers who'll help make your day special. When you work with me, you're working with someone who truly knows and loves this place.
Let's create something special
Whether you're planning a relaxed barn wedding with your closest people, a heartfelt celebration of life in a woodland glade, or a joyful naming ceremony in your back garden, I'd love to help you create a ceremony that feels completely, authentically yours.
Get in touch, and let's start your story together.