In this month’s Faces of the Foundation feature, we’re delighted to introduce Sam,  a celebrant whose journey has been shaped by compassion, courage and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection.

Before becoming a celebrant, Sam spent years working in violence reduction, homelessness and supporting those affected by gender-based violence, building a career dedicated to helping people through some of life’s most challenging moments. Today, she brings that same empathy, warmth and authenticity to creating ceremonies filled with joy, meaning and stories that truly reflect the people at their heart.

From speaking in Parliament to chasing sunsets around the world, training Police Scotland to becoming a later-in-life bride herself, Sam’s story is one of resilience, adventure and embracing the moments that matter most.

Read on to discover the experiences, passions and people that shaped the celebrant she is today.

Meet Sam – Passion, Purpose & Ceremonies Full of Heart

Hi, I’m Sam – and if you’re reading this, a very warm virtual hello to you.

I grew up in Cumbernauld – yes, that Cumbernauld, the one from that advert, ‘What’s it called?’ – and after a brief escape to Motherwell in the name of love, the pull was too strong and I’m back in my ‘homeland’. For me, it wins every time.

I moved back with my husband Steve – quite possibly the most patient and kind man on the planet, and my daughter – who is, by far my greatest achievement by an absolute clear country mile. It’s funny though, that he’s a doctor and she’s a nurse and it’s me that’s somehow ended up making people cry for a living! In a good way though!

Before I became a Celebrant, I studied to MSc level at Glasgow University and spent years working in violence reduction and homelessness – work that took me to the Queens Garden Party in 2019 and to the British Parliament to speak about our efforts to reduce violence in Scotland. I became a gender-based violence specialist, and a trainer that was part of the cohort that trained Police Scotland on the then new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018.

And finally, I was on the Victoria Derbyshire show, highlighting the innovative project I was working in, that met people in A&E who were victims of violence and looked to break that cycle. It was humbling, extraordinary time and something I’ll never forget.

Then COVID hit and I took a long hard look at everything and realised I wanted to do something that felt as important as the work I’d been doing – but filled with joy rather than heartbreak. At the time, I was also planning my own wedding, and I got completely absorbed by the ceremony. Who knew you could have so many beautiful words, a story that was completely and utterly yours. There was a magic to it all and I thought ‘I could do that’. So I did. And I trained with UKCAPSA – the best decision I could have made.

I got married a 44, and being a bride later in life gave me a perspective and an understanding that I simply wouldn’t have had in my twenties. I know what it feels to stand in front of everyone you love and say the truest things you’ve ever said. And I bring every bit of that experience to the ceremonies I create and the relationships I build with my couples. Weddings are absolutely my thing. Completely and utterly. I bring your story to life in a way that I honestly cannot describe – but that will have your guests talking about for a very long time come. It’ll be unashamedly and unequivocally you.

Away from ceremonies, I’m a gym girl (only recently discovered that!) who loves to run. I’ve also been known to go up a Ben or two (actually just two!). A passionate traveller (think of me as a human mood board for honeymoon destinations) – watching manta rays in the Maldives, bathing with Elephants in Bali, chasing sunsets in everywhere, the Northern Lights in Iceland and Christmas Markets, well, anywhere in the world, to name but a few. And of course, I’m an animal lover of the most committed kind. I’ve 2 dogs – an English Springer Spaniel and a miniature Dachshund and 3 cats who are the centre of my world. There’s not a problem that can’t be solved in a conversation with those 5!

And I have my little garden regulars, who visit the garden very day. Penelope and Graham the hedgehogs – who have no idea they are now social media famous! Ralph the Squirrel, Mabel and Maud the wood pigeons, Betty the ringed neck dove and Robin, well, the Robin!

I’m essentially a wildlife sanctuary, a kind of Dr Dolittle, who also happens to be a celebrant!

And of course, I wouldn’t be me without a phenomenal family and a beautiful set of friends. Daughter, Friend, Wife, Mother, Sister, Aunt – some of the most truly amazing roles that I have.

Now, I cannot wait to hear your story.