Milton Keynes celebrant nominated for two national awards

Nicola West has been nominated for the Rising Star and Celebrant of the Year awards, receiving national recognition just a year into her full-time career change.

She operates Ceremonies by Nicola, covering Milton Keynes and the wider Buckinghamshire area. She has been shortlisted for two gongs at The Celebrant Industry Awards (TCIA).

Nicola said: "I am very excited and honoured to have been recognised and nominated for these awards I have been a Celebrant full time for just over a year after fitting it around another role for a while. Finally setting up Ceremonies by Nicola West in spring of last year.

"While weddings were put on hold I have been helping families say goodbye by conducting funeral services during what I can only describe as the most difficult of circumstances. However, I love my job and to be able to help and support families and loved ones and help them say goodbye, in a way that is not only caring, but also offers the utmost dignity. During these tough times, has been humbling and also so rewarding.

"Alongside the funerals I am now also back planning and writing bespoke wedding ceremonies for couples and also a few baby naming ceremonies for this summer. I am so excited to be officiating these ceremonies once the lock down restrictions are lifted."

The Celebrant Directory is hosting the awards, it acts as an online hub for those searching for their ideal celebrant.

The nomination period will last until the end of the week (May 9). Public voting starts on Monday May 17 and closes on Friday May 21, before being reviewed and judged by an independent panel made up of industry experts.

Founder of TCIA and The Celebrant Directory, Jennifer Claire Constant said: “I am so excited to finally launch these awards to shout loudly about our fantastic Celebrant community and really recognise the talent we have.”

“The past year has shown how integral Celebrants are within the funeral and weddings industry, working and supporting families through life-changing events. I’m really proud of how our members have come together and have made a difference in times of such hardship in 2020-21.”

To nominate a Celebrant for one or more of the six award categories, head to: www.thecelebrantdirectory.com/awards. The winners will be announced and notified on Monday May 31.