Launched in 2023, Black Cats and Unicorns: Celebrancy is owned and run by me- Michelle Clayford (she/her), a queer, brown, Neuro Divergent woman. I am an authentic and curious person who loves finding out about people’s stories. As a fully trained Independent Celebrant who is insured, you can be confident that you’re in safe hands.
I offer my services to people who desire a non traditional ceremony to mark their important life events. This might be a celebratory name change, a quirky wedding or a bewitching vow renewal. I’ll make sure you’re comfortable on your special day, with a safe word or sign, to use if you need a break. I’ll find out what makes you and your partner/s tick to ensure I can craft a sparkling authentic ceremony just for you. Whether you’re ND, queer or disabled, we all deserve a wonderful day. My ethos is about transparency, honesty and trust and I’ll ensure you’re completely happy with the ceremony on the day. I am also Level 2 trained in BSL and will work with your to arrange an interpreter as needed.
Why book me? I embrace being a little weird and wonderful. If you’re also ‘different’, then I might be the Celebrant for you. Do expect to be asked all sorts of questions as I dig into the heart of who you are or who your special person was. (e.g What’s your favourite dinosaur? Stegosaurus in case you were wondering.) Don’t expect staid stuffy ceremonies! I want to ensure you have the options to celebrate your significant life moments in a way that makes your quirky little heart sing.
If you were to ask me if I’d prefer delivering a wedding or a funeral, I’d say a funeral or Celebration of Life every time. Why? Saying goodbye is so important and you only get one chance to get it right. I offer a bespoke, personally crafted life story for each person that you can amend as many times as you need to, time allowing. Saying that, I love creating unique weddings involving Disney, lego or any other sci-fi theme as well as beguiling hand fasting vow renewals. (Both coming in 2025) I’m also not averse to either Star Wars or Buffy themed ceremonies- so do reach out to discuss your fabulous ideas!
My varied career means that I’m able to hold space and walk with you as you grieve and explore difficult topics. Asking the right questions enables you to open up and express your wishes and emotions. Grief is a difficult time- you may be experiencing a range of emotions from sadness, anger, relief and numbness. Having worked with people of all ages, in some very difficult circumstances, means that I am comfortable adapting language and explanations to a wide range of people. You’ll find that I can hold the space for you to grieve and enable you to explore your memories of your loved one to create a loving and authentic service.
As a member of the Association of Independent Celebrants,, The Celebrant Circle and trained by the Grateful Celebrant, you can rest assured I know what I’m doing. I’m flexible, warm and caring. respectful, thoughtful and kind You can find me in Leeds or online at www.blackcatsandunicorns.co.uk or on IG at BCAU. You can also hear me deliver a talk on my old profession, a Coroner’s Officer, with Full Circle Funerals on Jan 9th 2025. Book your tickets Here.
You may wonder why I became a celebrant, it’s a reasonable query. About fifteen years ago, my best friend asked me officiate his wedding. I had no idea what I was doing, but off to Nerja in Spain I went, to deliver a beautiful ceremony. Despite the 40 degree heat and the bower collapsing, it was a wonderful experience. Later on, my work as a Coroner’s Officer helped to hone my investigative skills enabling people to get the answers they needed. This led to me wanting to help people say goodbye.
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