Hey!! Laura J here - a British Vocalist and Modern Celebrant based in the UAE.

I’ve always sung, but… I haven’t always been a singer.

I was actually a dancer for 20 years, and when I finally chose to hang up my heels, the thought of no longer performing broke my heart. I’ve been in love with the stage for most of my life; I just needed a new outlet.

Singing had always been there, quietly waiting in the wings, but it had never been the focus. Until now.

It has allowed me to return to what I love with a whole new sense of fulfilment and joy and, thankfully, without quite so many aching muscles!

And the celebrancy? Well…

A couple of years ago, my best friend asked me to marry her and her partner. I was beyond honoured, but also a little surprised. Her trust and faith in me to fulfil such an important role were absolute.

But after some reflection, I realised perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised. It wasn’t the first time I had been trusted to speak in public, share someone’s story or lead a room. I’d already been doing those things for years, both professionally and personally.

Okay, I thought. I could be good at this.

But why did I want to do it?

Falling in love will do that to you.

For the first time, I truly understood the journey and sometimes the work it takes for two people to be ready to make that commitment. I wanted to tell their story, make their ceremony completely personal and lead a room full of the people they love in celebrating everything that had brought them to that moment.

And I realised I would be incredibly proud to do the same for other couples, too.