In a delightful twist of career paths, two local educators, Cressida "Cress" Tomlinson, from Tollerton and Jo Hudson from Dalton have ventured into the world of wedding celebrations, utilising their extensive professional experience to launch a new business as wedding celebrants.
Transforming Classrooms into Ceremonies
Jo Hudson, a beloved primary school teacher, and Cress Tomlinson, a university lecturer in Leeds, have combined their skills in writing, organising, and presenting to bring a fresh perspective to wedding ceremonies.
With over 30 years of teaching experience between them, Jo and Cress have honed their abilities and hope to captivate audiences, create engaging narratives, and manage the intricate details of events—all crucial skills for their new roles as celebrants.
A Natural Transition
Jo explains, "Teaching and celebrating weddings might seem worlds apart, but the core skills are very similar. Both involve connecting with people, telling stories, and creating memorable experiences. I’ve always loved helping students feel special and understood, and now I get to do the same for couples on their big day."
Cress adds, "As a lecturer, I’ve spent years writing and presenting material in a way that resonates with my students. Crafting wedding ceremonies allows me to use those talents to make each couple’s story come alive. It’s incredibly rewarding."
Starting a New Chapter
Their business, "Hearts of Yorkshire Celebrants," offers bespoke wedding services, ensuring each ceremony is as unique as the couple they are celebrating. From an intimate gathering to grand affairs, Jo and Cress will tailor each ceremony to reflect the personalities and love stories of their clients.
"Our goal is to make every ceremony heartfelt and personal," says Jo. "We work closely with each couple to understand their journey and what they want from their ceremony. It’s about creating a moment that feels truly special and unforgettable."
Embracing the Community
Jo and Cress’s venture has been warmly received by their friends and families and they now hope to embrace the wider community, with many former students and colleagues expressing support. Local venues and wedding planners have also welcomed their fresh approach and dedication to personalisation.
"We feel so fortunate to have the support of our family and friends," says Cress. "It’s an amazing adventure and we hope to bring a touch of our local charm to each ceremony. We’re excited to continue growing and helping more couples celebrate their love."
Looking Ahead
As they balance their new business with their educational careers, Jo and Cress are excited about the future. They have expanded their services to include vow renewals, baby naming ceremonies, funerals and other significant life events.
For these two educators turned celebrants, the journey from classrooms to wedding venues has been a fulfilling adventure, one that allows them to continue making a positive impact on people’s lives in a wonderfully unique way.
If you a looking for a celebrant, why not get in touch with Cress and Jo for an informal chat.
Cress and Jo
Hearts of Yorkshire Celebrants
Tel: 07971028724 / 07708600241
Comments