Marriage Celebrant – Stellan Jara
We had a humanist wedding ceremony in France, in a vineyard and I liked our marriage celebrant’s sense of humour and attention to detail (something I see in myself as a humanist marriage celebrant).
A humanist ceremony enabled us to bring everything we wanted together and we chose the words and a handfasting as our meaningful symbolic act. It really made the day and so many special memories.
I am a romantic at heart and have always enjoyed seeing people in love getting married. I am so proud to be the marriage celebrant that brings all the special moments of a wedding together, by writing and delivering a bespoke ceremony for two individuals ready to share their lives as one.
I have a great sense of humour and contagious energy when delivering a ceremony as I believe at least a little humour can get everyone into the spirit of things. If you want a ceremony that is more formal and measured, then I can do that as well. I feel being well-read and well-travelled, I also have an understanding of other cultures and customs which is invaluable when helping any couple to tailor their ceremony. The beauty of choosing a humanist wedding celebrant such as myself means the service is designed with you, by me and I’ll always go with your flow.
I am a wedding celebrant trained by Humanists UK, the only UK charity representing the needs and rights of non-religious people in this country. After a careful and lengthy selection process, trainees and celebrants undergo rigorous training to ensure an excellent standard of service.
Humanists UK has been awarded the OCN London Quality Mark, a nationally recognised award for organisations that provide the highest standards of training and learning opportunities. The Quality Mark certifies the high quality of Humanists UK training provision in ceremonies, pastoral support and school speaking. OCN London is a national non-profit organisation dedicated to improving people’s lives through learning.
Following accreditation, wedding celebrants are required to continue with their development of skills and knowledge through attending regional and national seminars, workshops and conventions, in addition to self-directed learning.
Accredited celebrants are a network of like-minded professionals who support and work alongside each other.
Our services are also covered by professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
I have lived in Bristol for 25 years. I love that Bristol & Bath are so open, friendly and embracing of all the people that come to these fabulous cities. The best thing about Bristol is that it is big enough to have plenty going on all the time but not so big (like London) that you become overwhelmed with all the people.
Bristol has something for everyone and is home to some great places: Ashton Court estate, Clifton Suspension Bridge, the Harbour side, and just up the road The Roman baths and Royal Crescent in Bath. The surrounding landscapes, Chew Valley Lake, the rolling hills of the Mendips and Cheddar Gorge & Caves to mention a few, are also favourites.
So many places to choose from for a great wedding ceremony whether inside or outdoors.
I was born in Seville, Spain, my mother is English and my father is Spanish. Growing up with two cultures helped me appreciate the differences and similarities of working with different cultures as a wedding celebrant. I am also married to a French girl so yes I really get it. I’m fluent in Spanish and understand a fair amount of French as well as speaking it.
When I was five years old I moved to England and grew up in Worcestershire. At the age of 20 I moved to Bristol to study Nursing, I’ve worked as a nurse for 20+ years. I feel that this helped me attain great interpersonal communication skills and empathy. I can talk to anyone and I’m not fazed by anything, believe me, I’ve seen and heard it all.
While working as a qualified nurse I started a hobby in 2001, Salsa dancing, as I’ve always loved to dance and listen to Latin music. After 6 years I trained as a Salsa teacher and now run the most successful and well regarded Salsa & Latin dance school in Bristol, called Salsa Souls. Yes, I can teach you your wedding dance too. Check out the couple I taught here, Additional Services
I love going for walks with my wife to the great places in and around Bristol, visiting botanical gardens when I have the chance as I am a keen gardener too. I also enjoy socialising with my friends from nursing and salsa as often as I can.