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21
Nov 2024
Ex-Harrogate teacher to officiate former student’s wedding
A former St Aidan’s teacher is set to take on a unique role in the life of one of her past pupils— not as an educator, but as the celebrant for their wedding.
Ms Caroline Rosser was a teacher for 21 years and left the teaching profession 18 months ago to pursue a career as a celebrant.
Unlike registrars, who have to adhere to legal requirements, or religious officiants who follow established doctrines, celebrants have no prescribed scripts or boundaries.
A celebrant can accommodate a wide array of requests, such as writing bespoke vows, incorporating symbolic rituals, or hosting the event in unconventional settings.
Ms Rosser was Claire Blenkinsop’s A level Media Studies teacher at St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate, from 2008 to 2010 and they have maintained a friendship ever since.
Ms Blenkinsop now works for the NHS. She said:
When my fiancée and I got engaged last year, there was one thing we knew we wanted - a celebrant-led wedding.
Caroline was one of those teachers you never forget and luckily for me we kept in touch. When Caroline told me she was launching her celebrancy business ‘Lottilly’, it was a no-brainer.
Ms Rosser said:
The role of a teacher is a privileged one. Outside of the academics, teachers have the opportunity to really connect with young people, and inevitably, some of those connections grow and change with time after students leave.
I’m proud to now call Claire a friend. It’s a real privilege to be asked to conduct Claire’s wedding; it does make me feel old though.
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