Stratford conductor and band leader Tori Ruston made the decision to train as a celebrant after attending weddings and funerals as musician
TORI Rushton has many strings to her bow, but has found the pluck to retrain as a celebrant.
Well known around Stratford as a music teacher and band leader, classically trained Tori made the decision to train as a celebrant after attending weddings and funerals in her capacity as a musician.
Celebrants are simply defined as someone who officiates over ceremonies – such as a priest or registrar – but many increasingly offer a non-religious ‘humanist’ take and can be privately hired.
“I’ve played at weddings and thought I’d really like to do that,” explains Tori on the reason she decided to become a celebrant. “It’s just such a lovely, special day: a couple coming together with a beautiful love story. I could always just see myself there in that role.”
A cellist and pianist, Tori is keeping up her musical work, including as artist director at Symphony in a Day and conductor with The Real String Orchestra. Her celebrant duties will simply expand her repertoire.
After studying at the Academy of Professional Celebrants, Tori is raring to go and has set up her own business, Tori Rushton Celebrant.
The demand for celebrants, who can work anywhere, is booming.
“Everybody wants a bespoke wedding, whether it’s in their back garden, on a beach, a hotel, or wherever they fancy. And that’s the beauty,” says Tori.
“You don’t have to then be stuck going to church or having a religious ceremony either. You have to do the legal part – couples can go to a registry office – but that isn’t what a celebrant does.”
It was while doing the course that Tori fully appreciated what celebrants can offer those grieving a lost one.
“It’s intense you go into people’s lives. When someone passes it’s a sad time but it’s also a beautiful to celebrate the life of a loved family member. I’m a compassionate person and would feel honoured to be part of that: retelling someone’s life story and what they mean to everyone.
“It’s about lifting the spirits of people as they say goodbye to their loved ones.”
Tori is looking forward to working with clients and creating services tailored to them.
She is also available to double up as a musician and celebrant.
“My unique selling point is that if you want me to play you down the aisle I can get my cello and play as the bride walks in… then put it down, stand up and go, ‘hello everybody’.”
Tori has also been doing research on traditional rituals and is happy to bring those into her ceremonies, such as hand-fasting – wrapping a ribbon around hands a symbol of union; and jumping the broom – which is symbolic of the couple starting a new life together.
“I can make every ceremony bespoke,” she adds.
Tori comes over as warm and friendly, and exudes a zest for life. But, she says, the greatest skill she can harness as a celebrant is her keen ear.
“As well as having to have creative writing skills and being a good public speaker, to be a great celebrant you have to be a great listener. You’re listening to the couple’s love story or hearing from a family about a loved one who they are mourning. You’re responsible for their wishes and their wants, and turning that into unforgettable moments.”