Juliette celebrates her success with TWIA founder & director, Damian Bailey.
The Fellowship of Professional Celebrants (FPC) has long held a strong reputation for training top award winning celebrants, and 2025 has been no exception. At the start of this year two of our former graduates claimed top honours at the prestigious at TWIA (The Wedding Industry Awards), in the ‘National Wedding Celebrant of the Year’ category. Vicky Giffiths of Hwyl Ceremonies in Wales was crowned as National Wedding Celebrant of the Year, with Juliette Williams a very close runner-up, earning the Highly Commended Award.
Since the ‘Celebrant of the year’ category was introduced to the TWIA awards seven years ago, our FPC graduates have won the national title for five of those seven years. On the two years that our celebrants didn’t take the top spot, the award went to Humanist Officiants – meaning no graduate from any other Independent Celebrant training provider has yet to win the national title. Additionally, we are proud to have trained numerous regional winners and semi-finalists in this category over the past seven years too.
Juliette Williams trained as a wedding celebrant with Terri Negus in 2019. Terri recently caught up with Juliette to discuss her journey, career achievements, and her latest success as a national award winner.
Below is a copy of their interview.
Juliette conducting a wedding at The Mapperton Estate, Dorset.
TN: Juliette, massive congratulations on your recent award, this truly is well deserved as we have all witnessed the outstanding service that you give to your couples, and the huge effort that you constantly put into growing and developing your business.
TN: Please tell us, what did you do before becoming a celebrant?
JW: I worked in events at Walt Disney Company (European Headquarters), and before that I was at BSKYB (Sky HQ). I am also a fashion historian and worked at the V&A museum.
TN: What made you decide to train as a celebrant with Fellowship of Professional Celebrants?
JW: It really was an immediate decision and a ‘no brainer’. The FPC seemed so professional, yet also friendly, and I felt at the time and still do, that the other organisations were offering a more corporate approach or promising the world without offering any evidence. The FPC showed real people, working in the world of celebrancy and that really appealed. Plus of course I’d done my research and knew celebrants had the recognition in United States and in Australia, and of course you too had some Australian roots (so knew the realities!)
TN: What year did you complete your wedding celebrancy training?
JW: I trained at the end of 2019 – literally months before lockdown!
TN: How has your life changed since becoming a celebrant?
JW: I have never worked so hard nor enjoyed the challenges so much. I can genuinely say that this is the best work I have ever done. Learning and adapting to the challenge of being self employed has driven me to provide the very best for my couples and families. Honestly I couldn’t ever not be a celebrant now.
TN: Tell us your favourite thing about being a celebrant?
JW: I love the on the day buzz of being a celebrant, the delivery and camaraderie at weddings with guests as well as couples. I love the advice and support I offer my couples, the guidance I can give and the emotional and practical support I share. I do also very much adore creative writing. Oh and can I also say, I love the thrill of engaging with suppliers and other celebrants!
TN: What do you think sets you apart from other celebrants?
JW: I think it’s my energy and enthusiasm for everything to do with their wedding day! I offer a totally transparent service and tell all my couples there is no limit on my time with them – they don’t necessarily ever want that and it has never been an issue – I think it is the security of knowing they can call on me any time that reassures and supports them
I also know my genuine joy and excitement is a winning combination. I’m totally honest if I think something won’t work, and am totally open to incorporating traditions if they want them.
TN: How would you describe the key to your success?
JW: Determination to keep going despite a pandemic, the economy and already established suppliers locally. Staying true to my values and what I offer. I also have worked extremely hard to learn how to work on my own marketing and SEO, often learning new technology and systems. It’s not the sexy bit, but it is essential!
TN: Tell us firstly how you felt about winning the TWIA regional finals?
JW: I was in total shock as I honestly didn’t see it coming. I was totally over the moon as it meant to me that I wasn’t an ‘imposter’ but a credible and good celebrant. I felt I had finally made it and felt justified in keeping going through the tough times and believing it would one day all work. My couples comments were the best bit though ( see my statement about giving my all!)
TN: And how did it then feel to be announced as the winner of the Highly Commended Award at the National Finals for Celebrant of the Year 2025? The second highest accolade in the country.
JW: I cried! …and do you know what was so special? all the lovely messages from other celebrants and yourself! I just felt so happy!
Celebrant smiles! Juliette showcases her award at TWIA 2025
TN: Has this award had an impact on your business so far?
JW: Yes it has, and it’s been lovely. More from venues are now more open to working with me, but also just being able to tell my couples, and they are so excited to have found me!
TN: What would be your No.1 tip to any new celebrant just starting out?
JW: Find your niche and never waver! Think carefully about the name you choose as it will help or hinder your marketing! Understand that if you want this to be a full time job then you really need to put in the work and do everything ( marketing, finances, websites!) and it could take a good few years.
TN: Is there anything else you would like to add ?
JW: Just to say that there is never a day when I don’t realise how lucky I am to have found a career I love so much, and one in which I can grow and expand. The joy of writing and officiating ceremonies never leaves me and despite the sheer hard work involved in launching and growing my profile, I wouldn’t give it up for anything!
Juliette radiating joy and laughter whilst conducting a wedding ceremony.
Juliette Williams (T/A Juliette by the sea) is based in Lyme Regis, Dorset and can be contacted as below:
Website: https://www.juliettebytheseacelebrant.co.uk
Instagram: @juliettebythesea
Facebook @juliettebytheseacelebrant
If you are interested in training as a wedding celebrant or a funeral celebrant, then please browse this celebrant training website
Or to find a celebrant in another area, please see our membership directory: Find a Celebrant For Weddings, Namings & Funerals UK & Europe
