In the second in my series of interviews with my Celebrant Role-models, I am delighted to introduce you to Jo Stott of Love Jo Ceremonies. Jo is an exceptional individual. She’s one of those people who lights up any room she’s in. Her positive energy and the obvious love for what she does is infectious. Jo’s a brilliant business woman too and has many years in the wedding industry that give her real insight. I love her to bits and I admire and respect her enormously. I’m thrilled she agreed to be featured on the blog.
What lead you to becoming a wedding and vow renewal celebrant?
Jo Stott, Celebrant:
Being celebrant has so many advantages – albeit it is hard work with lots of time management and planning… On reflection when you look back over the year and see how many love stories you have shared, how many couples you have dared to dream with, and so many amazing people met along the way, you can’t help but have a ‘arh’ moment at the successes of the year!
What type of ceremony do you most enjoy creating and why?
Jo Stott, Celebrant:
Honestly, all of them! I think sometimes you are offered a ceremony and think to yourself ‘well let’s give this a shot’… It may be in a rural location, or you may be writing something for the very first time so have to be super creative. I adore all the new adventures these sorts of ceremonies bring. I also love to reflect on the love stories I write for our couples, seeing how the words move or take the audience and couple from one emotion to the other! Words are so powerful, so I feel this is always a precious moment in each ceremony.
You have mentored and supported many people in the wedding industry over the years. What would be your top three tips to anyone considering a career in this sector?
Jo Stott, Celebrant: Oh I love a good hack – so my top three hacks to be a wedding celebrant are:
- Vulnerability is a superpower – be forever authentic with your outlook adjusting constantly.
- Know who you are serving – who is your consumer? Once you know who they are meet them with the diversity, appreciation, transparency and respect they deserve.
- Have a consistent message in your socials.. (Businesses are like people they change often so you must shift and change too)!
- One extra! – Dream big! Life is too precious to hold back on goals and ambitions.
What are your hopes for Wedding Law Reform?
Jo Stott, Celebrant:
Oh my goodness my hopes and dreams are everything for Wedding Law Reform! Give modern day Briton’s what they want; the right to celebrate their love, unapologetically and as uniquely as needed. Saying that in 2024 I feel a shift – ‘love Jo’ couples are doing the legals with the registrars and emotional day with us as if this is how it has been done for years and years. So, if the law didn’t change this is still how they want to be married, regardless. Or is this attitude coming from me as I believe in what wedding celebrants offer and do, to be one of the most precious moments in a life!
You bring so much joy and energy to your ceremonies. Where does it come from and how do you keep so genuinely excited about your work?
Jo Stott, Celebrant:
I love this question! I think I simply love, love! So when I work with our couples I genuinely feel a love for them and want their love and life to be shared and celebrated brilliantly… When I coach bridal stores around the globe I forever say ‘You deserve to give the best version of yourself’… Meaning when you show up, show up being your best authentic self. Also keep yourself surrounded by the best people, advocates of you. People who shout your corner… I believe this is the key to a healthy lifestyle, heart, mind, and soul!
Can you tell me three things about yourself that aren’t work related?
Jo Stott, Celebrant:
a) I adore my husband Chris and two children (I am obsessed, they are divine)!
b) I swim 4 times a week and love it!
c) I have trekked across the Sahara desert and Costa Rican jungle to raise lots of money for cancer!
