We are dedicated to the celebration of your life and the people you love

Celebrate the moments and the memories that make each life unique.

Telling Moments exists to celebrate the important moments that matter to you and the people you love.

Because the narrative of people's lives inevitably involves significant moments of change and transition like the birth of a child, coming of age, marriage and death, I combine my work as a visual storyteller with my role as a civil marriage and funeral celebrant creating personalised and meaningful ceremonies.

Over the past ten years I've been involved in numerous wedding and funeral celebrations here in Christchurch, just like the people involved, each ceremony has been different - that said there are common elements, love, laughter and respect.

John Sellwood Marriage and Funeral Celebrant 

As a qualified celebrant, with an NZEA approved credentials, I help families create personalised ceremonies that offer an authentic and meaningful experience. 


I follow a code of ethics and conduct that puts your needs, values and beliefs first, while recognising the highest professional standards and the law.


I'm a member of the Charter for Compassion and  Compassion and Integrity Training certified.

I have a Diploma in Ceremony and Celebration covering the study of ceremony and culture, grief support and ritual, as well as national awards for visual storytelling, writing and producing.

Ceremonies and Celebrations we can assist with:

Weddings

This is one of the most significant moments of your life - Committing to a shared future and formally acknowledging your love for another person is an exciting and at times daunting experience. I believe planning your own marriage ceremony should be an enjoyable experience!

I offer the following
  •  A ceremony where you have input into the design.
  •  Resources and inspiration.
  •  A professional delivery with both style and a smile
  •  A stress free and enjoyable the process. 
With a Telling Moments marriage you can design your own ceremony or a bespoke ceremony can be created to suit your individual needs. 
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Funerals

Funerals enable us to express grief and loss but they're also an opportunity to say thank you and farewell, to celebrate a person's life and achievements and to acknowledge transition and change.

We all see the world through different eyes, have different beliefs and values, whether religious or non-religious the common dominator is love. Words, music, poetry and the beauty of the moment are available to us all whether you have secular or sacred beliefs. As a professional funeral celebrant I work with families to honour their loved one's life by... 
  • Celebrating life stories
  • Incorporating your values and beliefs
  • Involving family and friends 
  • Helping with readings, music and vision
  • Writing eulogies
  • Valuing family rituals and symbolism
How you remember your loved one is your choice, including the style and content of the funeral service or life celebration. If you want prayers and hymns, or a mix of popular music and reflection, the choice is yours as is the venue and who you'd like to officiate.
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Naming Ceremony

Naming ceremonies provide a unique and meaningful way to celebrate the birth of your child and to create a circle of support among family and friends. 

They are amongst the earliest and most important rituals we have. Ceremonies that celebrate new life, that strengthen family bonds and offer commitment and hope for the future.   

It's an opportunity for you to design a ceremony that enfolds your child with warmth and a sense of belonging as family and friends pledge their love and guidance. 
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Code of Ethics




 

  • To accept as a duty the maintenance of truth, accuracy, dignity and integrity
  • To maintain in all matters the highest standards of business, professional and personal conduct
  • To obey the law in relation to the duties they perform
  • To respect in all circumstances the confidentiality and trust placed in them by reason of the role
  • To preserve within the bounds of dignity, practicality, the right of personal choice and decision making for the clients they serve, having due regard for their ethnic origin, philosophical and spiritual beliefs
  • To provide accurate information concerning the service they provide, the cost of the same and the functions and responsibilities accepted on behalf of their clients. 

 

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