Photo by Brett Salako
About Jane
Although this page is 'about me', this is never really about me.
My job is to make sure you feel completely looked after, beautifully prepared and able to be fully present on one of the most important days of your life. Everything I do, from our first conversation to the moment I step aside for your first kiss, is designed to make the ceremony feel effortless, personal and unmistakably you.
My story
How I came to do the work I love
Hello...I'm Jane Roques-Shaw (pronounced Rock-Shore), and I've always been fascinated by people. Their stories. Their relationships. The moments that shape who they become.
Long before I became a celebrant, I spent more than twenty years helping global organisations understand people better through storytelling, employee experience design and creating meaningful moments that brought people together. Today, I bring that same curiosity, warmth and calm reassurance to every couple I work with.
But my understanding of love and commitment didn't come from my career alone.
It came from my own marriage.
My husband, Seb, and I shared a wonderful love story, and I know first-hand the excitement, anticipation and emotion that comes with planning a wedding and standing in front of the people you love most to promise each other a lifetime together. Those memories are something I'll always treasure.
After Seb died unexpectedly, I experienced the kindness and compassion shown by the celebrant who led his funeral which revealed just how powerful thoughtful words, genuine care and human connection can be at life's most significant moments.
That experience didn't lead me towards sadness. It reminded me just how precious our moments together really are.
It's why I believe in celebrating love while we can, telling the stories that matter, and creating ceremonies that become treasured memories. Helping couples begin the next chapter of their lives together is an extraordinary privilege, and one I never take for granted.
My philosophy & THE PRINCIPLES BEHIND EVERY CEREMONY
The wedding ceremony should never be an after-thought, it should form the emotional heart of the entire day.
Connection
Every ceremony begins with genuine connection. By taking the time to truly understand you, your relationship and the people who matter most, I create moments where everyone feels seen, included and part of your story.
Curiosity
Curiosity allows me to uncover the stories, memories and moments that make your relationship unique. By listening beyond the obvious, I create a ceremony that couldn't belong to anyone else.
Authenticity
The most meaningful ceremonies feel honest and effortless. I create a relaxed, trusting space where you can simply be yourselves, allowing your personalities and relationship to shine naturally.
Attunement
I pay close attention to the moments others might miss. By reading the room and responding intuitively, I create ceremonies that feel effortless, deeply personal and emotionally connected.
Playfulness
Love deserves to be celebrated with warmth, laughter and joy. Alongside the meaningful moments, I embrace the lightness that helps everyone relax, connect and create memories they'll treasure forever.
Care
Every word I write is chosen deliberately. The rhythm, the pauses, the moments of levity and depth - all of it considered, so that when the day arrives, your ceremony feels exactly as it should.
Training & credentials
Qualified, experienced, and deeply committed
Qualified Master Celebrant
Graduate of the Academy of Modern Celebrancy
International experience
Experienced across multiple countries and cultures
Event and experience design
20+ years working in global businesses including Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures
Limited annual bookings
A small number of weddings each year, by design
English and Irish Passport
Dual nationality means it is easier for me to work seamlessly across Europe
Accredited Coach
Planning a wedding can be stressful. I am a qualified coach and can support you through the experience
Photo by CoopsProfessional memberships
A little more about me
These days you'll usually find me in the beautiful town of Bradford-on-Avon, just outside Bath, often planning my next trip (I've visited 43 countries so far), discovering a new restaurant (any and all recommendations welcome), catching a show at the theatre (usually in London), watching a movie (I'm a big Audrey Hepburn fan) or learning a new skill (currently the flute and also attempting to improve my French with my step-daughter, who is actually French).
Life beyond weddings
Weddings are one part of the work I do around life's defining moments. I'm also a funeral celebrant, hospice volunteer and work in end-of-life education and planning.