Meet Deborah

I'm Deborah Suddard, and I believe that the important moments in our lives deserve to be marked with intention, imagination, and meaning.

I've always been fascinated by people's stories. The relationships that shape us, the traditions we cherish, the unexpected turns our lives take, and the things that make each of us wonderfully different.

And I love a good conversation.

That's where every ceremony begins for me. Not with a script or a set of expectations, but with listening.

I want to hear about the people involved, what matters to them, what makes them laugh, what they hold dear, and what they hope to remember about the occasion.

Some people love familiar traditions. Others want something completely unconventional. Some want prayers and blessings; others prefer a secular celebration. Often, what feels right is a combination that doesn't fit neatly into any category.

My role isn't to decide what your ceremony should be. It's to bring my experience, creativity, and understanding of ritual to the process of creating something meaningful together.

A Little About My Background

I've spent much of my professional life working with people and communities as a preacher, educator, writer, event coordinator, wedding officiant, and funeral presider.

My academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in cultural Anthropology, a Master of Divinity with a focus on liturgy and intergenerational worship, and a Master of Arts in Women in Christian History.

Those experiences have given me an appreciation for the many ways people across cultures and generations mark life's important passages.

But what matters most is what I bring to the people in front of me: curiosity, compassion, creativity, and the ability to make room for both laughter and tears.

Based in Ottawa, I work with individuals, couples, families, and communities to honour life's milestones, passages, and new beginnings.

I'd love to hear your story.