Crafting Meaningful Ceremonies Together

Hello! My name is Tess Veloso. I am a graduate of the Celebrant Institute and Foundation, with the coveted designation of Certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®. I am trained in the art of ritual and ceremony and will create for you a ceremony that tells the story you want told, in the way you want it to be told.

I will meet with you, discover what is important to you, and create a way to mark the event that you will remember forever. You will have input and full approval of what is created and will be gifted with a copy of the ceremony when it is completed.

Whatever orientation – secular, spiritual, interfaith, intercultural, LBGTQ+ – your ceremony will reflect what is important to you and your loved one.

Let me help you express what you deeply feel. Please contact me to schedule a meeting or to ask further questions.

Tell me your story!

woman wearing yellow long-sleeved dress under white clouds and blue sky during daytime

I came across Respectful Ceremonies while searching online for a local funeral officiant. I was looking for someone to help create and deliver a memorable and fitting service for my father, and from the very beginning, Tess was wonderful to work with. She was responsive and got back to me right away. She was sympathetic and took the time to meet and speak with my family, to listen and to learn from each of us what made my father such a special man.
Tess created an absolutely beautiful, personal, thoughtful and touching tribute for my father's memorial service that truly honored him. On the day of his service, Tess was prompt and warm. She delivered a beautiful service and helped make the day so very special for my family. I am truly grateful for all of Tess's help and can't recommend her enough.

Rachel Shifreen

Tess was AMAZING! We wanted a ceremony that honored our families while being completely true to who we are as a couple. Throughout the process Tess got to know us as couple through meetings and a great survey/ questionnaire, and was sure to remind that our ceremony should truly reflect us.

When Tess delivered our ceremony script, we were blown away! It exceeded what we expected. She's a fantastic writer and storyteller and captured our story. The ceremony wasn't just "I do's" and some readings - it included a handcrafted "story of us", our chosen readings, vows, and ring ceremony.

all set to go. The ceremony was beautiful! With extended family and friends the ceremony was perfect for including how we met and our lives together and remembrance of passed family members -- both fun and sentimental.

Amy Jamieson

★★★★★
★★★★★