Swapping weights for wedding vows

A LICHFIELD fitness instructor has said “I do” to a new career as a celebrant after the Covid pandemic forced her to rethink her business.

Denise Whelan (pictured), former health club director and owner of Klubactiv, will swap weighttraining for wedding vows after achieving a diploma in celebrancy with distinction.

Denise, who lives in Fradley, said: “I’ve lost more than 30 per cent of my business since the lockdown measures eased. My older clients were still uncertain about mixing and health clubs were tightening their belts to make savings, so I lost work there too.

“I hadn’t thought about becoming a celebrant until someone I know suggested I give it a go and I was interested enough to find out more.

“To my surprise I really enjoyed it and I found that I excelled in training.”

After completing a 12-month training course, Denise is now qualified to officiate at weddings, civil ceremonies, funerals and naming ceremonies. She can also present services for memorials, cremations and divorce healing ceremonies.

“I’ve been trained to provide custom-made ceremonies that are personal to each client,” said Denise, who qualified with the Blackford Centre, based in Somerset.

“I’ve really enjoyed the creativity of planning events that reflect people’s different personalities and styles.

“It will be very different from being a fitness instructor, but I’ve found there are similarities.

“Whether people want to get fit, get married or remember a loved one or a family pet, I still need to connect with them, listen to what they need and channel their desires. I’m still providing a service that supports people, and that’s what I enjoy most.”

As she settles in to her new role, Denise will continue teaching yoga and pilates classes in Whittington, Fradley, Abbots Bromley and Barton.