Who we are
As independent celebrants, we work with you to create unique ceremonies which truly reflect you and the people you love.
Katherine and Sarah are friends who both decided to become celebrants at the same time, trained together and now operate as Root & Branch. As experienced independent celebrants, they are delighted to be able to offer their services to their local community in South East London, but also work across the rest of London, the South East and have led ceremonies as far afield as Somerset, Cambridge and Suffolk.
Unlike a religious minister or humanist celebrant, as independent celebrants Sarah and Katherine don’t operate within a particular religious or scientific belief system, preferring instead to build a bespoke ceremony based on the specific wishes of the people they work with.
Sarah Wanendeya
An interest in people and stories is the common thread which has woven its way throughout my life, influencing my choices of an English degree, a career in film production and more recently as an actor and writer. The skills these life choices have given me, are invaluable for my work at Root & Branch – ensuring people’s stories are told in an authentic way is at the heart of our ceremonies.
Outside of work, I love theatre, film, music, festivals, getting involved in community events and cooking for friends and family.
Katherine Perry
My experience as a creative producer and founder of a not for profit community interest company has meant I have had the privilege of collaborating with many different cultural and community groups, working closely with them to create platforms and events where their creativity, culture and heritage can be celebrated, their voices heard and their stories shared. This work has helped me to understand the importance of why and how people celebrate their stories at key moments throughout their life.
My role as an independent celebrant is primarily to listen to, respect and reflect these stories and to work with you to create a celebration or ceremony that feels completely right for you. I have experience of leading funerals, memorials and celebrations of life and scattering of ashes, as well as weddings and baby naming ceremonies.
In my downtime I love to catch up with family and friends, visit exhibitions and the theatre, attend community events and go on adventures with my Irish Terrier puppy.
What we do
Whether you are organising a funeral service, planning your wedding, or celebrating the arrival of a child, we are here to help.
