Welcome to Ceremonies by Shael - Where Your Love Story Takes Center Stage

Crafting Ceremonies as Unique as You

Your day your way.

We believe your ceremony should be one of the best parts of your wedding day — not the part guests politely endure while waiting for cocktails. My job is to tell your love story with warmth, humour, and heart, and to make sure you actually enjoy saying “I do.” No cookie-cutter scripts. No stiff formality. Just a ceremony that sounds like you.

About CEREMONIES BY SHAEL

At CEREMONIES BY SHAEL, we are dedicated to crafting wedding ceremonies that are personal and meaningful. As a certified Humanist officiant, Shael specializes in creating ceremonies that celebrate love in all its forms, without the pressure of tradition or religion. Our mission is to tell your story in a way that is authentic and memorable, ensuring your ceremony is a true reflection of your unique journey together.

Unique Is What We Do

Calm Confidence

His theatre and music background ensures poise and professionalism in front of any crowd or setting.

Engaging Presence

Shael connects with couples and guests alike, creating a ceremony that feels authentic and heartfelt.

Sincerity & Humour

He knows how to keep things meaningful without being stiff, and lighthearted without losing depth.

Professional Storyteller

With years as a writer, musician, and performer, Shael brings artistry and flow to every ceremony.

Personalized Ceremonies

Every script is tailored to reflect your unique story, values, and personalities.

Inclusive & Flexible

Comfortable with secular, interfaith, or nontraditional ceremonies, Shael helps you craft a celebration that feels right for you.

Memorable Experience

Guests leave feeling uplifted, and couples walk away knowing their ceremony was truly one-of-a-kind.

Detailed & Reliable

From timing to tone, Shael ensures every aspect of your ceremony runs smoothly so you can relax and enjoy the moment.

Our Services

Bespoke Wedding Ceremonies

We offer personalized wedding ceremonies that capture the essence of your love story, tailored to your preferences and style.

Vow Renewals

Celebrate your enduring love with a vow renewal ceremony that honors your journey and future together.

Celebrations Of Life

A compassionate, personalized cceremony that honours your loved one’s unique story, bringing meaning, warmth, and connection to every moment shared.

Our Unique Philosophy

At CEREMONIES BY SHAEL, we believe that every love story is unique and deserves to be celebrated in a way that reflects the couple’s individuality. Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that a wedding ceremony should be a true reflection of the couple’s journey together, free from the constraints of tradition or religious expectations. We focus on crafting ceremonies that are innovative, creative, and deeply personal, ensuring that each moment is as meaningful as it is memorable. By embracing the couple’s vision and weaving their story into the ceremony, we create an experience that is not only heartfelt but also truly unforgettable.

What Our Couples Say

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Wedding Wire
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ExcellentTrustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 55.026 reviews
5.0Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Excellent26 reviews
ExcellentGoogle star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 55.04 reviews
5.0Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Excellent4 reviews
ExcellentFacebook star 1Facebook star 2Facebook star 3Facebook star 4Facebook star 55.020 reviews
5.0Facebook star 1Facebook star 2Facebook star 3Facebook star 4Facebook star 5
Excellent20 reviews
ExcellentWeddingWire star 1WeddingWire star 2WeddingWire star 3WeddingWire star 4WeddingWire star 55.02 reviews
5.0WeddingWire star 1WeddingWire star 2WeddingWire star 3WeddingWire star 4WeddingWire star 5
Excellent2 reviews
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Keith Thomas profile picture
Keith Thomas
2 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I took Shael's acting class in spring 2026 and found it very helpful for auditioning for roles in community theatre.
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Kellyann Paron profile picture
Kellyann Paron
2 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
I've participated in Shael's scene study class and it was fabulous!!!! Learned so much and really grew as an actor and gained so much confidence. His classes are small, intimate, well organized and we get plenty of opportunities to showcase our work and receive feedback. 100% recommend Shael's classes.
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Kelly Paron profile picture
Kelly Paron
2 days ago
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I've participated in Shael's scene study class and it was fabulous!!!! Learned so much and really grew as an actor and gained so much confidence. His classes are small, intimate, well organized and we get plenty of opportunities to showcase our work and receive feedback. 100% recommend Shael's classes.
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Lindsay Leigh profile picture
Lindsay Leigh
7 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
Feeling super lucky and grateful to have had Shael officiate our recent wedding! Many of our guests commented that it was one of the best ceremonies they had ever attended as Shael customized his wedding script with accurate detail of the relationship, beautiful sentiment, and just the right amount of humour to make for an engaging experience. Working with Shael felt authentic, and we knew from the initial consultation that he would bring the energy we were looking for to our ceremony. He made planning the ceremony easy with his website templates, and really took the time to get to know us at our pre ceremony meeting. This was reflective again in the beautiful customized script he presented for us and our guests. We highly recommend! Thanks so much Shael for helping us craft such an amazing wedding day! Lindsay and Jordon September 26, 2026
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Melissa Lerner profile picture
Melissa Lerner
43 days ago
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We were incredibly fortunate to have Shael as our officiant. From the very first meeting, he made us feel comfortable and took the time to really get to know us. Throughout the process, he was patient, thoughtful, and a truly calming presence. The ceremony he created was so personal and meaningful, and so many of our guests commented on how special it felt. We can’t thank him enough for the role he played in making our day unforgettable. Thank you, Shael, for helping us start our marriage with such a beautiful ceremony. We will always be grateful. ❤️ John & Melissa
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Kathy Porteous profile picture
Kathy Porteous
126 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
I completed Shael’s scene study course in the fall of 2025. It was so worthwhile and fun that I came back and did the course again in spring 2026. The general structure was similar but I learned just as much the second time through as I did the first. Shael creates a welcoming, safe space; he is thoughtful with his feedback. I thoroughly enjoyed both sessions and highly recommend his course!
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Laurie Scattergood profile picture
Laurie Scattergood
130 days ago
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Having recently completed Shael's 8 week Scene Study course I can honestly say it was very worthwhile. The content was extensive and he provided the tools and guidance we needed to fully understand and apply the principles of scene analysis. I've done other scene study workshops, but this was the most intensive and complete of all of them.
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Keith Thomas profile picture
Keith Thomas
132 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
I would highly recommend Shael. I recently completed his scene study class. It was amazing to see the growth in the abilities and confidence of everyone over the course of the class. The classes were well run and I especially found the written, structured prep to be very useful.
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Andra Kelly profile picture
Andra Kelly
212 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
My son recently had some private acting coaching from Shael to prep for a university audition. He learned so much in such a short time and went in to that audition with confidence and a strong understanding of performing a character. He’s now going to Brock for Dramatic Arts in the fall - I would highly recommend workshopping with Shael.
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Natalie Leahy profile picture
Natalie Leahy
312 days ago
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I recently participated in Shael’s scene study program. He is a fabulous teacher - welcoming, encouraging & spot on with his constructive feedback. I am grateful for the experience I had in his class.
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Paul Sowerbutts profile picture
Paul Sowerbutts
321 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
I had the great pleasure of participating in Shael's Scene Study course. I found the content to be excellent. The work we did on breaking down the scene, character development and motivations really helped me to understand my character and how I can portray him. Shaels insights into acting and direction are invaluable. He made the entire class feel comfortable and gave us all the confidence to explore acting. I found the materials provided to be professionally done and of great help, I will definitely be referencing them in the future. I feel that this class has given me a set of tools, not only for on stage but for getting onstage.
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Sophia Daunt profile picture
Sophia Daunt
360 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
I had the privilege of working with Shael as a young actor, and his dedication to the craft—and to every member of his cast—was evident from day one. His direction was thoughtful, passionate, and always rooted in a deep respect for the story being told. Shael sets a standard that continues to inspire me.
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Fanny Mae profile picture
Fanny Mae
385 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
Being directed by Shael brought me to a whole new level of insight into character, nuance, and family dynamic. He shared a time in his own personal family history to deepen my understanding of what my character endured and lived through. He took a beloved play to whole new heights that brought theatre audiences to their feet with standing ovations night after night. I would work with Shael again in a heartbeat.
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Des Harty profile picture
Des Harty
386 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
I've acted with Shael and been directed by him. He is a wonderful actors' director, directing from an actors' perspective in a way that unites a cast. He cares about the entire cast and crew.
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Harry Lavigne profile picture
Harry Lavigne
387 days ago
positiverecommendsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook.
I have had the pleasure of both directing and being directed by Shael. To be a successful director you must have a clear vision and immense love for the script you are directing. Even more importantly is the ability to transfer that vision and love to your actors in a way which also still allows them to grow within the role themselves. Shael checks all these boxes.
Posted on Wedding Wire Wedding Wire
Laura profile picture
Laura
780 days ago
WeddingWire star 1WeddingWire star 2WeddingWire star 3WeddingWire star 4WeddingWire star 5Verified
Shael is Lovely & Personable Shael was wonderful as our officiant for our Aug 2024 wedding. We asked for a non-religious service with very little need for tradition, just short and sweet. We felt warmly welcomed by Shael’s words during our ceremony and that it checked all our requests. Shael was easy to talk to ahead of our wedding and responded quickly by email. We had a zoom meet & greet call in the beginning that was easy to schedule. A few emails to discuss details and narrow things down. I had a lovely phone call with Shael a few days before the wedding and he was so encouraging -a bride always has a to-do list. It was just that little boost of encouragement that I needed to help get through a very busy day. Even the simple reminder that everyone is usually very busy with last minute details the week before their wedding. Something so simple but it was caring and helpful, just like Shael. My now husband and I would highly recommend Shael for any wedding. Especially if you want someone who will make you feel at ease. Thank you Shael -L & S, August 2024
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Jody profile picture
Jody
1071 days ago
WeddingWire star 1WeddingWire star 2WeddingWire star 3WeddingWire star 4WeddingWire star 5Verified
Shael brings the magic! Shael made our secular ceremony feel sacred by celebrating our unique values as a couple blending families. His huge heart and endless creativity made him the perfect choice for our wedding in the round! Throughout the planning process, Shael helped us feel heard and supported by encouraging open communication and collaboration. He married tradition with innovation, as well as us! As an officiant, Shael conducts a room with his magnetic presence while also making everyone feel comfortable and included. He is a humanist because he helps people feel seen and valued, regardless of their religion. Thank you, Shael, for crafting a ceremony that created a community of love and a core memory for our friends and family. They were deeply moved by your service and said it was the most intimate and authentic wedding ceremony they have ever attended. With love & gratitude, Jody Geddes & Brian Hargan
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