After years of capturing precious moments through the lens of her camera, with time for reflection upon reaching retirement, professional family and wedding photographer Kathryn Cashman, decided to change paths, continuing her passion for celebrating love stories as a wedding celebrant.
“Becoming a wedding celebrant allowed me to continue working in a field I love, celebrating the joyful occasion of weddings,” Kathryn explains. Her years behind the camera gave her a unique perspective on weddings, an eye for detail, and an understanding of what makes each celebration special. Now, instead of capturing moments from the sidelines, she works closely with couples to create ceremonies that truly reflect their love story.
For Kathryn, officiating a wedding is far more than reading a script. Each ceremony is personalised to suit the couple’s values, personalities, and journey together. She spends time getting to know each couple, listening to their ideas and wishes, and ensuring their ceremony feels meaningful and memorable.
To prepare for this role, Kathryn completed two years of training in London with One Spirit in Seminary. This experience deepened her understanding of diverse faiths and spiritual traditions and equipped her to create inclusive ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds.
As an interfaith minister, Kathryn values openness and respect. “Interfaith isn’t a religion,” she explains. “It’s about responding to the world as it is today, recognising our differences while also celebrating what we share.”
Kathryn lives with her husband, Gerard, on an organic farm in Cork, where they raised their four children. Some of her most cherished moments as a celebrant have been within her own family – officiating the wedding of her son Harry to his wife Shauna, and later leading baby naming ceremonies for her grandchildren, Sophie and James.
“Those occasions were incredibly special to me,” she reflects. “It’s a privilege to be part of these milestones.”
What Kathryn enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to meet people at such a joyful stage in their lives. Every couple brings a unique story, and she finds it deeply rewarding to help them express that in a way that feels authentic. Many couples invite her back for naming ceremonies as their families grow, which she considers a wonderful continuation of the relationship.
For Kathryn, every ceremony is an honour. “Standing with two people as they make such an important commitment is something I never take for granted,” she says. “Helping them create a ceremony that feels personal and heartfelt is the best part of what I do.”
