Public votes and a judging panel will decide if local celebrant Dave Octave will win an industry award A local celebrant is up for a ‘Rising Star’ […]By Waltham Forest Echo
Dave Octave, right, with a newly-married couple (Credit: Dave Octave)
Public votes and a judging panel will decide if local celebrant Dave Octave will win an industry award
A local celebrant is up for a ‘Rising Star’ industry award.
Dave Octave, from Leytonstone, said he was “honoured” to receive a nomination at the inaugural Celebrant Industry Awards – particularly as he only began officiating ceremonies (such as weddings) just six months ago.
Of the nod, he told the Echo: “It’s such a massive honour to even be nominated. It just gives me such a sense of belonging and knowing that I have made the right decision to move into an industry that has so much warmth and passion.
“I’ve only been a celebrant for six months after beginning my training during lockdown… so this gives me great hope for the future and whether I win or not, it’s such a great accolade to have under my belt.”
The Celebrant Directory is hosting the awards – which sees celebrants who have been put forward judged by an industry panel and put to a public vote.
Previously working in event management and wedding planning, 47-year-old Dave decided to switch up his career in 2020 – conducting the ceremonies himself, in part to show off his ‘showman’ side.
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“I love people,” he said. “I love seeing dreams come true. I am also a singer and have sang at many celebrations and I adore the feeling you get from bringing joy to someone else.
“Unlike the role of a registrar, a celebrant really gets to know their clients and that is how the magic of creating a unique and personalised ceremony is brought to life.”
Originally from South London, Dave moved to Waltham Forest eight years ago – often gravitating towards Leyton or visiting his favourite pub, The Northcote Arms.
He’s very passionate about the borough’s tight-knit community, adding: “I feel really established in the area as it’s so friendly… I definitely want to build a reputation as the go-to-guy locally, conducting weddings, baby naming ceremonies and vow renewals to name a few.”
Though, of course, he notes: “The odd destination wedding is a must!”
Find out more about Dave’s celebrant work at his official website
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