Jessica’s arrival at the beginning of the aisle was symbolic of her independence, through the impressive Dalton Old Pump House doors with both parents, an embrace from each, and then walking the rest of the aisle solo.
And none of us could take our eyes off her.
Read MoreThere were a couple of funny moments in the ceremony, the best being a crowd-pleasingly hilarious speech from their little daughter Emily who, after being introduced, said simply “I’m not great at speeches” and sat back down to much laughter. Impeccable timing because she left it a minute before getting back up to do the actual speech.
Read MoreIn the ceremony I have to admit I got quite emotional, and not just witnessing Phoebe’s excitement! I had tears in my eyes talking about the gorgeous things Mike had said about his wife; and about how - with these two - it’s not just a love that means you want to be close in proximity, but close in character. They really admire each other.
Read MoreThere was a gorgeous blend of humour and sincerity in Amy and Sean’s nuptials; they are sincere in their love for each other - and everyone in their orbit loves them back - but they will happily have the p*ss taken out of them. And that’s always a fun blend.
Read MoreWhen I first met Abbi and Craig, at their lovely home (where I especially enjoyed spying on all their holiday photos in the downstairs loo), I met their gorgeous baby daughter. And we made plans for their September wedding. But then they discovered they were expecting again…
Read MoreMatt works in theatre and did a lot of amateur dramatics as a child, and I’ve loved every chat I’ve had with him and Ali because I love theatre too. Ali works in crisis management so that allowed for plenty of jokes about how they have the perfect alchemy for a successful marriage: Matt brings the drama, Ali helps diffuse it.
Read MoreThere was such a warmth and kindness to Lauren and Johnny, we got on instantly. And then that ‘kindness’ became a theme in the ceremony because Lauren and I discovered that we share a favourite film (About Time) where a character says something lovely about finding your partner.
Read MoreI record my conversations with my couples and, listening back to the first video call I had with Emily and Josh, in the early stages of their planning, I was amused to hear myself (and I do remember this) say “Oh, I’m not sure if I’m cool enough to be your celebrant!”, after Emily and Josh had described the underworld vibes of their Asylum Chapel wedding.
Read MoreKrzysztof and Jill are both nature lovers, spending as much time as they can outdoors. And since they live near - and were getting married near - the coast, we decided to do a sand vase ceremony within the wedding. Sand ceremonies emerged as a new tradition around 40 years ago, often used in weddings to symbolise two people making up one family. One team.
Read MoreVicki and Simon’s was a wedding where talents were used, in the loveliest way. Simon’s brilliant sister Niamh was on piano, playing an instrumental version of You Set My World On Fire while Vicki walked down the aisle. Simon’s own fantastic illustrations of their pets (Maui the tortoise and Clio the dog) were on the signage and stationery around the venue. I think that’s a first for me: seeing wedding artwork that’s been done by the groom.
Read MoreIt’s such a lovely thrill if I find out someone recommended me to the bride and groom, then it’s an even lovelier thrill if I get to meet them. Arriving at Lisa’s parents’ house, where she was getting ready with her girls, I was thrilled from my tits to my toes because I got to meet the person who’d recommended me: Lisa’s sister Mel. And she was not only a babe but a twin mum.
Read MoreEldest daughter Ruby got a real superstar moment, walking down the aisle ahead of her mama to ACDC. Then Carly walked in to the cool tones of Tom Petty’s Here Comes my Girl. Music was a big theme of their love story - bonding (having met as friends at work) over a love of gigs and nights out.
Read MoreImportant places were a theme in this ceremony. As well as falling in love in Cambridge, subsequently sharing a life in London, and regularly visiting Gran Canaria (the scene of their engagement), I also talked about the significance of the north east. Carl’s home turf. A place that holds many happy memories of visits over the years. And the place they were both drawn to as a wedding location.
Read MoreIt’s funny because I’ve now done a good handful of weddings there but none have felt the least bit samey. I don’t want to blow the horn for celebrants too hard, but f- it, this is my own blog. It’s so fun and brilliant and memorable when every wedding feels completely different because every couple is different and deserve to be celebrated in a unique way that feels genuinely them.
Read MoreI’ve never done a wedding this laidback and I’d be surprised if I ever do again; I’ll give you two exhibits of evidence. Exhibit A: Frankie referred to it as their “wedding-type-thing” from the off. I like it, very vague. Very cool. Very anti-establishment. Exhibit B: for our first two video calls - and I’m sure she won’t mind me saying this haha - Frankie forgot to show up.
Read MoreThe ceremony was full-to-cauldron-brim with witchy goodness, because Bethany loves her spooky, celestial, yogic stuff. And it was full-to-brim with raw emotion too, because this is a couple who weathered hard times in their twenties.
Read MoreReading lovely contributions from the bride and groom’s very closest people - both figuratively and literally, sat on the front rows - was one of my favourite parts of the ceremony. I can get to know my couples over zooms and irl cocktails and quizzes, but who truly knows them better than the ones who’ve been there for decades?
Read MoreIt’s unusual for me to not meet my couples in person before their big day, but it does happen every now and then if they are on the opposite side of the country. Well, Megan and Joe were wedding planning from the opposite side of the world, and only arriving a matter of (busy, wedmin-filled, family-filled) days before their wedding…
Read MoreThe first time I met lovely Amber and Rob, and their lovely little girls, in their lovely garden, I was offered homemade blueberry cupcakes and sun cream, shown plastic horse after plastic horse, we discussed our favourite Bluey episodes and it felt more like a playdate then a wedding planning meeting. In a good way. They made me feel so at home.
Read MoreAlex and Hana are so chill, and Hana is hilariously sarcastic. But she was visibly trembling as she arrived at the top of the aisle, it was very sweet. I did my best to relax her; I always want my couples to feel authentically themselves at the front, and able to enjoy it, but it’s easier said than done when dozens and dozens of people are staring at you!
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