There was a real sweetness to Laurie and Glen’s wedding day. They are animal-lovers, childhood sweethearts and two beautifully authentic souls. And their day carried that lovely energy, from a ceremony in dappled woodland to Sylvanian family figures on their cake, and from a duo playing strings to their dog harness in a buttery yellow to match the bridesmaid dresses. It was a delicate, delicious June occasion.
Read MoreWe held the ceremony outside, which was fun, in the grounds of the house, the only downside being a mega breeze. Windy weather helped with cinematographic veil drama…but it wasn't great for the decorations. The wind kept threatening to blow over the floral hoop arch, on display at the top of the aisle. I didn’t mind if it knocked me unconscious, I just didn’t want the bride or groom to lose their head mid-ceremony.
Read MoreI felt for Sophie and Dave, having left behind the Aussie sunshine for the June gloom of a rainy British “summer’s” day. Even though it would have been winter back home, in the southern hemisphere, I was still picturing warmer and brighter than what the low-lying, grey Northumbrian clouds had dished out for us. But, if you’re going to be anywhere for a wet wedding, Healey Barn is cosiness personified and we all settled in away from the elements…
Read MoreJessica’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 MoreFrom our first video call I loved their ceremony ideas straight away - not only would it have the fun, homely feeling of taking place at Will’s childhood home, but it would have cultural elements to honour Megan’s Gambian side of the family. I find it so meaningful when a ceremony includes elements guests might not have witnessed before, and I went away and had a little research of Gambian wedding traditions…
Read MoreThe wedding was an aesthetically-pleasing delight, but the sentiment behind this celebration ran far deeper. Gemma and Jake’s wedding was about them declaring their love for each other, not just as a couple but as a blended family. As they stood at the top of the aisle, I said that getting married was about being a family of six, closing the loop so that they all belong together - officially.
Read MoreEmily, a gorgeous American woman, and Ryan, a dashing British helicopter pilot, wanted a wedding ceremony that celebrated in a way that included loved ones, traditions and jokes from both sides of the Atlantic.
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 MoreThe couple’s little boys were angels, their dog Murphy too. There were worries before the ceremony that naps had been skipped and emotions were high, but everyone under two foot tall was good as gold. Murphy came bounding down the aisle with the rings attached to his collar, at just the right moment.
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.
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