Hannah + Roly | July 2025
“Sarah was absolutely amazing from the moment we got in contact, right through to our wedding day. She instantly put us at ease, bringing a wealth of fun and creative ideas for us to think about, and she was always easy to reach in the lead-up to the big day.”
This wedding was just bursting with emotion and meaning. For starters, Hannah and Roly had organised a quicker wedding than originally planned in order that her father, who is very poorly, could be there. And he was. Front row, smart in his suit, a fan aimed his way to ease the July heat.
The feeling that everyone was present, Hannah - and Roly’s - whole family, was palpable. The relief and the warmth of having everyone they loved in one room. Warmth being the operative word as it was a hot ol’ day. The stone walls of sublimely pretty Cotswolds venue Merriscourt offered respite from the heat…although we were still all melting! It is the most gorgeous venue, high beams in the barn and dappled shade in the leafy courtyard.
I’d met local celebrant - and friend! - Laura Crockett the night before for aperols in the sunshine, and she’d filled me in on how lovely the Merriscourt staff were. It was comforting to arrive somewhere I’d never been before and feel immediately at home.
Images by David Liebst Photography
So, as I said, the emotions were high and happy as we began the wedding. Then factor in that Hannah’s ridiculously talented friend Maddy (and her ridiculously talented brothers Niall and Laurie) sang to the bride and groom in the ceremony, and I was struggling not to cry. I’d already welled up watching them rehearse before the ceremony.
Welled up, applauded, been nosey. Asked how/why/where they were so musical.
Turns out Niall is a much-loved drag queen and Laurie musical directs the Hamilton tour! Glad I bloody asked!
The siblings rehearse for the ceremony
The song, The Aeroplane by Tim Minchin, was one I’d never heard before. I fell so madly in love hearing it live (mad for Maddy) that I had it on repeat on my lengthy drive home from the Cotswolds to Northumberland. These are the lyrics…but I recommend listening to it:
If I had the blueprint or the brain
I would build an aeroplane
With fashion wings of balsa wood and glue
And I would fly to you
I'd carve a prop from old recycled would haves
All these relentless could have
These pointless might have beens
Oh, the storms that I would gladly battle through
So I could fly to you
Had I the method or the means
I would build a time machine
I'd make it from the scraps you always find
When someone leaves their broken dreams behind
And I'd fuel it with the beats that my heart misses
When you sign your name with kisses
Made of x's when you text me
It's so silly but
Any fuel and any fire will do
I will fly to you
And I'd carve a prop from old recycled would haves
All these relentless could haves
These pointless might have beens
Oh, the storms I would gladly battle through
So I could fly to you
The song sung by her friends moved the bride to tears
Maddy mouthed “I love you” to her best friend as they finished the last line, and it was such a sweet, perfect moment. An example of how meaningful it is to include friends and family in your ceremony…especially if they can sing!
Roly’s sister Michelle delivered an expertly-read rendition of a popular extract from Dolly Alderton’s Everything I Know About Love; it was no surprise she was so good - she does weddings for a living too, as a registrar!
In another very special moment, photos I hope are treasured in years to come, all four parents came to the front to light their children - the bride and groom’s - candles. It is beautiful symbolism of how the lives, and characters, of the couple have been shaped and guided by their parents, which was especially poignant in this ceremony. And then Roly and Hannah, together, lit a large pillar candle to symbolise their new family of two.
Having gotten engaged on a walk, their vows included promises to continue to walk together, exploring the world hand-in-hand
Everything about Hannah and Roly’s day felt considered and meaningful. And, boy, was I grateful to be considered and chosen to play a part in their story.
“Sarah has a real gift with words, crafting a beautiful ceremony that perfectly captured us as a couple. On the day, so many of our guests told us - without any prompting - that it was the best wedding ceremony they had ever attended. ”