What is your most memorable wedding?
Can't choose ... I have many. Here's two!!!
Ivor and Claire at Ashridge House was a super special one. Their dog Simba was only the second dog EVER to feature in a wedding there (the pooch belonging to Ronnie Wood from the Rolling Stones was the other). It was a big secret. ALL of the music was edited for the couple. Both Ivor and Claire made spectacular entrances. The congregation were epic! Simba flew down the stairs to I JUST CAN'T WAIT TO BE KING to rapturous applause. Tears were shed. So much laughter and love ... unforgettable.
Rich and Lauren at Chicheley Hall - surprise flashmob with the Bridal Party. (See pic on my profile with the bride falling back laughing) ... I sang the closing number ... ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE ... one by one the bridal party stood up holding signs that read SING!!! The entire congregation sang along. Just glorious!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Heartfelt, fun, emotional, warm, genuine.
What about your business are you most proud of?
My attention to detail and ability to make my couples feel secure and safe in my care.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Choose a celebrant over a Registrar! There's no comparison. You get one shot to do this, so make it memorable. Choose someone you click with, someone who's going to invest in you as a couple, and create your dream wedding day for you.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I haven't BEEN to many weddings, but I've officiated many.
My beautiful Hawaiian bride "T" lost both her mother AND father the year before her wedding. As a tribute to them, I was asked to sing The Lord's Prayer at the end of the service. Without the bride knowing, I reached out to T's sister in the US, who not only brought across a glass bottle of beach water/sand from the bride's family's favourite beach, which we used to bless the rings before the ring exchange but also her mother's bible, that she'd taken to church as a child. As I sang the final song, I gave the box to the bride to open. It made it so special for her.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Get to Know You Zoom Call - see if we click.
Outline the schedule so the couple know when certain deadlines are met and what will be achieved when.
More in-depth planning meeting: readings, music, history of relationship, contributors ... everything to do with the ceremony.
Stay in touch and meet deadlines that re agreed with the couple.
Visit the venue if required and liaise with venue coordinator and relevant suppliers.
Sign off on script one month before the wedding day.
Print all vows/readings.
Attend wedding rehearsal if required.
Wedding Day.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
A surprise Renewal of Vows - the bride didn't know!!!
I wrote the ceremony with Neil. His wife was at the venue under the guise of her 50th birthday celebration. As they walked around the grounds, they heard someone singing in the pergola... me ... singing her favourite song ... invite them in for champagne ... why not? Then... surprise. I tell her why she's really there! The photographer and videographer pop out of their hiding places, and off we went ... before they flew off to lunch in a helicopter (photo on my profile).
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
Organisation, communication, lists and being a tiny bit OCD.
What do you love most about your job?
The smiles on my couples' faces at the end of the ceremony.
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
Secret Vows