What is your most memorable wedding?
The venue was an historic English estate that had formerly hosted royalty. The bride and groom and their famillies and many friends flew in from across the world. There was poetry and music, tiny flower girls strewing rose petals and elegant bridesmaids fluffing out the bride's amazing dress and train but the room was hushed when the vows were made in three different languages. Tears of joy from both sets of parents turned to laughter when a very young pageboy ran to the bride and asked his own very important question, " Can I move now? - Mummy said I must not move or be noisy whilst you were speaking'.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Professional, honest, friendly, calm and well-connected.
What about your business are you most proud of?
The Beautiful Difference: outstanding support and absolute discretion combined with warmth and serenity means that we receive a significant number of recommendations from satisfied couples and other suppliers, including wonderful venues. We offer venue and supplier recommendations but do not offer or receive financial inducements for such referrals menaing that we operate with absolute impartial integrity, providing our Clients with peace of mind. Although 6 months is recommended, Beautiful Ceremonies has experience in delivering at very short notice so do not hesitate to contact us.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
The most important tip is to plan BUT to actually plan - as in, writing a list is not planning. So, do the following:
AGREE your budget and set aside 10% of that for contingencies - unexpected costs - you are human so there will be some
AGREE exactly what type of day you want - that BOTH of you want. It is stressful and, highly likely, expensive to make changes several months into the planning because one or both of you now want something different
Choose your date AFTER you have found your venue and Celebrant/Officiant
DO NOT BE PERSUADED/BULLIED by suppliers to spend more than your budget. If that worries you, take a trusted friend with you or use a wedding planner as they will know exactly what discounts may be negotiated and/or possible alternatives that give you the same experience.
REMEMBER: your plan is just that - a plan. It is essential to stick to your budget BUT if you want to change your plan - just do it!!
For further support, please get in touch 07958 112335
[email protected]What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Oh, too many to choose just one but a few examples include: Photographs of beloved, departed grandparents on easels watching over the wedding; different flags on chairs showing just how many international friends were attending a civil partnership; hand-fasting ties made from treasured family items; a couple's four children (each bride has two children) taking part in the Unity candle ritual. and symbolically joining their families - wonderful and a beautiful moment.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
Prior to meeting, your proposed date will be provisionally held for up to 5 days, pending us meeting face-to-face or on Skype to discuss your aspirations and required services. When you decide to go ahead, your booking deposit will protect your date and you will receive a contract outlining our responsibilities to each other and a timeline to assist your planning. Beautiful Ceremonies only books one wedding each day so you are assured of impeccable support. You will receive a commemorative certificate and ceremony copy. Your personal details and/or photographs will never be used for any purposes without your explicit, written permission.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
A wedding for 2020 that will involve a tractor and a hot-air balloon.
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
Booking just one wedding each date. Good planning and as much communication as the couple wants. Arriving at the venue 2 hours early to check all is in place. Smiling!!
What do you love most about your job?
PLANNING and STICKING TO THE BUDGET!! - see above
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
There are two moments and they are absolutely connected. The first is when talking about the two people standing together and recounting their love story. Everyone is nodding, smiling and laughing as they recognise differents parts of the couple's journey towards each other. Their family and friends usually also discover some new things that draw them in closer to the second moment - the very personal moment when the couple make their vows and everyone is hushed.