What is your most memorable wedding?
My first wedding was memorable because it was my first but really they are all memorable for different reasons and because of the bond I develop with my couples.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Quirky, fun, assured, organised, supportive
What about your business are you most proud of?
The services I provide as reflected by my reviews, its adaptability and the freedom of choice it gives couples. I'm also proud to support vow for girls as my charity.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Make sure you really own your day, have the day you want regardless of other peoples opinions or expectations, it should be your day exactly as you want it!
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
Wearing of ceremonial uniform and sword by the groom, and all the preparation that required together with it's deeply personal meaning for the couple.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
We get to know each other, you tell me the sort of things you want in your ceremony and then we choreograph it together. I like to meet you in person as part of the process as and when is mutually convenient. It's great to get to know each other and talk generally about likes/dislikes and of course your ceremony.
I write the ceremony (and help you write your own vows if you wish) and you can approve it or ask me to change it until it is 100% as you want it, it has to be perfect for you. I have lots of resources and ideas but the most important input is yours, if you know exactly what you want that’s great but if not I have resources and ideas to share. The ceremony we create will be personalised and therefore totally unique, trust me nothing comes close. We also discuss your wedding certificate in terms of wording, choice and colour of card and witnesses.
Also with a ceIebrant ceremony there is no limit on location, it can be indoors or outdoors, in your garden, somewhere special to you or a set venue, but wherever you choose I will also liaise with your venue and make sure everything in terms of your ceremony are how you want them and I will arrange a rehearsal there if you want it preferably on the day of your wedding or a mutually convenient time, if that's not possible we can arrange a talk through of the ceremony,
We talk through every aspect from your entrance into the venue to when you leave after your wedding, this can include walking down the aisle, seating of family members involved in your ceremony and so on and so forth.
On the day I generally arrive at least 90 mins before the ceremony just to check in to make sure you and your partner are ok and everything is prepared just as you want it. I will chat to and reassure the best man and any guest readers, I also talk to the photographer and videographer to give them the heads up on the really photogenic parts of the ceremony and we discuss standing positions so they can get the best shots. I am there for as long as you want me, I don’t ever plan 2 ceremonies in one day, as I want to be totally focused on the couple that day.
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
A pirate themed ceremony where I dress and speak like a pirate and engage in a few swigs of rum! I am currently planning a ceremony with a Harley Davidson motorbike although I also do lovely elegant ceremonies at castles and beautiful venues.
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
I put the couple at the heart of everything I do so am supportive from day 1 of our journey together with any problems that come up along the way, am in regular contact with you and can help with various issues. As an ex psychology teacher I can help with stress, anxiety and wedding overwhelm if any of those arise, many couples comment that I am supportive, calm, assured and really helpful! I liaise with the venue and all the relevant suppliers beforehand and on the day and I meet you both at the venue and check you are ok and calm but of course excited. It's my priority that from day one your wedding planning journey is as stress free as possible!
What do you love most about your job?
Before you do any research, planning or make any big decisions, sit down and make a list of what you want on your wedding day, the vibe, how you visualise it and how you want to feel, also note what you don't want. Do it individually, then combine notes and start to plan. Always make sure you take time out from wedding planning on a regular basis and spend quality time together, it's really important and sometimes gets forgotten!
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
Tough question! There are so many! Standing with the groom watching the bride walk down the aisle, witnessing the exchange of vows and rings, all the little facial expressions and reassuring little touches between the couple, hand to hand or holding hands, and of course the first kiss! Sometimes the enhancements are really special too, tying the knot or for example handblessings.