What is your most memorable wedding?
I think all my weddings are memorable but I particularly enjoyed officiating as a Toastmaster on the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway. The ceremony took place on the platform at Pickering Station and the reception was on board a stream train to Grosmont.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Calm, light hearted, funny, organised, non-overbearing
What about your business are you most proud of?
The appreciation and thanks I have received from every event I have officiated at.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Utilise every bit of help you can get! You want a stress free memorable day so let someone else carry the burden
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
The first time I witnessed a sabrage - the ceremony of opening champagne with a sword, hence the reason I got trained in this to do it myself
Describe your typical process with a couple.
For both being a celebrant and Toastmaster I set up early communication with either a video call or if possible a face to face meeting. I will get an account of their lives, likes and dislikes and what they hope to gain from a ceremony. I will plan ideas and keep in constant contact with my couples, and about 3-4 months before their wedding I will have them separately complete a questionnaire so I can craft a unique script from their answers. I will arrange further video calls to enable us to go through the arrangements for the day. For the Toastmaster side I will compile an order of events and prepare any announcements of speakers. I will liaise in advance with venue staff and other vendors and assist my couples with any speech writing. The main thing will be to reassure and keep them calm. I want them to enjoy every moment
What is the most unusual thing you’ve been asked to plan?
A Pagan Wedding. It was unusual but so much fun, researching the different requirements for casting a safe symbolic area for the ceremony and invoking the God’s and spiritual elements. From crafting this I realised that I am more than happy to officiate themed weddings!
How do you ensure a stress-free wedding?
I will coordinate with all the events staff and catering managers to ensure things run to schedule. I will work with photographers and videographers to make sure all the special memories are captured. My priority is my couple and their needs!
What do you love most about your job?
Utilise all the help you can get
What is your favourite moment at a wedding?
The kiss at the conclusion of the ceremony - it’s magical