Splendid Ceremonies by Steph

23/03/2024

RHS Wisley Open day - Tomorrow at Hilltop.
⏰9.30-2pm
🥂book free ticket for complimentary bubbles and free entry to the garden so you can wonder around and plan your big day!

🔗 https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/viewevent?EFID=4434&ESRC=CMS

See you there!

29/02/2024

Did you pop the question today? 💍

Happy leap year everyone! 😘

Whether you’re a leapling and celebrating your birthday today or it’s just a bonus day - total is a funny old day, surrounded by tradition, myth and suspicion.

Check out my stories today to hear more about leap year proposal and traditions!

Let’s leap into March and spring together

👰

27/12/2023

Engaged at Christmas?

Many years ago on Christmas morning I received my favourite Christmas gift .. a ring!

Full of cold my hubby to be got down on one knee while our dog’s barks echoed across the almost frozen lake.

A Christmas engagement is always a wonderful story to open a wedding ceremony with and I love painting this magical festive picture for your guests.

Book your discovery call today by leaving me a message below and we can start turning your wedding ceremony dreams into reality.

Wishing you both a magical Christmas!

18/11/2023

Day 6 - World Celebrant week

3 S’s for this rainy Saturday

Script - your script is so important to me. Whether as a couple you looking for something romantic, something lighthearted or something formal. I work hard to build a ceremony script that suits you and your wedding perfectly.

Sentimental - many couples don’t realise that including sentimental touches in their ceremony is easier than they think. Whether is really considering your readings and the reader or whether is included a fun element that captures you and a couple perfectly. At the end of the day if the ceremony reflects you and your spirit - it will feel sentimental and not cheesy.

Support - I talk a lot on my socials about avoiding wedding overwhelm. Guiding and supporting my couples throughout the wedding process and on the big day makes me so happy!

Happy Saturday everyone - can’t believe it’s nearly the end of World Celebrant week I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.
Now it’s time for another S - Strictly!

31/10/2023

Five star review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This weddings at was such a joy!
Thank you L & R for the kind words.

Top tip from this wedding - find a place that means something to you and get married there!
The temple at the top of the hill at RHS Wisley was one of this couples favourite places - they asked if they could have their ceremony there? Wisley made it happen - first time for everything. It was team effort from all the supplier and a wonderful day for this beautiful couple.

Happy Tuesday everyone.

11/09/2023

All this wonderful September sunshine reminds me of Mark and Polly’s fabulous wedding this time last year.

A very special wedding for me, as I was not only the celebrant but also a guest.

We arrived to Drovers Rest on a rainy Friday but the weather gods took pity on us and as wedding morning dawned the sun appeared!

This fun loving couple wanted a ceremony that reflected them, their journey and their true friendship that had blossomed into love.

Such a memorable day - happy anniversary guys!

Photos - Cotswold Stories Photography
Venue -

27/07/2023

The sky maybe grey today but whatever the weather- tomorrow will be glorious!

Can’t wait to officiate for G&A tomorrow.

This amazing couple got engaged in Central Park New York and the most amazing wedding planned tomorrow at The Swan at Streatley

It’s been a joy to work with them. Watch this space for behind the scenes content tomorrow.

Happy Thursday everyone

06/07/2023

It’s not just writing a ceremony.

Had a lovely catch up with one of my July couples yesterday and the bride said “we just didn’t realise how much we needed you”

It’s a funny thing to talk about but at the end of the day most people haven’t ever planned a wedding before. Now, while I’m not a wedding planner, a big part of my job is making sure the ceremony is exactly what you envisioned. Music, guests, seating, timings, rings, inclusion, movement, backdrops, logistics and of course words!

Find out more about why having a celebrant is not only extra special but also helpful by booking your discovery call today! Link in bio.

Happy Thursday everyone x

22/06/2023

Oh I do love Ascot week!
Take me back to 8 years ago when I went and had a fabulous time.

Dressed up, enjoying the celebrations and maybe a Pimms!

Is anyone down the road at the racing today?

My hat hasn’t had an outing recently - please can someone have a “hat” wedding soon - I will officiate! Xx

20/06/2023

It’s been a funny old week and it’s only Tuesday evening!

So yesterday was my birthday - spent the day running around all over the place for my little ones, worked on some scripts and did housework. Birthdays just aren’t quite as fun when they’re on Monday and your hubby is on holiday.
Oh well at least I got to celebrate on Saturday and my girls gave me lots of love.

Every celebration is important even if it’s small!

Happy Tuesday everyone.

15/06/2023

Sending off a ceremony is always a hold your breath moment!

Have I captured them? Have I got the tone right?

But when you get this -
“Thank you so much for the ceremony! It was really lovely to read and we both got choked up. It's absolutely gorgeous and we're thrilled with it - thank you so much!”

Well my heart bursts! 🥰

“It’s just amazing! We both don’t know how you did it.”

It’s a joy! I can’t wait to officiate for you guys now! Not long to go.

01/06/2023

Hello June!
Oh I do love June. The sunshine (finally), the flowers, the festivities (Wimbledon and Ascot 😍) oh and it’s my birthday.

Feeling very inspired today. This weekend’s Wisley wedding is fast approaching - can’t wait.

Spent most of the today gardening. Pruning back the mess at the end of the garden revealed my favourite rose! No idea what it’s called but look at it! Half and half - I just adore it. Just like any good wedding - half ceremony and half party. Half bride and half groom! And what’s also lovely is as it flowers the rose colours merge! It makes me smile every year.

Happy Thursday all - here’s to a fabulous June!

12/05/2023

Wisteria wonder!
Oh if only my wisteria looked anything like this! A girl can dream.

This is the amazing Wisteria walk RHS Garden Wisley

Imagine, having wedding photos here! Unforgettable! I think you would agree (and imagine the scent)

Can’t wait to officiate L&Rs wedding ceremony in a few weeks time at Wisley.

An outside ceremony, very intimate and very personal in so many ways.

One thing I love about Wisley is the venue is just such a showstopper! It allows you the freedom to focus on other details. There are so many stunning backgrounds for your ceremony, your photos and your celebrations.

Want to know more - give the fabulous team in the functions department a call OR book a discovery call with me and we can chat all things

Happy Friday all - have a fabulous weekend and don’t forget to stop and enjoy the wisteria - spring is here (just about) and summer is on its way!

27/04/2023

Join me live this evening at 6pm!
I’ll be answering this question, sharing a surprising find and confessing to something!

Intrigued?

Join me tonight - come join the discussion and say 👋 hi

16/04/2023

Lillibrooke Manor spring Open day

Wow, what a lovely day spent in the Small Barn Lillibrooke Manor Weddings and Corporate Events

Such a fabulous spring open day filled with wonderful couples, yummy treats and a touch of sunshine!

If you are looking for a large Barn wedding venue in Berkshire I would highly recommend this beautiful wedding venue.

Big thanks you to the team for a super day and big shout out to Ever After Weddings - my buddies at the end of the Small Barn and to the lovely Victoria's cart for the yummy icecream!

If we met today do fellow the link in my bio to book a discovery call. Whether you are 2023,2024 or 2025!
Let’s chat about your dream ceremony!
(Little bonus if you book in your call this month!)

Happy Sunday everyone! Xx

08/04/2023

“Thank you for helping us through our vows and for bringing it all together yesterday with just the right touch.”

Such kind words from L & S - thank you so much!

Their intimate Vow renewal last month on S’s 70th birthday and Mother’s Day was such a treat.

When asked to describe his wife of 45 years in 3-5 words S said “A really nice person!” 🥰

Have a great Saturday everyone.

❤️

31/03/2023

Happy Friday all!

“There is always beauty to be found”

Wow what a week. Unexpectedly I have spent the majority of the week in hospital with my eldest daughter. We are back in today and fingers crossed we will get some improvement soon.

I have been overwhelmed but the kindness of others this week. The beauty of kind words, small gestures and patience has been really humbling.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone. I am on my emails and I’m looking forward to lots of Splendid bits next week including discovery calls, script writing and ceremony post!

Take care all. Xx

❤️

17/03/2023

Did we meet at the top of the hill?

Wow, take me back to a fortnight ago at the stunning wedding Open day for

It was so wonderful to meet so many fabulous couples who were busy planning their big day at the beautiful

Couples don’t forget my special open day offer! Venue visits are always so helpful. I always visit the venue alone before the planning begins but I also love visiting with couples.

☎️Book your discovery call before the end of March and let’s not only start the planning process but book in a venue visit together! Coffee and cake included of course! 😉

Link in bio to book your call or DM below.

Happy Friday! x

06/03/2023

Love being part of the celebrant community. So many different and amazing celebrants.

Steph May is an experienced celebrant based in Berkshire. She conducts ceremonies in Berkshire, Surrey, London, Hampshire, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire.

04/03/2023

Happy Saturday everyone.

As I’m off to tomorrow for their wonderful Open day. I thought I would put together a little mood board of inspiration for a Wisley wedding. Just a bit of fun.

If you haven't already don't forget to book your tickets for tomorrow's open day - the link is

https://gardentickets.rhs.org.uk/rhswi/sessions.aspx?tid=139&fbclid=PAAaYj0y1QWps1cSssGrSm663s5yGaiwkoYrOcEkeoZbhyDWmRAQXUNUr0h6o

Enjoy.

28/02/2023

Four days and counting!

Eeek I couldn't be more excited to be exhibiting at RHS Garden Wisley this Sunday.

Such a beautiful collection of suppliers will be there - trust me you don't want to miss it.

Book your tickets (free)

https://gardentickets.rhs.org.uk/rhswi/sessions.aspx?tid=139&fbclid=PAAaZ1pLqJxiggK6yDrySYSqWVi2L84Cwi7mExwLDfq2aJExhhFqIWoIg8HUs

Come say hi and be inspired by this one of a kind, wonderful exclusive venue!

Wow - I am in love with this photo by the amazing Tarah Coonan Photography

16/02/2023

The room is set and the sun shining.
I can hear the bride and her sister happily getting ready in the next room.
Into the ceremony space walks the groom’s parents - over an hour early.

Mum, glowing with pride is soaking it all in but looking a little lost. She tells me they have been waiting a long time for this celebration. One unexpectedly rushed covid blessing last year, then a registry office appoint a few weeks later but now the big day has finally come.

She admits she is still a little nervous, I get the feeling she won’t believe it’s actually happening until the kiss.

The ceremony is wonderful - a long waited wedding ceremony followed by a surprise naming for their little boy. Tears, giggles, cheers and of course the kiss!

Everyone spills out into the sunshine - beautiful breezy confetti shots and then off a stunning barn for the reception.

While walking back through the vineyard, bathed in early afternoon sunshine. I meet Mum again.

She walks up to me slowly and says - “Thank you so much. That was a really lovely ceremony. It was so special.” She turns and looks back “It will stay with me for a long time”

That’s why I do what I do! (And I love it)

Happy Thursday everyone.

11/02/2023

Thank you M&P! Your ceremony was so special and super fun! 😉🎾💍

I’m often asked about my ceremony style and it’s a tricky one to answer. At the end of the day your ceremony has to fit you and your big day.

But, I pride myself on a few key feels -

😊 family focused - your guests have been invited because they mean the world to you - I want them to feel welcome and be glowing with pride.

🥰 romantic - I am a bit of a romantic. I work hard with couples to get the romance level just right! 👌

😉 memorable - the ceremony is why everyone is there - let’s start the celebrations in style!

😌 relaxed - no stress here! Everything checked, everyone calm - let’s enjoy the special day.

Do these “feels” sound good?

❓What now? - let’s book a discovery call and start out planning your perfect wedding ceremony!

🔝 book your call today - can’t wait to start the process with you!

Ps quote the random emoji in this post and receive a surprise treat x

Happy Saturday everyone! Xx

08/02/2023

First wedding of the year just around the corner.

C & R are such a wonderful couple with such a beautiful family and fabulous story to tell. It’s been such a privilege to work with them to build a truly unique wedding ceremony for them.

Remember it’s never too late to have your wedding your way!

Can’t wait to be back Stanlake Park Vineyard Weddings next week.

Happy midweek everyone.

#🥂 #💍♥️

20/01/2023

My numb fingers didn’t want to starting writing today. One enormous cup of tea, hot two crumpets and now I’m typing away.

At the computer today working on a special ceremony that I’m really enjoying.

This quote popped up and I love it.
“Writing is the painting of the voice”

If this is true then your story is my paints. I love taking a love story and getting creative with it to turn it into a ceremony that family and friends will enjoy and remember forever.

(Little giggle - does quoting Voltaire count as using my GCSE in Art - if so it’s finally come in useful 😂)

Happy Friday everyone - what is everyone up today? Anyone else using their GCSEs?

#🥂 #💍♥️