TJ Thomson Celebrant

04/03/2025

Is it the brides prerogative to be late?

I am never a woman to argue with a wee tradition here and there…however this conversation and indeed situation has been a talking point of late, so I thought I’d have a wee blether about it here.

Before I start I know opinions will vary on this….but the truth is for me, there is a classy amount of late on your wedding day, and anything more than that can seriously impact on your suppliers and indeed your guests. Trust me when I say it’s hard to keep a bored crowd happy!

Also….Many Musicians/celebrants etc may have another ceremony/gig to get to…so well within their rights to leave or charge you extra for their time.

Etiquette for seating your guests for the ceremony is typically 10/15 minutes before.

We all know things happen, but I’ll be clear being a late guest is a big no for me…and don’t get me started on walking into a ceremony once it’s started! I may be small but my stare is scary (what can I say I’ve inherited it from my Glaswegian mother!) 🤣

Don’t get me wrong…I know things don’t always go to plan. I get that, and I will roll with most scenarios…and I can assure you I am well versed in dealing with a crisis!

However, whilst I personally only do one wedding a day (many celebrants do not ~ so this is definitely worth checking just in case.)

Would love to hear other peoples thoughts on this subject…you know I love a good debate and blether!

What do you think?

24/02/2025

I first met Tom Mclucas at my interview for a position as DiversiFire coordinator at Glenrothes Fife Station. I was 26 at the time and naturally thought I knew it all!

Long story short… I bluffed my through that interview, got the job and Tom became my wing man as we took on a new pilot to support “high risk” young people across Fife, to raise awareness and their self esteem through Fire Service activities.

From day one Tom called me Boss (which I detested!)…and even though he was old enough to be my Dad (he’d kill me for saying that 🤣) and had more skills in his pinky than I had yet formed in my time on the planet.

We quickly became friends and colleagues and dedicated every minute we had to making the programme a success….and I’m proud to say we done just that ♥️.

I think it would be fair to say like any known dynamic duo we had our moments and we learned to laugh at the time he would take himself away “to clean the trailer” (aka get some peace from me!) when it all got too much.

He taught me so much about myself in those three years together and I was always in utter awe of the passion he had for the fire service but also his dedication for young people…and how he saw the good in every child that crossed our path.

Today we said goodbye to one of greatest men I have ever had the privilege of knowing, a man who adored his family, his life and his career.

Tom….I am so grateful for everything, our time together, for you always treating me as your equal, picking me up and dusting me off when it got hard, and for telling me when I was being an arse (which was regularly)

They don’t make men like you anymore and this world has certainly lost one of the good ones far too soon. I will miss you. Rest easy.

Forever your “work wife”

TJ x

21/02/2025

Or does it?…I’m a big gut instinct kinda gal…

And in my experience this is no different when it comes to choosing your wedding suppliers…and I stand my convictions when I say you will know when you talk them if they are the right fit for your day or not.

They are a vital part of your wedding day and it is important you a) like them but b) you trust them to do the job you are paying them to do.

But that doesn’t mean you should go on “ The feels” alone….doing your research is an absolute must!

And that’s why….

★ Stalking their social media is essential (especially for celebrants!) we are our product and there is no where to hide who you are on here.

★ Reviews: We can all be captured by an image or product (I am the world’s worst for it!) but the truth is in this industry reviews are where our credibility and accountability come from so if a supplier doesn’t have a good selection of up to date reviews or recommendations on goggle, insta or fb…I’d be asking why!?

★ Talk to your other suppliers: Ask them if they have worked with who you are considering and ask for feedback. Your venue will also be a good source for this.

★ Professionalism: The wedding industry is big and magical place and there is a lot of amazing suppliers to choose from.

I get that it can be daunting and budget will dictate so many of your choices BUT I highly suggest that you ensure that all your suppliers issue you with a contract…and you go through it with a fine tooth comb before you sign on the dotted line or part with your deposit.

Remember contacts are there to protect you…and if something seems too good to be true…well that’s because it normally is.

In short…vibe is crucial but don’t let heart run away with your head (and yes I am fully aware of how much cliches I’ve used in this post 🙈)

TJ

13/02/2025

I do love a magic wand moment!

It’s a really simple but effective way to include small children in your wedding ceremony. Let’s be honest they probably won’t remember the moment itself but they will be able to look back and see that they were an important part of their parents wedding day. And I think that is really special.

This is the beautiful Sofia wishing on her Mummy and Daddy’s rings before they were exchanged last month…and there were no hesitations when I asked her if she wanted to help me with the wand….goes without saying I never saw that wand again! 🤣 But that’s fine I always make sure my bag is packed full with more in all different colours ⭐️

Huge thanks to the fabulous for capturing this special moment.

21/01/2025

T W I L I G H T W E D D I N G S…Have definitely become a thing!

And I have certainly seen more couples chatting about these across the forums and asking about this type of ceremony recently! so I thought I would pop up a wee post on them highlighting what they are and a few of the benefits of opting for one.

A Twilight Wedding, in short is a ceremony that usually starts after 5:00pm then goes straight to the party! – the traditional sit down wedding breakfast is not included.

For many venues Twilight packages are often available through from October – March. However I have seen more venues add these to their catalogue and I do have a few booked in for all others months this year too (and next year!)

The usual running order of a Twilight Wedding: (of course these will vary)

5 pm – 5:45 pm = Arrival drinks and canapés for guests

5:45 pm – 6 pm = Guests make their way to their seats

6 pm = Ceremony

6:45 pm Drinks and Guests make their way to the reception (couples might have a few pictures taken, but not always)

7 pm – 12 am = It’s time to get your dancing shoes on!

Benefits of a Twilight Ceremony? Well there are many, including amazing sunsets, twinkling lights (who doesn’t love a set of fairy lights!) main ones include:

☆ Cutting your costs ~ especially on the food front and the vast majority will not have a traditional sit down meal. Some do opt to do food vans, grazing table or a hog roast however this would need to accommodated in your above timings.

☆ Suppliers like a Photographer or Videographer may also be cheaper as they are required for less time on the day too!

☆ Limited speeches ~ or none at all! Let’s face it the formality of making a speech is not for everyone and sometimes can cause alot of unnecessary anxieties. However, If someone still wants to stand up and say thanks great…but for most this part is normally skipped and you just get straight to the dancing!

☆ If planning last minute you could also get your dream suppliers such as your celebrant or decor as they will not have to be in two places at one time!

Any questions or queries on this just pop me a DM. Always happy to have a blether 😊

17/01/2025

FML…I started a Ceremony Sing Song…AGAIN! 🙈

Don’t ask me how it happened…but it did…and it was 100% my own doing!

See that’s the thing about ceremonies, we write them, coordinate them (within an inch of their life) and suddenly one tiny thing changes and you find yourself singing and dancing down the aisle with guests (and suppliers) and well what can I say…you just need to roll with it!

Never. A. Dull. Day 🤣

Happy Friday beautiful people…I hope your weekend is filled with fun and frolics 💃🏼

📸 The very talented Who misses nothing because she is a Ninja!

15/01/2025

Sarah + Andrew // 01.12.24
Broxmouth Courtyard

This fabulous pair came all the way from Malta gathering all their favourite people from across the world to celebrate their love and union.

From our initial meeting I felt their love and respect for each other and adored their cheeky banter and inside jokes.

Their ceremony was a blend of Scottish and Maltese cultures which went down an absolute treat…as I tried my hardest to speak very slowly (warned by Andrew!) 🤣

Sarah and Andrew thank you so much for choosing me to start your day…and for finishing my 2024 wedding season off in total style!

♥️ Feeling the love:

TJ, TJ, TJ!

Once again we just wanted to say a massive thank you for everything - both in terms of preparation and everything on the day! We were so lucky that everything went so well throughout the whole day and night but in a day full of highlights, a never ending number of guests - both Maltese and Scottish - highlighted 'the amazing lady who hosted the ceremony' as the biggest and best of highlights and we couldn't agree more!

Thank you again,

Sarah and Andrew

📸 (oft that canon shot….👌)

14/01/2025

Just getting started? Here are a few things to consider…

I speak to so many couples at the start of their wedding journey who are SO excited to be getting married (naturally!) and just want to get stuck right into the planning…and this is where basic mistakes can be made.

However I also know that it can be a wee bit overwhelming in places, so having the basics squared away can give you peace of mind when looking to book your A team for your big day.

I know these things are not the most glamours things to be thinking about, but they are essential all the same!

Happy Planning

TJ x

13/01/2025

Strutting into 2025…💃🏼

Feeling refreshed, energised, so bloody grateful and more than ready to kick the a!s out the season.

2024 was pinnacle for me and my wee celebrant life because very honestly it was the first year since I started this journey that I felt like I had found my feet, knew my worth and finally got a sense of home in this crazy world that we call the wedding industry.

I know for me it is always going to be a learning process…but I’m here for it, all of it! and I can’t wait to be part of it with all of my amazing couples and see where chapter 2025 takes me.

Thank you once again to everyone (couples and suppliers) who keep me so busy and for stopping by on this little grid of life of mine, who like my rambles, comments on my posts, pop in for a chat on my stories and share their days and lives with me. I promise it’s something I never take for granted ♥️

2025 Let’s cause some beautiful havoc together!
📸 @ The very talented

03/01/2025

Thank you SO Much! ⭐️

I highly recommend I Do I Do - Wedding Car Hire honestly a better team of well dressed and professional chauffeurs you’ll never meet! 💕

02/12/2024

Thank You…Thank You Very Much…(in my best Elvis voice)

(Sorry I couldn’t help myself. That jumpsuit is giving off major Viva LasVegas vibes! 🤣)

To all my 2024 couples….

Thank you ♥️ it really has been a hell of a year, and I am so grateful to you all for choosing me to be part of your wedding day and memories.

2025 is going to be another big year for me so as of today I’ll be taking a good break off the grid to recharge and plan to be back at my desk mid January.

I will be keeping an eye on my inbox, but please know it might take me a little longer to reply to any enquiries. Please note ~ I have NO WEEKEND availability now until 2027.

Wishing you all the best of the festivities 🥳

TJ x

02/12/2024

Anne & Sam // 26.11.24 // Tentsmuir Forest

I cannot tell you how many headaches I have suffered getting those pair to their wedding day last week!! 🤣

20 Years of loving one another
4 Proposals between them
And the FINALLY did it!

Their V.I.Ps could not have been happier for them as they laughed and cried their way through their intimate woodland ceremony…it was honestly magical!

Anne and Sam this world is a better place because of the love you have for each other. Thank you for the Memories Mrs and Mrs Walsh ♥️
📸 👌

28/11/2024

A lifelong connection between two people whose values are based on equality, common purpose, tolerance and compassion…

But what might that look like for our couples in their day to day lives?

Lets break it down…

★ First off, love is like the spark that ignites the firework show of marriage—it’s what gets the party started and keeps it going long after the last firecracker has fizzled out. Without love, marriage would be like a rom-com without the romantic climax—seriously lacking in the feel-good department!

★ Next up, equality is like the dynamic duo in marriage—it’s all about sharing the spotlight, splitting the chores, and making decisions together like a boss. Because in marriage, there’s no room for power struggles or one-sided dominance— yup that’s right we’re in this together, folks!

★ Now, let’s talk about common purpose—well…it’s like the GPS that guides us on our marital adventure. When we share a common purpose with our partner, whether it’s building a home, raising a family, or conquering the world, we’re unstoppable! Plus, who doesn’t love having a co-pilot on this crazy journey called life?

★ And let’s not forget about tolerance and compassion—they’re like the secret sauce that makes everything taste better. Tolerance helps us navigate the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and occasional weird habits of our partners without losing our cool. And compassion? Well, it’s like the warm hug at the end of a long day—it’s comforting, reassuring, and reminds us that we’re never alone.

★ So there you have it, love, equality, common purpose, tolerance, and compassion are the ultimate dream team in marriage. Keep the love alive, embrace your differences, chase your dreams together, and always remember to lend a helping hand to our partner along the way!

So if this sounds like a bit of you and your relationship, we know we are the celebrants for you.

As always if you have any questions or queries on our value or ethos at Fulcrum Celebrants we are always happy to have a blether (because let’s face it talking about all things love, weddings and marriage is our absolute favourite!)

24/11/2024

Things to consider when choosing Ceremony Music 🎵

Ceremony music is a VERY big deal and any supplier will tell you it can make or break a ceremony vibe….especially when the wrong entry song is played (yes this happened to me more than once!) or worse it cuts off half way through or just doesn’t play due to lack of WIFI.

Please when planning your wedding do not take music being played for granted, if your venue does not include this service in your package I strongly urge you to find someone who knows what they are doing or even better hire someone who does.

As a celebrant I will never do ceremony music, unfortunately I have too many things to be responsible for during this time.

Quick Ceremony Music Guide:

☆ I would always recommend having a back ground playlist for guests being seated etc. They can be waiting about for a while and it sets the tone nicely.

☆ Entry Music - One song for the wedding party (if your wedding aisle is long) or one longer song that will last long enough for everyone. This is a personal choice, however most couples do tend to opt for a second song for that main entry (adds to the drama!! 🤣)

☆ Signing of the Marriage Schedule - Two songs, nothing too depressing…aka keep the vibe positive and opt for songs people will know. Keeps them in good spirits.

☆ Exit - It’s time to party! Up beat ♥️

05/11/2024

☆ TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING CELEBRANT ☆

I have noticed a lot of new faces here recently so thought I’d pop this up to help anyone just getting started. Please just message me if you have any questions 😊

☆ Sit down together as a couple and make a checklist of the qualities and skills you are looking for from your celebrant….for example do you want a serious, sentimental, celebrant who can recite Rabbie Burns word for word….or a celebrant who specialises in lighthearted and humour.!? Whilst us Celebrants are a versatile and creative bunch we do tend to have a natural style that we are better at (and we enjoy!) so it is important you know what vibe you are after to help narrow down your search!

☆ Ask your others suppliers and venue for their recommendations…it’s a starting point. Then start to take a good look around their socials (I find Insta the better platform for this) you really can’t hide who you are on there and you can check out their reviews at the same time.

☆ Shortlist 3 and book in for an online blether with them. Sounds basic but make a note of any questions you might have and ask them their process…we do vary on this across the organisations, so it is good to know standards and expectations as well as get a feel for how someone works. Key questions: How many ceremonies do they do a day? Do they have a back up system if they are ill on the actual day etc.

☆ Don’t be pressured by the hard sell….but equally do not hang around if you get that gut feeling about someone…book them! as the vast majority of celebrants will not hold your date without a deposit or completed booking

📸 Bodaphotography

02/11/2024

Huge congratulations to Lee and his fabulous team at the Laurel Bank. Well deserved!

FYI…They also do a fantastic wedding package! 🙌

Winner Winner Four in a Bed Winner

A massive thank you to everyone for their support and kind messages this week. We had an absolute ball on Channel 4's Four in a Bed Programme and were over the moon to win the overall prize.

And if you fancy trying the amazing breakfast that everyone on the programme loved, why not pop in - we would love to see you

20/10/2024

Holiday Mode Activated 😎

I’ll be back at my desk on 4th Nov. All enquiries will be answered on my return.

TJ x

01/10/2024

I’m sharing this because like so many others I’ve been alarmed and saddened by the amount of young men going missing due to Mental ill health concerns in the area lately.

Fife like many areas are in crisis on the MH front. Services and support are at an all time low and if I’m very honest even with 20 years in the field under my belt…I don’t know what the answer is and I fear for our young men out there who are struggling.

If you are reading this please know there are so many people out there that care about you and your wellbeing. This world is a better place with you in it. You are not alone. Please talk to someone.

Here’s Jai's story...

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