Darren Handy Celebrant

01/11/2024

A TRULY SPECIAL MOMENT
💛❤️💙🧡💚🩵💜🖤

I was privileged enough to conduct the first ever Ceremony at the V&A Dundee in September for the most fabulous couple,
🩵 Ian and Tommy 🩵

The love in that room from both the couple and their nearest and dearest was brilliant, with so many different cultures and walks of life coming together to cheer on these special Gents!

Throw in a bit of Etta James to set the tone and a Pinot Grigio Quaich Toasting and I think you'll find...a Celebration was truly had!

"Love Stories are more epic with two Heroes"

Ian Murdo Macleod and husband Tommy Kluethong got hitched just across the road from their restaurant, Rama Thai.

02/09/2024

And as you can see, we already have one half of our couple present, and as they are looking rather dapper, give them a massive round of applause...."

The anticipated wait is always for the grand reveal of the one that's making that special entrance, which may or may not include a beautiful dress in white....

But the nerves of anticipation are equally felt by the one standing at the top...awaiting to turn around to see their person....as Celebrant, it's one of my favourite jobs to give that nod of:

"You can turn around... they are here,"

But prior to this...the Groom has already been, as I joke "the Asda/Disney Meeter and Greeter of the Day":

The joke is always the Groom only has to turns up... but actually, the hour before...the Groom is holding the fort: Meeting the guests, welcoming the hugs (and the offer of a drink). They are introducing people and suppliers, they are doing the final run down of where folk are standing and also...they double check Granny has the best seat in the house!

If you've been to one of my Ceremonies...you'll know I make sure every Groom or Bride at the top, gets that massive round of applause before we start...gets your guests warmed up too 🥰 and a wee reminder that it's equally about them also 🫶🏻

Tips for Grooms/ Pre-Ceremony Brides....

Get there/at reception (fully dressed) at least one hour early, before guests arrive: you can grab a drink and take a deep breath. Also, enjoy this time with your tribe...the ones who are no doubt going to roast you in their speech 🤣

Take time to chat with your guests: it gets you used to being around them. If it gets too busy later, then a wee chat has still taken place.

Don't be scared to ask for a wee run down with your supplier: We will do this anyway, but it also gives you a blueprint there and then and don't be scared to ask us to Repeat it. I normally do a wee plaid or Kilt check for you also.

Remember....it's OK to be emotional! I absolutely will be!

And now....I think it's time to get you married 🩵

📸:
The wedding of Rhys & Laura

05/08/2024

It's alright, you can come out.
-Glinda- The Wizard of Oz

The two minutes before anyone walks down the aisle can be super exciting but also a wee bit scary/terrifying!

So, this is why I like to pop out and say "it's o.k, your guests are buzzing to see you and most importantly, your other half is so so excited and feeling exactly as you are now".
I've already been in the room, so I can reassure you it's not scary...just full of love and support.

It also secretly means I can get my s**t together pre Ceremony because you look AMAZING, and it gets me right in the feels every time.

It's also the moment where I do the last-minute guidance for your tribe:

Breathe, smile, breathe again.

Slow walk, don't run...nae forward rolls 🤣

Your seats are just to the left/right.

To the person giving away: Big hug and kiss and a hug to your new in-law to when you "drop them off" 🤣

And an encouraging one last deep breath in and out.....we are good to go.....let's get you married.

If you embrace that all-important reveal and Aisle walk....you will glow even more and show your other half how lucky they truly are. But most importantly, you will be able to take in this very special moment and remember it forever.

P.S. I'll still be holding back my tears even though I say I'll be fine.

📷:

30/04/2024

Hey!

I've returned to my desk and back to it...just a little more gently than normal. I'm getting through all awaiting admin as we speak, so please bear with me....I see you and will get to you :)

Thank you for your patience :)

26/04/2024

CELEBRANT DOWN!

It's finally happened! Im down with a sh*** bit of Illness!

Don't Worry! I'm well on the Mend and look to be back in action come next week, where all emails and enquiries will be picked up. If i'm a bit slower than normal in response (which is normally 0.5 of a second in my case) please know I promise to get to you 🩵

The amazing is being an absolute Angel in Covering my Ceremony this Weekend for the amazing Mr & Mrs R to be....let's face it, she'll make the Wedding Photos look even more Glamourous!

On a moment of reflection, it's reminded me that I'm not superhuman and I can't be my normal Magical Unicorn Celebrant Self (extra description for Unique 🤣) if I don't start having some R&R time!

I think as Wedding Suppliers we strive to do our absolute best to provide an excellence of Service for our amazing Couples and Families but the thought of failing customers can give an overwhelming dread...what I say to this is, now that I'm coming out the other side of what that dread ACTUALLY looks like, it's shown me in hindsight...everything always works out and be a little kinder to ourselves!

But for now...this crusty looking Celebrant is away to sip water out a straw and pretend it's a French Martini!

03/04/2024

🩵THE REVIEWS ARE IN 🩵

I never take for granted my Celebrant role and know how lucky I am to do this amazing job.

So when my amazing Couples leave me some gorgeous reviews of their day, it truly is an extra moment of gratitude and makes me realise I'm doing no too bad! Here's some reviews I've received recently (you can find all my reviews in my Insta Highlights)

Do I get emotional at every review....ABSOLUTELY 😂

24/03/2024

For those couples looking for something intimately unique but still symbolising their love....have a wee read about Chris and Dawn's most wonderful elopement I was honoured to conduct at the beautiful THE HIDEAWAY Experience ....photos by the amazing Genna O'Neill Photography & Something Blue

Congratulations to Dawn and Chris who had an intimate wedding at our Dreamers Hideaway on the 28th of September 2023.  Although we have had many

12/02/2024

For LGBT History Month, I wanted to Celebrate but reflect also....

So this is me conducting the beautiful Shauna and Eilidh's Wedding last February at . It may look like I've had a blip or I've my lost my place in wording.....but ACTUALLY, I was trying to hold my s**t together for a number of reasons without ugly crying (I failed 🤣)

To see two individuals who love each other, freely and unapologetically, express their love for each other (and look absolutely stunning whilst doing so may I add).

To hear two proud individuals say their own funny and sentimental personal Vows: without fear, shame or worry.

To see and feel the amount of love from all generations : from Parents walking their daughter's to the centre to younger Generations looking on to see this is what the future CAN look like for them.

For an LGBT Celebrant to shout from the rafters

"I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU, WIFE & WIFE"

That's all the winners for me!

The saying "actions speak louder than words" is so so true... it wasn't the words or story that made me cry my corneas off....it was seeing love in its purest form and knowing the marches, protests, conversations and bravery in history were all worth it. Let's keep the informative conversations going.

The fight still goes on....but it's truly evident that there are good outcomes.

Oh....and for those wondering, I managed to snap back into my normal, Sassy, banterous self....eventually 🤣

18/01/2024

I always knew my MI5 skills would come in handy one day 😂

So this 100% is what makes a good Celebrant, in particular when we have our face to face meetings :)

So, you'll give me all the essential information in your questionaire, but it's your nuances and quotes that you'll say in person that I pick up on and put in your Ceremony to give it that personalised touch.

🩵 Those initial butterfly feelings in your early stages as a couple

🩵 The excitement that takes place in all your big
milestones: First House, Having Kids, Getting your fur babies

🩵 All the emotions during your proposal and hearing that chapter from both proposer and proposee (a favourite/regular quote: my a**e about collapsed 😂)

So, when it comes to retelling your Story, almost all my couples give me that look of "I can't believe you picked up on that" meaning they truly get the most out of that very special moment

Some call it nosey, I call it a sixth sense 😂

28/12/2023

Finishing up 2023 with this very special pair!

is about to have a fabulous day as Dale and Steph tie the Knot and I'm super chuffed to be kicking their day off with a bang!

We have a beautiful story with some belter memories, a personalised reading and Quaich Toasting, throw in a couple of surprises and we are good to go!

Steph is one of my closest pals, so to see her Marry one of her best pals means I'll probably be greetin', even though she's told me I'm forbidden to or she'll start greetin too 🤣

December 28th....let's be having you!

25/12/2023

🎄🎄🎄 A Very Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄

Pop the tunes and Bubbly!

It's still go at this Celebrant HQ with one more amazing couple tying that festive knot on the 28th so expect my Queens Speech of thank you after this 🤣

I always tell Couples and Families to Celebrate their milestones in their own way and this very much applies to this very day also, the 25th. So whether that's with a Dinner for 12 or a Dinner for 1, do it in YOUR way.

To the Couples I married this year: Enjoy your first Hitchmas....a Selfie is always welcome 🥂

To my future 2024 Couples: Think this time next year you'll be married or getting excited in the Wings and the Celebratory Fizz will taste even better 🥳

To those loved ones who aren't here this year: toast them as they would want you to 🤍

To the kids who are so excited this morning.....Santa told me you can absolutely have chocolate for breakfast! 🎅

I've popped the laptop away today and will be100% tucking into the Festive Beverages Santa has so kindly left me!..... It's Christmas after all ;)

Whatever you're up to....have the best day!

11/12/2023

Sometimes there is a moment just before your Ceremony when there will be no sound, no one else present, just me and my Folder in a bubble of what's about to happen....a true moment to focus on your bespoke and personalised story.

The Calm before the Joy where I take a big breath and say "how is this even work"
..I just love it!

24/10/2023

AVAILABILITY UPDATE for 2024/2025

In short....2024 only has a select few dates left before I'm at Capacity (It's busier than 2023 already!) And even the Months that aren't crossed out are nearly full with 2025 not far behind it!

Please, Please, Please....don't leave it last minute to book. if you have any uncertain questions....drop me a DM or message me via www.darrenhandycelebrant.co.uk

Thank you to the amazing Couples who are giving me the honour to tell their story and kick the day off with a bang!

If you ain't fast.....your last!

21/10/2023

Congratulations Mr & Mr Homer-Welch!

Emotions, Sentiment and bundles of laughs definitely laced this beautiful story

First Coffee Quaich Toasting for me too!

A lovely day!

21/10/2023

ITS ALEX & PHIL'S TURN

A love Story is better with two heroes!

Today I'm off in my Canoe 👀 to for the intimate and special Ceremony of Phil & Alex....and I can't wait!

From a very special journey to a Coffee Quaich Toasting, we are about to shout LOVE IS LOVE from the Rooftops 🩵

Let's Celebrate!

16/10/2023

A wee flashback on Robbie & Sophie's Special Day!

A day they had certainly waited for but very much worth the wait! I love my job, but it makes it even more special when you know the couple and their family 🥰

The rain outside was not going to put a dampner on our day as we magically transformed the inside of to a version of what outside should have been!

We told such a special love story with nods to loved ones who we missed dearly. We symbolised their botrothment with a gorgeous Handfasting, and fabulous Reasons of what drives them crazy about each other (a favourite of mine)

Everyone was a welcomed guest that Lars, the Dog who I dropped off at his sitters (he was very well behaved)

Robbie and Sophie also had the extra added excitement of waiting for their wee one to arrive, and I'm happy to say that little Poppy has since joined this amazing family!

Ladies and Gentleman... Mr and Mrs Jack!

Some gorgeous photos are also provided by

15/10/2023

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Baillie!

is a fab setting and Craig and Chloe truly embraced every single minute!

Just love it!

15/10/2023

IT'S CRAIG & CHLOE'S TURN!

Yesterday was such a vibe! Both cool as a cucumber, both so ready for this very special day!

From Uni Life to Husband and Wife...Chloe and Craig embraced their Ceremony and all chapters!

What a Saturday Sesh it was!

08/10/2023

A wee flashback to Lindsay and Dale's Day last Saturday.

A love start to Mr and Mrs Reid's Day! They truly embraced the whole journey and they spent the whole time saying "this doesn't feel real" 🤣

As an FYI I absolutely did NOT take any photos of the hills 😂 because I was too busy chatting to the couple and their guests 😍 was a fabulous Ceremony and working with fabby team in and .nc_photography

07/10/2023

Ooft! I think I fell in love with today!

Congratulations Mrs and Mrs Hunter-Kerr!

07/10/2023

It's LAURA & GEORGINA'S TURN!

It may be pouring outside but it's about to get gorgeously sunny at for the most stunning Ceremony of Laura and Georgina!

Love is Love and today is about that plus additional inclusivity with BSL being added so we can tell this Couple's most gorgeous love story for them to beautifully reflect upon!

Traditions are definitely present with their Family Tartans...throw in a few Disney amd Harry Potter quotes and we are good to go!

03/10/2023

October....how'd that happen....

To round off September, I conducted 3 Gorgeous Ceremonies last week and one Celebration of Life that was truly created in the most loving and vibrant way.
They were such an honour to be a part of and I can't wait to post a little bit about them. They were so good that my emotional battery was empty by Sunday (my Husband mentioned Tax Returns and i about put him through a window 🤣)

So I've had a couple of days to catch my breath and so I can hit October in my normal Glitzy, Fantastic Way!

I'm hitting October with 4 AMAZING Wedding Ceremonies and a Pumpkin Spiced Latte in my hand!

For now....please enjoy the musical delights from the Movie Practical Magic

🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃



🎃

23/09/2023

Congratulations Mr and Mrs Grant!

Was such a family vibe today and I was chuffed to be a small part of that and kick their day off with a bang!

Just Braw!

23/09/2023

IT'S DAVID & MORAG'S TURN

Adventure is this Couple's motto!

From meeting for a quick half hour coffee which turned into 5hrs to conquering the world and giving !

David and Morag are so ready for this next chapter of love and commitment in a day that's been planned to a T!

Saturday Sesh at the ....let's do this!



day