Susan Denton Celebrant

09/07/2024

- I was recently asked to officiate the Celebration of Life of a lady of 95 years . It was a total privilege for me to be asked to do this by the family not only because she was such a generous and caring woman but also because I had known her all my life.
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I worked alongside the family to create the service they wanted. They hadn't used a Celebrant before. They wrote their own Eulogy, chose the songs and two poems; their personal tributes. We discussed the different elements of the service and I completed the full service for them keeping to the forefront of my mind this lady's wonderful character and life experiences and and their wishes for the Day.
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This lady had started life living on a farm in Germany from which she had to flee with her family during WW2 and ended up coming to England as a refugee. She remained in England for the rest of her life marrying her husband of over sixty years to whom she was devoted and and living their lives here in Leicester with their cherished family and their many friends.
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On a personal note - this lady was a close friend of my parents and had played a big part in my childhood. I had kept in touch and in recent times when we visited, she and Mum shared memories and photos of their younger days and some dark chocolate - her favourite thing.
🌹..Your heart was so kind and true
And when we needed someone
We could always count on you.
The special years will not return
When we are all together.
But with the love in our hearts
You walk with us forever.

This was the Blessing - the Poem 'Our Lives Go On Without You' by an unknown author of which I've included some lines.

The poem on the second page is by Cornish Poet Clive Blake

01/05/2024

So pleased to be part of the magic on Saturday at Haybales Farm. Such a beautiful outdoor wedding venue.
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Come and chat! I am here to talk with you about how we create a ceremony that is personalised and super unique to you!

There are a raft of super local wedding suppliers to chat with too!
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Get your tickets now - the link is below -
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See you on Saturday! 🌹

25/04/2024

'Passionate, compassionate and joyful' were the three words that sum up the feedback I received yesterday when I gave a business showcase on my role as a wedding and family Celebrant to the wonderful women of LoveBiz De Montfort Executive who have been a brilliant support to me since 2019.
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The event was held at , such beautiful interiors; we chatted in the bar and the lunch was delicious!
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Sharing my love of being an independent and modern Celebrant and what the role actually entails is my favourite thing! It was great to share the images and talk about how wedding ceremonies as well as celebrations of life can be fully personalised for couples and families.
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' Wonderful and Unique Ceremonies' is my headline and I shared some of the myriad of ideas for creating the bespoke occasion that works for each couple, each family -their occasion, their wishes, their beliefs.
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I touched on personalised vows, sand and drinking ceremonies for wedding and renewal ceremonies and did a mini demonstration of handtying on Gail, who was great.!

I was asked what my Call to Action to the group would be and I asked for everyone to share the fact far and wide that celebrant-led ceremonies are created for you and you only and what a fabulous ceremony it can be!

Thanks again to Julie for today's invitation. It was such an uplifting experience! I really enjoyed myself ✨🌹💛

Acknowledements: photo
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16/04/2024

Sometimes you just know... this was one such occasion - 'The Young Ones' sung by Cliff Richard was played last Thursday for Norma and Vic's Renewal of Vows Wedding Ceremony.
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Norma had walked in to 'Living Doll' another of their favourite songs. She was so so happy.
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It was an absolute privilege to officiate Norma and Vic's ceremony. Norma has vascular dementia and lives in the Dover Cottage Rest Home while Vic lives nearby and visits as often as he can as he has COPD.
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I'd met them both beforehand and we had discussed the ceremony and its different elements. Vic was very active in sharing his wishes and Norma was excited but calm about how everything was coming together.
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The staff at the Rest Home were fabulous supporting the occasion with decorations and an afternoon tea and accompanying resident guests who attended. There was family there too and close friends of the couple who were so pleased they were able to be there at the ceremony.
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The couple renewed their vows and their original wedding rings were blessed as well as Vic giving Norma a lovely necklace as a keepsake of the Day.
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There was so much love and encouragement for the couple - it made my heart almost burst! Such a marvellous couple - still so in love!
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Congratulations to Norma and Vic and fondest wishes to you both.💐💐

Acknowledgements: Photos - Chris Stuart and friends of the family
Claire and all the staff at Dover Cottage Rest Home Tamworth

10/04/2024

There are a magnitude of rituals or mini ceremonies to choose from as part of your Celebrant-led ceremony! There's probably a Celebrant somewhere in the world creating a new one at this very moment!
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Some couples are really not keen and want to go for the straighforward, genuine and very personal ceremony.
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However, most really want to include one, two or even three rituals to make their ceremony extra special to them and very often to give close family and friends the opportunity to have a role in the occasion. Here are my fab four!
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Handtying is one of the favourites as it can be used in so many ways to celebrate your love for one another and I have written a number of Blogs about this marvellous ritual which are on my website.
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Another favourite is the Sand Ceremony in which the couple or as many members of their guests as they wish, pour different coloured sand into a glass receptacle. So, let's say it's blue and white - to represent their love for one another or it can hold a rainbow of colours chosen for them and family & friends. The colours as handtying above may signify a story or have a meaning, may be linked to a sport or be part of the theme for the day. It's your choice!
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Drinking rituals or ceremonies - there are so many: maybe the cocktail you drank together on your first date, drinking your favourite tipple together or toasting the Viking God - Odin - with your mead-filled cup! Sometimes everyone is included in a toast to the happy couple at the end of the ceremony - cheers!!
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The ceremonies above could be called a unity ceremony ; bringing the family together; close and extended - another of these is a Candle Ceremony which is carried out near the beginning and then the end of the main ceremony to demonstrate the importance of these new family bonds with parents or siblings of the couple first lighting two candles for the couple and then later the couple will take the flame and light a joint candle sometimes helped by their children.
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Do get in touch if you'd like to find our more about these elements of a Celebrant-led ceremony! I'd love to hear from you 🌹✨

📸Thanks to Veronika Joy Photography & Film , Assassynation Music Wedding Videos and Photography and Sarah Salotti Photography Sky Photography Vicki Clayson Photography

09/04/2024

Remembering Charlotte's and Daniel's intimate and joyful Wedding Renewal of Vows Ceremony a year ago today.
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'Family is not an important thing. It's everything' - Michael Fox. This wonderful couple celebrated their love for one another and for their children with close family and friends.
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They chose a handtying; in which their children took part, as one of the key elements of the Ceremony with silk ribbons of pink, gold and white. Afterwards all the guests came forward to tie on their own mini ribbons to create a beautiful memento of the Day.
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There was also the decoration of a dandelion which had been painted by the bride's mum. Everyone came and added their fingerprint which they'd dipped in different colours to represent the tufty seeds.
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Oh yes, the bride's dress was beautiful AND it had pockets!!
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The ceremony was so full of love, laughter and emotion - a super time was had by all!
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Sending fondest wishes to you, Charlotte, Daniel and family
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Thanks again to these super suppliers
Big Day Display / Venue Styling & Unique Prop Hire for Weddings & Events
Drew Davis Photography
Sketchley Grange Hotel & Spa

24/03/2024

It's great to be taking part in this wedding fair on Saturday April 6th at Haybales Farm in the beautiful county of Rutland. Seek out the free tickets.

Do come over and expereince the venue and meet all the super suppliers!

Imagine an outdoor country wedding ceremony or one taking place in a teepee. What's not to love!

See you there!🚜💚☀

17/03/2024

‘A soul mate is someone who understands you like no other, loves you like no other, will be there for you forever, no matter what.’ Cecelia Ahern, P.S. I Love You
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One year on, bar one day, from the emotional Renewal of Vows Wedding Ceremony for Derek and Chris! They were married on March 17th 1973 - St Patrick's Day - and celebrated their Golden Anniversary at Chicheley Hall with close family and friends.
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Derek and Chris chose this venue, a veritable historical treasure trove to enjoy: at the same time it gave them the relaxed and joyful atmosphere they wanted for this wonderful occasion.
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Their Welcome included a Blessing written by John O'Donoghue then a very personal Love Story written by Derek and read by one of their daughters. The vows were written by Derek and Chris followed by a handtying using ribbons with the colours of the Irish Flag paying homage to Derek's family heritage.
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The couple walked out to the Beatles ' Long and Winding Road' and then the partying began - prosecco certainly did flow!
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I have also included two photos of historical interest from the Hall - the first is of the 'Dutch Staircase' that I discovered had been used by former pupils and SOE trainees in the 20th century and a very old piece of carved stone which was above the bed in the Bridal Suite.
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Congratulations Derek and Chris - I'm sure you are enjoying your 51st anniversary today. You are an amazing couple ✨💛
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📸 Many thanks to Chicheley Hall , grandaughter Lana, family and friends and the Stuart duo for the photos.

12/03/2024

- When you receive an email like this from your couple minutes after you have sent them the first draft of their Love Story, you get such a wonderful warm feeling: pure emotion. They now have exactly what they want to get their ceremony started and I get to smile all day!!
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Creating and collaborating closely with my couples is what I enjoy most! I am so happy to be writing scripts for 2024 wedding ceremonies and am booking in ceremonies for 2025 – all at amazing venues: outdoors at a family home, at country houses, a Pumping Station and historical and beautiful Barns.
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I’m also looking forward to working alongside Linzi That black & white cat weddings and for the first time with Emma EJ Weddings & Events – two super wedding planners and wonderful wedding coordinators including Sian The Pavilion at The Manor House 💛

29/02/2024

- Alice and Lewis's wedding ceremony at Kelmarsh Hall was a triumph, in spite of the rain!!
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‘This is love – to fly upward toward the endless heavens’ - Rumi
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Alice's and Lewis's wish had come true and they shared their happiness with their daughter, family and friends in the magnificent Saloon decorated with gorgeous flowers whilst overlooking the lake - I expected Darcy to emerge from at any minute!!
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Marvellous memories of their great taste in music Lana Del Ray to start the ceremony and then processing out to Beyonce's 'Drunk In Love' - which worked a treat!
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They chose to have a handtying with their daughter: ivory, green and white ribbons tied with a knot and a bow as family and friends looked on smiling and sharing in the occasion.
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The Venue is awesome with all it's history , it was perfect for Alice and Lewis. It was a wonderful day and afterwards as we chatted they said how pleased they were to have chosen a celebrant-led ceremony - 'it was fab!' ✨

📸Andrew Jukes Photography
🏤Kelmarsh Hall and Gardens
💐Florry

14/02/2024

It's St Valentine's Day! For those who love - for those who are loved!
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Creating new love stories to be shared in the future!
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Sending all the best to my 2024 and 2025 couples as well as super friends and colleagues I've made through my wedding business.
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To everyone out there! Spending time with your loved one/s is the best thing!
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Card:

08/02/2024

‘It’s amazing how one day someone walks into your life and suddenly you can’t remember how you lived without them!‘ – Anurag Prakash Ray
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Revisiting the preparations at Ash Tree Farm - Marquee Wedding Venue for Poppy’s and Richard’s beautiful Wedding Ceremony last year.
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The day did have some drama as there was a downpour of rain and as the Indian tradition says a knot that is extremely wet is hard to untie therefore, when you ‘tie the knot’ on a rainy day the marriage will be a great success!
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At Ash Tree Farm there are so many choices on how to arrange your Big Day. At every wedding I have officiated here: every wedding ceremony and every wedding day has been utterly unique and personal to the couple, their family and friends and blooming good fun!!
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Wishing all the couples, especially Poppy and Richard a fabulous February!

📸Taken by Susan plus the wedding invitation
Keythorpe Wedding & Event Catering
Tipi Wedding Company

06/02/2024

How Can I Help? I am offering a new service as part of my role as a Wedding Celebrant
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Maybe you have decided that you would like a member of the family or a close friend to lead your wedding ceremony rather than have a Celebrant.
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I would be happy to working alongside you all to create a unique and wonderful script which will ensure that you have the ceremony of your dreams!
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If this is you then pop over via the link and have a look at the new Page on my website. I'm happy to chat with you - send me a message or give me a ring💛✨

Looking for a wonderful bespoke wedding ceremony script for your friend or family to conduct - then pop over to 'Celebrate with Sue' to find out more!

05/02/2024

The amazing venue Bridge House Barn has availability for the early May Bank Hols!! Don't delay - it's a great place with its variety of options, plus a super bar, accommodation and an idyllic spot next to the Grand Union Canal - whether you're planning a birthday, wedding or other big celebration!🎉 🥂🎶 💖🌞

01/02/2024

- An awesome photo shoot at Ash Tree Farm - Marquee Wedding Venue - inspiring ideas for couples - choosing the outfits, the venue, the bespoke ceremony that matches your ideals, values and dreams as well as you, as individuals and as a couple.

Ash Tree Farm is a fabulous venue that gives you so many opportunities to do your wedding day your way. Farm animals, tractors, a beautiful lake and the space to have a great time together with family and friends!

Not forgetting the train popping by - that’s the line in the background – for train spotters!

Thanks to Bridal Reloved Leicesterr for the wonderful range of dresses as well as Sammy IsoElegant Photography and Emily Reed Photography for the marvellous photos!

Thanks also to all the models, Farleys Wedding Suits of Kibworth and fifisclosets_

01/02/2024

A big welcome to February 2024! ❤

It's great to see that the light is returning in the mornings and evenings, there's snowdrops in the garden and daffodil and crocus shoots in the pots here at Denton Den!

Celebrant and home life has been busier than normal and as we arrive in February this looks set to continue.

Let's not forget that this year is a leap year so there will be 29 days instead of 28. Happy birthday for those who get the chance for a big celebration on their Day this year.

Did you know there is also a Leap Year tradition that dates from the 5th century started by Saint Brigid in Ireland that 'gave' women the opportunity to propose marriage on the 29th February - maybe something to think about in this Valentine's Month - you can't not mention it! ❤

30/01/2024

And just when you thought everything couldn't get any better - this fabulous testimonial appeared on my Google Business Page from Helen and Trevor - the super star couple who chose to have their beautiful and intimate wedding ceremony at The Guildhall last November ✨

You certainly did things your way! The wedding ceremony was a magical celebration of love and family. It was so romantic and so much fun! What A Day! xx

📸Lovely Creatures
Venue Leicester Guildhall

25/01/2024

I’ve worked with a ton of amazing, talented and creative photographers over the years and I want to share their ‘marvellousness’ with you!
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As each couple so unique so is every wedding photographer. They all have their own personal style as well as photography style. I’ve picked my two super favourites Sammy (top left, photos 2/3) and Vicki (bottom left, photos 4/5) with whom I’ve collaborated with on a number of projects. I met Ed (bottom right with Victoria, 6/7) late last year and what a guy …
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Sammy IsoElegant Pet Photography is inspired by film cinematography and 19th Century glamour. She also loves to get stuck into the party vibes; blending in beautifully!
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Vicki Vicki Clayson Photography focuses on natural wedding photography which tell the Story of the Day. She has so much energy and captures the sweetest moments.
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Ed Lovely Creatures – I met him back in November when we both worked together on a very special wedding ceremony. His knowledge and experience of The Guildhall is top and this is reflected in his awesome photos – inside and out.
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Big thanks to Jo Greenfield : Photographer for the photo of Vicki

Venues: Ash Tree Farm - Marquee Wedding Venue East Langton, Leicestershire

Evenley Wood GardenWood Gardens, Northamptonshire

Leicester Guildhall

23/01/2024

‘Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation.’ Rumi

thank-you so much to the family for the card they sent with such lovely words on the cover and inside.

We came together late last year to celebrate the life of a wife, mum and nana - a woman who was devoted to her family and who is deeply missed.

Close family members made their own personal tribute to this wonderful woman and there was so much love and admiration for her and her character: her adventurousness, creativity and enthusiasm. So many memories shared, so much love from extended family and friends.

At Celebrant-led funeral ceremonies; family and friends come together and share the space in the crematorium or by the graveside. This coming together gives them a feeling of comfort and of support.

It is also important to offer everyone an opportunity to stop and to reflect on their relationship with and their memories of times together with the person whether when a favourite song plays, a photo montage is shared or during moments of silence.

This is just one aspect of what a personalised ceremony led by an independent Celebrant can offer. Keep this in mind when choosing the type of funeral you want for your loved one ❤️

16/01/2024

‘’I’ll choose you, and I’ll choose you, over and over;
Without pause, without doubt. In a heartbeat.’’
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Helen and Trevor – a couple who were meant for each other.
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Their choices for their winter wedding ceremony in 2023 were fabulous - personalised vows, beautiful poems, a Rose Ceremony with siblings, Warming the Rings and a football-themed Handtying.
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Everything went even more perfectly than I could ever have hoped for them.
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Such an intimate and gloriously happy wedding day! So much love and ‘The Owl’ which live streamed the ceremony to close family members made it all very special.
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The colour palette for ‘The Mayor’s Parlour’ was gorgeous! What a great choice of outfits. Then Helen’s costume change for the reception and Trevor’s Converse with Helen’s pink shoes – what attitude!
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Many congratulations to you both! You are two superstars!

📸 Super photos from Ed Lovely Creatures
Venue: Guildhall

31/12/2023

To all the wonderful couples whose wedding and renewal of vows ceremonies I've officiated this year.

To all the amazing families with whom I've worked to create Celebrations of Life, funerals, burials and interment of ashes ceremonies.

Sending you all my sincerest best wishes.

To all my fellow Celebrants for your super kindness and 'a listening ear'.

And to all the talented and creative wedding suppliers I've worked alongside.

Massive thanxx

As well as the awesome funeral directors and staff and crematoria and cemetary staff and grounds people - I am ever grateful for your support and collaboration.

I wish you all the very best for the coming year - 2024!! 💖✨💖

22/12/2023

Christmas is Here!!
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To all you wonderful peeps - including the couples that I've loved spending time with and you talented suppliers that I've loved working alongside - a very Merry Christmas!
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This year has been full-on. Getting out and about - visiting new venues and enjoying holidaytime too!
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Enjoy the festivities and some well-deserved rest and relaxation!
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Sending you all one of my mahoussive hugs !! ✨💖✨

08/12/2023

Wow! I wanted to share this wonderful Giveaway that I'm taking part in.
It's from Bridal Reloved Leicester and It's for all brides-to-be!
The super Giveaway is this month - December! 🎄

Included in this giveaway is:
❤️ A storage box for you to keep your beautiful gown in
❤️ 10% voucher and a bottle of fizz from us Bridal Reloved Leicester💖
❤️ A bride to be bauble by BlackCatdesigns
❤️ A pair of earrings from Hazel and May
❤️ Some body shop goodies from Kara-Mia Venue Styling
❤️ A £50 off voucher from yours truly Susan Denton Celebrant
❤️ 10% off voucher from Rachel Fernley Designs website
❤️ Free planning session from Kathryn Leigh Weddings
❤️ Hair accessory from

To enter all you need to do is:
1. Comment yes please🙌 or tag a bride to be 👰🏼‍♀️ on the post on
2. Share the post

You can enter on both Facebook and Instagram for an extra chance to win.
Winner will be drawn on Saturday 23rd December! 🎄🎄🎄



*** Collection only

06/12/2023

Three wonderful wedding cake designers! Debbie My Little Cake Studio (top) Lu Bakerlu (bottom left) and Tracey Cake Origin (bottom right)
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I've met and collaborated with many incredibly talented wedding suppliers over the years. and wanted to share them with yourselves.
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Starting, of course with cake designers as I 💘 cake!!
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Debbie, Lu and Tracey (plus her baking family) are super special! I chose them to create my own wedding and birthday cakes. All were amazing!!
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I've enjoyed their company as well as their cakes at events and been amazed at their handiwork at weddings. It's always a joy to see them! ✨

Acknowledgments 📸 : Suppliers: Rose and Rainbow Photography re Debbie. Lu and Tracey - own photos.
Wedding cakes: and Cake Origin's own photo with flowers by

28/11/2023

Wow! 28th November, where's the month gone!
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So happy to have new followers across Insta and Facebook. It brings a smile to my face!
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I enjoyed taking part in the World Celebrant Week and that same week I officiated my final wedding ceremony for 2023. More about that soon!
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I've been meeting with 2024 and 2025 couples which is always a pleasure. Getting to know them and starting to create ceremonies for next Spring.
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Life will be slowing down now while I take some time out to review this year's ceremonies as well as prepare for new projects including focusing on some continuous professional development. 💛🍁🧡

📸 Jennifer Amy Photography
Kathryn Leigh Weddings

23/11/2023

This is a wonderful pic of the awesome peeps I joined for the Second of the Independent Celebrant Retreats this year. It's happening again in 2024 from February 29th until 4th March and I would so recommend any Celebrant to come along and experience it for themself. The camaraderie, the professional workshops, the venue, the food, the larks ... words can't express!

There are a couple of places left so do contact [email protected] and also read what other Celebrants have said about it too on the page.

Sharing the original post
We have been successfully running residential events for the last four years, and we are incredibly proud to be able to say that our retreats provide a genuinely unique, uplifting and rewarding experience for all those who attend.

We pride ourselves on being totally independent and welcome ALL celebrants; regardless of which organisation they trained with, or how long ago they trained. What is always consistent though, is the very warm welcome that is afforded to everybody who attends!

Our retreats provide a safe space in which we are able to learn, to connect, to reflect and relax, and also to give our businesses a bit of a boost too, whilst at the same time, affording us a little space to focus on our own wellbeing.

We invest in top quality guest speakers and activities which have always provided a first class and relevant learning experience. But being on retreat won’t feel like a you’re on a training course, our ethos is that of providing a home from home experience, where we are able to enjoy sole use of a big beautiful house, and live alongside each other; connecting, sharing, caring and supporting and learning with each other… as well allowing plenty of time to let our hair down or simply relax.

Each year we have grown in number, and each year we have welcomed many new celebrants to our community. We are a very friendly group of like-minded and supportive colleagues, who are all genuinely very proud to be a part of our very tangible and unique sisterhood. And whilst becoming a valued member of our community might start by joining one of our retreats, it certainly doesn’t end when that retreat comes to a close. We connect and support, laugh (and sometimes cry), year-round, sometimes on a daily basis, and that is also why more than 90% of our attendees book for their next retreat within days of attending their last one.

So if this sounds like something you’d like to become part of, please join us at Somerford Hall in February 2024, we promise you won’t regret it!