Perfect Promises

You know that you're planning a wedding when:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​✨you find yourself jotting down ideas for your vows - all. the. time! In your coffee/lunch break, and even in meetings. And if it's not ideas for vows, it's rearranging the reception seating plan - for the thousandth time! ✨when doodling, you're now practicing your new signature. One thing you may not know is that you don't actually use your new signature to sign your wedding certificate - you still use your current one ✨ you're trying every flavour/style of cake just in case this is the perfect choice for your wedding cake - well. someone has to 😀 If this sounds like you, which one resonates with you most?

One of the loveliest wedding traditions is to have bridesmaids! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It's a great way to include your besties and/or family members in the central element of the day - your wedding ceremony! In the past, the bridesmaids and matrons of honour would walk down the aisle behind the bride. Nowadays, it's much more common for them to walk down the aisle first, ahead of the bride. I particularly love this more modern version for several reasons: ✨ it allows the bridesmaids/flower girls etc. to enter individually, or in pairs, which prevents any bottle-neck at the top of the aisle ✨it provides a way for groomsmen to be involved in this part of the ceremony, too, if you wish ✨it is a way for everyone to seamlessly take their places for the ceremony, without becoming marooned in the aisle behind the bride and groom! ✨importantly, it gives everyone a moment in the spotlight. Whilst not everyone likes the idea of being the centre of attention, even for just a minute or two, most thoroughly enjoy it on the day - especially if they can walk in a pair ✨last, but definitely not least, it builds the anticipation of your arrival! Is there a tradition that you love? Follow me for more hints and tips on your wedding ceremony 📸 @leerushbyweddings @lesleyburdettphotography @jade-mariephotography

Couples often ask how they can include family and friends in their wedding ceremony, and it's something I love! ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​It really helps to make your day even more special by having family and friends take part in the ceremony. Whether it's giving a reading, helping with a hand-tying, being a ring-bearer, or even including all your guests in a ring-warming or group promise - as a Celebrant, I'll have lots of ideas to help you find what's right for you! DM me FAMILY and FRIENDS to chat about ideas for your big day

Are you having an Unplugged Ceremony?​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If not, please think about it! There are so many reasons why it's a good idea to ask your guests not to take photos on their phones during the ceremony, such as: ✨ they can easily get in the way of the professional photographer! You have booked a pro to capture all those special moments, so let them... ✨ a super keen guest might even step into the aisle and inadvertently block you from seeing your partner as you enter! ✨ if they're taking photos then they're not really engaged in the ceremony. Without their phones, they can really be present in that moment with you, and you can see their faces, not their phones... ✨ they can clap and cheer you both as you leave after the ceremony! Much harder to do that when they're trying to take a photo at the same time... If you're worried about asking your guests to put their phones away, then don't be! I can easily let your guests know before the ceremony that you'd prefer them not to take photos, and even if you have mentioned it in the invitations, I usually remind them, just in case... What do you think about an Unplugged Ceremony?

Summer weddings!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Just saying it makes me think of wonderful ceremonies on the lawn in a gorgeous venue, or even your own garden! There are opportunities for some wonderful photos which might be more tricky in the winter - such as dancing down the street :) And we can't talk about summer weddings without mentioning the gorgeous flowers - the colours and scents are amazing at this time of year! What's your favourite thing about a summer wedding? P.S. Keeping in mind that unpredictability is always a factor in the UK in the summer!

Looking for ideas for a wedding reading? ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​This is a particular favourite of mine, and makes a great modern wedding reading that your guests probably won't have heard before. What do you think?

World Celebrants Week: Day 3 - Your Favourite Long post alert! It’s always so lovely when couples take the time to let me know how things on their big day, and to share what they had particularly loved about it, so it’s pretty much impossible to choose a ‘favourite’. Having said that, there is one that was especially touching because the couple hadn’t expected to book a Celebrant at all! I was recommended by their venue (yay!) and at our first meeting I asked them what they knew about a Celebrant-led ceremony. After a moment’s silence, they both said they knew absolutely nothing, and actually thought they’d be meeting a Registrar. 😮 As I used to be a Registrar, we decided that they were sort of were meeting one, and as I’d really enjoyed being a Registrar I was very happy to talk them through both options! 😀 At the end of our chat (over coffee and cake, of course!) they decided that they loved the idea of a Celebrant and booked me pretty much on the spot! We worked together to create a fantastic ceremony that was just right for them and which everyone loved on the day. 💕 Their testimonial: “Without doubt, the only way to get married! Doing the legal requirements separately and then tailoring your wedding day in a fun, professional way is just how every marriage should start! The professionalism and eye to detail that you gave us was second to none. Words really can’t say how much we loved the whole package. A truly memorable day made perfect by someone who cared as much about the day as we did.” 💕 Such an amazing testimonial from a couple who had never even heard of a Celebrant, let alone thought about using one for their wedding! A very proud Celebrant 🙏. #worldcelebrantsweek #wcw2021 #weddingcelebrants #weddingceremony💍 #weddingceremonyideas #sussexcelebrant #surreycelebrant #ukcelebrant

There are so many reasons to choose a Celebrant: being able to choose the content, location and timing of your ceremony. 💕 Having a completely personal ceremony. 💕 Being able to include/exclude anything you like/ or really don’t like! 💕 But, for me, it comes down to being sure that you will really be able to relax and enjoy your ceremony just as much as every other part of your day. 💕 I was a Registrar of Marriage for several years, and lost count of the number of couples who ‘dreaded’ the ceremony, and just wanted it over and done with ! 💕 Some felt awkward at having to speak so publicly; some were really worried about repeating the words properly (especially “impediment” and “solemnly” ); some were anxious about the choreography of it all. 💕 All of these fears vanish when you choose a Celebrant! 💕 We will get to know you, and understand that you might not want to say much at all - and that’s completely fine ✅ 💕 We will write the ceremony together, so you won’t have any awkward words or phrases to stumble over ✅ 💕 A Celebrant will guide you through the whole process, from booking to big day, and will often offer a rehearsal if you’d like one ✅ 💕 A Celebrant is a friendly face and calm presence on your special day, so you really can relax and enjoy every moment! #worldcelebrantsweek #wcw2021 #celebrantweddings #weddingceremony #sussexcelebrant #surreycelebrant #ukcelebrant

Our street clapping at 8pm today to say thank you to the NHS 💕

All set up and ready for today’s wedding fair at Barnett Hill Country House Hotel. Come and find out how to make your wedding ceremony completely personal xx

Love this dress 😍 Repost from Bridal Reloved Leicester - looks like an amazing day at London Bridal Fashion Week

Sussex in the Sunshine

Lovely visit to Ardingly College today, and thanks to Arron Polton, Ardingly Venue Hire for showing me around. Just look at this amazing view from one of the quads - a wonderful venue for a wedding, with this view as your background. #wedding #sussexwedding #celebrantwedding #autumnsun #perfectpromisesuk