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Dove Barn...

Has to be one of THE  prettiest wedding venues out there... 

I mean get a load of this! 

It really is stunning when it is bedecked with flowers and this is the sight that greeted me when I arrived there 10 days ago for Tom and Lou’s big day. 

Tom and Lou live in London, with no connection to Suffolk at all, but they had a very clear picture of the type of venue they wanted for their big day and happened upon this little gem deep in the Suffolk countryside. 

It’s helpful that they could self cater and that really does help to keep costs under control for a budget savvy couple. 

They made their own cake topper and a family member who is a talented florist created the stunning floral displays and bouquets...They smelt divine too! 

Tom and Lou wanted a clean and simple ceremony, with their love story at the forefront of it all. AND it was a pleasure to deliver. 

It really is about creating the right ceremony for each and every couple...Some want everything throwing into the mix and others want their ceremony to be stripped back. A good celebrant can accommodate everyone’s requests and make every ceremony fresh, and interesting. 

With two readings and a couple of quotes from Leo Di Caprio, before they signed their guest book as part of the ceremony, their ceremony perfectly reflected their love...

‘I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it's not some place you can look for. Because it's not where you go. It's how you feel for a moment in your life when you're a part of something. And if you find that moment ... it lasts forever’. 

And it’s not often I have both my bride and groom towering above me...I feel quite short here!!   

Tom and LouI wish you both a lifetime of joy and adventure, I know the world is waiting for you to go and explore it x 

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A loved filled weekend...

was rounded off by a ceremony for James and Linzi.  They had celebrated their union abroad in May, but wanted to throw a party for family and friends back home, it was a late afternoon, relaxed party on a beautiful summers evening...the best! 

Their guests didn't know there was to be a surprise ceremony until I arrived, set up and called them to order...everyone was having way too much fun enjoying the last of the sun, playing outdoor games and catching up! 

I took the opportunity on arrival to take a quick pic of the cake...Oh I do like getting a good cake picture, so much inspiration and talent out there! 

How cute are their penguins? 

Anyway, the ceremony was a good giggle especially as I was able to tell the story of the lost wedding ring! 

James had managed to throw his newly acquired piece of jewellery into the sea...the day AFTER their wedding...ooops... and then spent the next 12 days searching for it, but to no avail...a new one is on order and Linzi has threatened to superglue it to his finger...just in case!

Their mums, had secretly told me a few stories that I was able to weave into the script as a bit of a surprise too, and after I had surprised them in return by calling them up to do ‘First Kiss, Last Kiss’, there were hugs and tears all round. 

James and Linzi, honoured her Scottish roots with a wee dram from the Quaich before taking to the dance floor for their first dance. 

Linzi loves Beauty and the Beast and so it was a fitting way to get their party started that evening as they waltzed their way around the dance floor, before she joined her dad and another wonderfully choreographed dance...It was lovely to see old traditions mixed with the new... and a lovely way for me to end a very busy weekend of love. 

I have told them, if they are planning on renewing their vows abroad, that their favourite celebrant needs an invite too!!!

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Cheers...!

My busy weekend continued with the 1st of two ceremonies on Saturday, held in the grounds of the bride’s family home in Little Burstead, Essex. 

It was a gloriously hot and sunny day, and the marquee had been set up over looking the pond that was bedecked with water lilies and a glorious flower arch taking centre stage... 

Xaviours String Quartet kept the guests entertained before the bridal party made their big entrance and a nervous groom stood with his best man and gazed lovingly as his bride made her way along the aisle towards him.  

I greeted the guests with a Bowie quote, a nod towards Liam’s favourite musical artist before I regaled everyone with the story of how they met and when....and I think, the best first date l story in the history of first dates!!

As part of the ceremony Laura and Liam mixed their own gin cocktail and the rest of us stood or sat salivating as the wonderfully ice cool drink was prepared in front of us, all longing for a taste right there and then as I extolled the virtues of their chosen tipple...

“That most glorious of quintessential British summer drinks… chilled to perfection over ice and served with the right tonic and botanicals there is nothing better!

Liam and Laura have gone above and beyond for you all today in creating their own perfect blend of gin, ‘THE WEDDGIN’.

It has taken a tasting session, selflessly undertaken with varying tonics and botanicals and they hope you appreciate the sacrifices their livers have had to make in their quest for the perfect blend.

This gin is a marriage of flavours and hopefully will be a reflection of the marriage our happy couple wish to create…

Sweetness, for all the good times to come.

Earthiness, so that they will always be grounded and realistic in their expectations of themselves and each other.

A little bit of spice never goes amiss in any relationship!

And light notes and levity, lest they forget, they don’t have to play at being grown-ups all the time!”

The irrepressible Brian ‘NASHER’ Nash,(ex of Frankie Goes to Hollywood) a longstanding family friend of the Groom, sang the most exquisite version of The Power of Love accompanied by Xaviour String Quartet, it gave everyone goosebumps, and they received the biggest round of applause. He is the nicest guy as well...we had a right good giggle and a very long chat, putting the world to rights before the ceremony. 

We enjoyed canapes and fizz in the sun before their guests were treated to a  veritable feast, cooked to perfection by the Chef’s from Lush by Tom Kerridge.

I had a special request from the Bride and her mum to make sure I came wearing my trademark DM’s... and the feedback from the guests was so lovely, everyone thinks, I’m slightly bonkers, and you know what...I’ll take that, especially as it was a day and a ceremony that no one will forget in a hurry...

Topped with these kind words from the bride a couple of days after their ceremony. 

I loved creating their special ceremony and it was a pleasure delivering it for them, with all the giggles in the right places..

I really am so blessed to be able to do the job that I do, to meet the people I meet and to make memories, not just for me, but for everyone involved!

Cheers!!!

Liam and Laura, I wish you a lifetime of joy!

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All glittered up at the @suffolkweddingshed wedding fair.. fabulous day 😍😍 . . . #funkycelebrant #suffolkweddingfair #useacelebrant #networkingwithawesomesuppliers #youdontneedtoaskhere