Less is more
More and more couples are looking for that feeling of the smaller, more intimate wedding. They want a ceremony that reflects what they love and value. They are making conscious choices about the guest list, favouring close family and friends over the costs that can come with a guest list as long as your arm.
I was lucky enough to be the chosen Celebrant for T & D (confidentiality is important to me & the couples who choose me), a couple in their 30s who wanted a personal Ceremony centred around the inclusion of family and friends.
Creating a Ceremony that reflects your values
I created a bespoke ceremony to reflect their values. Their passion for family was reflected in the way we crafted the ritual of a Sand Ceremony. It was a beautiful way to include the couple’s two young children, two
adult children, and a parent from each side. Eight people plus me as Celebrant participated in the Sand Ceremony. It was a lot to choreograph and well worth the careful planning. The end result is a stunning and colourful reminder of their beautiful day.
Planning is key
The couple loves the coast, and it was their dream for us to hold the Ceremony at a gorgeous beach location where the Groom had proposed. As a Celebrant I go with the dream and then remind couples of the reality. I sought a license with the local County Council to hold the Ceremony at the beach and I said we needed a Plan B in case the weather was unfavourable. There were young children in the group, as well as senior guests. It could be a challenge for them to be outdoors in heavy wind or rain.
As does happen in Ireland, the weather was against us on the day, so the Ceremony was held in The Barn at Vaughan’s Pub, Kilfenora. I could see immediately why the couple had chosen this venue as their Plan B because it gave that feeling of intimacy and simplicity they were hoping for. The space was just the perfect size for the party of guests (approx. 40). I suggested the couple display large photos of the beach so we could feel that connection to their favourite place. I always start my Ceremonies by connecting to the senses. We imagined the sound of the waves. We imagined the taste of salt on the lips. And we imagined the breeze tugging at our hair. It was the best we could do with the rain outside.
Light on your purse, light on the Earth
The family took care of much of the decoration. The focal point for the Ceremony was a simple handmade arbor that was decorated by the Bride’s sisters and mum. The Bride had saved flower petals and dried leaves for the flower-faeries in preparation for their day. She had a big glass bottle previously filled with olive oil that was used for their Sand Ceremony. By choosing a D.I.Y. approach the couple saved on financial cost. They also reduced the impact of unnecessary waste that can come with wedding paraphernalia.
Magic Moments
A few memorable moments for me. When the little ones wanted to take the jars of sand, no doubt to make a sand-pit, just like home. Or the moment when the Groom read out his vows that I had helped him prepare, so clearly and with a loving heart. Or the moment when we remembered those who are no longer with us.
The gifts I bring as a Celebrant
When I reflect on T & D’s Wedding Ceremony I realise that what I contributed was a calming presence and flexible mind. Some Celebrants might have felt twitchy and a bit on edge when the children became curious about the jars of sand. I was able to respond with humour, and to pause. This allowed these moments of curiosity without feeling the need to rush along with the Ceremony. That is the benefit of choosing an Independent Celebrant. I am not bound by the clock, we can take the time we need for the Ceremony. When you book with me I am exclusively yours for that day – I am not getting ready to rush off to the next venue. We can relax and enjoy, savouring every moment.
And this is how T&D felt about the day
From our first contact with her we knew she would be great. She was professional and friendly, she made the ceremony personal, intimate and even put in some perfectly timed humour. She supported both of us with writing our own vows, and was available to help and discuss what we wanted to share to make it a perfect ceremony.
She has fantastic writing skills and spoke so well on the day. It was great to have someone who just made the process so easy and even fun. We also had a last minute indoor venue change due to weather, and she was flexible and helpful, and just made everything run so smoothly for the ceremony.
We would absolutely recommend Gill for anyone looking for a celebrant who just gives the day a special tone, we had so many guests say they loved the ceremony. It really was beautiful.