Your Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wedding - February/March 2024 (Issue 105)

YOUR CEREMONY, YOUR SAY What is a celebrant-led ceremony and why should we consider one? Meet the expert: Alison Carter founded Springwood Ceremonies in 2018 which focuses on the details that matter – the ones that tell a couple’s story so they can create a day they’ll remember forever. Alison says: The wedding ceremony lends itself to personalisation to a whole new level. By booking a celebrant-led ceremony, couples have the freedom to express themselves and their personalities. Here, are a few tips on how to create a ceremony that’s as individual as you are: •First of all, think about how you’d like your ceremony to feel because once that’s agreed upon, it sets the tone for all the other elements. •Be creative with the location (remember you will need to legally get married separately). You don’t have to stick with the traditional ceremony space layout. How about a circular space with you both in the centre? Think of a way to bring all of your guests together with a group song or a group pledge. •Choose or write a reading that truly says what you want to say to each other. Involve friends to create something personal for you – from a custom-made cake to a piece of art. http://springwoodceremonies.co.uk www.facebook.com/springwoodceremoniesuk Meet the expert: With celebrant-led ceremonies becoming a musthave for many couples, we spoke to independent wedding celebrant Suzi from Celebrations by Suzi. Suzi says: If you’re imagining a tailor-made, memorable and celebratory ceremony, with personal vows and promises - and perhaps a symbolic ritual or two - then a celebrant-led ceremony is for you! As your chosen wedding celebrant, I ensure that your wedding ceremony is one-of-a-kind and reflects you and your love story. What’s possible and what are the benefits? You can pretty much host your ceremony anytime, anywhere. One key benefit is that you get to choose who stands with you on your special day. I’ll be a friendly face at the end of the aisle to help calm any nerves and celebrate your love. I’ll also work closely with you to ensure your ceremony reflects your wishes and personality. We’ll have fun including, and enjoying, so much more than just the legal statements and prescribed vows. There will be no restrictions on your vows, the movement of your photographer, music, readings, or moment-making rituals like a hand-fasting one - and we can include religious content and alcohol too. We can even perform the ceremony outdoors – except perhaps for the weather! What you will have in abundance is choice. What can’t you do? I can’t legally marry you. My couples and their two witnesses head to a register office in advance of their wedding day for a simple ceremony, usually followed by a nice lunch. There, you make the statutory declarations and sign your marriage certificate. I will then be able and honoured to announce you as married on your wedding day in front of your loved ones in a celebratory ceremony – one that stands out from any other. Our chosen venue is licensed so can we still book a celebrant-led ceremony? Absolutely! Your venue will be thrilled to host you however you choose to celebrate. Meet me at the Rackley’s Barn and Ascot Signature County Wedding Events in April. Find out more below: www.celebrationsbysuzi.co.uk/weddings www.facebook.com/celebrationsbysuzi www.instagram.com/celebrationsbysuzi_ https://davidscammell.co.uk www.dmphotographyuk.com 68

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