Your Surrey Wedding- Page number 60 - June/July 2021 (Issue 89)

LET THE FUN BEGIN! Q – My partner and I want something a bit different for our ceremony. Do you have any fun ideas that we can incorporate into our service? Having an independent celebrant will enable you to do anything – that alone is a bit different as no rules apply! You will be free to design your ceremony exactly as you want. The fun thing I love to do is a toast ceremony. This might be a G&T ceremony, or a cocktail, or any tipple you like – I’ve even performed a tea and cider one! It brings everyone together in congratulating you ahead of walking down the aisle together. I make you a drink, we talk about what it symbolises for you, and you raise a glass to each other to wish you a happy marriage from there on in. Another fun thing to do is to hide the rings! When I ask for the rings, no one knows who has them (apart from the best man and me). I ask them to all look under their chairs, and the lucky person who finds them has to shout Bingo! It’s silly and leaves everyone grinning and giggling – it’s so much fun. Lastly, why not try a sing-along? Whack up the volume, throw in a great tune and the energy skyrockets! I’ve tried and tested a few, and honestly, the feel-good factor is out of this world. The Carpenter’s On Top of the World is one you can’t help but grin ear to ear with, and another more modern one is Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey. Of course, what you pick will reflect who you are as a couple and what your values are. Helen Noble Celebrant www.helen-noble.co.uk HOLD ME CLOSE Q – My wife-to-be wants to book a pre-wedding shoot. Is it worth the money, and what should we expect? Yes, it absolutely is! Pre-wedding shoots are a great idea, especially if you’re not used to having your photograph taken or feel slightly awkward in front of the lens. It’s your chance to work with your photographer in a relaxed environment and have fun with ideas. Every couple is different, so an approach that works for some may not be suitable for everyone. Some couples love PDA, or like to incorporate their hobbies, and others just want to feel like they’re not on a photo shoot. This is a great time for you and your supplier to work out what best suits you and how to help you relax and enjoy having your picture taken. It’s also a lovely opportunity to get to know your photographer. I’ve heard so many anecdotes during pre-shoots that by the time the wedding day arrives, I feel like an old friend. Plus, you’ll get a beautiful set of pictures, which are great for save- the-date cards or a signing board on the wedding day. Denise Winter Photographer www.denisewinterphotography.co.uk www.gya ngurung.com www.den isewinterphotography.co.uk 60