Oh my, where to begin with this couple and this wedding! I am always connected to my couples, but sometimes, a couple comes along that you feel really bound to, you have shared life experiences, and you can see just how much it all means to them. 

Love was in abundance for Holly and Alan, and it was my job to celebrate this, to represent them, and to showcase who they are and what they have together. Right from the start, I knew this would be a wonderful day full of love, laughter, and special moments, and so I set about writing a ceremony that reflected them and that got everyone involved and invested in what was happening. 

After many calls, chats, emails, venue visit, and a final check-in, we were all set, and I was so excited to be able to help them on this amazing day. When I arrived, the team at the venue was busy getting things ready, the amazing photography team and the videographer were capturing the little details, and we all made sure that everything was set and just as it should be, ready to welcome the guests. 

I had a check-in with those involved in the ceremony and got to have a quick chat with the bride and her sister and niece, as well as making sure her parents were all ok, and reassuring everyone. They were all in high spirits, and the atmosphere was one of joy, excitement, and anticipation as to what was about to unfold. 

I caught the groom putting finishing touches to the wedding breakfast space, and so I coaxed him out and sent him off to get ready, and I finished decorating tables and took lots of photos to show the bride, as she wanted a sneak peek at it all. It looked phenomenal, and I have not seen the barn looking so beautiful. It was perfectly lit, had the right amount of decor, and was in their colour theme of baby blue. 

Once everything and everyone were settled, we invited guests to be seated, delivered an opening address along with some light-hearted messages. I had the pleasure of popping out to greet the wedding party and to chat through things, and to soothe a few nerves. The bridesmaids looked incredible, the bride's son looked ever so dapper, and the bride looked absolutely sensational in her gown! Her lovely dad looked super smart and very, very proud. It was a great moment to be able to share and to allow them all to take a breath and prepare for their entry with guidance and reassurance from me. 

As I rejoined the guests and awaited the cue that they were ready to enter, the room filled with even more excitement, and the groom was clearly emotional and keen to be reunited with his love. With cues then given, the doors opened and the space filled with music as the bridesmaids entered along with the bride's son. They moved into position by their seats and watched as the doors closed briefly, then reopened, the arch of the doorway perfectly framing the bride and her dad. She was an absolute vision, and I immediately turned to look at the groom, and he became quite emotional. 

As they reached the front, I stepped forward, directed a series of lovely gestures, and then asked everyone to be seated. The couple then got into position facing their guests, and we welcomed everyone and set the tone for the rest of the ceremony, letting everyone know that this was about having them involved and about connection. Smiling faces beamed back at me as I looked around the room, and the couple's nerves seemed to begin to fade. 

"In order to write today’s ceremony, I asked Holly and Alan what marriage means to them, and they told me that it means unity, completeness, being in a partnership, and sharing love.

When I met them, I could see how well they worked together, and how important it was to be able to celebrate what they have, and in their own way.  

Marriage requires devotion. The ability to listen to wisdom to know when we’re wrong and not only the humility to admit it but the courage to put things right. Above all, it requires unquestioned love."

We had a lovely introduction, words on marriage, and what it all means to the couple, followed by the first reading. In the middle of the ceremony was a recap of their love story, which I had written as a personal and bespoke poem. It went down a storm, and we asked everyone to join in for a lovely moment towards the end. Cheers went up afterward for the couple, and we then had a second reading and completed this part of the celebrations with words on love and the future for Holly and Alan. 

It was then time for the vows and ring exchange, and with words shared (including a little inside joke about Alan's nickname!), the couple chose to also share their own words, but in the form of love letters to one another, which they held close and then put away to be read in a private moment later on. It was a very special moment, and guests seemed to love this idea! 

As I talked a little about the history of the exchange of rings, and why this remains a tradition in modern weddings, we asked the bride's son to join us, and the best man delivered the rings to him.  The couple then made their commitments and placed rings on each other's left hands. 

Promises made and promises sealed, we then headed over to sign their wedding day certificate, joined by both sisters as 'witnesses' to this moment. I also had some little surprises for the couple, one that acknowledged the rather fun moment in the vows and another that acknowledged one of their favourite pastimes, something that I had made myself as a personal gift. 

As I guided the couple back into the centre, we recapped on what had just taken place, and brought everything to a lovely conclusion, making sure all guests were hyped and ready to celebrate.  As the music began, the couple headed back off, hand in hand, and stopped for a little kiss part-way down, which I'm sure will generate some wonderful photos! 

They all then headed outside for a fabulous confetti throw and then reception drinks back inside.  The space was full of excited chatter, and there were lots of lovely compliments about the ceremony, and several people stopped me on my way out to talk about the special poem I had written.  What a great atmosphere there was now in the barn!

What an incredible day for two completely lovely people. Congrats to Alan and Holly, and may your future be filled with all the love and happiness that you completely deserve! 

Jenny x