Real Celebrant Wedding – Emily and Sam

Couple: Emily and Sam

Date: June 2018

Venue: Whaddon Village Hall

Celebrant: Emily Rawlinson

The meeting

I originally met Emily at a wedding fair and we instantly gelled.  We met again with her fiancé Sam in Ware.  Emily and Sam brought along photos and we drew up plans for the day.  We chatted until the shop was practically closing around us; discussing lots of great ideas, and I learnt all about Emily and Sam’s love story.  We agreed many things including that their handfasting would be an ‘unbreakable vow’ and their lovely dog, Chester, would be ring bearer.

The proposal

It is still usually the groom who proposes.  I love hearing these stories and Sam’s did not disappoint!  He proposed at Harry Potter World because Emily is a massive fan.  Sam became increasingly nervous through the day, because he didn’t know where would be the best spot.  He began to panic that he’d have to do it in the car park!

As they walked through a mini set of a beautifully lit Hogwarts, Sam seized the moment, and Emily was ecstatic!  She said it was the best day ever as she came out with a Harry Potter ring, a hubby and plenty of merchandise!

The planning

With so much wonderful information, I couldn’t wait to get creating!  As always, the most important thing was to capture the essence of Emily and Sam and make sure that their ceremony reflected their relaxed and fun nature, spirituality, their shared love of animals, and the importance of family.  I particularly enjoyed my Harry Potter research and bought a wand with a unicorn hair core for the unbreakable vow because (as all HP fans will know) these are the most loyal of wands!

The venue

Emily’s parents and grandparents celebrated their weddings in village halls, so to continue this family tradition, Emily and Sam chose Whaddon Village Hall in Royston to celebrate theirs.  They decorated the venue themselves, choosing long tables so guests could mingle whilst they ate.  The butterfly centrepieces were created by the bride, and the colour scheme of navy, green and purple could be seen throughout.  There were little touches of the couple everywhere you looked.

The ceremony

It was a beautiful day in every way.  Emily and Sam invited about 45 of their closest family and friends and the vibe was relaxed and happy.  We started a little late because the bridal party forgot their bouquets, but that just added to the sense of fun!  I chatted with the guests, and by the time we started it was like being amongst old friends.

Emily’s godfather had been a central part of Emily’s life, so it was important to both Emily and Sam that he was remembered.  A candle was lit in his honour and placed on a table so that he could ‘be’ with the family at this special time. 

Whilst I shared Emily and Sam’s love story there was some banter and lots of laughter, but you could hear a pin drop as they made their personal promises and exchanged rings.  Their unbreakable vows during their handfasting were promised for forever and a day, and sealed by the touch of my wand.

Emily’s parents read The Owl and the Pussy Cat, by Edward Lear as this was a favourite of Emily’s as a child.  Chester was well behaved, although a little reluctant to bring the rings, as he’d found himself a nice shaded spot to snooze in.

Emily’s godmother created a stunning broom out of ash tree branches for the couple to jump to mark the end of the ceremony.  All the guests joined in cheering as they made their first leap of faith together into married life.

Emily and Sam created such a personal and fun day that was a true reflection of their relationship.  It really was a beautiful way to celebrate the start of their marriage.

The suppliers

Photos – Andrew Skinner – Brother of the groom.  Photography is his hobby!

Wedding dress – Monsoon

Groom and groomsmen suits – eBay, Burton & Topshop

Silk flowers for bride’s bouquet – Scotsdales Garden Centre

Caterer – Cater Hire Ltd

Cakes – M&S, decorated by the bride’s sister.