It was in the summer of 2024 that these two lovely people reached out to me to talk about creating a wonderfully personal ceremony, and that's exactly what we did! 

Ash and Kate are a truly inspirational couple, deeply in love, and have a genuine zest for life. During our chats, I could really see what this day meant to them, and so together we shaped a service that completely reflected them both, and their feelings for one another. 

I was really excited for their day, and on the drive down to West Sussex, I was thinking about how they must be feeling on this really poignant day. It is always my job to soothe nerves, to represent the couple, and to share their story in a way that creates the best atmosphere for them and their guests. 

These two had chosen to do this outside in the magnificent setting overlooking the countryside views, and so, with multiple layers on to keep warm in the chill of the November wind, we were all set to give this couple the very best start to their day of celebrations!

When I arrived, I met with the venue team, the fab florist, and their photographer, all of whom were amazing and fully on board to help this pair have the best day. With all of my checks completed and cues organised, I popped in to see the bride and her wedding crew, who were all in really high spirits and ready to get her wed. There was a lovely buzz in the 'getting ready room' and I met with her bridesmaids and bridesmen who were all very excited indeed. 

With groomsmen briefed on seating requirements, I stayed inside the house to greet the bride and her team of friends, and as she came down the stairs, she looked absolutely sensational. In a beautiful gown with the prettiest embellishments, she was an absolute vision, and I knew that Ash would be very emotional when he saw her. I had chats with them all, giving directions and helpful hints, and then had a chat to the bride.  She was entering solo, and so this was a big moment for her.  

She was emotional, having just caught sight of some of the decor that Ash had set out, and a nice moment to take it all in before the ceremony began.  Ash had been responsible for much of the decorative detailing, and it looked wonderful.  From table decor to table plan, it was absolutely brilliant!

As I then headed outside to address everyone and settle the groom, the weather held, and we even had some breaks in the clouds, and bright light filled the space.  With a warm welcome delivered, it was time to ask everyone to stand to receive the bride and her crew, and as the music began, the bridesmen led the procession and looked super smart in their suits.  

Everyone moved to their positions perfectly, and watched as Kate began her walk into the ceremony space.  I was given instructions to ensure Ash was facing forward and only turned around when she got to the top of the aisle, and as I saw her rounding the corner and heading towards her guests, she looked radiant, confident, and her hair bouncing as she walked.  

As I gave Ash the nod to turn around, he instantly melted. He was visibly very emotional, and he gestured to her to rush towards him, and they fell into each other's arms.  It was just beautiful.

We gave them a big cheer to welcome them both, now reunited at the front, and after months and months of planning, the time was here to relax and enjoy it all, and allow me to share their lovely story.

We spoke of how they feel about one another, what their thoughts are on marriage, and how life has changed since meeting.

I had the honour of writing and sharing a poem which mapped out their journey together, and became quite the talking point afterwards!

"Dating continued, together they laugh a lot
Learning about each other, He of course thinks she’s hot!
Kate wowed him with her fajitas; her recipe is insane
Ash introduced her to his passions, his avid love of planes!"

"They both made a wish on a shooting star in the sky
A perfect little moment, I’m sure you can see why.
It was at a beautiful beach cabana, where he presented the ring,
She of course said "YES!", then their engagement could begin."

With rapturous applause, we then moved on to the couple's vows, and switching positions slightly, we were now into a more traditional pose, and ready to share some very personal words.

Kate and Ash had chosen to write their own words to one another, and kept them secret until the day.  I had put them into folders (thank goodness, as the wind whipped up a few times and would have blown the individual pages around), and the groom went first with his promises to his bride.  It was a highly emotional part of the ceremony, really heartfelt, and as I scanned the crowd of guests, everyone seemed so invested in this wonderful moment.

After Ash had finished, it was Kate's turn, and again, we had tears, laughter, and a whole heap of love.  It was a really special part of the ceremony, and I am so glad I got to read them ahead of time; otherwise, I would have been sobbing at the front too!

I was put in charge of their wedding bands, and so with the box ready, and an introduction completed, we talked a little about the tradition of exchanging rings, and then the couple sealed their lovely promises to each other with the exchange of these beautiful pieces of jewellery.  Their rings became an instant reminder of the promises they had now made.

We then moved under the beautiful arbour and signed their wedding day certificate, along with two witnesses and then brought everything to a wonderful crescendo and recapped on what we had all just witnessed, before announcing their new married surname and presenting them back to their guests.

Before they all enjoyed reception drinks back inside by the roaring fire, we had an epic confetti line and got some fabulous shots!

What a wonderful start to the day for two amazing people!  A huge congrats to Kate and Ash, and thank you for securing me as your celebrant.  It was truly brilliant to work with you, and to help you bring it all to life on the day.

Much love, Jenny

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