A lovely blog from Laura from her last wedding of 2025. . . 

"I first physically met this brilliant couple in the summer of 2025 at the top of Box Hill. It was sunny, relaxed, and they were full of plans. We talked through their love story, what mattered most to them, and how they wanted their ceremony to feel. I immediately got a sense that they were full of love and keen to have as fun a ceremony as possible. Their excitement for the future was infectious - one of those meetings that leaves a lasting warmth.

After our initial meeting, the planning truly began. Over the next several months, we exchanged WhatsApp videos and emails, deepening my understanding of their story and hopes. A site visit at Gildings Barn soon followed, the day after I’d hosted another wedding ceremony there. Rob and Vickie had the chance to meet a happy couple, and I witnessed the joyful aftermath of a celebration, which set the tone for the magic to come. The process of getting to know a couple and gaining a sense of who they are really makes for joy on the day. Helping them feel reassured and relaxed is one of the greatest rewards of being a celebrant; the time invested in preparation truly pays off. In these moments, I always feel privileged - there’s something special about being invited into the heart of a couple’s journey.

The big day finally arrived: 27 December 2025. The day dawned cold but clear, with blue skies all round. I remember thinking how winter weddings demand a touch of bravery, but their atmosphere is unmatched. It was eight years to the day since Vickie had first met Rob’s son Lucas and been welcomed into his heart, as well as Rob’s. 

Rob arrived with Lucas and their closest family, ready to greet guests as they gathered in the historic barns for a pre-ceremony drink. Everyone was on a high after Christmas and buzzing with excitement to celebrate this union.
In a wonderfully unplanned twist, the bride arrived really early - thanks to a speedy taxi driver, they made it with plenty of time to spare! Cue a quick, covert operation to whisk her away to a side barn hideaway with her bridesmaids and flower girls. I remember the calm, the smiles, and a quiet sense of "we've got this." 

I managed to get the guests seated without her being seen... although Lucas later admitted to me, he'd caught a glimpse and said she looked absolutely beautiful. 

On the wedding day itself, the ceremony began with the unmistakable sound of a Scottish piper welcoming the bride into the space - goosebumps guaranteed all around, especially on such a crisp winter day. The piper's music echoing through the barn gave everyone goosebumps, a moment I'll never forget. After my introduction set the scene, heartfelt readings followed, that perfectly captured the mood: the groom’s brother shared a poem he’d written, charting how they’d met, how their love blossomed, and what they meant to him. The bride’s best friend read an excerpt from At Last by Ella Fitzgerald - timeless and true.

I then shared their love story with everyone. Rob and Vickie are true adventurers, moving quickly into a happy family unit, sharing escapades with Lucas and their daughter Iona, who joined them in 2021. From the very beginning, they were a perfect match - sense of humour aligned, always up for adventure, and dedicated to creating a safe, happy family environment together. 

Next, Lucas was invited up - proud, surprisingly confident after some pre-ceremony jitters, and brilliantly funny. He joked about losing the rings and even accused me of being the culprit, before producing two Haribo rings - which Rob and Vickie promptly ate, leaving everyone in fits of laughter. Actual rings swiftly followed - promise! This playful moment captured so much of what makes their family so special: warmth, joy, and a shared sense of fun and seeing Rob and Vickie exchange playful glances during Lucas’s ring joke reminded me how much laughter binds their family together.

With the formalities complete, Rob and Vickie signed a memorial certificate with their witnesses, before the piper led them back out, bookending the ceremony exactly as it began. The sense of tradition and celebration was palpable.

Afterwards, everyone braved the cold for photos – with plenty of tartan, and plenty of laughter. The atmosphere was lively and spirited, with friends and family coming together in celebration. Later, a spirited ceilidh warmed everyone through, bringing the day to a joyful close. 

It was one of those occasions where every little detail - the music, the laughter, the bold winter colours - came together to create something truly memorable.

Vickie and Rob - thank you for trusting me with such a meaningful part of your day. Your ceremony was personal, playful, and rooted in the people you love most—everything a celebrant-led wedding should be. I loved every minute and wish you many more amazing adventures together with Lucas and Iona.

Laura xx"