Weddings

Strip away the frippery of a wedding and it's the ceremony that is the heartbeat of your whole day.

What does a wedding ceremony by Suzanne look like?

Well, each ceremony is different, as it reflects the couple it is written for: their personalities, humour, interests, culture and family. However, all my ceremonies encompass storytelling, declarations of love and promises to commit and to hold your soulmate above all others for all time. These cornerstones of the ceremony may then be sprinkled with echoes of traditions from ages past, literature, poetry, children, parents, friends and music.

Whatever we create, it will be held and witnessed by your guests, giving gravitas to both the words spoken and to your intentions.

In my opinion, the words and intentions of the ceremony ARE your wedding day - the rest is extra.

A celebrant who knows you both

Ideally, to make your ceremony a success, you need a celebrant who will get to know you both, understand what you mean to each other and translate that into a personal and meaningful script that makes you say,

"Oh wow, that is so like us!"

I think it is important to choose a celebrant with a knowledge of literature; you also need a wordsmith, and someone who has enough presence to hold the attention of a room.

I don't mean to brag, but (I'm going to do it anyway) this is what I do best: writing ceremonies that reflect you two – I will find out what you value in this wonderful life; what it is you that you love about each other and then craft this into a ceremony written just for you.

With over 20 years of teaching in Further Education, I have had a lengthy apprenticeship in public speaking; and if I can keep a class of teenagers interested in Bronte, Dickens or Shakespeare, I can promise you that I will not have a problem captivating your guests with your love story!

To date, all my ceremonies have been very different, from literature rich, romantic ceremonies to ceremonies featuring children, pets and parents.

I don't have a ceremony type - it depends what YOU want, what's important to you and what makes you think, "That's so us".

I have conducted ceremonies in some beautiful gardens, barns, halls and islands, and to be fair, the where is not as important as the what, the who and the how:

What is said?

Who is brimming with pride and emotion?

How is the ceremony delivered?

If you would like a chat about your wedding ceremony, give me a call, send me a message or fill out the form in the link below and we can arrange a no obligation video call.

Writing the service

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Traditional Ceremonies

Have you thought about including a traditional ceremony?

Handfasting is a pagan ritual that predates organised religion and formal state record keeping. Due to the antiquity of the practice its roots are uncertain, but it is thought to have Celtic or Norse heritage. It is where we derive the phrase, to tie the knot.

A handfasting can be the main event and stand alone as a central ceremony, or as is much more common, be included as a symbollic ritual within a modern wedding ceremony.

I love a handfasting as no two are ever the same even down to the cord.

What would you choose to bind your hands to your partner?

How about an elaborate cord, custom-made for you by a specialist, or something you and your partner have made together? Would you like to use your grandfathers’ ties, or a scarf that used to belong to a much-loved departed relative? Do you and your intended share a hobby that uses cords, strings or ropes, such as rock climbing, camping, playing musical instruments or horse riding?

What about a simple, singular ribbon, or a whole host of them?

Colours

There are no rules; you can choose colours that much your wedding theme or choose colours for their meaning.

Red for courage, strength and passion

Blue for patience, sincerity and loyalty

Yellow for joy, harmony and happiness

Green for growth, wealth and health

Orange for energy, warmth and optimism

Purple for luxury, mystery and wisdom

Black for elegance, strength and sophistication

White for purity, new beginnings and peace

Pink for romance, happiness and playfulness,

Brown for dependability, grounding and Stability

Gold for wealth, longevity and wisdom

Silver for creativity, clarity and intuition

Involve family members

A handfasting is the perfect vehicle for including your children, parents or a wider selection of loved ones to play a role in your wedding day. Children will enjoy particularly enjoy choosing a ribbon in their favourite colour, placing it over your hands and even tying a knot.

You can have a series of simple knots to represent different aspects of love, or you can really put me under pressure and have me tie an eternity knot.

The options are endless, and of course the act will be accompanied by some beautiful words, written by me just for you.

A quaich is a Scottish cup, often made of pewter with 2 handles. Historically the quaich was drunk from by clan chiefs as a show trust in each other when forming alliances or doing business.

Now, this doesn’t sound too weddingish until you consider its symbolism: two hands are required to properly drink from it; meaning partakers were unable to draw swords whilst simultaneously exposing their vital organs.

Okay, now I’m hearing, “I am baring my soul to you; I am vulnerable, but I trust you not to hurt me.” Oh, the poetic beauty of it – put me down for a quaich!

Traditionally, a whiskey from the bride’s hometown and one from the groom’s were blended in the quaich, layering another metaphor of two becoming one – perfection!

Nowadays, couples fill the quaich with their favourite tipple – a cheeky gin and tonic perhaps? Don’t mind if I do!

Of all the traditional rituals, the Irish ring blessing has to be my favourite. It can involve all your guests or a select few – maybe just your parents and grandparents -it’s up to you!

And as traditional rituals go, it is the most flexible. The rings can be blessed pre ceremony, in the background during the ceremony or, if only a few individuals are blessing the rings, it can take place centre stage.

A ring blessing transforms your wedding rings from jewellery to a powerful talisman containing the love, wishes, prayers and positivity from everyone you hold dear – who wouldn’t want a ring blessing!

A unity candle ceremony is beautiful because of its use of light and how it lends itself to involving other family members. It represents your union and the joining of your two families.

Parents may be invited to light the taper candles and present them to their child. You will take the candle from your parents, hold hands with your partner and together light the central pillar candle.

As the three flames romantically flicker, they create a powerful image of two lives uniting, whilst still retaining their own identity; born of their individual families that has now become one extended family because of you two and your lifelong commitment to each other.

"Suzanne tailored everything to capture our story without feeling rehearsed, brought a sincere easy- going presence, and captivated the guests throughout the entire ceremony ... If you want a seamless, personal and unforgettable wedding ceremony, book Suzanne" Kristel and Michael 2026

Vow Renewal

Fancy doing it all again? Say I still I do!

Maybe you want to reaffirm your vows because you just love each other so much?

Maybe you didn't get the wedding of your dreams first time round?

Maybe you hit a rocky patch and want a line drawing in the sand and a fresh start?

People renew their vows for a myriad of reasons, although they all come from a place of love. Whatever the intention or motivation for your vow renewal, I can write and deliver a beautiful, personal ceremony just for you two.

Let's talk about your celebration

Anniversaries

Couples will often throw a party to mark a milestones wedding anniversary. What better way to celebrate the years, history, successes and challenges than having your love story written and read out at your anniversary party.

You might also want to renew your vows, reenact your wedding ceremony or engage in a traditional ritual such as a handfasting with your party guests as witnesses.

I can write and deliver something beautiful that reflects you both and ensure you have a spectacular centrepiece for your party.

Other celebrations of love...

Engagements

Think engagement ... think ring, love and a promise of commitment. How amazing would it be to have a ring blessing, share your love story or even have your promise to marry formalised with the ancient ritual of a handfasting?

I can add a touch of magic to your engagement party; elevate it from a party into a truly beautiful event that has meaning, intention, love and fun.