I thought it might be helpful for those who are considering whether to use my services to write a bit on how the process works from the first point of contact until the actual ceremony. So here goes…

• You make the brilliant decision that you don’t want a ceremony that reads the same as everyone else’s and contact me. The next important decision is to make sure I am the right person for you.  You must like me; like the sound of my voice and indeed my style of ceremony.
• If we all decide that we ‘get’ one another, ideally the next step would be for us all to meet face-to-face however if, for whatever reason, this isn’t possible Facetime is a good alternative. This meeting is not long but it is just to confirm that your instincts were right and that I am the right person for you and for you to ask any questions you may have. All being well you will then pay a deposit to save the date and I will send a contract for you both to sign.
• The next time we meet will be about two to three months before the big day. I like you to allow at least two hours for this.  It doesn’t have to be at the venue but if the ceremony is to be held at your home then that would be ideal.  If it’s at a venue, I’ll meet you locally here in Devon. However, many of my clients are based in London and if this is the case, I will happily meet you there.
• Prior to this meeting I will send you some homework in the form of some questions. Ideally, I like it returned before we meet but this is not essential.  Many of my clients find this a very reflective exercise and rather fun.  The questions cover everything from the details of your bridal parties to telling me all about your relationship, your characters, your families and of course the proposal.  In short, the story of you and your partner.  This is the essence of your ceremony script and what makes it entirely bespoke.  For me this is my favourite part of my job.  I introduced the questionnaire a year ago.  I’d rather spend this precious time with you both, getting to know you, rather than having to concentrate on getting the chronology and detail correct. That way the script will be truly reflective of you.
• We will kiss goodbye and I always hear myself saying ‘Most likely the next time we meet will be on your big day’. I always feel like I’ve made some new friends and hope that you will feel the same.
• I go home and write the script and then send you the first draft with everything crossed my end that you will love it and that I’m along the right track. You will tweak, amend as necessary and I will do the same and the script will go back and forth until we are all absolutely happy.

• In the meantime, I will also, if applicable, liaise with the venue and make sure that the event manager and I are entirely happy with the production on the day.
• A week or so before your wedding I will email to confirm the finer details on the production of the ceremony, confirming that we all know who is doing what, where everyone is seated and so on.
• Then it’s the big day! I always arrive an hour beforehand which gives me plenty of time to introduce myself to members of the families and of course the rest of the bridal party.   I’m always equipped with plenty of water for nervous dry throats, tissues for the regularly teary groom, and Vaseline for the ring fingers in case of sweaty hands.  I always bring laminated copies of the readings for the readers just in case.
• My second favourite part of my job is standing with the groom (or bride) awaiting his bride (or groom!). When the music starts and she’s on her way my heart skips a beat, often my eyes fill with tears and I must give myself a metaphorical kick to pull myself together!  That’s how involved I feel.
• And so, I read our script and I mean ours. We created it together – the three of us.  I issue the immortal words, “You may kiss your beautiful bride (or groom!)” and for me ………. It’s nearly over.  But for you it’s the beginning of bigger and better things.
• Before I leave, I love to get a picture of the three of us. These pictures are the most special of all.

So, there you have it. I hope I have answered any questions you might have had before reading this post. If not, just give me a shout and I’ll be only too happy to chat with you.

Fan xx