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On 20th March, we celebrate World Storytelling Day—a day dedicated to the art of sharing stories, whether through oral traditions, books or modern-day mediums. The theme for this year is “deep water”. So to tie in the theme with my musings on the nature of storytelling just as the depths of the ocean hold mysteries waiting to be discovered, so too do the intricate, rich layers of each love story that I have the privilege of telling. As I stand before a couple on their big day, about to tell their love story to their closest friends and family, it strikes me how much my work revolves around the art of storytelling.
It’s humbling, especially because although I’ve always enjoyed writing, before becoming a celebrant I’d never thought of myself as a writer before. But when I look closely at what I do, I realise that I’m a writer in my own right. Just like any author, I research, construct and share stories that speak to the heart of love, connection, and the journeys of couples
Now, you might be wondering, how do I transform a couple’s love story into something meaningful and memorable for a wedding ceremony? Well, it’s not just about writing—it’s about researching, understanding, and most importantly, embracing the couple’s own narrative. When I step into the role of a celebrant, I am essentially a writer, a storyteller, and a guide. I’m tasked with weaving together the threads of a couple’s history, from their first meeting to the moment they choose to exchange vows and begin a new chapter together.
In this blog, I’m going to take you behind the scenes of the process I follow to write your love story, and how it’s presented in the wedding ceremony. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be as excited as I am about the possibilities of storytelling on your big day.
Photo credit: Charles and Florence Photography taken at Smedmore House, Dorset
getting to know your love story
Every great story begins with a strong foundation. To tell a couple’s story authentically, I need to understand them—not just as individuals but as partners. That means we go deep. We start by discussing how they met, the little moments that made their relationship unique, and the turning points that have shaped them as a couple.
I ask questions that encourage them to reflect on their journey—questions that might seem simple, like “What was your first impression of each other?” or “What was the moment you knew you were in love?” But these questions, though seemingly straightforward, can often unearth the most meaningful stories, revealing the quiet moments and surprising details that are often hidden beneath the surface, much like deep water concealing treasures beneath it.
It’s in these interviews that I find the true essence of their love story. Each couple’s experience is different, with its own highs and lows, twists and turns. Some couples have stories that seem like they belong in a romantic novel, while others might have more subtle yet equally touching tales of connection, understanding and commitment. I dive into these waters, (see the link to the deep water theme) gently pulling out the emotions, the humour, and the raw moments that make their story one of a kind.
Photo credit: Nick Walker Photography
CRAFTING THE NARRATIVE: constructing the love story
Once I’ve gathered all the necessary details, the real work begins: crafting the narrative. As a wedding celebrant, I have the unique opportunity to be a writer who gets to share my creation in a public, celebratory setting. I take the information from the interviews and weave it together in a way that is engaging, heartfelt, and often quite personal. The tone and style of the story depend on the couple, of course.
Some couples prefer a lighthearted, humorous retelling of how they met, while others may want something more romantic or poetic. Some love stories have a dramatic flair, full of twists and turns, while others are simple and beautiful in their quietness. Regardless of the style, my job is to ensure that the story flows naturally, just like a good novel, making it captivating for everyone in the room.
There’s an art to blending the right amount of detail, emotion, and humour to create a compelling love story. It’s important to keep the narrative true to the couple’s personalities. I balance the lighter moments—perhaps the funny anecdotes about their first dates or the awkwardness of early communication—with the more profound, meaningful moments: the challenges they overcame together, the ways they support and love one another, and the values that bond them.
Photo credit Will Dolphin Photography
THE POWER OF WORDS: DELIVERING THE LOVE STORY
Once I’ve written the love story, the final challenge is delivery. The words I’ve crafted need to come to life. As a celebrant, I work on presenting the story in a way that is not only engaging but emotionally resonant for the couple and their guests.
I approach this part of the process with the same care a performer might take when preparing for a stage performance. I rehearse the delivery, thinking about pacing, pauses, and where to emphasise particular moments in the story. The goal is to make the couple’s journey feel as impactful to their guests as it feels to them.
Sometimes, sharing a love story in front of a crowd can bring out emotions—tears, laughter, and everything in between. That’s the beauty of storytelling. A well-told story has the power to make an audience feel connected to the couple’s love. It invites everyone to celebrate not just the couple’s future but their past, too.
THE WEDDING DAY – BRINGING THE LOVE STORY TO LIFE
The big day arrives, and the ceremony unfolds, with the couple standing before their families and friends, ready to exchange vows. At this moment, I get to be the one to share their story. Whether it’s told through words or the occasional anecdote or even a shared laugh, the couple’s journey is laid bare for all to witness.
This is where the magic happens—where the love story, which I’ve carefully crafted, is brought to life. As the celebrant, I’m not just reading a script. I’m sharing the essence of who the couple is. I’m narrating their adventure, from the first spark of connection to the decision to commit to one another forever.
It’s incredibly fulfilling to witness how storytelling can take on a life of its own in a wedding ceremony. The words that I’ve written transform into something far more profound when they are spoken aloud, in front of the people who matter most.
Photo credit: Liz Baker Photography Photo taken at Mapperton House, Dorset
WHY STORYTELLING MATTERS ON YOUR WEDDING DAY
So, why is storytelling so important when it comes to weddings? Why do I, as a celebrant, put so much effort into crafting the perfect narrative for each couple? It’s because a wedding is not just about the joining of two people—it’s about celebrating the journey that brought them together.
Your love story is unique. It has depth, richness, and texture, and it deserves to be shared in a way that reflects its significance. A well-told love story is a gift, not just for the couple, but for everyone who witnesses it. It reminds us all of the beauty of connection, the power of love, and the incredible journey we all share as humans.
As a wedding celebrant, I get to be a storyteller, but more than that, I get to be a part of one of the most significant moments in a couple’s life—a moment that, like a deep dive into the ocean, holds mysteries, treasures, and beauty that are revealed through the telling of their story. And that’s what makes my job so incredibly special.
Are you ready for me to tell your love story on your big day? Forgive me for using World Storytelling Week’s theme clumsily but let’s dive in the deep water of your love story, and create a narrative that will last a lifetime. Click here to get in touch.
Photo credit credit for feature image Abi Riley Photography
