If I had to pick my favourite moment from this morning it would probably be the waiting for Bex to arrive. I’ve seen 150 people wait for this moment at other weddings and you might think you cannot top this level of collective expectation? Well, let me tell you nothing can beat the excitement of a 7 year old boy, running back and forth and waiting to spot his mum arriving to get married to his dad. His mix of sweet anticipation and slight worry was contagious and had us all on the edge… until he shouted ‘I can see them’ and we got our first glimpse of beautiful Bex, in her stunning embroidered dress, who looked like – maybe you can guess, a fairy!

What followed was some reminiscing about Bex & Ali’s story, some beautiful readings shared by family, and the ritual we had chosen for some family fun… a memory box that the couple and their sons, and all the guests filled with beautiful mementos from their journey to this day, the wedding day itself and well wishes for the future. Millie the dog truly enjoyed this part of the ceremony too, because there was some cheerful running back and forth and a general sense of merriment.

We concluded with what is at the heart of all weddings, Bex & Ali’s promises to each other, their words to take each other as husband and wife, and an exchange of rings. Often the peak of the ceremony in this one it felt like just another highlight in a string of heartfelt and genuine acts of joy.

So to conclude this story and loop back to where we started – yes I admit this wedding will always be remembered as one of the most special ones I had the honour and pleasure to be part of!

"We were so fortunate to have been married by Monika, she understood us so perfectly! Nature and the outdoors is an important part of our life together and when I read about Monika's approach, her values and the types of ceremonies she has covered, I knew she was the Celebrant for us. Communication and organisation from Monika's side was brilliant, she made it so easy for us. Our wedding ceremony was very small and intimate and it was lovely to have a Celebrant we connected so well with. We wanted a simple, relaxed ceremony in a woodland that means a lot to our family and Monika really helped to create the right atmosphere for that. We also appreciated her guidance on how to ensure our two children were involved in the ceremony in a meaningful way. Monika took time to get to know us, which meant that the contents of the ceremony was tailored to us, including her beautiful readings." bex & ali