Luca and Andrew got in touch with me shortly after I had conducted Ellie & Steven’s wedding in the autumn of 2024. They were delighted to have found a celebrant who spoke German, and initially imagined including just a few German touches in their ceremony. But when they heard that a fully bilingual ceremony was not only possible but had worked beautifully for another couple, they were excited to explore that option. And I was really pleased to have another opportunity to create a ceremony that could bring two languages—and two worlds—together.

With a March date set, we had all winter to get to know each other. Luca and Andrew had chosen Comrie Croft as their venue—a lovely, relaxed space with both indoor and outdoor possibilities. Not having to worry about the weather made things feel that bit easier.

From the start, Luca and Andrew expressed a preference for a simple, sincere ceremony focused on their story, their words of commitment, and their ring exchange. Luca shared her version of their journey with me on a lovely call, while Andrew sent his thoughts via email—something that works really well when couples feel more comfortable expressing themselves differently. Getting their perspectives separately gave me a chance to bring in some small surprises and moments of reflection, as well as both their voices.

"We could not have asked for a better ceremony. It was personal, touching, funny and serious at the right moments, and bilingual on top! We loved that Monika did the entire ceremony in both German and English, and she did it so well! In fact, our guests kept mentioning how wonderful the ceremony was. Thank you so much, Monika, for making our wedding so, so special.", luca & andrew

The ceremony itself was calm and joyful, unfolding in both English and German. Early on, Andrew’s sister shared a beautiful English reading from Gift from the Sea, which offered a lovely moment of reflection on the meaning of long-term connection. I told the story of how Luca and Andrew met—offices side by side in Hamburg, an unforgettable first kiss, and their journey through long-distance love, lockdowns, becoming parents and building a shared life in Scotland.

Their vows were heartfelt and sincere, spoken in their native languages—Andrew in English and Luca in German. Their ring exchange was warmly received, followed by cheers and smiles all around. After the official declaration of marriage, and the signing of the marriage schedule I closed the ceremony with a final reading in German: a poem by Christian Morgenstern, quiet and heartfelt and a final note to honour Luca’s language and family.

It’s always such a joy to hold space where everyone can feel included. In a bilingual ceremony no one needs to sit on the sidelines—every word is an invitation to belong. For Luca and Andrew, that sense of welcome, in both German and English, was a beautiful way to begin this new chapter in their lives.

Photo Credits: Simons Studio

When the big day arrived, the weather gently nudged us indoors—and it couldn’t have been lovelier. Everything was already beautifully arranged when I arrived. After a quick chat with the photographer, guests began to arrive. The group had grown a bit since Luca and Andrew first started planning, which is often the case, but it only added to the sense of warmth and celebration. Friends and family had travelled from Germany, the UK, and further afield, and the space quickly filled with warmth and anticipation.

And then—Luca appeared in her stunning red dress, and there was a ripple of excitement in the room. We were ready to begin.