Naming Ceremony at Bristol Marriot Hotel

On Sunday at 12:30pm, I arrived at the Bristol Marriot hotel to officiate the Naming Ceremony for Carmen Lee. The ceremony room was stunning, with high ceilings and gorgeously arranged table and chairs for the after ceremony dinner. The Naming Ceremony involved 2 Godparents, gifts and a wishing tree.

It was a pleasure to officiate such a wonderful day and great some great feedback from the family:

Jennifer thank you so much for what was a truly memorable a touching naming ceremony today. All our guests commented on how lovely you made it & the script was just prefect! We'll be coming back to you again definately! This time it's our wedding! A bit more planning for this one! Best wishes Jenny David & Carmen x

Outside Wedding Ceremonies: to be or not to be?

Ok, so we all know what the UK weather is? Majorly unreliable. For the last 2 years, we have had some guaranteed warm weather and sunshine during the months of April – September. Very hard to pinpoint when. 

When I was getting married, I choose July. Peak summer season and thought ‘yes, definitely going to be sunny for my ceremony’. I choose to risk it and I booked Plas Glansevin, a beautiful venue in Wales with a stunning oak tree in the front gardens.

I wanted to have my service outside. For all brides who also had this idea, I bet you also spent your time at work on BBC weather, refreshing every day to check the weather forecast (2 months in advance!).

Let’s be serious. Outdoor wedding ceremonies are a dream. Next to nature, breathing fresh air and some gorgeous settings but they come with big considerations. Don’t be scared by it though, you just need to be prepared. 

Here are some top tips:

1    1.  Have a backup plan

You’ve found a lovely field in the middle of the Cotswolds but there is absolutely no shelter anywhere. This is a no, no. At the very least, rent a canopy for the front of the ceremony for you both, or a whole marquee for the ‘just in case’. Marquees and canopies can be decorated to fit your theme and add a touch of personality to an open space. 

2.  Buy some umbrellas

Let’s face it, it could be beautiful sunshine in the morning and then start raining during your service (yes, that happened to me!). Be prepared. Ask you guests to bring an umbrella in your colour theme or purchase enough white umbrellas for your guests. They can look great in pictures and if you are stuck for cash, could be a good favour!

      3. Make it accessible

You can score some great free outdoor venues. You might just need to get permission but you can cut venue costs by far. However, make sure your venue is easily accessible to high heel shoes and pushchairs. If the weather takes a turn for the worst in the week before, go visit and check for muddy patches. Consider laying some wooden slacks or some hay (yes, hay!) to give a better walk way.

      4. Have fun

Although you cannot guarantee the weather in this country, enjoy it. You are British and for your whole life you have had to get used to this unreliable, unfavourable, sometimes wonderful weather. If it is sunny, fabulous. If it rains, go with it. Wear your welly boots, put up your white umbrella and smile. It’s your big day!

Unusual UK Wedding Venues

Finding a good venue is top of most bride-to-bes' to do list, but selecting somewhere that stands out from the rest is easier said than done. Long gone are the days of a simple hotel buffet and now weddings rarely come without elaborate planning and attention to detail, with emphasis on personality and an original slant.

It's becoming harder to find somewhere that's really unique - but not impossible. You can now choose any outdoor location you like, in a treehouse or on the beach for example. You can find castles or village halls that aren't licensed but will you give you the hire for cheap. This saving you money and creating your own experience at the same time.

Take a look at some of these wacky options!

The Treehouse in Scotland - Spirit your guests back to childhood with this delightfully rustic treehouse overlooking Loch Goil in Scotland. With room enough for just 24 people, it's an intimate and romantic venue with sweeping mountain and lake views! 

Everyone does tipis these days - but a wedding in a themed Arabian tent, now that's something different. The Arabian Tent Company specialises in unique wedding marquees, with eight interiors to choose from. We particularly like the William Morris tent (pictured) and the exotically themed Bombay Boudoir. 

We tend to associate beach weddings with Hawaii or Mexico but Beach Weddings Bournemouth recently ceremonies take place around a picturesque ivory-painted beach hut with decking and the option of marquees for more guests. Tie the knot, grab yourself an ice-cream and head down to the sea just yards away...

And so much more!

Featured in Bristol and Somerset Wedding Magazine

Check out the latest Bristol and Somerset Wedding Magazine for the Tailor Made Ceremonies Advert. What do you think? Like it?

For more, find the ad on Facebook!

Wedding Ceremonies at Clavershay Barn, Somerset

I have officiated many beautiful ceremonies at the gorgeous Clavershay Barn, North Pertheton in Taunton. 

One that stands out is Tom and Steph's last July. The ceremony was completely tailored to them and personalised from vows, readings and commitments. It was a sunny day full of romance!

Here is a great blog, put together by the couple with a review of their big day, including their ceremony.

http://www.rockmywedding.co.uk/truly-our-own/

Here is a snippet from their rock my wedding entry:

A Very Moving Ceremony

Tom and I had a humanist ceremony outside as our venue wasn’t licensed for our big day. The ceremony was conducted by Jennifer Constant at Tailor Made Ceremonies and felt really special for the both of us as we had a lot of personal input. Jennifer had asked us to fill in a questionnaire about the two of us, how we met and why we loved each other and brought it all together in a very moving ceremony. I had two of my dearest friends Bryony and Nat do a reading which they very kindly wrote for us and was touching to the point of tears. Tom’s friend Darren also read a reading about Relativity from Albert Einstein which was beautiful.

Finding your dream location has got a lot easier!

If you have ever dreamt of having your ceremony in a marquee, by a lake, in a tipi, in a castle, or in just about any location, and you thought it wasn’t possible…well, think again – you now can!

You don’t have to be restricted to searching through a list of (sometimes very overused and standard) licensed venues; you now have the freedom to have your dream ceremony, in your ideal location. You just have to do a few simple things differently with these few steps:

1. Choose a Celebrant led service

Wedding Celebrants offer you the chance to have your wedding ceremony without restrictions on content or location. Each ceremony is individually crafted to you and can take place wherever you choose.

We, at Tailor Made Ceremonies, offer an initial consultation to discuss your requirements.  We will talk you through your options and help you design a service that can be as traditional or modern as you like. It’s your ceremony at the end of the day and it should reflect you as a couple. You will still be pronounced husband and wife, say your vows and exchange rings, and you can have limitless options such as readings, songs, religious content, traditions etc.

You can include anything in your service, as there are no restrictions at all on content.

2. Find your dream venue

Get excited. You now have the freedom of choice of location. The options are now endless! You can find a village hall, a lakeside, on a mountain, at the beach or even in a castle. Wherever your ideal location is, you can now have your wedding ceremony. Quite often, our couples choose somewhere that has significance for them.

Nothing standard or ‘overused’; It’s your unique commitment and the words and venue should reflect that.

3. Get the legal part done

This is the simple part. To legally marry in the UK, you have to register your intent at the registry office and simply pop along to your local registry office (appointments etc are of course needed) and sign the legal paperwork. There is no need to dress up, exchange rings, say vows or anything that would make it feel like an actual ceremony. You can wear jeans, take just 2 witnesses (these can even be the staff at the office!) and as long as you say one particular sentence and sign in the right place you are then legally married! No need to tell anyone about this section, it’s not ceremonial, just the signing of papers.

4. Make a plan

Remember if you are thinking of having your ceremony outside, you cannot always guarantee the weather in the UK, so be mindful of having a back up plan. Consider hiring a marquee or have a room to hold the ceremony in should it rain.

**Have your ideal wedding ceremony ‘Tailor Made’**

Nowadays the sky really is the limit on venue choice. You no longer have to be restricted to licensed venues and standard services. You can have a tailor made Wedding Ceremony, unique to you as a couple, in the location of your choice.

A historic moment for same-sex marriages

Congratulations to all of the couples, both straight and gay, who are marrying today in true equality.  Same-sex couples now will be able to enter into civil marriages and their unions will be equal to marriages between couples of the opposite sex in both rhetoric and law. Find out more on my website here. 

Today, was a special day also for Darren and Evandro, a lovely gay couple who met during their time working on Carnival Cruises. I had the pleasure of officiating their service in the beautiful Grant Thistle Hotel in the centre of Bristol.

Their theme was black and white, with roses for their flowers. They both looked very hansome in their slim fit suits and shiny footwear. Evandro, from Brazil, was walked down the aisle by his sister, Talita, who could not speak English but did a great job at saying 'I will' when she gave Evandro away.

Darren was accompanied by his mother, Maureen, who stood by his side as a proud mother would.

The service was personal and emotional. You could feel the electricity and connection between them and I wish them the very best for their future as Husband and Husband.

Naming Ceremony of Isaac Denham Jack Baxter

For his very first birthday, Kate and David decided to celebrate with a Naming Ceremony. In a beautiful village hall in Stoke Bishop, Bristol, the tables were set, food ready to eat and chairs all laid out.

As it was his birthday, we combined a special symbolic candle lighting with a birthday cake. All the special people in Isaac's life stood up, made declarations and lit a candle each, making a wish at the same time.

Isaac, David and Kate blew the candles out at the end of a beautiful service!

The joy of writing Wedding Ceremonies

As I sit at my desk and read over couple questionnaires, I get an insight into different types of love. From initial meetings at a bar, to dropping a pen and two people trying to pick it up together, this meeting and first eye contact, bring my work to life. 

The ceremony I am currently writing for takes place in August. The couple want an outside wedding ceremony, under an old tree in Wiltshire. Stunning location and I can't wait to officiate the service. Their love blossomed after an initial meeting with friends and within 8 months, they bought a house together and have spent the last few years making it a home. The answers to their questionnaire spill love, romance and lust. You can just feel the love when reading their experiences.

What a great job, I am honoured to get to write about their journey to marriage! 

Best get back to it!

Hanging from a cliff on your big day!

Fang Jing and her husband Lu Zhao are big fans of outdoor sports so decided to incorporate one of their extreme pastimes into their big day.

They had their ceremony hanging from a cliff! The photographs are beautiful but could you stomach the climb and descent during your ceremony? I don’t think I could!

The Strangest and Most Fabulous Places to say I do!

When you close your eyes and think of where you might get married, what comes to mind? Is it a huge marquee decorated with twinkling fairy lights and luscious lilies?

Perhaps it’s an ornate cathedral or a beach in the Mediterranean where you can dig your toes into the sand and watch the sun set with you new husband?

We’ve taken it upon ourselves to find out the wackiest and weirdest wedding locations available to say ‘I do’… Churches, beaches, marquees or gorgeous gardens – these are certainly some of the more typical ‘wedding day’ dream locations, but increasingly couples are looking for a more unique and memorable location within which to say ‘I do’.

From the awe inspiring to the slightly weird. Here’s just a few you might want to consider for your wedding day: Perhaps you’re looking for something more special than a beach wedding – images courtesy of Beachweddings.com

Perhaps you’d prefer an underwater wedding – as you do! Image courtest of Metrotribe.org The ultimate in cool (literally!) get wed at London’s Iconic Icebar

1.) Absolut Icebar – London Set in the heart of London this sub zero venue will certainly give your guests an occasion to remember.

The aisle is constructed out of the purest ice harvested from a river in Sweden. This bar is far from being a novelty venue as they also offer a very high standard of catering courtesy of their award winning chefs. Find out more here: 

2.) A Cave Wookey Hole in Somerset, who recently appointed a new resident witch, offer couples the opportunity to exchange their vows deep underground in one of their spooky caves. There are a selection of caves to choose from, the largest can accommodate 120 guests, all of which are fully licensed for civil ceremonies. Click here for more information

3.) Zero-Gravity Wedding Two wealthy space fanatics made the headlines in June 2009 when they became the first ever couple to be married in zero-gravity conditions. The bride wore earrings shaped like planets, and the groom wore cuff links shaped like spacecraft, and the wedding party (see picture) attended in blue jump suits!

The wedding took place in a modified Boeing 727-200 aircraft operated by Zero Gravity Corp, a company which offers weightless flight experiences by flying thousands of metres about the gulf of Mexico (but not quite in space). The couple just about managed to kiss, and did not drop the wedding ring, although there was great confusion when the wedding ring of one of the guests floated into their paths.

It is not known how much the ceremony cost, but I am sure Zero Gravity Corp will quote you a (hefty!) price!

4.) Editor’s Office We’re not sure why, but the offer is there. Media enthusiasts (if there is such a thing) can choose to commit themselves to each other in the Editor of The Daily Mirror’s office in Canary Wharf, London.

Aaah, the romance! If you’re a busy career couple, this maybe the perfect venue as you can tie the knot during your lunch break; even better if you happen to work at The Daily Mirror. Always dreamt of being a real princess on your wedding day? Look no further than a wedding in Disneyland! If money is no object – how about a zero gravity wedding? Images courtest of hubimages.com Going underground – make it official in a Somerset cave setting…

5.) The Gherkin Boasting the best views over the city of London, The Gherkin is the capital’s most iconic modern building. The London landmark also offers a very high standard of hospitality with some the biggest companies choosing it as the venue for their lavish parties. The Gherkin can be seen for miles around so your guests certainly won’t have any difficulty finding your wedding venue. 

6.) DisneyWorld Wedding Before you roll your eyes and say, ”Why would someone want to get married among a menagerie of characters?” hear me out. Walt Disney World weddings are surprisingly diverse. They can be themed to the hilt—ride to the ceremony in Cinderella’s horse-drawn coach, have trumpeters herald your arrival, speak your vows under the spires of Cinderella Castle—or, they can be romantic and elegant without even a hint of Mickey and the gang. And with the Wedding Pavilion, four theme parks, and more than a dozen resort locations, you and your prince charming have lots of options of your spot to say I do. You can request a quote for your Disneyland Wedding here

7.) On The Outside Of A Plane A British couple intrigued the world in August 2008 after getting married, whilst strapped to the wing of a plane! The groom was strapped to the wing of one plane, the bride on the wing of another, whilst the vicar was strapped facing backwards on another. (Probably not for the faint-hearted!) and finally, one which hasn’t happened yet: 8.) Getting Married In Space Richard Branson wants it to happen, and so it probably will.

The slightly eccentric thrill-seeking British billionaire, owner of Necker Island and founder of the Virgin empire, is one of those at the forefront of trying to push forward commercial space flights. Having already married a couple on one of his Virgin Airways flights and with a couple already having been married in zero-gravity he has signalled his intention to find a willing couple to get married in space. So if you’re willing to wait… So what do you think?

Will you be sticking to a more traditional wedding ceremony, or do you think that the more bizarre and unique the better?

Baby Naming Ceremony at Bristol Zoo

I wonder if they will have a naming ceremony for Kukena!

Bristol Zoo baby gorilla named Kukena – ‘to love’By The Editor of Bristol 24/7Oct 6, 2011 Kukena is cradled by mum Solene at Bristol Zoo (Picture: Bob Pitchford)

The baby western lowland gorilla born at Bristol Zoo Gardens last week has been named Kukeña and will be available for adoption.The name, pronounced ‘Kookenga’, means ‘to love’ and comes from the language of the Lunda Tribe from North West Zambia.

The tribe originates from the Congo, where Western Lowland Gorillas are found in the wild.The name was picked live on air on BBC1’s The One Show this week, from names submitted by viewers. The name Kukeña was chosen by Nina Wadia who plays Zainab Masood in EastEnders.Kukeña was born just over a week ago, on Tuesday, September 27, by natural birth to Salome, and both mother and baby are doing well.

The youngster is the perfect gift for the Zoo, which this year celebrates its 175th birthday and is participating the European Zoo Association’s Ape Campaign, which aims to raise funds and awareness of the threats facing gorillas in the wild.Senior Curator of Animals, John Partridge, said: “Salome and Kukeña continue to do well – Kukeña is bright-eyed and alert and we have observed the baby suckling well on numerous occasions, which is a very good sign.“It is still too early to determine the sex of the baby as Salome keeps it very close and we are keen to give the gorillas space.

Therefore we wanted a unisex name that would suit either a baby boy or girl, and Kukeña has a lovely meaning.“Salome continues to demonstrate good mothering behaviour and it is lovely to see her cradling and cuddling her baby affectionately. Naturally the gorilla keepers will keep a very close eye on mother and baby in these crucial first few weeks to ensure that they, along with the rest of the gorilla group, are healthy, content and bonding well.

”This is the third baby Salome has had at Bristol Zoo. Her last baby, Komale, was born in December 2006 following a course of ground-breaking fertility treatment, pioneered by Bristol Zoo’s former head vet, Sharon Redrobe.

This time however, Salome conceived her baby naturally.The gorillas at Bristol Zoo are part of an international conservation breeding programme for the western lowland gorilla, which is a critically endangered species.All gorilla species are facing serious losses in the wild caused by a number of issues including forest destruction for logging, diseases such as ebola and the slaughter of primates for the illegal bushmeat trade.

Bristol Zoo Gardens has, for many years, supported Ape Action Africa, a charity working hard to prevent primate extinction in Cameroon, through caring for confiscated orphans of the bushmeat trade, and educating people about the bushmeat trade and habitat destruction.

A different ceremony – the world is waiting

A great blog from Isabella Weddings:

In the UK to get married under civil licence you have to exchange your vows within the boundaries of a licensed room, venue or space, this space must be of permanent structure so in other words you cannot marry legally in an unlicensed venue, outside or in the open air ….

Or can you.In many other countries like America it is the celebrant who is licensed not the venue, so as long as you have one of those he or she may marry you wherever and whenever you wish (I was married in California in a garden for this exact reason).

In the UK we don’t have this luxury, not that we would want it sometimes with our unpredictable weather and wet summers.However it is now a totally possible thing thanks to independent celebrants offering freedom of choice and a chance to take our nuptials outside (or in the forest, up a mountain, down by a lake …).

How does this work? There are 3 important factors you must consider before deciding to get married outside in the UK….

1) You MUST do the legal bit! Your ceremony with an independent celebrant will not be legal no matter how authentic. However this is simple, simply pop along to your local registry office (appointments etc are of course needed) and sign the legal paperwork, there is no need to dress up, exchange rings, say vows or anything that would make it feel like a real ceremony, you can wear jeans, take just your witnesses (these can even be the staff at the office!) and as long as you say one particular sentence and sign in the right place you are then legally married!

This lasts around 15 minutes and is very informal, you can do this before or after your ceremony and totally in secret so your family and friends don’t feel like the service has already happened – it hasn’t, it’s just signing of papers.

Alternatively if you find a lovely licensed venue that perhaps isn’t big enough or suitable for your wedding ceremony, you can have the legal part carried out within the licensed area inside and take your actual ceremony outside, making the most of the venue!

2) You should have somewhere indoors or under cover should the great British weather play unfair. In other words if you want to get married on the beach, have somewhere nearby indoors or have wet weather gear lined up for you and your guests (and your celebrant) just in case. A row of gorgeous umbrellas look fab in the photos!Remember also to always gain permission from the person/company/organisation that own the land you wish to marry on.

3) Find a good independent celebrant. These should come recommended by someone you know well (we happily recommend the following two) and meet with them to chat through your day. The freedom of choice is wonderful, they will talk you through your options (of which there are loads!) help to design a service that looks and feels just like the real thing. You will still be pronounced husband and wife and you can have readings, songs, traditions etc anything that you wish to include is usually no trouble.

They are so accommodating and experienced registrars so they know exactly how a ceremony can be performed to ensure you have the day of your dreams.http://www.orchidceremonies.co.ukAlso Tailor Made ceremonies are excellent at understanding a couples needs and helping them to achieve a truly wonderful ceremony for themselves and their guests.http://www.clearedgemedia.co.uk/tmcThese guys (and there are more and more now) will also be able to offer baby naming ceremonies, funeral services and renewal of vows plus much more.So if you are struggling to find a venue, a fan of the outdoors and secretly wish you could be a little different, why not have an independent celebrant and get married at a place of your choosing!

That stunning house, castle, gallery, mountain … That you wish were licensed can now be a reality for your dream wedding.At Isabella Weddings we have lots of experience of organising unique and unusual weddings using independent celebrants so why not meet us for a coffee soon to find your perfect location.

Baby Naming Ceremony at Ashton Court, Bristol

The beauty of a naming ceremony is the choice of location. Rowan and Simon Webley, from Brislington in Bristol chose to have their service in the beautiful grounds of Ashton Court.

They set up a tent for dressing, a small gazeboo for some food and drinks, blankets for seats and created a rose archway for the service focal point.

The sun shone during the service and little baby Elsie was named in front of all of her loved ones.

Thank you to Rowan and Simon for giving me the pleasure of officiating your service.