Celebrant Archives • Page 5 of 6 • White Rose Ceremonies

Where will you hold your Wedding Ceremony?

15 July 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

A Debating Chamber, a field, a labyrinth, a supermarket, Cambridge University Colleges, an Inn, a Mansion House, a barn, a privately owned old hall, a working farm, village halls, a family home – these are just some of the locations we have delivered unique wedding ceremonies. Where will you hold your Wedding Ceremony?

We are contacted by many people who are frustrated not just by the standard script that’s delivered at ‘normal’ wedding ceremonies, but by the lack of opportunity to hold their Wedding Ceremony at a location that’s special and personal to them. Provided you complete the legalities at your local Register Office, we can then deliver your wedding ceremony wherever you want it. OK, we don’t jump out of planes, bungee jump or get naked, but other than that we are very flexible!

We also provide our lovely wedding couples with our unique White Rose Wedding Book which has over fifty pages of ideas for your wedding ceremony. How to involve special people, wedding vows, ring vows, different ceremonies to consider and lots (and lots!) of readings and poems. We include those special moments where you say “I do” in all our ceremonies. We deliver very special traditional wedding ceremonies but we can also mix it up, ensuring your guests are intrigued and engaged throughout the whole ceremony.

As well as providing you with a super copy of your Wedding Ceremony Script and Certificate afterwards, we also bring our own wellies, umbrellas and spare outfits to cater for all weather conditions!

Our focus is on you and what you want in your ceremony – and where you want it. We can deliver your Wedding Ceremony outside in the fresh air or inside at your home, local hall or at a formal venue. Here are links to some of the stunning venues where we have delivered ceremonies:

Tofte Manor, Bedfordshire

The Old Hall, Ely

Nonsuch Mansion in Surrey

Downing College in Cambridge

The Cambridge Union (Debating Chamber)

Still feeling frustrated by lack of options? We have more unusual locations for our wedding ceremonies coming up in the next year or so. Contact us for more information by using the the contact page on our website, calling us on 07725 795316 or emailing us at whiteroseceremony@btinternet.com.

Happy planning.

Charlotte’s Naming Ceremony

30 May 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

The Naming Ceremony conducted by White Rose Ceremonies for baby Charlotte was a wonderfully emotional and happy affair. The Village Hall was full of balloons, cupcake, chatter and excitement.

Arriving flush-faced from her afternoon nap, the beautifully dressed Charlotte was soon in the midst of her adoring family and friends. She treated us all to the cutest of toothy grins and give us all her characteristic little wave.

As family and friends took their seats for the ceremony, Charlotte and her proud parents took their places at the front along with Charlotte’s guide-parents.

A much longed-for and much loved baby, Charlotte was welcomed with open hearts. Charlotte’s parents made very special promises to her and her guide-parents happily confirmed their commitment to support Charlotte and her parents.

The reason her name was chosen was shared with all before Charlotte was formally named. Everybody shared in the joy of
Charlotte and everybody’s encouragement and love was thankfully acknowledged by Charlotte’s parents.

Certainly from where we were conducting the Naming Ceremony, we could see how much love there was for Charlotte and her parents. Smiles, tears and laughter, with everybody focussed completely on Charlotte.

The words of the Naming Ceremony had been agreed with Charlotte’s parents in consultation meetings with them before the Ceremony itself. We talked about Charlotte’s little character, the precious little baby she was and how her parents lives had changed from being a married couple to that of being a family, with all the chaos and fun that brings.

Including this information in the Naming Ceremony made it completely unique and personal to Charlotte and her family.

Certificates were presented to Charlotte’s parents and Charlotte’s guideparents before the ceremony was closed with love and many sincere wishes for Charlotte’s future. A toast was made and family and friends then gathered to congratulate Charlotte’s parents followed by lots of cupcakes, laughter, music and love.

We were so privileged to lead the Naming Ceremony for Charlotte and we received a wonderful testimonial from her parents:

“We were so pleased with the ceremony that was conducted by White Rose Ceremonies for our daughter’s naming. We hadn’t attended a naming ceremony before so were not sure what to expect! The service was absolutely beautiful. Rebecca worked with us to get the wording and sentiment just right. It was very personal and in the end quite emotional. It was the little touches that made it so special. We would definitely recommend White Rose Ceremonies to any of our friends who choose to go the same route. Thank you so much Rebecca and Dave – you helped make this special day a reality.”

Photographs taken by David Waldron.

Civil or Christian Ceremony?

11 May 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

I was a little surprised recently by a friend who said they “can’t relate to a Civil Ceremony” as they are a Christian. So many people don’t understand what a Civil Ceremony is. A religious ceremony is presided over by a priest of the religion involved and the service is mainly about giving thanks to a higher deity. A Humanist ceremony is presided over by a Humanist Celebrant who believes that life only exists when we live it and does not believe in anything spiritual, or life after death.

A Civil Ceremony takes into account the individual’s beliefs, whether those beliefs are quite religious or not religious at all. When we write scripts for weddings, funerals or naming ceremonies, we talk about what makes the people involved tick. Their qualities, their likes and dislikes, what’s important to them, what they truly strive or strived to be in life, the imprint they make or have left on other people’s hearts, the love they have been part of.

Am I a Christian? Yes! Do I go to church? No! Does that make me any less of a Christian? No! I am a vicar’s daughter but I strongly believe that we create our own form of Christianity through the way that we live our lives. Being honest, loving, welcoming, thoughtful, hard- working, giving – these are just some of the attributes that so many of us have. I have seen many people do their best to live their lives within a framework of traditional values and principles, with family and love being at the root of everything they do. Many of these people do not go to church yet it is obvious that they live a christian life.

So let’s get this clear, you can be a fully paid-up member of any religious organisation or have your own particular and singular beliefs yet still have a civil wedding, funeral or naming ceremony that meets your spiritual needs (whatever they are) and which particularly focusses on the person or people involved. Organised religion will provide comfort to those seeking interaction with like-minded people on a regular basis but you can get the same affirmation and sensation of togetherness at a line-dancing club – both are spiritually uplifting because of the people you are with, the music and the focus on one particular thing. Civil Ceremonies are all-inclusive regardless of your beliefs. The testimonials we receive reflect how happy people are with the services we provide as Civil Celebrants – take a look on the pages on our website.

Civil Ceremonies don’t discriminate and, please be assured, control of your own spiritual needs is still safe in your hands. Happiness and blessings to you all x

Festival Wedding

3 May 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Emma and Dan’s Festival Wedding was a riot of sunshine, laughter and love. A sensational field setting with bunting, flowers, hay bales, a beautiful willow arch, vintage ice cream van, tractor rides, saxophonist, pizza oven, a marquee, pom-poms and some specially selected tableware provided a wedding that was delightful in every sense.

Emma was committed to the the tradition of keeping her nervous groom waiting and arrived very sedately in a vintage VW Camper Van. Guests who had been chatting and laughing together while waiting were all up on their feet, eager to get the first glimpse of the beautiful bride.

Bridesmaids entered the ceremony area first with Emma and Dan’s gorgeous baby girl which brought a few tears to Dan’s eyes even before he saw Emma. The wedding ceremony included a touching hand fasting, readings, music and promises of love.

We ended with signing of the certificate, a marriage blessing, cheers, applause and hugs all round.

The afternoon celebrations included Pimms, icecream and music. The wedding breakfast commenced after the speeches from the best man, the bride’s parents and, of course, the groom himself. Pizza was served from the mobile pizza oven. Dancing went on late into the evening with a silent disco finishing the celebrations.

We had a fabulous time leading the celebrations for Emma and Dan. It was a truly happy day for a wonderful couple, their family and friends.

Emma and Dan gave us a super testimonial:

Thank you thank you thank you!! You were amazing from the moment we met you. Everything was perfect and you made our day so special, we couldn’t have asked for more…xxx”

Acknowledgements:

Yokan Photography

Elsie’s Ices – Ice Cream Van and Bike

David Waldron of White Rose Ceremonies

We had a really fabulous day – thank you so much to Emma and Dan for asking us to conduct their Wedding Ceremony!

Barn Wedding Ceremony Civil Celebrant Rebecca Waldron

Romantic Barn Wedding

14 April 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

We were absolutely delighted to be asked to conduct the Barn Wedding Ceremony of Lindsey and Matthew on Valentine’s Day this year. They chose to hold their romantic wedding ceremony in the beautiful Cromwell Barn, St Ives, Cambridgeshire. The barn had been dressed by their families with red berries, candles and ivy, lending itself to a sophisticated yet atmospheric Ceremony.

We all waited in anticipation for Lindsey to arrive and, when she made her entrance with her beautiful daughter, her smile dazzled everybody. Lindsey wore a long dress of sumptuous red, while Matt looked just the right side of nervous in a smart black suit with red tie and cream waistcoat. The fun and laughter present on the day was infectious, while the love felt during the Ceremony was not lost on anybody there. Neither was the celebration or sense of occasion.

During the Ceremony we conducted a handfasting with wedding vows and readings by friends and family. There were tears, cheers, laughter and applause during this very happy and celebratory Ceremony yet we still found time to remember those special people who had passed, a touching and poignant moment.

We spoke during the ceremony about Lindsey and Matt’s relationship, what was important to them and how much they appreciated all the support from their family and friends. This is just one of the ways we make our ceremonies completely unique to each couple. When we announced Lindsey and Matthew as man and wife, the barn erupted with cheers and applause and they left, dancing down the aisle, to Plan B. For a Valentines Day Wedding, this was a romantic, loving, fun and happy ceremony that everybody felt part of.

We thoroughly enjoyed working with Lindsey and Matthew and they gave us this wonderful testimonial…

“This lady is truly fantastic, she is so lovely and does such a fab celebration, Rebecca and Dave thank you for everything, you were totally wonderful and made our day so very special. It was an honour to meet you and an absolute privilege for you to say yes to do our ceremony, what a truly lovely lovely couple xxxxxxx”.

For more information about our ceremonies please contact us via our ‘Contact Page’ or call us on 07725 795316.

The beautiful Cromwell Barns isn’t advertised on the internet so it really is a hidden gem. We have the contact details if you would like to have them.

Photographs courtesy of David Waldron at White Rose Ceremonies.

Morrisons Supermarket Wedding Ceremony – as seen on TV!

3 April 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Unlike any other Saturday afternoon in Morrisons Supermarket, this one was full of spectacle. There was music, applause, eyes wide with disbelief as the Bride entered the store with her bridesmaids and friends. There were big smiles as people realised what was going on, the jostling of shoppers, smart phones held high to take photos, ITV and BBC cameras, the Press Association and the Morrisons photographer all vying for position, cafe customers standing on tables. ‘Love is an open door’ played across the store as we started their Wedding Ceremony.

Rebecca Wooller and Blake Green chose an unusual venue of a supermarket for their Wedding Ceremony. After being introduced by their landlady and with Rebecca being quite poorly at the time, they had their first few dates in the Cafe at Morrisons. Not perhaps the most romantic setting you would think. But when it came to Rebecca and Blake’s Wedding Ceremony it had all the elements of a traditional and emotional wedding. It was full of romance, laughter and love.

We give all our lovely couples the Wedding Book we have carefully put together. Rebecca and Blake spent time together choosing readings, poems and vows. We also spent time with Rebecca and Blake finding out what they wanted in their wedding service. While they had chosen an unusual venue, they wanted to include readings, exchange vows and rings, have special people involved and do all the things you would want in a traditional ceremony. Blake read ‘A Lovely Love Story’ by Edward Monkton and another reading ‘The Cowgirl’ was included.

Rebecca and Blake were totally focussed on each other as they exchanged vows and we included our Ring Ceremony which involved all their invited guests. Rebecca’s 5-year old grandson was very much involved as well, the perfect little bodyguard for those all important wedding rings. We sang a rousing version of Dusty Springfield’s ‘I only Want to be with You’. Songsheets were handed round, the music played and we all sang at the top of our voices.

Morrisons Wedding Rebecca and Blake

After the happy couple signed our Wedding Certificate we announced them Man and Wife. They left the store to cheers, applause and many congratulations.

Rebecca and Blake check out of Morrisons.

And finally a picture of their happy family. We wish them all the love, laughter and luck in the world as they look to a happy future together.

Featured Wedding

2 February 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

We are over the moon to have one of our weddings featured by the fabulous Amara Bridal Registry. We have a real passion for what we do and we love being involved with special life celebrations such as Weddings. For this Wedding we worked closely with the wonderful Dominique Douglas and her team from Stylish Events Wedding & Event Management. The photographs were taken by the very talented Kate from Kate Neilen Fine Art Photography.

Leila and Johnnie had extended wedding celebrations and they included special people in different ways throughout their weekend. They thought very carefully about every aspect of their Wedding. They meditated on the significance of their union with close family and friends before their legal ceremony at the Registry Office. The next day they enjoyed a joyous Wedding Ceremony with extended family and friends, followed by champagne and punting along the beautiful river beside the historic Trinity College and Kings College. To top it all off there were more celebrations at their Wedding Breakfast and evening entertainment.

When we conduct a Wedding Ceremony we talk to our couples and find out what’s important to them. We will listen to how they talk to each other and write the script accordingly. We include all the beautiful and traditional features of a Wedding and can add different elements if our couples want them. These include lighting a candle to remember those who can’t be present, singing, dancing (yes, really!), applause, fun and laughter.

Follow the link to see how much fun our lovely couple Leila and Johnnie had and how they made their day so special – enjoy! White Rose Ceremonies in featured Wedding!

If you would like to talk to us about your unique Wedding Ceremony please call us on 07725 795316 or email us via White Rose Ceremonies.

Funerals are Dead Serious – right?

12 December 2014/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

“You can’t do that at a Funeral” is a phrase I’ve heard too many times. It’s not surprising that people think that way. The common perception of a funeral service is that it is a sombre occasion when people mourn, cry, sing hymns and listen to a Minister read prayers before the coffin disappears into the fire or ground. But not at a Civil Funeral!

Now, I’m not saying that we dance in the aisles, although I have had Morris Dancers and Line Dancers at my services, but we do smile, laugh, clap and, sometimes, joke. The content of a Civil Funeral really does depend on the character of the person who has died. Of course it is a sad occasion too and people will cry. But, with a loving and relevant service it provides a time to say goodbye that is full of light and shade.

It is all about that person and not about a particular religious institution. You can light candles, have poems, music, readings and family tributes, standard bearers if the person who has died was in the military, flags on the coffins, even a slide show of photographs – whatever content is meaningful to the family. In some crematoria you can also have an audio recording or video recording of the service.

If the person who died had some religious beliefs then a Civil Celebrant can include hymns and prayers at the funeral, but if that person was very religious then, of course, a Minister is the right choice to lead the service.

The final part of a funeral service is known as the ‘Committal’. At a Crematorium you can choose to have the curtains left open or closed. Generally, in the UK, the coffin remains where it is, so there is no opening of doors, squeaking of wheels as the coffin moves and certainly no flames!

Some families choose to leave the curtains open so that they can touch the coffin before they leave or put single stem flowers on it, while other families prefer to have them closed which, in a sense, brings them closure.

It is our privilege to be able to lead these services and we work hard to make sure the service not only reflects the wishes of the person who died, but that it also brings some comfort to their family and friends.

I would like to finish with this blog with a good old-fashioned joke from Tommy Cooper, which was used at one of the funerals I conducted recently:

“I went to the funeral of a tennis player the other day. It was a great service……”

Chris Taylor Photography

Five reasons NOT to book a Wedding Celebrant for your Ceremony

24 November 2014/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

You want the same script everybody else has at your Wedding Ceremony…
Or you could book a Wedding Celebrant who will work closely with you to provide you with a script that reflects the tone you want in your ceremony and will contain poems, readings, songs and references to things that are unique to you. It is these things that make your ceremony truly personal.
You want your Ceremony delivered by a virtual stranger…
Or you can engage a Wedding Celebrant who will get to know you and your partner. The Celebrant will build a relationship with you both so that the fundamental element of trust is present and supportive at what is an extremely important time for you.

You want your Wedding Ceremony to be held in the local Registry Office or in a church.
Or you can hold your Ceremony wherever and whenever you like with a Wedding Celebrant – by a river, in a forest, on a beach, at home or in the beautiful formal venue of your choice. Anywhere that is special to you and your partner. In the UK, the marriage certificate must be signed and witnessed by a Registrar. This can be done privately with two witnesses at your local Registry Office before your ceremony or you may prefer a formal service in a church which reflects and satisfies your religious beliefs.

You want a restricted list of music, readings or poems to choose from.
Or you can have access to your Celebrant’s ‘library’ of readings, poems and music to choose from. At a Registry Office in the UK you are unable to have certain music such as ‘Angels’ by Robbie Williams. We recognise how important these things are and this forms part of our commitment to make your Wedding Ceremony unique and personal to you.

You don’t want your Ceremony to create long lasting and special memories.
Or you can influence not only the dressing of your venue or the choice of menu, but the actual content of the most important part of your Wedding Day, the ceremony itself. We want you to remember your ceremony for all the right reasons – that it reflects who you really are, that you have the opportunity to share how much you love each other, that the ceremony is full of love and laughter and that it creates happy, special and poignant memories that last you a lifetime.

So, in actual fact, we have five reasons why you should book a Wedding Celebrant! We have links with some fabulous Celebrants and we can whole-heartedly recommend them:

Katie Deverell, Ceremony Designer and Celebrant http://www.ceremonydesigner.co.uk

Mulberry Days Wedding Ceremonies http://www.mulberrydays.co.uk

Liz Thompson – Celebrant Manchester http://unityindependentcivilcelebrancy.co.uk

And on the other side of the world, one of our favourites:

Catherine Zanella http://www.cathyzanella.com

DIY Wedding vs Wedding Planner?

11 November 2014/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Last year I married my wonderful husband and business partner, David. We tied the legal knot in Gretna Green with two witnesses who just happened to walk in after us. Then, in the summer, we had a Civil Wedding Ceremony on the beautiful beach at Wells-next-the-Sea in North Norfolk.

To save money we organised our ceremony in Norfolk ourselves and made a weekend of it with about 30 close family and friends. Our guests joined in with everything we organised and the only hitch was the high winds in the evening, which meant we couldn’t release Chinese lanterns across the sea.

However, when we talk about it my husband says “you didn’t cry” and he’s right, I didn’t. He is the man of my dreams and always will be but, on that day, I was not exactly ‘present in the moment’ at any stage. My mind was constantly thinking about what had to happen next. Would the hairdresser arrive? Would the flowers arrive? Where were key people? Where was the car? Will the rings get dropped in the sand? Will we get to the Reception in time…..etc.

If I had used the services of a Wedding Planner, I could have relaxed, safe in the knowledge that somebody was there ensuring everything would run smoothly and, even if it didn’t, I might not even have known about it and I certainly wouldn’t have to worry about sorting things out. I could have concentrated on the most important thing that day – my husband – and been totally engaged with every word, every smile, every kiss, every hug, every good wish and every moment there was for us both on that day.

DIY Wedding vs Wedding Planner? If I could experience that day again I would ensure I budgeted for and booked a Wedding Planner – there is absolutely no question about it.

There are lots of Wedding Planners out there, check their credentials and recommendations before you commit. Here are some fabulous Wedding Planners in our region that we have connections with. Have a truly wonderful and enchanting day, be present in every moment – you deserve it!

www.truly-scrumptious-events.co.uk

www.mjrweddings.co.uk

www.stylishevents.com

www.make-my-day-events.co.uk