Bridal Archives • White Rose Ceremonies

Beach Ceremony, Rebecca Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies, Celebrant

Beach Ceremony, Norfolk

21 August 2018/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

We had the happiest of days with our lovely couple, Wendy and Mark, when we conducted their beach ceremony in Norfolk. Having discounted the sterile Registry Office option, they had been unable to find a venue that suited them. Wendy and Mark were blown away by the photographs of our own beach ceremony that we displayed at a wedding fair, run by the amazing Stephanie and her team from Truly Scrumptious Weddings and Events.

We met with Wendy and Mark for a consultation meeting in their home to discuss their ceremony. Choosing what they wanted and approving the wedding script that we wrote was all part of the fun and excitement in the build up to the happy day. We ensured they had the words they wanted, along with a few lovely surprises along the way.

The day was sunny and bright and, surrounded by friends and family, they exchanged their promises of love and commitment. These were emotional moments, full of love. Their children played an important part in the ceremony and all took part in the Sand Unity Ceremony, symbolising the individuality of each person, yet also symbolising the blended family unit.

Their beach ceremony included the signing of a commemorative certificate, the all-important kiss and applause all round. Wendy and Mark then hosted a reception on the beach with Prosecco, fish and chips and lots of love and laughter.

We had such a wonderful time and felt so privileged to be part of their happy day on the beach. They left us a truly wonderful review on our Guides for Brides page, and here is part of it:

“We were simply blown away by Rebecca and David from White Rose. Being a second time wedding we were worried that our options would be limited but on meeting them we realised that all of our dreams of a relaxed beach wedding in Norfolk were completely possible. From first meeting to the big day their service was truly outstanding. Our ceremony was beautiful and we went on to have a sand ceremony to unite our blended family into one which made all of the children feel that it was a really special day for them too. Our wedding only took place yesterday but we’ve already received lots of messages today saying that it was the nicest and most personal and touching service people had ever attended. Rebecca and David had us completely at ease, I don’t think We’ve never smiled quite so much. David’s photography is truly amazing and he’s given us beautiful photographs to remember the day. I wish there were more stars I could award to Rebecca and David, they’re not just celebrants .. they’re dream makers!”

Thank you so much Wendy and Mark! We wish you many many years of love, happiness and fun as a couple and with your gorgeous family.

Photos provided with kind permission of David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Karen & Joe's Wedding, Childerley Wedding Venue, Celebrant, White Rose Ceremonies, Rebecca Waldron

A Wonderful Childerley Wedding

30 March 2018/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Love, laughter and tears were present all day at Karen and Joe’s wonderful Childerley Wedding.

Different ends of the beautiful Victorian Long Barn hosted separate ceremony and reception areas. This barn has the biggest ‘oh-wow’ factor we have ever seen! Childerley looked after the wedding with professional dedication and care.

Joe proposed to Karen on the historic Southwold Pier in Suffolk. Having waited 13 years, Karen was an absolutely stunning bride in her David Tutera wedding dress. Her three bridesmaids wore beautifully elegant grey dresses which complemented the tweed jackets worn by the groom and his groomsmen.

We celebrated their wedding vows in style. One hundred friends and family were there to share in Karen and Joe’s promises of love and commitment. There was laughter and tears when we shared what Karen and Joe love about each other. We even laughed aloud in the vows when Karen deliberately over-emphasised the word HUSBAND in her vows!

Karen and Joe’s ceremony included a personally written reading by their children, which was met with happy cheers and applause. Their friends Tomi and Victoria played and sang a beautiful Adele track during the signing.

Fairylights on bay trees flanked the ceremony area and were a real feature in the reception area, along with the silver glittery accessories. Delicious food including an Eton Mess Bar was provided by Puddini Caterers and their mobile bar with LOTS of gin was set up by Banquet Inn.

Made by Keen for Cakes, their beautiful cake was surrounded by equally delicious cake pops.

The evening celebrations were accompanied by foot-stomping music by the Indietones and carriages at midnight brought the celebrations to a close. Many happy memories were made and these will last a lifetime.

Our congratulations to Karen and Joe – a wonderful Childerley wedding that had it all.

Celebrant: Rebecca Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Venue: Childerley

Food: Puddini Caterers

Drink: Banquet Inn

Entertainment: Indietones

Blog photographs: published with kind permission of David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

White Rose Ceremonies

Who Can Conduct Your Wedding Ceremony?

8 October 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

You know that old joke – a Celebrant, Registrar and Minister walked into a pub and…..? No, we don’t either, but who CAN conduct your Wedding Ceremony? Did you know that you are NOT restricted to having a Registrar or Minister? You can have a Celebrant – also known as Civil Celebrant or Humanist.

Here are a few points to help you decide who you want to conduct your Wedding Ceremony:

Celebrant

You have complete flexibility regarding the words and content of your Ceremony. This can include spiritual references, singing and lighting of candles if you wish.

Your Ceremony can be conducted anywhere you want. These can be on licensed or unlicensed premises or on public land. Remember to get the relevant permission from the landowner. Think about formal venues, fields, forests and beaches. Also at home, in poppy fields or bluebell woods.

Your Ceremony can be as traditional, quirky, emotional or as funny as you wish.

You will have met your Celebrant and spoken to them several times before your Ceremony. You can meet our team here.

These Ceremonies do not have any legal status.

You will need to complete your legal license in the registrar’s office (a ceremony room will cost you extra) with two witnesses beforehand. This will cost you around £50 plus license fees and takes around 10 minutes.

Then share your marriage vows with each other in your beautifully unique Wedding Ceremony.

The Ceremonies can involve your families and friends and sets a happy, celebratory tone for the rest of the day.

These Ceremonies are ideal for couples who are happy to put thought and effort into creating a personal Wedding Ceremony that is unique to them.

Registrar

The words will be those that Registrars are required to use by law. Find out more by clicking here.

You might have a choice between three very similar and standard scripts.

These ceremonies can only be conducted in licensed venues.

You will not know which Registrar will conduct your ceremony until you arrive for your ceremony.

You are not permitted to have any religious or spiritual references.

These ceremonies are legally binding.

These ceremonies are ideal for couples who just want to get the legalities done in a standard ceremony before the wedding reception.

Minister

These ceremonies will be about a God or religious belief and the sanctity of marriage. Find out more here.

Words will vary depending on the religion.

These ceremonies can only be conducted in a consecrated building (church, chapel, mosque etc).

In most religions, this ceremony is legally binding.

These ceremonies are ideal for those who follow a certain faith. They are particularly suitable for those who believe that the ceremony reflects their faith and who they are as individuals.

So…

…you know that old joke – a Celebrant, Registrar and Minister walked into a pub and….? No, nor do we but we hope we have helped you understand the differences between a Celebrant, Registrar and Minister.

Please contact us to talk about your very own unique and wonderful Wedding Ceremony.

Sand Unity Ceremony jar with candles and flowers

White Rose Ceremonies

Rain on your Wedding Day? No problem!

31 March 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Rain on your Wedding Day is considered lucky in many different cultures because it represents cleansing, renewal, fertility and unity. We don’t particularly like it though if it interferes with our carefully planned outdoor wedding!

Before we go on – did you know that a Celebrant will work with what you have planned, regardless of the weather? If you have a Registrar, they will decide where the ceremony will take place, regardless of your wishes!

So obviously – a Celebrant is your best option for an outdoor ceremony!

Outdoor weddings can be AMAZING whatever the weather. We have a lot of experience regarding what does and doesn’t work so here are some hints and tips.1. Try not to let rain ruin your day. There is absolutely nothing you can do about it.

2. Always have a plan that includes an indoor ceremony area otherwise your guests, particularly elderly relatives, will be wet and cold and they won’t enjoy your Ceremony at all.

3. White Rose couples consider the ‘inside’ option to be Plan A and then, when the weather is exactly as they hoped for, they are happy to opt for going outside – Plan B! Ta-dah!

4. Provide lots of big umbrellas that cover each person. Make sure they are transparent so that even when the rain is falling, your guests can still see what is happening. You don’t have to buy them – they can be hired in. Take a look here as an example!

5. Cover all chairs and hay bales with waterproof covers that your ushers can whip off just before the guests are seated.

6. Provide coconut matting or more robust flooring for your guests to walk on.

7. You may love that beautiful wedding dress with the long train but it’s not going to work for an outdoor wedding if it’s raining. However, if that’s what you still want, talk to your bridal shop. They are the experts when it comes to hooking your dress up so that it won’t get wet and muddy.

8. And those beautiful wedding shoes! How about having some fabulous wellies on standby?

9. Make sure your sound system and electrical cables are suitable for outdoor use. Delegate this task to an expert!

10. Also check that your Marquee or Tipi’s are waterproof! This might seem obvious but check all the same.

11. If there is high wind as well as rain on your wedding day then do everything indoors. There is nothing worse than rain AND wind!

12. And finally, keep your sense of humour intact and enjoy your Wedding Ceremony, whatever the weather!

Planning your Wedding? Plan your Ceremony!

29 January 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Planning your Wedding? Plan your Ceremony! Start your special day with a Wedding Ceremony that will really ‘wow’ your family and friends!

We know that there is a lot to think about when planning your wedding. The venue, the dresses and outfits, photographer, caterer, entertainment, flowers, wedding favours. You spend all your time on Pinterest creating mood boards for the most perfect wedding.

But what about the perfect Ceremony?

Imagine your guests focussed on you both, laughing, clapping! Probably shedding a happy tear and totally engaged with you as share your promises of love with each other.

Want to sing? Well, let’s sing! Want to remember a loved one who has passed away? Let’s light a candle. Want your pet to be the ring bearer? Yes – let’s do it!

When you plan your Ceremony with a Celebrant, they provide you with a fresh and unique approach. Celebrants get to know you. They write your script and weave the story of your journey as a couple throughout the Ceremony, making it completely personal to you. Your script will never be the same as another couple and that is guaranteed!

Celebrants also have great ideas when it comes to including special people too! As for your venue, it can be wherever you want it to be. Inside, outside, at home, at a formal venue, in a tipi, marquee, in a forest, by the sea – anywhere you want.

And the legal paperwork? Just complete it with two witnesses in the basic ceremony that all registrars should offer. You don’t have to use a special room. The legal documentation can be held in the registrar’s office. Our couples at White Rose Ceremonies call it the ‘admin appointment’!

We love our team of Celebrants at White Rose Ceremonies but there are other fabulous Celebrants out there as well. So wherever you live, you can have an amazing Ceremony conducted by a Celebrant.

You can plan your Ceremony with us, of course! But there are also other amazing Celebrants who we highly recommend:

Katie Deverell at www.ceremonydesigner.co.uk

Ellie Farrell at www.alternativeceremoniesuk.com

Katie Keen at www.trueblueceremonies.co.uk

Judy Mansfield at www.cherish-ceremonies.co.uk

So – planning your Wedding? Plan your Ceremony! Have the most fantastic start to your wedding celebrations! We wish you lots of love, joy and happiness x

Chris Taylor Photography

Celebrant Wedding for Your Special Day

11 January 2017/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Looking through the photographs of our weddings, we realise how privileged we are to become friends with many of our lovely wedding couples. And this is what happens when you book a Celebrant Wedding.

It’s important to form this relationship because ,when it comes to your big day, you want a friendly face and somebody who knows exactly what you want for your celebration.

Whether your celebrant wedding is on a farm, in a Labyrinth, at a formal venue, or in your garden, we make every effort to make sure that you feel comfortable with us and that you trust us to conduct the ceremony that you want.

Read on to find out how we do this…

We visit you several times and, without being intrusive, we get to know you. As part of your package you receive our Wedding Book. It’s full of resources that provide you with lots of choice for your ceremony such as unity ceremony, handfasting, rose ceremony and many other ideas.

We have lots of lovely ways to include special people – grandparents, children, friends and even your pets…

We include a rehearsal so that you become familiar with where to stand. We also talk to your ushers and bridal party about where they should be and, if they are not at the rehearsal, we will talk to them before the ceremony starts.

After your celebrant wedding ceremony, we wish you all the very best for your married life and that we hope to keep in touch. And we are so very happy that we do exactly that – keep in touch. Enjoy your day!

Sand Unity, Swynford Manor, Newmarket, White Rose Ceremonies

Sand Unity Wedding Ceremony

20 October 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Our lovely celebrant, Dionne, officiated at Sarah and Jason’s Wedding Ceremony including a Sand Unity Ceremony, at the beautiful Swynford Manor in Newmarket.

With fresh, bright decor in the room, Sarah entered on the arm of her proud father, followed by her bridesmaids who were dressed in navy. As well as exchanging vows, Sarah and Jason wanted to focus on their family.

They presented white roses to each other’s mother and the ceremony included a Sand Unity ceremony, also known as a Family Blending Ceremony, using coloured sand.

The colours used were red for life and warmth, turquoise for communication and peace, orange for enthusiasm and creativity and gold for wealth and success.

Sarah, Jason and their children took turns pouring sand into the jar while “Better Together” by Jack Johnson was played. The result was a gorgeous blend of colours symbolising the happy and newly-united family.

The words for Sarah and Jason’s Wedding Ceremony were chosen specifically by them. The guests enjoyed a wonderfully happy and meaningful ceremony. It included vows of love, laughter, tears and lots of applause. Sarah and Jason signed our commemorative certificate, after which Dionne delivered the final words and announced the happy couple to their guests.

It was a real privilege to be asked to officiate at Sarah and Jason’s wedding. We had a lovely time working with Sarah and Jason and we wish them every happiness in the future.

Our Suppliers

Officiant: Dionne Broadfield of White Rose Ceremonies

Photographs: David Waldron of White Rose Ceremonies

Venue: Swynford Manor, Newmarket

White Roses: Madeleine Bradley Floral Design

Coloured Sand: Confetti

Love & Laughter supplied by Sarah & Jason’s guests.

Anisah & Nadim, Girton College Cambridge, White Rose Ceremonies

Anisah and Nadim, Girton College Cambridge

14 September 2016/in Celebrant, uncategorised /by Rebecca Waldron

Following a week of Indian wedding celebrations, the beautiful Anisah and Nadim enjoyed an essentially English wedding ceremony at Girton College, Cambridge.

Having met while on holiday with their families, Anisah and Nadim became friends who fell in love. Their wedding ceremony took place in the historic wood-panelled Great Hall in Girton College and was conducted by our lovely celebrant, Pam. The Great Hall was full of colour with a mix of traditional and contemporary dress for family and friends from India, UK and other countries across the world.

Entering to the beautiful track of ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perry, Anisah and her father were preceded by two page boys and a flower girl weaving around them all with a magic wand. They were followed by the bride’s sister dressed in lemon and blue, flanked and followed by bridesmaids in full-length plum coloured dresses.

The ceremony included gifts of roses, a symbolic handfasting with plum, pink and blue ribbons, vows and exchange of rings. Specially selected readings were read by family and friends, including this beautiful passage:

“The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don’t finally meet somewhere. They’re in each other all along.”

After signing our Commemorative Certificate Anisah and Nadim left to applause and the track, Glory of Love by Pete Cetera.

It was a real privilege to be part of Anisah and Nadim’s lovely day and we wish them a long and happy life together.

Venue: Great Hall, Girton College, Cambridge

Celebrant: Pam McCarthy of White Rose Ceremonies

Photographs: David Waldron of White Rose Ceremonies

Scottish Australian Fusion Wedding

14 August 2016/in Celebrant, uncategorised /by Rebecca Waldron

Sarah & Joshua’s Scottish Australian Fusion Wedding was held at The Great Barn at Manor Farm, Bourn in Cambridgeshire. Built in 1266 The Great Barn was dressed in festival lights and candles, providing a beautiful and atmospheric environment for the ceremony.

With Sarah’s Scottish background and Joshua’s Australian background, this wedding was destined to be an interesting fusion of both cultures. There was a wonderful mixture of traditional Scottish kilts and contemporary short-sleeved shirts, braces, bowties and boutonniere of Scottish thistle.

The bridesmaids wore pink while the flower girl wore white and carried bouquets of white gypsophila. Mitsie, the Puppy Bridesmaid, wore a garland of pink and white flowers.

The Father of the Bride looked resplendent in ceremonial Scottish dress complete with bearskin hat as he escorted his beautiful daughter up the aisle.

Sarah carried a delicate bouquet of blue, pink and white flowers. She wore a stunning sleeveless embellished dress with a long veil edged with lace which floated behind her as acoustic guitar was played during her walk to meet Joshua.

The groomsmen and bridesmaids flanked Sarah and Joshua throughout their wedding ceremony. The ceremony included everything that Sarah and Joshua wanted. This included a lovely reading by their seven year old flower girl. With vows made, rings exchanged and the commemorative certificate signed, the final words were said and the happy couple left to applause and congratulations.

Sarah and Joshua’s Scottish Australian Fusion Wedding celebrations continued long into the evening at The Willow Tree in Bourn. After their wedding they provided us with a lovely testimonial:

“The service we received at White Rose Ceremonies was absolutely fantastic. Rebecca and her team were extremely supportive, whilst at the same time kind, caring and patient. My new husband and I cannot thank Rebecca, Pam and Dave enough for giving us the ceremony we have always hoped for and it was perfect. This was thanks to all of their time and dedication in tailoring it to how we wanted it. I would highly recommend White Rose to anyone looking for a top class and customised service.”

We had a wonderful time with Sarah and Joshua, preparing their special ceremony. We wish them lots of love and luck and every happiness in the future.

Celebrant: Pam McCarthy, White Rose Ceremonies

Photographs taken by: David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Ceremony Venue: The Great Barn, Manor Farm, Bourn, Cambridgeshire

The Wedding Reception: The Willow Tree, Bourn, Cambridgeshire

Alice-in-Wonderland Themed Wedding

3 August 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Kim and Ched’s whimsical Alice-in-Wonderland themed wedding at Fen Farm, Lincoln, was a fairy-tale affair full of fun, eclectic details.

Kim looked stunning in a short ivory lace wedding dress with shoes from Irregular Choice. She had made exquisite paper bouquets for herself and her bridesmaids who were dressed in blue and white dresses. The groomsmen wore light grey suits with light blue accessories and matching boutonniere.

The three page boys were dressed in matching outfits of shorts, striped socks, light blue blazers, bowties and trilbies, a fabulous interpretation of Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Kim and her brother arrived on a carriage pulled by The Mad Hatter and The White Rabbit – of course! Before the ceremony started, guests had written their good-luck messages on white stones and these lined the aisle where Kim met her groom, Ched.

An Oathing Stone was used when Kim and Ched’s repeated their wedding vows. In true Alice-in-Wonderland style, a little White Rabbit looked on throughout the whole ceremony. Readings were given by friends and the rings were presented by one of Kim and Ched’s dogs who both played key roles in the ceremony.

The celebrations then kicked off in style with a bar available from the 1966 vintage bus bar from Route 14 followed by a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party in the barn and a hog roast in the evening.

Kim and Ched’s Alice-in-Wonderland themed Wedding was full of love and laughter and we were very happy to lead the ceremony for them. They put a lovely review on our Facebook page, which we also show below:

“Amazing job done by Rebecca and David. They are terrific, wonderful, kind and friendly people that were confident and calming, and helped us create a ceremony from scratch, that was us through and through. Top of our list if we decide to have a naming ceremony for little bump! And a few fantastic photos as well. Thanks guys! Take care of yourselves.”

Kim and Ched – it really was our pleasure.

Photographs courtesy of David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

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