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Alice & Jo’s Same Sex Wedding, Longstowe Hall

25 June 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Alice and Jo’s same sex Wedding Ceremony took place at the stunning Longstowe Hall in Cambridgeshire. Set in beautiful gardens, Alice and Joanne’s Wedding Ceremony was held on the Gazebo Island on the lake.

Having contacted White Rose Ceremonies in September last year, we met with Alice and Joanne several times to create a ceremony that reflected who they really are. Their wedding rehearsal was held at a location close to Longstowe Hall. We had a wonderful time with them and their families at the rehearsal, spending time walking through the ceremony so that they were completely comfortable with it.

The sun shone on their Wedding Day, guests were seated and the bridal parties arrived. Joanne walked with her father and bridesmaids first. Alice followed with her bridesmaids, escorted by her mother until she reached her father’s wheelchair. He was determined to walk his daughter to meet Joanne and to everybody’s delight, he did this. A very happy and touching moment that left us all with tears in our eyes.

Alice and Joanne’s Wedding Ceremony was emotional and funny in equal parts. Their rings were held closely in the palms of each family member to wish Joanne and Alice love and support in the marriage before being placed on their fingers. With beautiful readings and a signing of a commemorative certificate, Alice and Joanne’s happiness was there for all to see.

We had the perfect day with Alice, Joanne and their families. It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Alice’s father just three weeks after the wedding. He was a very special man and we were so glad that he found the strength to be there for Alice and Joanne on their happy day.

A poem for Giles – ‘He is Gone’

You can shed tears that he is gone,

Or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,

Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone,

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

By David Harkin (adapted)

Photographs courtesy of: Andy Fountain Photography

Venue: Longstowe Hall

Naming Ceremony Cambridge Birmingham North Devon White Rose Ceremonies

Conor’s Naming Ceremony at Quy Mill Hotel

12 June 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Conor’s Naming Ceremony at Quy Mill Hotel & Spa, Cambridge, was a truly lovely ceremony that included family and friends. Conor’s parents, Yvette and Paul, were married in the same venue six years earlier. They thought it a wonderful place to celebrate the arrival of their baby son and to welcome him into their family and circle of friends.

The Garden Room at the Quy Mill Hotel was the perfect venue for their guests. After all the rain in the week leading up to Conor’s Naming Ceremony, the sun came out to shine for him.

But what really shone through was the love everybody had for Conor and the love and support for his parents.

Conor is such a dear little boy and he enjoyed cuddles with lots of guests. We were able to sneak a few cuddles with him too!

With promises made by Conor’s parents, his Godparents and Grandparents, a reading by a much-loved family friend and a hissing balloon that had everybody in fits of laughter, it was a perfectly happy day for all.

Conor’s parents provided us with a lovely testimonial that explains the process we used to ensure that Conor’s Naming Ceremony was exactly the ceremony that they wanted:

“My husband and I wanted to have a naming ceremony for our son Conor. We were recommended White Rose Ceremony by the venue. I wanted the naming ceremony to be personal and to show the love and happiness that Conor has brought to our family.

We were given a booklet with lots of wonderful sayings and ideas that we could use on Conor’s day. We met Rebecca and Dave about a month before the naming ceremony, as soon as we met them we knew we had made a good choice.

They are lovely people and they sat us down and went through the booklet with us, allowing us to personalise it to make it more special to us and to Conor. They came across as wonderful caring people who just wanted to make the day as special as we did.

They went away and a few days later Rebecca emailed over a draft of how the ceremony was going to go. I cried with happiness, Rebecca had managed to get everything that I had wanted onto paper and it was beautiful to read.

On the big day Rebecca and Dave were there and they helped us to see how the day would pan out before all the guests arrived. It was a beautiful ceremony, the words that were chosen expressed our love for our son and our family.

It was an amazing day and Dave took some beautiful photos, which were emailed to us that evening. It means that I can look back on that magical day for years to come, knowing that Rebecca and Dave made it all possible.

Thank you both so very much. Yvette and Paul and of course Conor x”

It was a great pleasure for us to be able to lead Conor’s Naming Ceremony at Quy Mill Hotel. A special family occasion in which we were made to feel very welcome and one that we thoroughly enjoyed. The Quy Mill Hotel provided wonderful service and were attentive throughout.

Please do contact us if you would like to talk to us about a Naming Ceremony for a baby, a child or several children in your family. With a team of fantastic Celebrants, we now offer ceremonies in Cambridge, Birmingham and NorthDevon.

Geraldine & Vincent’s Wedding Ceremony

29 May 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Geraldine and Vincent’s love story began on 14^th May and they kept true to that date when they held their Wedding Ceremony at The Bell Inn, Thetford.

Their love for each other and the importance of their families was the key message in their ceremony. Throughout their ceremony, their family and friends heard their unique story. Geraldine and Vincent’s support and friendly rivalry between Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United was cheered – and booed!

Their Wedding Ceremony included the lighting of a candle. This was a symbol of their newly combined family unit. It also acknowledged the love for Geraldine’s son who had sadly passed away some years ago.

Their candle was presented by Vince’s grandson, aged only three years old. This was a heartwarming and touching moment.

Geraldine’s friend read ‘I Like You’ by Sandol Stoddard and Vincent’s daughter read Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres. Geraldine and Vincent’s wedding vows were exchanged, they gave and received rings and signed the commemorative certificate. With photographs taken, the wedding ceremony was closed with a lovely poem by Terah Cox.

Friends and family cheered and clapped as Geraldine and Vincent joined them to enjoy champagne and celebrations. Photographs were taken in the lovely gardens across the road from The Bell Inn before everybody took their seats for the Wedding Breakfast.

It was a real pleasure to conduct Geraldine and Vincent’s Wedding Ceremony. We enjoyed getting to know them and creating their ceremony script for their special day.

We wish them lots of love, luck, laughter and happiness in the world as they continue their journey together.

Photographs: David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Venue: The Bell Inn, Thetford

Naming Ceremony Rebecca Waldron Civil Celebrant

Zachary’s Naming Ceremony at Paddocks House

16 January 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Zachary’s Naming Ceremony was conducted at Paddocks House, Newmarket. A real cutie who was a much longed-for son, he was full of wriggles, dribbles and lots of cuddles. We met him when we first met his parents and fell in love with him. His parents wanted a truly eloquent Naming Ceremony that celebrated his arrival and welcomed him to the whole family. They also wanted a Naming Ceremony which promised him love, support and guidance throughout his life.

Zachary’s parents put a lot of thought into the Naming Ceremony. They were aided by the Naming Book provided by White Rose Ceremonies®, which is full of ideas for each part of the Ceremony. After meeting with them, we put the script together and we ensured the script expressed what the family wanted it too. We also made sure it was relevant to Zachary and meaningful for the whole family.

Guests were very close family and friends. We lit candles to remember those who have passed away and those who were not able to be there. Poems, promises and the gift of a beautiful silver bracelet to Zachary were included in the Ceremony.

Zachary’s parents, guideparents and grandparents were given certificates to commemorate the day. A special certificate was given to his Great-grandmother, who was so very proud to be there.

Beautifully wrapped tissues were thoughtful additions as tears flowed throughout the Ceremony.

The sunny room in Paddocks House was beautifully decorated by Zachary’s parents. A white and blue theme gave a distinctly fresh and sophisticated feel to the room. White trees were hung with white hearts, birds, ribbons and entwined with sparkling lights. Ivy was looped around the table and fireplace. Candles enhanced the atmosphere with a beautiful photograph of Zachary and plenty of extra touches around the room. An exquisite cake was themed to reflect the special saying between Zachary and his parents.

At the end of the Naming Ceremony we welcomed Zachary with applause and hugs.

It was a real privilege to conduct Zachary’s Naming Ceremony and we had a thoroughly lovely time. We wish him lots of love, health and happiness in his journey through life.

We would also like to thank Zachary’s parents for this lovely testimonial:

“We always knew that we wanted to make our child’s day a very meaningful and intimate affair. White Rose Ceremonies was recommended to us by the venue and from the very first email it felt right. We set about organising the date and we were given a Naming Ceremony book to help guide us through the different elements of the day. It offered variations of text, readings and some lovely ideas to make the ceremony extra special. We met with Rebecca to share our ideas and she went away and brought our wishes and vision to life. On our second meeting we also met the lovely David who has such creativity and, like me, thinks outside the box.

The special day – where to start – it is so difficult to put the perfect day into words. Our little boy was welcomed with so much love, the ceremony was stunning. All our wishes and feelings were put across by Rebecca in such a genuine way. She understood us perfectly; there was kindness, humour, respect and thanksgiving. Not a dry eye in the room it meant so much to every single one of us. Rebecca truly is a beautiful person inside and out.”

Venue: Paddocks House, Newmarket

Photographs by David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

The Secret of Getting ‘The Kiss’ Perfect

5 January 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Planning ‘The Kiss’ and getting it perfect is as important as planning everything else. Your first kiss will be photographed and remembered by many people for years to come. And it’s very easy to get it wrong!

We witness many kisses as Celebrants and thought it worth sharing our experience of the kiss with you. Should it be a quick peck? Full on and passionate? Let’s talk about ‘The Kiss’.

A quick peck can seem cold, as if you are too uncomfortable to kiss. A full on and passionate snog will leave your Celebrant and your guests completely embarrassed. And, quite frankly, we all just wish it would stop.

Here are some ‘’no-no’s” that we have actually witnessed ourselves. Read these before we give you the absolutely perfect wedding kiss:

No dry pecks (very disappointing)
Absolutely NO tongues (it’s really not pleasant to watch)
Don’t go on kissing for ages (we get bored easily)
Don’t kiss each other so hard that lipstick is spread all over your face (you will be upset by the photographs afterwards)
No bent-over-backwards-tango kisses (losing your balance is very easy to do)
Don’t grab the veil or yank your partner’s head backwards (that hurts)
No panting or moaning (honestly, that is REALLY embarrassing)
No munching (yes, really, no munching)
And no dribbling (what can I say…)

So, what is the perfect wedding kiss?

The best kiss in our opinion is the ‘linger’. A soft linger on each other’s lips is romantic, loving and perfect for all those watching.

For those who want the technical details, a ‘linger’ is lips closed and pressed warmly on those of your partner. Linger there for about five seconds then break away. It looks so lovely that your Celebrant and your guests will be more than happy for you to have two or three more lingers. It’s very romantic, it’s loving and it expresses just the right sentiment. It’s great for the photographers and it’s not embarrassing for anybody who witnesses it.

So there you have it, ‘The Kiss’. And one final hint. It really is worth practising ‘The Kiss’. Take it from us, it’s great fun! And, what’s more, you’ll be more relaxed about it on the day.

Enjoy!

If you would like more information about the services we offer, please use our Contact Page or call us on 07725 795316.

Have the Wedding of Your Choice!

1 January 2016/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

You can have the Wedding of your choice. The only thing that you have to do is to make sure your marriage is legally binding. Traditionally this has presented you with only two options. To have your Wedding at the Register Office or to be married in church where the church ceremony reflects your faith.

If a standard Register Office or a Church Wedding is not for you, consider the third option – using the services of a Civil Celebrant.

Every Wedding is unique. No two people are the same. The circumstances in which you met are not exactly the same as anybody else. Your life ahead will not be the same as anybody else’s and so there is no reason why you should have the standard script delivered at the Register Office or Church.

We love beautiful weddings that ooze tradition but we also love alternative weddings that ooze individualism. Whatever your preference, imagine your Wedding guests leaving at the end of the day with praise on their lips about your special Wedding day.

We can help you achieve that if you can change your perception of a ‘real’ Wedding. Change it from a Register Office or Church wedding to one that is conducted in a location that you connect to emotionally, such as in a forest, a field, a beautiful formal venue, your home or a beach.

Your ceremony will be much more significant to you as a couple because you have been involved with your Celebrant in writing your Wedding script. And so, your ceremony will be much more meaningful, emotional and joyful than a standard ceremony.

We must emphasise that, in England and Ireland, you do need to go to the Register Office with two witnesses to complete the legal marriage. At the time of writing this blog, this takes 15 minutes and costs £46. This can be special in itself. Go with close family or friends in jeans and t-shirts or make it part of your celebrations and enjoy a lovely meal afterwards.

Then prepare for your wonderful ceremony with as many family and friends as you wish in the location of your choice. You can have a unique Wedding Ceremony that reflects who you really are.

Your New Year’s Resolution? To have the Wedding of your choice! Contact us for more information via our website at White Rose Ceremonies, email us at whiteroseceremony@btinternet.com or call us on 07725 795316.

Photos courtesy of:

Bill Bowman Photography

Yokan

David Waldron, White Rose Ceremonies

Chris Taylor Photography

Rebecca Waldron Civil Celebrant Naming Ceremony

Finlay’s Naming Ceremony

30 September 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

We first met little Finlay when we met his parents to discuss his Naming Ceremony. He was five months old and full of adorable smiles. Finlay’s parents wanted to formally welcome him into their family and circle of friends. They were keen to ensure that the Naming Ceremony was all about Finlay.

They also wanted a joyful, happy ceremony that would reflect their love for him and the family values that were so important to them. We provided Finlay’s parents with our Naming Ceremony Book which equips our families with lots of resources for each part of a Naming Ceremony. We then met with them to discuss what they would like in the script and worked on it to ensure it flowed well. We also wrote specifically about what was important to them and what they hoped for Finlay in the future.

The hall was festooned with banners and lots of family and friends arrived to support Finlay and his parents. Candles were lit to remember much-loved grandfathers who were no longer alive. Finlay’s Naming Ceremony included sincere and expressive parental promises and loving commitment from Godparents and Grandparents to support Finlay in the future. Finlay’s uncle read a very special poem that he had written specifically for Finlay and the family were surrounded by friends who gladly supported them.

Finlay’s Naming Ceremony ended with a lovely poem that included the line ‘Sleep with the moonbeams and play in the sun’, which suited little Finlay completely.

He was perfectly behaved and gave us all lots of beautiful smiles throughout the ceremony. It was a real privilege to conduct the Naming Ceremony for Finlay and we received a wonderful testimonial from his parents. We wish Finlay lots of love, luck and happiness in his life ahead and many days, months and years of happiness for his parents.

“Hi Rebecca, we just wanted to provide some feedback on Finlay’s naming ceremony and say a BIG thank you to you for all your planning to make the ceremony absolutely perfect and completely how we hoped it would be if not better. So many people who didn’t know what a Naming Ceremony was commented on how lovely you were and how personal you made it for everyone. It was great that you went above and beyond thinking of extra special touches to make the day such a success and we are so grateful that we can treasure the memories and the photos taken on the day. We honestly can’t thank you and recommend your service enough.”

Thanks go to David Waldron of White Rose Ceremonies for the photographs.

Labyrinth Wedding Ceremony

7 September 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Astrid and Patrick held their Labyrinth Wedding Ceremony at the beautiful Tofte Manor in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire.

A Labyrinth Wedding Ceremony is of special significance. Astrid and Patrick entered the Labyrinth and then each took a separate path, meeting again in the middle, symbolising the different paths they had been on before they met. They embraced the present as they celebrated their wedding vows and celebrated their future together as they left the Labyrinth on the same path.

Astrid and Patrick were surrounded by family from America, Denmark and England for their wedding celebrations.

There was a wonderful atmosphere at the rehearsal with happy greetings, smiles, laughter and sharing of memories.

A beautiful High Tea was provided and, after our rehearsal we slipped away, leaving the family to spend their evening visiting some beautiful local hostelries.

The wedding day was hot and sunny, the guests were dressed to impress and the Labyrinth was decorated with beautiful flowers.

White chairs had been placed around the edge of the Labyrinth and a harpist, flautist and violinist played music as the guests took their seats.

Astrid arrived with her father, looking positively ethereal in her beautiful gown and with flowers in her hair. She and Patrick walked the Labyrinth with their flower girls and their ceremony began after they met at the beautiful crystal stone in the middle.

There was laughter and tears, an emotional exchange of vows and rings, readings by family and a beautiful rose ceremony. The guests formed an aisle which Astrid and Patrick walked through as they left the Labyrinth and confetti flew high in the air.

Celebrations followed on the lawn in front of the house with champagne, croquet, giant jenka, an ice-cream van and flags symbolising each nation represented by the bridal party and the guests. A delicious wedding breakfast was served after which the guests danced the night away.

It was a real privilege to lead this wonderful Labyrinth Wedding Ceremony and we can’t thank Astrid and Patrick enough for asking us to be part of their wedding celebrations.

Photographs: David Waldron

Location: Tofte Manor, Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire

Mark and Brent’s Wedding Ceremony

13 August 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

Mark and Brent had the complete support of their family and friends as they prepared for their wedding ceremony. They conducted the legal side of things in a routine appointment at their local Register Office two days previously, saving their wedding vows and exchange of rings for the ceremony conducted in the Social Club of HMP Whitemoor.

The main room of the club was transformed into a beautiful venue when decorated in sumptuous blue, white and silver. Tall and luxurious flower arrangements were displayed on each table and an aisle had been created with lavish candelabras, lit with blue and silver candles.

The Grooms were in long-tailed jackets with royal blue cravats and there was a great sense of excitement as the guests waited for them to arrive. Mark and Brent entered through separate doors, meeting at the beginning of the aisle before the wedding ceremony began.

Mark and Brent had thought long and hard about their wedding ceremony, using our White Rose Wedding Book for inspiration. They had all the elements of a traditional wedding ceremony and included handfasting to signify the bonds they have between them.

Two friends read poems which Mark and Brent had chosen from the extensive resource we offer. They also lit a candle to remember Mark’s father, a very emotional moment.

There were more tears as Mark and Brent exchanged their vows and you could hear a pin drop in the room, such was the attention of everybody there. After they signed the certificate which celebrates their marriage we closed the ceremony and they left to cheers and applause.

Celebrations followed with drinks and photographs outside, a bouncy castle, speeches and a disco that had everybody dancing into the night.

It was a wonderful day and we were overwhelmed by the love and support for Mark and Brent. It was a real privilege to be asked to conduct their wedding ceremony and it’s one we will remember for a long time.

Photographs taken by David Waldron of White Rose Ceremonies.

Vow Renewal – Kim & Nigel

27 July 2015/in Celebrant /by Rebecca Waldron

The Vow Renewal Ceremony for Kim and Nigel was a complete surprise for them. Planned down to the last detail by their daughter Nikki, who was ably supported by their youngest daughter JoJo, it was held in a very quaint village hall with bunting, cakes and lots of music. A break in the torrential rain from the previous day meant that the afternoon had a magical and exciting feel to it.

Kim and Nigel were driven to the hall by their friends in silver cars emblazoned with purple ribbon. Thinking it was a surprise birthday party, they were greeted with the announcement that they were about to take part in their own Vow Renewal. A fabulous couple, they took it all in their stride and were surrounded by their family and friends as the ceremony took place.

We spent time with Nikki before the ceremony talking about Kim and Nigel, finding out what was important to them and what they loved about each other. We also provided Nikki with our Wedding Book which contains many wonderful ideas while she was thinking about the ceremony.

We used a specially prepared script to make the Vow Renewal Ceremony personal to Kim and Nigel and included a Hand Ceremony using beautifully vibrant purple and red ribbons and a re-dedication of the wedding rings they have worn so lovingly for twenty years. The vows were written and read by their daughters and were very special, tender and meaningful.

It proved to be a wonderfully emotional, yet happy, ceremony. There were tears, cheers, laughter and applause throughout and the celebrations continued into the evening with singing and entertainment provided by all.

Nikki sent us a wonderful message the following day: “Thank you so so much for yesterday and everything you have done. It was perfect and the photos are amazing! I honestly cannot thank you enough and everyone kept saying how amazing you were, so thank you xxx”.

We were made to feel very welcome and had a fabulous time with Kim and Nigel, their famiy and friends. We wish them many more years of love, happiness and laughter together.

“Just as this circle is without end, my love for you is eternal”.

Photographs taken by: David Waldron of White Rose Ceremonies

Location: The Millenium Hall, Horningsea

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