Mr & Mrs Burgin
16.10.21
Let’s cast our minds back to how fun 2020 was for engaged couples ….
Yes, I am being sarcastic.
Countless couples had a big decision to make, with covid restrictions reducing guest numbers and not allowing the freedom of a ‘normal’ day, it was a stressful time. Planning stress changed from your mind exploding when arranging your seating plan to having no idea whether your big day would even happen.
At one point it felt like we were in the film Footloose as we weren't even allowed to sing or dance at events.
I was asked to be a bridesmaid for my best friends the year before and it was getting closer and closer to their October 2020 wedding in the Lake District. At this point, it was announced that only 30 people were allowed to attend one of the most special days your life.
When exchanging texts with my friend Amy, stating the pros and cons of having a smaller wedding, she clarified that the number of guests included the 2 registrars and photographer.
To us, it just seemed wrong that Amy & Michael couldn’t invite two people they were close to, so that 2 registrars, they have never met, could attend their ceremony.
The next text from Amy would change my path forever:
“You could just marry us haha”
The rest is history.
I of course took the joke literally and said yes, did my research and started writing their ceremony script. All they had to do is get married legally the day before with 2 witnesses and then I would perform the ceremony on the wedding day.
Postponement
Amy & Michael unfortunately postponed their wedding as covid restrictions became even more awkward, but I enjoyed preparing their ceremony so much, I started a course to become an independent celebrant! Now I can write and officiate personalised ceremonies for other couples, and I’ve never been happier!
A year to wait...
Flash forward 1 year and it’s the 16th October 2021 and all Amy & Michael’s friends and family have arrived at the gorgeous Cragwood Country House Hotel, Windermere, The Lake District.
They had a 12pm wedding ceremony with 80 loved ones in attendance, with a live stream for relatives in Australia.
Amy made her entrance to I’m yours – Jason Mraz, with her father and 6 bridesmaids, all in rose gold & champagne dresses. Gorgeous.
Readings The ceremony was filled with laughter, jokes and personal stories.
Two readings were included, one read by bridesmaid Molly, which was constructed of quotes from the couples favourite films (incl. Lord of the Rings, Toy Story & Harry Potter).
A poem was also written for them, detailing their journey from when they met, up to their amazing day.
Special Elements
Rose Ceremony - For the mothers! The couple gave roses to both their mother-in-laws to thank them for raising the love of their life.
Wine Box Ceremony
Love notes are so precious.
The happy couple both took the time to write notes to each other which were wax sealed prior to their wedding day. Bridesmaid & cousin Annie bought these forward and put them in a personalised, wooden wine box.
They say a good wine gets better with age.
The bride’s father, who is a wine lover, was asked to select a bottle of fine wine for the couple to keep in the box. He selected a bottle of chateau Cissac 2018 from Haut Medoc and presented the couple with this during the ceremony.
The wine box was then sealed and will be opened on their 10th wedding anniversary.
Vows
The couple wrote their own vows to each other and gave a brief of what they wanted their cards to look like. Cards were designed and made by The Ink & Foil Studio.
A pawfect ring bearer! Mishka the couple's dog was in attendance, keeping guard of the rings.
Wedding Parchment Signed, sealed, delivered.
The ceremony was completed with the signing of a wedding parchment with both brothers of the bride and groom.
Once the vows were read, the rings were exchanged, the parchment signed and the wine box sealed, there was only one thing left to do! It was time to announce the new Mr & Mrs Burgin to all their loved ones.
A truly unique and personal ceremony. To learn more about celebrant ceremonies, please look at www.megstaniercelebrant.co.uk @megstaniercelebrant
Photography: Alicia Eden Photography