I loved how Gemma and David chose to start their ceremony!

Realising that not all their guests would know one another, they asked me to to ask them to take a moment to introduce themselves to someone new, and tell them how they were connected to Gemma, or David, or both, and “hugging is permitted!”

We had a catch up over Zoom a couple of evenings before the wedding, and I was struck by how happy and relaxed David and Gemma were, and they were just the same on the big day.

Here’s what they told me about it when they sent me these great photos by Justina.

We honestly can’t thank you enough for being such a special part of our wedding day. From the moment we met you, we felt an immediate sense of ease and connection. You have such a warm and genuine way of engaging with people, and it was clear from the very beginning that this is more than just a job for you It’s something you care deeply about.

You helped us realise the true importance of the ceremony. Before we started working with you, we had thought of it as just the thing that happens before the party – but you completely transformed our perspective. 

Through the love work and the time we spent reflecting on our journey, you brought our story to life in the most beautiful and meaningful way. 

You helped us understand what marriage means to us, and gave us the space to express that in a way that felt so true to who we are.

On the day itself, we felt completely at ease because of you. 

You created such a calm, heartfelt, and joyful atmosphere which allowed us to be present in every moment and take in the emotion and beauty of it all. 

You struck the perfect balance between sincerity and lightness, and you made the ceremony feel like the soul of the entire day.

We also wanted to say how much we love and admire your values. The fact that you plant a tree for every ceremony is such a thoughtful and symbolic act, it says so much about the care, intention, and love you bring into your work. 

It meant a lot to us to know that our ceremony left something positive and lasting in the world beyond just that day.

So many of our guests commented about much they enjoyed the ceremony not only on the day but have reached out to us in the weeks after the wedding which is so special, and has meant so much to us.

One of our most memorable moments of the ceremony was getting our guests to introduce themselves at the beginning, and as we stood at the top we could see guests shaking hands across the aisles, introducing themselves to one another, it was such a lovely moment! 

We’ll carry the memories of our ceremony with us for the rest of our lives and we’ll always be so grateful to you for helping make it everything it was. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

With love, Mr & Mrs Edgar! 

It’s not often I’m lost for words, but I was really moved by what Gemma and David said, especially about transforming their perspective on the ceremony. I entirely understand that most people think it’s the boring thing you have to get out of the way before the fun starts, but – if you do it the way David and Gemma did – it’s what sets the mood for the rest of the day.

The Library of the Royal College of Physicians is a great space; not too big, so the guests can easily hear what’s being said, even when couples choose to speak their secret vows directly to one another, as Gemma and David did, and when their friend Oluchi read the poem they’d chosen, Wedding Day, by Whitney Hanson.

And because it’s got that upstairs gallery, it allows your musicians to play ‘up in the gods’ as the Capella String Quartet did that afternoon.

From my perspective, the high point of the ceremony was when David and Gemma spoke the vows they’d kept secret from one another until that moment. Secret Vows always raise the emotional temperature on the day, and if that idea appeals, you might want to read this.

Justina wrote a lovely post on Instagram about Gemma and David’s dream wedding which you can see here. As she said, “they were so beautiful, and so in love” – and like her, I loved every minute of it!

thank you so much, to Justina for these great, atmospheric shots, but above all, thank you to David and Gemma not just for these incredibly kind words, but for embracing the whole process and creating such a magical ceremony!