Humanism isn’t a faith. There are no high priests, no sacred texts, and no revealed truths. Instead, it’s a philosophy or life stance: a recognition that although we are fallible and the universe in which we live is mysterious, we are able to take responsibility for our lives, and create meaning in them.
I knew I was going to enjoy working with David and Evonne from the moment I read their homework where they told me a wonderful story about a showbiz legend – that sadly I can’t share here! I did get to tell it at the wedding though, which was a total hoot, as you can … Continue Reading
Some days go perfectly and Jonas and Donna’s was one. We had ideal weather, and they created a textbook example of how informal yet moving a humanist wedding can be. Donna and Jonas wanted to start the ceremony by spending time with their friends, and they were waiting for me at the door when I … Continue Reading
The Glasshouse Hotel at the top of Leith Walk has a glorious roof garden, and one day I’m going to be lucky enough to conduct a wedding on it. But on the day Peter and Jane chose earlier this year, the sun was hiding behind a veil of haar, so instead, they married indoors with a … Continue Reading
Gus & Jules and Gus’s relationship was the definition of ‘opposites attract’.
I always look forward to getting photos and cards from the couples I marry, telling me what made their day so special, but this is one I will never forget! Leigh and Gregor chose their wedding date because it was 16 years to the day since they met. As they said in their ceremony, “Home, … Continue Reading
As any journalist will tell you, the answer to any headline that ends with a question mark is ‘probably not’, but it’s the title of an event next Monday evening, (August 5th) at The Just Festival here in Edinburgh. I’ll be in conversation with Richard Holloway, the author, broadcaster and former Bishop of Edinburgh and … Continue Reading
A couple of ideas for you. If you’re heading off somewhere exotic the day after your wedding, you probably won’t be able to return the signed copy of the Marriage Schedule to the Registrar’s office. What you can do though, is ask someone at your wedding venue to photocopy the signed schedule for you to … Continue Reading
As the Scottish Parliament prepares to debate the introduction of Same Sex Marriage tomorrow, take a peek at this wee fillum. I’m in there somewhere, alongside my colleagues Marilyn Jackson and Ross Wright! You can also play ‘Spot The Celebrity’ – I noticed Alan Cumming and Wee Eck, but there are quite a few other … Continue Reading
When you think ‘wedding piper’ you automatically think of a’ phìob mhòr, the Great Highland Bagpipe, but there are others. Some years ago in another life, I made a documentary called ‘Piping Hot’ about the first ever Glasgow Piping Festival, where I came across pipers from Albania to, well not Zambia but you know what I mean. … Continue Reading