I’ve conducted a number of ceremonies recently for former members of the armed forces, and I’ve been very touched to see their old comrades turn out wearing their berets and regimental ties, accompanied by a standard bearer with the colours bearing their battle honours.Peter’s funeral had all of those elements, but what made it extra … Continue Reading
Dan and David’s Humanist Wedding Blessing at Edinburgh Castle
You were so gracious, calming, comforting and smart. You really understood us; you listened to us; and we really understood you. We both remember looking at each other after Skyping with you and saying: WE FOUND THE PERFECT PERSON TO FACILITATE OUR BLESSING!
Rhian and Kenny’s Humanist Wedding at Colstoun House
I was very touched to get a thank you message from Kenny and Rhian the other day, illustrated by these very atmospheric photos by the talented Claire Juliet Paton. They chose to get married on the first day of the Six Nations, when Wales and Scotland met in Cardiff, so that required very careful planning. … Continue Reading
Allan and Gary’s Humanist Wedding at Carlowrie Castle
Our story starts in 2002 in Gran Canaria where Allan was working as an overseas holiday rep. Gary had had just recently secured a job – also as a rep. Gary arrived at Las Palmas airport looking like something out of The Matrix wearing a long black leather jacket, … Continue Reading
Claire and Ross’s Humanist Wedding at Carlowrie Castle
Weddings are often seen as a ‘girl’ thing, so this story told from the groom’s point of view is very special for lots of reasons. The words are from Ross: the atmospheric photos are by the gifted Suzanne Li. The walk down the aisle is normally reserved for the bride and her wedding party. … Continue Reading
Rick and Phillip’s Humanist Blessing Ceremony at The Caledonian Hotel
To say that our wedding day was the best day of our lives would be an understatement, said Rick and Phillip.
Sarah and Gavin’s Humanist Wedding at Carberry Tower
Gavin and Sarah are VERY fit! They’ve done the New York half-marathon and followed the Tour de France. They run, they swim, and they climb hills, so it made sense that Gavin proposed to Sarah by the side of the banks of the Union Canal where they first walked, ran, cycled, and … Continue Reading
Ashley and Jamie’s Humanist Wedding at Balbirnie House
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin. Storytelling lies at the heart of my approach to weddings, and I love it when couples take up my suggestion that they invite their friends and family to help deliver their story. Jamie and Ashley did that brilliantly. Every single member of their Wedding … Continue Reading
Symbolic Gestures: The Quaich Ceremony
The quaich is ‘the cup of welcome’
Symbolic Gestures: The Candle Ceremony
The lighting of candles can convey more than one kind of meaning. It can be a way of symbolising the coming together of two individuals in the unity of marriage, and it can also be a way to remember the people we love who cannot be with us at this important moment. There are … Continue Reading