Saying I Do
We say I do!
Love is a light that dwells within everyone.
Being in love lets that light shine brightly for all to see.
Your wedding ceremony
There has never been a love the same as yours!
There will never be a wedding the same as yours!
I am passionate about my role as a celebrant and I want to help make your day as unique, perfect and memorable for you and your partner.
Do you know that ONLY the declaration & contracting words have to be said in a licenced venue or registry office. The rings, vows and any symbolic actions can all be saved for your Celebrant led ceremony. As registry offices and faith based venues are governed by law, they offer very little flexibility for their ceremonies. Independent celebrants have the freedom to offer, deliver and sometimes encourage you to really let your dreams come alive.
Once the legal registration of your marriage or civil partnership has been completed, it is then time to throw away the rule book.
Your ceremony can now be held whenever, wherever and however you want.
You can have religious content.
You can have any music.
You can write your own vows.
You can include children or other family members.
You can have any symbolic action, religious or spiritual any that means something to you.
You can have a themed event. I am always happy to get involved too.
The list goes on, limited only by your imagination. You can declare your love for one another in whatever way you choose.
With no need for it to be licenced, you can have the ceremony anywhere; a beach, a marque, an unlicensed venue, or for a really intimate ceremony, your home could be the perfect place.
Working with you, I will create a bespoke ceremony entwined with your story, bringing it all to life in front of your closest family and friends.
By creating the ceremony from your story, it truly becomes a unique day. A one of a kind that will not be forgotten by anyone who is there.
There will be meetings, regular contact, draft ceremonies that can be reviewed and revised as needed, and plenty of time for you to be happy with the order of the ceremony. I can assist with vows, music, poetry and readings, giving you full control of how the service flows.
On the big day, arriving at your venue in plenty of time is important to me. I can check in with you both, make sure you have everything you need. I can prepare the room with everything I will need and talk to the other people who will be a part of making your day perfect.
Also, if needed, I am good with buttonholes, and corsages as well as any wardrobe malfunctions that might occur.
As with all weddings, signing the register is a big photo opportunity. I have souvenir certificates that you can sign so NO photo opportunity is missed. As we come to the end of your ceremony, you will receive a souvenir copy of your ceremony script as a way to always remember the day that your love story came to life.
In England and Wales ONLY registrars and certain religious officials can perform legal marriages. If you choose a celebrant to lead your ceremony, you will need to book a date to legally register your marriage/partnership beforehand.
Currently in Essex registering your marriage costs £ 57
We do - again
Renewal of vows is a very popular choice. Maybe it is a special anniversary, or maybe it is just something you want to do after a tumultuous time.
The beauty of this service, is the fact that all your family, children and grandchildren can be involved. It can be as big, or as intimate as you wish. A recreation of your original day, or what you would have wanted your wedding day to be, but for other reasons it just was not possible.
Commitment
Ceremony
A perfect choice for those who do not wish to be legally married. For some people, marriage is just not for them, but they want to show their family and friends that they are fully committed to one another.
This can be held anywhere you wish and it can include anything and everyone you want.
As no legal formalities must be conducted, this service can be done as soon as you want, I have helped arrange a ceremony, including 6 maids and 3 pages, in under 6 weeks. So if speed is important for you, I am up for it.
Handfasting
Handfasting is an ancient Celtic ceremony that is often thought to be a pagan ritual. It is the origin of the phrase "Tying the knot" and is a lovely way to include friends and family as part of the service.
This is an emotional ceremony usually performed within a flower circle, with guests congregated around the circle for support and protection.
In a simple form, it is a beautiful addition to any couples ceremony, however in its fullest form, it can be a magical ceremony built upon the words of love, from you, your family and friends.
Some examples of
symbolic actions
You can chose 1 or multiple options.
Couple Candle lighting
Family Candle lighting
Ring Warming
Joining of hands / Simple Handfasting
Jumping the broom
Sand pouring ceremony
Cup sharing
Stone ceremony
Coin ceremony
Symbolic actions have deep personal meanings, creating a depth that is unique to every couple.
Handfasting ribbon colour and significance.
A variety of binding materials can be used in the ceremony. Common ones include: grape vines, ribbons, twisted ropes, braided ropes, monogrammed or embroidered cloths, Scottish Tartans, or a combination of several of these materials. In ceremonies that use ribbon and rope, guests often write well wishes or advice for the couple onto the ribbons that are used in the ceremony. During the ceremony, the couple typically stand across from each other, clasping hands or wrists, and the binding material is then fastened around their wrists. The celebrant then explains that the rope represents the couple being bound by their love and commitment and that they, like the ties, are two individual ends, that are also one.
Red – will, love, strength, fertility, courage, health, vigour, passion
Orange – encouragement, adaptability, stimulation, attraction, plenty, kindness
Yellow – attraction, charm, confidence, balance, harmony
Green – fertility, luck, prosperity, nurturing, beauty, health, love
Dark Blue - for a safe journey, longevity & strength
Light Blue – tranquillity, understanding, patience, health
Purple – healing, health, strength, power, progress
Black – strength, empowerment, wisdom/vision, success, pure love
White – spiritual purity, truth, peace, serenity and devotion
Gray – balance, neutrality
Pink – love, unity, honour, truth, romance, happiness
Brown – for healing, skills & talent, nurturing, home & hearth, the earth
Silver – for creativity, inspiration & vision, and protection
Gold – unity, longevity, prosperity, strength
What Is Included?
- My commitment to you and your chosen ceremony. Your ceremony will be the only one I will deliver that day. I will arrive at your venue 2 hours prior to the ceremony.
- Travel up to 40 miles from Tendring. Further distance for meeting and venue will be at an additional cost.
- Initial planning meeting, typically 1-2 hours, if possible, at your chosen venue or location.
- Ceremony script creation, with up to 2 script revisions. A unique script that is your story.
- 1 symbolic action, with standard elements provided.
- Unlimited contact via email, phone or video chat.
- Unlimited help with vows, promises, symbolic actions, poetry and readings.
- Delivery of ceremony.
- Souvenir certificate.
- Souvenir copy of your full ceremony script
Additional certificates can be purchased separately.
Ceremony rehearsals can be arranged at an additional fee.
Personalised candles, ribbons and other items for symbolic actions are available to purchase. Full price list will be sent out prior to our initial meeting.
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Tel: 07939813640
Email: lesley.lattimore@signatureceremoniesbylesley.co.uk
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