Imbolc 2026 (delayed) A brief note this time as it has been a tough few weeks, saying farewell to two wonderful women – both gone to soon. And yet, I feel honoured and privileged to have have taken a ceremonial role in honouring both. First, a mentor and colleague who died suddenly before Christmas. Before…
We know that not all wedding venues are created equal but there’s a place in East Sussex that’s doing something that I’ve never seen before – catering for weddings and giving back to society! Nutley Edge which, as the name suggests, can be found on the outskirts of its namesake village in the Ashdown Forest.…
Looking for a country-garden wedding that oozes understated elegance? Then look no further than Hendall Manor Barns in Heron’s Ghyll, East Sussex. These beautiful barns have been lovingly, and painstakingly, rennovated by owners Nicola and Peter who have infused their relaxed, welcoming charm into every nook and cranny. Set around an immaculate courtyard garden the…
So, I’ve just been given a tour of The Ravenswood by Sam, one of the new owners and I’m buzzing with ideas. Not only is the story of the new team’s recent, speedy and successful bid to save this stunning 15th century venue from the developers an inspiration but the space itself gets this celebrant’s…
In the UK, (unlike Australia, for example), the law still requires that a marriage is officially sanctioned by an appointed person. However, what many of us don’t realise is that it is only the Declaratory and Contracting words that need to be included for this to be legally binding. These consist of the following: Declaratory…
There are many ways to create a unique wedding – the venue, the styling, the music, clothes (or even costumes, if you prefer) – but if you are looking for something that completely reflects you and your partner why stop there? We spend time on the little details that will make our wedding memorable –…
What symbolic rituals can be included in a wedding ceremony? The simple answer: any that you can conjure up…though I prefer the term symbolic gesture as ritual can imply that the act is something done by rote rather than by heart-felt design. Increasingly couples are choosing to include one or more element in their wedding…