Photo Gallery of Humanist Wedding Ceremonies

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The first ever* zoom wedding in lockdown. THREE YE

The first ever* zoom wedding in lockdown. THREE YEARS AGO! Paula and Loc were due to get married on the 28th March 2020. The UK went into lockdown on the 23rd. Loc had proposed to Paula in 2014 and they had put their time, love, money and commitments into their gorgeous children and their business in between. The 28th was finally supposed to be THEIR day. After having spent a night with them and the children only a month previously, I knew how excited Lily and Tobi were to be part of the wedding - schools closed, isolated from friends, I couldn’t bear the idea of another disappointment for them. So, we invented this - the same time, same date, multiple location, sensible, social distancing celebration. (Catchy! 😜) All of us new to zoom, many guests downloading it for the first time we gathered from our homes. I asked Lily and Tobi to bury the wedding rings in colourful rice (which they had fun dyeing on their first day off from a closed school) and keep the rings safe until the rescheduled wedding date - set for January 2021 (how wrong we were thinking that was a safe date far enough away!!?). We had sent out an email asking all guests to have a bottle with a popping cork so we could all pop corks simultaneously at the end of the zoom ceremony and I asked every guest to date stamp these corks - to bring with them and pop in a jar when the real wedding finally happened. And on June 4th 2022, that finally happened. And Lily and Tobi kept those rings so safe - pouring them out to tears and applause. My journey with Paula, Loc, Lily and Tobi is one that I will treasure forever and we are now life long friends - I’ll always thank pesky covid for that silver lining. Watching this video back (made by the exceptional @toastofleeds) makes my heart so full & a tiny bit achy at the same time - none of us could foresee how long we’d all only have screens to connect us, and the wonder, joy and new fandangledness of it all exudes through the screen. Mine, Paula & Loc’s livelihoods all suffered fairly catastrophically as the months went by, but on this day & then in real life in 2022 being able to share how we all adapted, grew & loved is a bond never to be undone. #3yearson

#weddingdetritus IS BACK. And one of my former b

#weddingdetritus IS BACK.
And one of my former brides who is a guest today (@livsophlow) whispered over my shoulder - “Zena - detritus!!” - how I love my couples ☺️☺️
#lovetour2023 #bringiton #watchthisspace #joywashere

This photo is from the first ever wedding I did as

This photo is from the first ever wedding I did as a qualified humanist celebrant back in 2011. (It was a truly epic reception and one I will never, ever forget!) It also came at a time when my world as I knew it had entirely collapsed and I had to start everything again from scratch. Often, that really is when you’re at your bravest, rawest and most unhindered.
That was almost 12 years ago and to say that it lit a fire in my belly to make sure that no couple should ever have an impersonal ceremony ever again is an understatement.
Now, all these years on, proud of all my mentees, excited by the revolution that spread through celebrancy, honoured to be a part of a thriving and supportive network and 420+ couples later….I look at this photo with real affection. I had no idea of the enormity of what was to come. The extraordinary people I would meet, and the lifelong friends I would accrue. The experiences I would be part of and help shape, and the insightfulness that would permeate my mind, heart and soul.
I never take this work for granted and I’m so grateful to every single incredible human who has trusted me with an intimate view into their lives. And who happily never expected (nor asked me) to simply wear a smart and appropriate suit 😜😜 Here’s to many more moments of meaning shared with what must now be thousands upon thousands of people. And here’s to never being frightened of an upended life and the unknown around every corner.
#theweddingofdanandjackie #myfirstdanceagain
#whatasocialhistoryprojectthisallis #zenasparish #humanistuk #humanistcelebrant #humanistceremonies #lovemyjob #expecttheunexpected #joywashere #outofthefireaphoenixrose #noordinarywedding #everybodylovesahappyending #celebrantjourney #neverbeafraidtochangethenorm

Celebrations, real celebrations - the kind that gr

Celebrations, real celebrations - the kind that grab you in the gut, squeeze your heart, make you cry & leave you spectacularly exhausted & elated at the mere brilliance of us all existing (yep, I can’t bear a wishy washy celebration 😜) need to be rooted in truth, honesty & an embracing of the power & strength found in the love of our communities. That’s when we know we aren’t sleep walking through life.
I married A&M back in 2015. In 2020, when Harry came into the world, a naming ceremony was planned. Then a pandemic happened, during which they became pregnant with Thea & we conspired to put the naming on hold for a joint celebration.
Then Thea was born with health issues which saw her spend 209 days in hospital. I have the smallest of insights but can only imagine how terrifying so much of their parenting experience has been so far. Parenthood turns anyone’s life upside down, but A&M really have had very little normalcy to their past few years.
Before Xmas Thea was finally allowed to go home & the things A&M had dreamt about started to become their normal. Reading to BOTH of their children at bedtime, seeing them play & learn with each other in the same room which isn’t a hospital ward.
Bloody hell they deserved to celebrate & revel in the people who have helped/loved/supported/cried with them on their journey so far. It was a damn privilege.
But we also included the below - because life, real life, is about the celebrated & the mourned.
“There is something really important we’d like to acknowledge now too. A&M told me “We spent 6 months in intensive care at Royal Brompton hospital, in that time we got to know a number of the families who were unfortunate enough to be there too. While we were lucky enough to bring Thea home, some parents are not so lucky. So we’d like to take a moment to honor the children who sadly passed away while Thea was in hospital. These children & their families have made a huge imprint on our lives and we are so thankful to know how much they were loved. So please let’s raise our glasses as we toast to the memories of Zayne, Zoya, Elizabeth, Ronnie, Ryan & Oliver.”
Please donate via the link in the comments in honour.

The absolute best thing about this first #bridegro

The absolute best thing about this first #bridegroomcelebrantselfie of #lovetour2023 is it is also genuinely the first selfie Glyn has ever taken. And Mary and I are bowled over and honoured!!!! What a start to the year you magnificent pair. Only 20 months after your legal signing and FIVE years after your proposal - pandemics be damned, tonight - we party!!!!
#zenasparish #vowbingo #wedonothouse #humanistwedding #humanistceremony #welshcelebrant #waleswedding #februaryforthewin #bestwhatsappgroupnameever #laughterforever #youfuckingslut

However you feel about (the commercial juggernaut?

However you feel about (the commercial juggernaut?) of St Valentine’s Day it is entirely worth remembering that love is not simply romantic love.
Love - to be exalted and celebrated - can be found absobloodylutely everywhere.
To find a truly nourishing balance for ourselves in this lifetime, making sure that we recognise love, nurture it, appreciate it, treat it with tenderness and wonder amongst our friends, family, self, nature and the world, can help us all be a little bit better off.
And sometimes there are periods in our life where we may find love thoroughly escaping us. Grief, trauma, loneliness, illness - all these things may consume our lives at one stage or another and it is in these times that we need to be reminded by those who love us, that we are loved. So reach out to someone today and give them an unexpected dose of love - the soul nourishing kind.
Or, as in slide six, just make time today to enjoy the daydreams you have tucked away for rainy days 😉
So - one card, none cards, or many - today, look with open eyes to falling in love with the minutiae of our daily lives - there will be - is definitely - something to make your heart a-flutter.
Slide one - Jeanette Winterson
Slide two - @cherylstrayed
Slide three - Eric Fromm, Walt Whitman
Slide four - @rainbowsalt
Slide five - @thomassharp
Slide six - @wastedrita
Slide seven - unknown

Ok!!! Starting backwards, I am going to share, cel

Ok!!! Starting backwards, I am going to share, celebrate and look back on the magnificence that was #lovetour2022
Starting with my penultimate ceremony of the year, the incredible Becca* and Tom.
*provider of the surprise Greggs homage wedding cake which was off the scale! (See photo in grid.)
Becca and Tom put so much thought into their day and the ceremony was so important to them (always music to my ears). Having known each other since they were 15 - and waiting until they were 28 until accepting that they truly couldn’t live without each other & dating at last!! Cut four and a half years forward & their ceremony room couldn’t have been filled with more supporters of them both if they tried!! And you could feel it. The atmosphere for them both was electric.
Friends first, partners later always makes for such a rich and journeyed story and it was my sheer pleasure to be the one to weave it all together and share it.
Becca and Tom crafted their own vows with a braveness and an honesty that makes working on them with my couples such a damn pleasure. Never be frightened to articulate your intentions. It’s a deeply freeing experience and a superb grounding for your marriage going forwards.
And then @pondenmillweddings erupted - an enormous collective shout of support from the friends and family who had watched them develop over the years. Eek! It made me shiver with glee.
Nestled in Brontë country, the wild moors all around, rich moss and a rippling stream, the romance was high - and December was kind. Perfectly so. Add to this the exceptional food of @theoutside_kitchen and a foot wasn’t put wrong. What an absolute pleasure it was Becca and Tom - thank you for trusting me with your story. And Becca - thank you for the most treasured you & me time before the ceremony itself, that time in the room with just you meant the world to me - #fromcelebranttofriend
Enjoy this collection from my own #bridegroomcelebrantselfie to the brilliant @pauljosephphotography showing the making of it 😜 and then the rest of their wonderful captures.
💒 @pondenmillweddings
📷 @pauljosephphotography
🍥 @theoutside_kitchen
🍰 @zaracakesmanchester
💌 @ohblythedesign

One of the most heartfelt, hilarious, love filled,

One of the most heartfelt, hilarious, love filled, riotous weddings I had the privilege of being part of last year. I adored writing and delivering every single nanosecond of this ceremony - nurtured, researched and created over the additional pesky covid years - WORTH THE WAIT! Surprise Mariachi, life size Phil Schofield, bigger than life size cardboard cut outs of Laura and Leanne’s cats, musical bingo, a ring pass with a special guest reveal at the end (to be posted about in more detail but THANK YOU @newtonfaulkner !!) and pure magic radiating from everyone in the room. Love exploded in this Cornish village hall. Perfectly captured by the legend that is @puravidacornwall - I so would like to do all of this again. And again. And again. Shall we @olemanley04 😜😜😘
#humanistwedding #humanistcelebrant #lovewins🌈 #packyourceremonywithyou #filltheroomwithyourpeople #makewordscount #itcanbethisperfect #zenasparish

My class of 2022. What a gang! My job is everythin

My class of 2022. What a gang! My job is everything BECAUSE of you. As ever, you all have a very special place in my heart and memories. You will forever be #zenasparish (there’s no getting out of it now! 😉) Thank you for trusting me, having a damn blast with me, looking way beyond just your wedding day with me, for being - gloriously, always so different, continually surprisingly - you!
I still have at least half of your weddings to post about to see me through the winter months, (I’m sorry, but for so many of you we navigated two years of covid and multiple rearrangements and thus so much more knowing of each other and I’ve truthfully struggled to find the words to talk about what your ceremonies have meant to me after the event! But some recuperation time should help this!!!!) So for now…
What a year! You’re all spectacular humans.
And as for you magnificent photographers, videographers, planners, florists, caterers, mua’s, hairdressers, DJ’s, musicians, bands, venues, cake makers, stationers, illustrators, magicians, ice cream vendors and any one else I may have missed out - it’s always bloody wonderful getting a glimpse into your brilliance. Thank you for without exception this year, being true diamonds. Here’s to more paths crossing.
And class of 2023. I’m ready for you….😜🥂🥳✨
(Warning! There is a sneaky peek at a tongue in cheek T-shirt purchased to wear on days off to truly assert that I’m having a day off within this reel!!! 😜🤣🤣)
#lovetour2022 #humanistceremonies #humanistcelebrant #bridegroomcelebrantselfie #uniquewedding #wordscount #youmakemyjobmorethanajob #fucklove #nahloveisalright #gettoknowyourcelebrant #theceremonysthebestbit #fromcelebranttofriend #pleasealwaysinvitealifesizecardboardcutoutofphilipschofieldtoyourwedding

MEANING IS EVERYTHING. This is a wedding certifi

MEANING IS EVERYTHING.
This is a wedding certificate. It is. It will always let Alex and Matt know that what we made yesterday, surrounded by everyone they loved sealed the deal. And this vinyl album cover has so much meaning now, I barely know where to start. But here goes…
@ajstanden and @matthewtlee81 were supposed to get married in early 2020. We all know what happened next. A global pandemic scuppered those plans and a new date was set. We held a ‘pin in it’ zoom celebration with all of their invited guests on the date their original wedding was supposed to be - because everyone was still free! And it was amazing - I wore a disco ball helmet. (Standard 😜)
The pandemic scuppered their next date. So, A&M decided to sign their legal papers in lieu of the wedding they wanted (now a new date in 2021) so papers were signed in December 2020. This intimate ceremony coincided with another lockdown so only their parents attended, and at a distance.
On the morning of their Legal signing, Matt gifted Alex with 4 original albums - each one containing a song they had hoped to use in their ceremony. (And did ☺️)
These albums are beautifully framed in their home.
When I had lunch at Alex and Matt’s a few weeks ago - now another scuppered wedding date down (2021 was cancelled due to Covid regs and our 2022 date made later because of the spectacular arrival of their son, Hugo) I saw these albums as we were discussing whether they wanted a certificate - and this idea was born.
They walked down the aisle to Songbird, as a newly formed family of three. This song, this album already meant so much. We signed it in the ceremony & I gathered every single guest to sign it afterwards in unadulterated joy of FINALLY being able to prove their physical as well as emotional support for them.
Could there be a greater memento? Placed top right, back in its frame in the collection on their wall, looking at this will always remind them, transport them, fill them with the love we created in a room yesterday.
Imagined four times. Made real finally.
This is what a wedding certificate looks like.
#wordscount #meaningiseverything #lovetour2022 #zenasparish #humanistceremony

It’s becoming a bit of a tradition. In the week

It’s becoming a bit of a tradition. In the week of solitude and rejuvenation I try to give myself at the end of every busy year, I take myself on a solo date to @uglybutterflybyah - I’m always treated beautifully, which is necessary when you dine in places this glorious alone.
Tonight I accompanied my meal with all three of @adamhandling books. Their content my company. As my petit fours arrived I opened the third, and my favourite (by a hairs breadth) book - Why Waste? There’s an Einstein quote near the beginning “look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”
Whilst I’m holed up in my hideaway here in one of my favourite nooks of Cornwall, I couldn’t agree more. My solace, my soul nourishment, my recalibration, my reset - all are found here, out and about on the cliffs, the beaches, the woods and it would seem, for one sitting a year only, the menu reward of Adam’s.
My fellow celebrants will know of the exhaustion holding emotional space, weight and intensity of feeling can bring. It’s a phenomenal privilege to live so intimately with peoples’ important life events, but as a beautiful zoom to organise a funeral this afternoon reminded me, if we don’t do our best to protect and recharge our own reserves, we won’t serve our practice the way we wish.
So thank you Cornish sea air, frost cold blue skies and a reminder in this Why Waste book, that looking, learning and seeking in nature brings us answers and salves to everything we need.

Don’t really fancy a wedding cake? Chose to go -

Don’t really fancy a wedding cake? Chose to go - Next Level Astonishing! - instead!
@beccastephaniej knew that her and Tom weren’t that bothered with having a wedding cake. But as the day drew closer Becca realised she could surprise T with an unexpected homage to one of his favourite things as a surprise wedding gift instead. And so this magnificent Homage to Greggs was born. Every single thing you can see is CAKE and is edible. I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak whilst it was still in hiding.
Another excellent example of how eschewing tradition that doesn’t mean anything to you is possible and that sometimes by doing so you come up with even more unexpected delights.
Full standing ovation to @zaracakesmanchester - it genuinely took my breath away. It’s a work of art.
#zoominonthechickensaladroll
#weddingcake #alternativeweddingcake #humanistceremony #makeyourowntraditions #authenticweddingchoices #onemansgreggsisanothermanscake #humanistcelebrant #lovetour2022 #zenasparish #yorkshirewedding #notallweddingslookalike #choicesthatdelightyou #greggsweddingcake

Joy was here. #weddingdetritus #lovetour2022

Joy was here. #weddingdetritus
#lovetour2022

If you aren’t this happy…If you aren’t enjoy

If you aren’t this happy…If you aren’t enjoying the ceremony THIS MUCH…If you and your celebrant haven’t gone on the most joyful, thorough, enlightening, brilliant process together to get to this place of joyful safety in front of all of your guests…If you don’t feel every single magnificent moment as some of the best times of your life….then you are missing out on one of life’s extraordinary moments.
@sophie_richie @andrew_richards_1 thank you for everything. For trusting me. For letting me in. For being #laikathelovedog ‘s last ceremony. For sharing these magnificent @markwallisphoto photos with me. For enjoying the entire process of preparing to get married and then, for creating these superb experiences for everyone. I adore you.
#alwayscaughtinaludicrousexpression #caughttalkinglookslikesinging #fromcelebranttofriend #lovetour2021 #humanistceremony #lovemycouples #zenasparish #theceremonyiseverything #startyourcelebrationstherightway #humanistwedding #humanistcelebrant #wordscount #enjoyeverysecond #devonwedding #engagedaf #huntshamcourt #devoncelebrant
Exquisite flowers by @pretty.little.parties 🌸

The most QUINTESSENTIALLY PERFECT autumnal day for

The most QUINTESSENTIALLY PERFECT autumnal day for Alan and Phil and I’m so damn glad. From our first meet in February 2020 (in the before times) to now. It’s been nothing short of a joy. Congratulations you magnificent pair xxx
#groomgroomcelebrantselfie #yesthatsabouncycastleinflatinginthebackground #lovetour2022

Never knowingly under expressive! 🤣🙈 Thank y

Never knowingly under expressive! 🤣🙈 Thank you @krypto for revealing to me the array of gestures I used in my workshop at @humanistceremonies celebrant conference last weekend. And thank you to everyone who came and shared so brilliantly. (What was I trying to get out of my brain?!)
Special thanks to @mad.ceremonies for excelling at noting everything down for me so quickly on an A3 board I was too small to reach the top of!
#humanistsuk #humanistsukcelebrantconference #sharewhatyouknow #inspireeachother #goodworkcreatesgoodwork #colleaguesnotcompetition #humanistcelebrantslovetokeeplearninggrowinganddeveloping #elevenyearsandalwayslearning #humanistcelebrant #undecipherablegesturesforthewin

Only @linaandtom could catch this. God dammit, I l

Only @linaandtom could catch this. God dammit, I love my couples. #lovetour2022

Many of you wonderful people have asked about my s

Many of you wonderful people have asked about my speech presented at the Conservative Party Conference on Tuesday this week to help progress the campaign for the legalisation of Humanist wedding ceremonies in England and Wales.
It was exceptionally well received (and came much more alive off the page!) and I do believe has helped to further our cause. The MP Aaron Bell addressed the crowd after me and said that he believes this should very much be a legacy the current government leaves behind. I'm not going to argue with that. Everyone I spoke with afterwards seemed genuinely mystified as to why humanist wedding ceremonies aren't already legal in England and Wales, which is my point pretty much in a nutshell. It is an antiquated law, which is no longer relevant. If you agree, PLEASE do write to your MP (or better still, if you’ve had a humanist wedding, just make an appointment to see them and then wax lyrical) to urge them to support our campaign. We are currently only 10 MP’s short of a majority. That’s doable everyone!
Or more importantly, if you know the Lord Chancellor (who could sort all of this out in about an hour and half, honestly!) then please do hook me up!!!
#HumanistCeremonies #Humanistweddingceremonies #wordscount #makingitlegal #humanistsuk #humanistcelebrant #SpeechforConservativePartyConference2022.

Me “are sure you don’t want confetti?”
T&S “yes”
Me “completely, 100% certain you don’t want to be embraced in a cacophony of colour and showered in love by everyone close to you whilst they whoop whoop and go wild?”
T&S “did you say the company was Flutterdarlings?”
😜

I’m terrible at remembering to promote what I do

I’m terrible at remembering to promote what I do, I basically just really love the actual doing of my job from start to finish, not the other more business sidey stuff. So, I’m just leaving this bloody marvellous message here 😜 Doing my job is nothing short of spectacular but more spectacular - are you lot! 😘
#lovemycouples #lovetour22
#humanistceremonies #feedbackpostmidnight #testimonials #notreviewsjustloveandcapitals

In the midst of my #bridegroomcelebrantselfies I a

In the midst of my #bridegroomcelebrantselfies I am being unexpectedly kissed a lot at the moment. I can’t lie, I like it 😉
#lovemycouples #sharethelove #humanistceremonies #lovetour22 #bridegroomcelebrantselfiepimped #inthemiddleofasqueeze #weddingsquish #humanistcelebrant #celebrantwedding #HumanistCeremony #HumanistWedding #gettoknowyourcelebrant #kissingsmyfavouritething

North Cadbury Court. Where tomorrow’s wedding fo

North Cadbury Court. Where tomorrow’s wedding for Harry and Ryan will take place. They’ve set up a bar in this wing in remembrance of Harry’s dad. And I just captured a little nod to everything being a-ok. #rainbowblessing #lovewins #idontbelieveinsignsbutlovehappyaccidents

How do you know you have the BEST couples? When

How do you know you have the BEST couples?
When you throw out the wild invitation for your NYC couple (you’ve only had the chance to zoom with) to meet you in Toronto so we could hang out in person … AND THEY COME! 😍
THEN, you loved meeting each other (we talked and talked so much that the ‘lunch’ staff handed over to the ‘evening’ staff! 🤣) that you hook back up again at the end of the night for margaritas! 🍸
Inside all of this sheer bonding brilliance, (including only realising the CN Tower was behind us as we went to take a selfie!! 🤣) there is also a genuine, honest and dedicated work ethic. The ceremonies I craft are made all the richer for everything I get to know about you, and equally, how much you can get to know your celebrant.
I adore listening to stories being told and shared, picking up the nuances and dynamics as you share anecdotes, answering any and all questions, laughing and finding our common ground, learning trust and intimacy, working out how to solve any queries, making you feel comfortable and safe with me. These things are always at the heart of my practice.
A humanist ceremony always goes the extra mile. But I’m in awe of @dominic.cowler and @thejoshschneider for truly travelling the extra mile(s). I’ve loved every single second.
(And yes! You do both know what I simply won’t be able to keep out of your ceremony….😜😜🐔🤫)
#lovemycouples #fiancéfiancécelebrantselfie #wherestheCNTower #cntower #HumanistCeremony #gettoknowyourcouples #gettoknowyourcelebrant #celebrantwedding #humanistcelebrant #fromnyctotorontotodorset #camehouse #camehousewedding #funceremony #importantceremony #businessispleasure #zenasparish #wordsmatter #wordscount #puttheworkinforrichreward #travellingcelebrant #gotheextramileforyourcouples #notjustworkmyvocation #humanistcelebrant #humainstcelebrantincanada #engagedaf

Six years and one day ago we all 100% enjoyed the

Six years and one day ago we all 100% enjoyed the genuine theatre of “who has the rings?” Not one of the best men knew that we had sneakily given them to Dad who then went and found them hidden in an outhouse nearby. It was truly and deliciously joyful! And created this magic photo moment.
Humanist ceremonies providing photographers with pure gold since 1810*
*that number may be made up, but you know what I mean 😜😜
Happiest of anniversaries @maryanneweddings and James xx
📸 @beccygoddard
#humanistceremonies #magicmoments #humanistcelebrant #zenasparish #createmomentsthatbringyoujoy #whohastherings #weddingrings #creativeceremony #ceremonymagic #maketraditions #playfulmeaning #delightyourguests #HumanistCeremony #ceremonyideas

Finally, we celebrated Laura and James! 2019 we

Finally, we celebrated Laura and James!
2019 we all met. 2020 by the skin of their teeth they were able to sign their legal papers in a covid compliant tiny ceremony; masks, plague crosses on chairs and all. The lockdown brought them something wonderful - their beautiful daughter and yesterday we at last celebrated them they way they deserved, surrounded by the people who really mean something to them at a location deeply personal to their story. As it always should have been.
As I creep closer to my final covid postponed weddings I’m feeling a poignancy, an intensity to the relationships that have been forged over all of these delayed years. I think I hug my couples that tiny bit tighter as I leave, because we’ve truly been on a journey together. My collection of #lovetour2020 couples whose ceremonies never were, but now are, will forever be deeply enmeshed in my heart.
The celebrations are that tiny bit more poignant, hard earned, revelled in, soaked up and absorbed for the prolonged anticipation they held. Gratitude and reflection are impossible to ignore. Relief and jubilation eek out of every moment.
I missed my job in so many ways during covid, but I’m grateful for the extra time it gave me with some truly extraordinary people.
#bridegroomcelebrantselfie #fromcelebranttofriend #lovetour22 #zenasparish #findingthesilverlinings #loveinthetimeofcovid #humanistceremonies #humanistwedding #travellingcelebrant #lovemyjob #marrysomewhereimportanttoyou #wordscount #storytelling #celebratewiththoseyoulove #negronisforthewin #onelonechickenwasourguestallday #silkhandfasting

WE DO!!! And Emma and Franklin’s friends and fam

WE DO!!! And Emma and Franklin’s friends and family really did!
Hearing all of your guests shout WE DO, when I ask them if they promise to support you, moments after you have both said I DO is goosebump inducing joyfulness!
Your guests are your people, they are your support network, your loved ones, your community, the people you give a damn about and they aren’t just bums on seats, they are you active witnesses, they will help to hold you accountable. Let them cheer their support!
They never need a prompt card, but it’s damn fun holding it aloft nonetheless. I did this at my first ever wedding all the way back in 2010 and have been proudly igniting this verbal wall of affirmation that wallops and buoys you ever since.
The cheers at Emma and Franklin’s wedding were off the charts. As spectacular as the incredible flower colums we were stood in between! Thank you Yann for capturing this magic.
@lifestorieswedding @yann_audic
@emmahollyjones
@franklinjleonard
@chateau_talaud
#rousingwedossince2010 #lovetour22 ##zenasparish #yourguestsareyoyrwitnesses #guestsmatter #dreamyflowers #humanistceremonies #humanistwedding #wordscount #humanistweddingfrance #theceremonyisthebestbit

Be free to life your life without fear or judgemen

Be free to life your life without fear or judgement.
#solidarity #pride #lovewins #lgbtq #50thanniversarypride #youdonthavetoaskhere #pride50 #humanistceremonies #humanistwedding #lgbtqwedding #kisswhoeverthefuckyouwant #kiss

Just a HUGE dose of happy faces this morning!!!!

Just a HUGE dose of happy faces this morning!!!!
Few things make me happier than getting love assaulted by my couples and after waiting THREE years for this, I believe I squealed in sheer delight.
Much more to say about @samantha_kay_oliver and @ryanmatthews03 ceremony, but as with so many of this #lovetour22 ceremonies, I’m a little stunned and bewildered by the magnificence of them all, so prepare for an onslaught of catch up posts over July/August when I take a little break to help (co)write The Little Book of Humanist Funerals (☺️🙆🏻‍♀️☺️eeeek!)
For now though. Look at this squish of love and happiness. May you all have equal delight today.
#bridegroomcelebrantselfie #lovemycouples #zenasparish #loveinthetimeofcovid #atlastwed #kissesticklemepink #secretgardenwedding #unexpectedoutpouringsoflovearethebest

ENTER YOUR CEREMONY HOW YOU DAMN WELL PLEASE! •

ENTER YOUR CEREMONY HOW YOU DAMN WELL PLEASE!
•Walking down an aisle
•Having no aisle
•Being accompanied by a parent/sibling/child/friend/solo
•Walking in together
•Already being in place and letting your guests walk down the aisle
•Dancing down the aisle
•Sliding down a shiny aisle on your knees like a four year old later on the dance floor….
The choice is ABSOLUTELY yours.
Often the antiquated and patriarchal historical associations of being walked down the aisle can sit uncomfortably. We only have to hold on to traditions that mean something to us, so think carefully about what things make you comfortable and uncomfortable and make decisions from there. Based on what matters to you and what delights you. (There is a brilliant chapter exploring all of this in the Little Book of Humanist Weddings.)
Nico and Jen made the most spectacular decision. Coming in on an old bike that had belonged to his family for 20 years. Originally Jen was going to be pedalling and Nico would be in the front, but a last minute dress decision meant it worked better this way round, with Jen holding the boom box and bringing the music to our gathering instead. It was nothing short of gleeful. And a proper surprise for every single guest. Delight all round!
#frenchwedding
#humanistceremony #civilpartnership #bikedowntheaisle #changingtraditions
#decisionsthatdelightyou
#aisletraditions #lovetour22 #zenasparish #humanistcelebrantabroad #humanistcelebrantfrance
#howtowalkdowntheaisle #weddingbike #purejoy #forestwedding #masbazan

Celebrating Emma and Franklin was a bloody joy.

Celebrating Emma and Franklin was a bloody joy.
We had surprise readings, the most exquisite entrance music, laughter, tears, cheers, whooping, personal vows (which made me happy I had some glorious flowers to hide my watery eyes behind), and a confetti canon cacophony to some vintage Whitney remixed.
But, the most extraordinary bit was when we had an unplanned visit from the most gorgeous dog, mid ceremony just as we were talking about E&F’s late dog Nick. A proper doggy blessing - he’d somehow found his way out of his room and came to find us all. This really is one of the best things about live events. The unplanned magic.
#bridegroomcelebrantselfie #zenasparish #lovetour22 #weddingsinfrance #humanistceremony #havesuitcasewilltravel #dogsarethebest #dogsinweddings

How I feel about confetti encapsulated by the bril

How I feel about confetti encapsulated by the brilliant Tobi.
Happy Sunday.
#weddingdetritus
#joywashere
#joyishere
#confetti
#swimminginjoy

Our little Forest of Love is ever growing! For e

Our little Forest of Love is ever growing!
For every single booking I am graced with I have a tree planted in dedication to you in @natforestco
You get a choice of a Wild Cherry, Oak, Hazel, Lime, Rowan, Birch (😜) or I can surprise you with a random selection.
This isn’t an arbitrary gift. This is deeply considered. We owe the planet more than we take and this gesture creates more than it seems. It may only be one tree, but then a few trees become a coppice and collectively they eventually become a forest of their own.
And the trees support everything around them, encouraging a rich and vibrant ecosystem. You don’t need me to bring the simile to you and your relationship, community and support network.
But suffice to say, every time I get a booking and ask the National Forest to dedicate one of these trees to you (you get a certificate 🌱🌳🍃🍂) my heart beats a soupçon harder.
So thank you.
#zenasparish #forlovessakeplantatree
#wedontwalkthisplanetalone
#loveandnurture #loveandnature #humanistcelebrant #humanistwedding #thelovetourforests #since2019

MAKE CHOICES THAT DELIGHT YOU! It’s taken me a

MAKE CHOICES THAT DELIGHT YOU!
It’s taken me a while to process Fiona and Barish’s incredible wedding.
It could have been because I truly love them. I’ve found their joy & determination in the face of the job changes and distances between them ever since I met them back in 2019 to be inspiring. It could be because every time we met they fell in love with Laika or I fell in love with their dog Bohdi. Or it could be because I am easily bought by a cornish pasty in my pocket on my way home 😉
But ultimately it’s because I admire their choices. Those choices created an atmosphere which can not be bought or faked. One of inclusion & sheer having-fun delight. Something that can occasionally get lost in the momentum of the wedding machine.
•They have lived, fallen in love, had to leave & returned to Cornwall. Their ceremony always had to be down here.
•They really wanted to get married simply, with a view & the food which they fell in love over. So, they persuaded a pizza place with one of the best views in Cornwall, to let them get married there. It was the first wedding they have ever done & they care about their loyal customers so the only day they were willing was monday. So Fiona and Barish got married on a Monday.
•Their dog Bohdi had to be involved. He was the best deliverer of a certificate I have ever seen. He had the best collar - made especially for the day, Dog of Honour.
•Post ceremony everyone had a cream tea & the best sparkling cider I have ever tasted.
•They had an hour and a half of unlimited freshly baked pizza as their wedding breakfast. EVERYONE loved it!
•Without a care in the world, Fiona & Barish ran into the sea. Yes it made great photos, but trust me, they would have done this anyway as they knew it would lure everyone to take off their shoes and follow them to the waters edge.
I’m so glad the weather blessed them, even though it was torrential an hour before & neither of them gave a damn.
I applaud you both for every single one of your decisions, for how much you love your family & friends and for being true to one another during every second of this process. Dammit, I’m not ashamed to say, I love you.
#realwedding #lovetour22

I’m terrible at SHARING feedback. I bloody ado

I’m terrible at SHARING feedback.
I bloody adore getting it and it means the world to me and I treasure it and pour over every word. But I rarely SHARE it! Because I feel it’s special and intimate and very personal to me.
Then a couple of nights ago, I received a gorgeous message whilst in the company of my friend. It made me a little choked up so I showed it to them and they said, why don’t I see this on your Instagram? I pointed out that I do share occasionally. And they said, “how are other couples supposed to know how incredible their ceremony CAN be?? SHARE IT!”
And so, with a good deal of self aggrandising reticence, but a hugely proud heart here’s a snippet of some of the BLOODY LOVELY messages I’ve received this month.
I know I’ve used this hashtag for a solid 11 years now, but somehow it’s never lost its shine for me. #lovemycouples
You really are an extraordinary collection of humans and you have all enriched and made my life better. Thank you! It’s a privilege still. In every way.
(The last slide is a photo which fully captured how much I fall in love too!!!! I’m embarrassed I ended up photobombing their first dance in this way, but that dappy, heartfelt look was real! 🤣🤣😍🤦🏻‍♀️💚 chances are I AM going to fall head over heels in love with you!)
#fullheartstillspaceformore #humanistcelebrant #overadecadeoflovetours #storytellingweddings #fromcelebranttofriend #theceremonycounts #zenasparish #eventhereluctantcanenduplovingthierceremony

Occasionally the pandemic provides an unexpected g

Occasionally the pandemic provides an unexpected gift and for me this came in the form of Julia and Oliver. With covid scuppering their original plans, they married in an intimate legal ceremony back in 2020. Yesterday they both had the sheer delight of marrying each other again and they asked me to create this second ceremony ☺️
As we wrote ”Julia and Oliver aren’t renewing their vows today, they are reconnecting with them and reaffirming them based on what they have learnt from their first year of marriage and in celebration of what it means to be standing before you all today.” And truly, it was a profoundly special moment.
The celebration they deserved was more than made. Every reading was personalised, J&O’s vows made almost everyone’s eyes wet and we revelled in their story from start to finish. Best of all, we ended the ceremony with a magnificent bit of choreography 🕺🏽💃🏻🎉 with all of us singing their exit song (as practiced by everyone on the coach to the venue!!!☺️☺️) and in the dance break, not only dancing but creating a double length human aisle to add to the end of their already primed aisle of confetti-canoners (one of my absolute favourite parts of yesterday was ascertaining who looked the most canon-skilled and gifting them their canons!) As the last minute of the song approached, I set off the first canon and Julia and Oliver danced down the aisle to a cacophony of singing, dancing, whoop whooping and confetti absolutely everywhere. I was worried my choreography wouldn’t work, but it worked a seamless dream!!!
So, I don’t thank covid for that many things, but bringing Julia and Oliver into my life is one of the gratitudes.
🏠 @notleyabbeyofficial
📷 @angelawardbrown
🎥 @akfilmsweddings
🎵 @marcus_speaker
🌸 Lily Lupin
#bridegroomcelebrantselfie #bridegroomcelebrantphotographervideographerselfie #weddingdetritus #joywashere #zenasparish #dancedowntheaisle #getmarriedtwice #celebrateproperly #lovemycouples #humanistceremony #humanistwedding #berkshirecelebrant #berkshirewedding #notleywedding #lovetour22 #confetticannonandsonggotogetherperfectly #wordscount

Caroline and Jacky wed under the the most enormous

Caroline and Jacky wed under the the most enormous and glorious cedar tree today at @garthmylhall - The tree felt like nature’s own cathedral and held us all perfectly.
We all cried (and blame Jacky and his vows for that!) we all laughed, there was Mandarin translation, doctors and surgeons from all specialities and the biggest cheer for Caroline’s brother, who as an ambulance driver is the most essential! We signed as witness to the day an incredible portrait of them both and ate the best poached peaches I’ve ever had.
And I caught Jacky and Caroline holding each other’s hands throughout the speeches and my sentimental old heart got all warm.
Caroline and Jacky didn’t want to see the ceremony script before the wedding, so today was one of those days where I’m terrified and delighted in equal measure. It’s incredible to feel and witness their genuine responses to the script, but without the final nod of approval it’s quietly frightening for me too. In the best possible way.
Thank you both so much for trusting me. 💚
Truly, it’s a bloody delight to be back in full #lovetour22 swing…
#confettiinhairdontcare #bridegroomcelebrantselfie #humanistceremony #welshwedding #zenasparish #lovemycouples #weddingtree
🏠@garthmylhall
🌸@lunabloom_
📷@rocksaltphoto
🎥@shutterboxfilms

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