As we know many of you are dealing with wedding postponements and considering how the day you’ve planned may now look different from how you imagined, we asked the fabulous Kathryn Hanson, a Humanist Celebrant, to talk to us about the magic of small and unique ceremonies!
Over to Kathryn…
Weddings are wonderful!
M+S June 19, Custom Lane, Leith. Photos by The Caryls.
What could be more exciting than you and the person that you love most in the world celebrating what you mean to each other? But often as soon as you get engaged, people will start questioning your plans and offering “advice”. Suddenly everyone has an opinion on the correct way that you should celebrate your relationship, regardless of how well they know you as a couple. You’ll be told wedding planning is stressful. But does it really have to be that way?
The short answer is – no!
I am a celebrant with Independent Humanist Ceremonies, and I have the best job in the world! It’s no exaggeration, I absolutely love getting to know my couples, and then be the one who gets to pronounce you legally married. I could burst with joy every single time! I have conducted weddings in front of 200 guests or simply 2 witnesses. Much as I love huge weddings that become a buzzing party, but it is often the small, intimate weddings that are brimming emotion and raw authenticity.
J+R Feb 19, West Sands, St Andrews. Photos by their friend Mary. Selfie is entire wedding (bride, groom, celebrant and two witnesses).
Couples may not feel that a traditional wedding really represents their relationship. They might not want to be given away, walk down an aisle, stand in front of 100 people, say romantic vows, invite their parents’ estranged cousins, do a speech, or have a first dance. By having a smaller, less conventional wedding, many of these expectations can be removed, allowing you to instead focus on the heart of the wedding – two people who love each other and want to spend their lives together.
Including symbolic gestures in your ceremony can beautifully represent the two of you coming together. But it is not limited to handfastings or lighting candles (both of which are lovely gestures, they just might not be for you). You can create gestures that represent who you are and celebrate your stories. At my last wedding, the couple chose to relive their adventures in Mexico – by drinking tequila shots during their ceremony! Not your traditional symbolic gesture, but it completely embodied what they were all about – loving life, having fun and celebrating being together.
M+S June 19, Custom Lane, Leith. Photos by The Caryls.
In Scotland you can have a wedding anywhere you wish, so long as you have the landowners’ permission. This means that you have the choice to pick a location that is right for you, that isn’t necessarily a typical wedding venue. The garden of your childhood home, the café where you first met, the beach where you love to walk your dog, the wee gallery where you love to go to exhibitions together. The options are endless.
J+R Feb 19, West Sands, St Andrews. Photos by their friend Mary. Selfie is entire wedding (bride, groom, celebrant and two witnesses).
So many wedding suppliers love the opportunity to get creative and craft a wedding that does not fit the mould. Make your own rules, and celebrate being in love with each other, in the way that feels right to you!
Well that hit us in the feels.
You can find more of Kathryn’s ceremonies and mischief at the below links!
