Natalie and Ryan were married at Dewsall Court in Herefordshire, a magical weekend venue that’s perfect for a luxury winter wedding ceremony. We met at a Dewsall open house when Ryan walked up, got on the floor with my dog, and announced, “you’re our celebrant”. I wouldn’t have it any other way. It was a brilliant, beautiful wedding and I was honoured to be there for them.
The ceremony was a perfect example of why celebrant weddings are so suitable for couples who have a big love story and a lot to celebrate. I talk about this a lot – but celebrant weddings aren’t just for people looking for alternative or non-traditional – they are for people looking for personal. Nat and Ryan have big families, lots of friends, and many people dear to them, and the ceremony included everybody in the room in some way. The ceremony was the start of the party, and they wanted people to see them as who they truly are, but also, witness them be married in the most romantic of circumstances. And that’s what happened.
Our ceremony was in the Wainhouse, which was flowered in blues, whites and gorgeous greens, and soft lighting. Nat and Ryan sat for the first part, which as you can see meant they got the full benefit of some of the things we had planned for them (yes, there were a couple of surprises). There were also many, many subtle opportunities to roast poor Ryan, including a crushing blow which saw him voted as the least talented dancer in the marriage. However, what I’ll remember forever, and I hope they will too, is the staggering amount of love and understanding they have for each other. If you know your traditional vows, you’ll recall ‘for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health’ etc. There was none of those set phrase words in this ceremony. Instead, we talked about how they were living these values and would continue to, in their way only.
In the end, despite wearing the most luxe trousers I own, making everybody cry, and laugh, and both at the same time, I was sidelined adorably. Two wonderful beings took the ceremony to new levels – Teddy the ring-bearing bulldog and Phodi, one of their oldest friends, who presided over the ring exchange, making it extra special. It was a very emotional moment and I got to watch!
We finished on a hand-fasting, as Ryan’s mum read the binding of the hands, which was pretty much the last moment of guest silence before the most enormous round of applause as they kissed. The party started immediately after they stepped down the aisle. I have never been so gutted to be driving in all my life. They had an Espresso Martini Tower, pretty much as a palette cleanser.
what nat and ryan loved about their winter wedding ceremony
“Wow, where to start?! Eleanor is just fantastic. We clicked with her (and Mack) instantly and knew that she was going to be the person who would marry us.
What makes Eleanor special is that she truly cares so much about you as a couple and the story behind you. We loved sharing our moments with her and trusted her implicitly.
This enables her to create a narrative that is totally unique and captures your vibe and chemistry as a couple and this is what everyone commented on at our Wedding. They all said they had never sat through a wedding ceremony and enjoyed it as much as they did ours, it was hilarious, emotional, and so completely different that it had everyone (including us) on their toes from start to finish and her delivery was superb.
Eleanor is a wonderful human with exceptional communication skills and a true passion for love and commitment and we genuinely consider her (and Mack) as our friends. If you are looking for someone who will make your Wedding Day (or any special event) that bit more special and that bit more personalised to have all your guests saying ‘Wow, what a ceremony!’ then choose her.
We are already planning the ‘naming ceremony’ of our not even conceived child to be able to have Eleanor back in our lives! Thank you so much, you really made our Wedding perfect.”
what i loved about this wedding
SOME THANK YOUS
Thank you to Sophie at Dewsall, Rachel at Salt and Scent events, Sarah at The Petal Emporium, Hannah from HMH piano collective and Dom the photographer and John the videographer. Sarah and Hannah’s flowers and music made my part of the day so sensorily gorgeous, and Dom and John have captured Ryan and Natalie to perfection. Sophie and Sarah, thanks for making me feel welcome in the day’s team, you’re ace.
Ps – their winter wedding ceremony dinner vibe was absolutely incredible…
