On a typically British July afternoon in 2024, under the twilight trees of Longton Wood in Kent, Cristina and Sully tied the knot in a ceremony that was as intentional as it was magical. It wasn't just a celebration of two individuals, but a vibrant blend of communities, languages and diversity. This day was a testament to the thoughtfulness and care that define Cristina and Sully as individuals and partners.

From the moment we began collaborating, it was clear this wedding would be anything but ordinary. After several video calls, emails, and a detailed questionnaire, we spent a cosy Saturday at their new Guildford home, sketching out their vision. We bonded over our similar taste in music and shared love of literature and humanist values to live by. It was one of those moments where the celebrant-couple pairing felt like a match made in earthly heaven.

A multi-lingual, intentional wedding with a twist

Sully and Cristina wanted their wedding to be a true reflection of who they are: mindful, considerate, and intentional about their choices. Religion and formality took a backseat. Every element, from their animal-themed decor to the vegan menu and the lively Ceilidh dance by the bonfire, was thoughtfully planned.

Their day wasn’t just about them - it was about bringing people together. Their celebration brought together a diverse crew of friends and family from across the globe - Australia, the US, Spain, France, Austria, Malta, Canada, Taiwan, Switzerland, and even Sarajevo.

Central to their vision was creating a shared experience for their guests, fostering a sense of unity among international family members and friends from different walks of life. They achieved this by honouring their parents and siblings and guest participation that invited their community to actively support their journey together. We welcomed guests in their native languages during the ceremony, and incorporated phrases and heartfelt readings from parents in French and Spanish, bridging linguistic barriers with inclusivity.

One of the quotes that Sully’s father shared:

“Love at first sight is easy to understand; it's when two people look at each other for a lifetime that it becomes a miracle.”

A ceremony rooted in nature and respecting diversity

Cristina and Sully's deep connection to nature, diversity, and animal welfare was woven into the fabric of their ceremony. A particularly touching moment was the tree-planting ritual, symbolising the growth of their love and their commitment to preserving the natural world.

Adorable Shetland ponies from the community organisation Kingswood Shetlands added an extra dose of charm, carrying the rings down the aisle. Guests were also encouraged to bring their beloved dogs to the wedding, further emphasising the couple's love and respect for all creatures great and small.

A moving dedication to the land expressed gratitude for the woods that embraced us on their special day. An excerpt from a poem by Joy Harjo, the first Native American US poet laureate, echoed through the trees, reminding everyone of our interconnectedness with nature, language, and each other:

“Remember the sky that you were born under,

know each of the star’s stories.

Remember the plants, trees, animal life who all have their

tribes, their families, their histories, too. Talk to them,

listen to them. They are alive poems.

Remember the wind. Remember her voice. She knows the

origin of this universe.

Remember you are all people and all people

are you.

Remember all is in motion, is growing, is you.

Remember language comes from this.

Remember the dance language is, that life is.”

The heart of the ceremony: Their story and personal vows

Sully and Cristina's ceremony was not just a celebration of love, but also a creative tale of their shared journey. With humour, reverence, and focus, we narrated their meeting, their experiences, and how their values of inclusivity, passion for social justice and love of nature and animals aligned with the way they chose to get married.

In an intimate moment before the ceremony, Cristina and Sully exchanged personal vows, just the two of them, in the tranquil woods. They wanted their promises to each other to be made without feeling overwhelmed or self-conscious. Their public vows during the ceremony reflected their private nature, featuring responses to a series of questions rather than traditional vows.

They pledged to bravely stand by each other, support each other as equals, never take each other for granted, and always fight for their relationship. They promised to show love and companionship, never letting the other feel alone, and to always accept and support each other. Finally, they made a shared vow to remain true to themselves, compassionate, generous, and willing to learn from one another.

A one-of-a-kind unforgettable wedding ceremony

Sully and Cristina’s wedding was everything they are: thoughtful, unique, and grounded in the values they hold dear. From uniting people from different walks of life to honouring the earth and staying true to their non-traditional style, every detail was a reflection of them. The Shetland ponies, the story of their love, and their nature-inspired rituals made for a day no one will forget.

Their celebration is a reminder that when you set your intentions, you can create a wedding that’s not just about love but also about your community, your values, and the things that make your relationship unique. If you're ready to craft a wedding that’s truly "you," I’m here to help.

Contact me today to bring your bespoke ceremony to life.

If you are looking for some help in writing your own personal vows, get my guide here.