Maxine Ward - Celebrant

In one of my most memorable weddings the bride and groom were wed in their hunting jackets, made very traditional vows, before leaping on to their horses. Another was where the bride was driven up the aisle the back of a 2CV and the groom arrived in a Porsche.

Romantic Warm Creative Stylish

During my training to be a celebrant, following some great feedback, I became completely overwhelmed. I realised that this was exactly what I was meant to do and I have never looked back. Before I lost my dad, he and I talked often about all sorts of things including the fact that I had not really realised my vocation or purpose. When he passed, I organised his funeral and read at it, still not thinking much about it. Following his death I was made redundant from my corporate role and started Life Coaching, which i still do now. I used my coaching techniques and took some time to think about what mattered to me. That is to understand people, help them on their own terms and to celebrate their brilliance and uniqueness. Love is amazing, brilliant and unique. Be it in remembrance of a life passed, a celebration of meeting the love of your life or welcoming a new person into the world being celebrant is my vocation and my dad helped me to realise that.

Take your time and work together. Think about what is special to both of you, what kind of ceremony really reflects your uniqueness. Your wedding , Your way.

A couple who were both marrying for the second time and opted for a handfasting ceremony. The hand tying cords were made by their children who also laid them on the hands of the couple and made a wish for them

Your first consultation – You come to me with lots of ideas and we start to imagine your dream ceremony. We will begin to get creative as well as discussing all of the practical aspects like dates, times, T&Cs and fees. Let’s get started – Now we begin to create your ceremony. I will send out a questionnaire to help get you thinking and talking to each other, and your family and friends about what would make a perfect day. The creative process – How exciting! You will now have thought about how we will create your unique ceremony. We will meet and go through your questionnaire and I will write your dream ceremony and the plan. The plan – It’s important to know who is doing what and when, the dates on which everything has to happen. I will create a plan for everyone so you don’t have to worry about it. We work with your wedding planner, photographer and venue host to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Delivering the ceremony – Once I have written the ceremony you will get a first draft for your approval and we will then work together to make every element perfect. On the Day – I will be at your venue well ahead of time, to meet your planner and/or host. I will ‘check in’ with you and anyone else who has a part in your ceremony. I will be there to welcome your guests and then we are ready for that exciting moment when the magic begins.

I’m a Curious Listener My background as a life coach enables me to put people at ease and get the best from them. I am supportive, compassionate, enjoy writing and making every ceremony beautiful and bespoke. I like to get to the very heart of your love story so that you can tell it to the world and remember it forever. I’m a Wordsmith I love the process of creating a ceremony or service that is highly personalised and take great care in choosing the right words, creating the right tone and atmosphere. I am Well Organised I have years of experience working organising large events at many locations across the country. I have strong project management skills and meticulous attention to detail. I have to know the when, where, how, who and why. The practical management of your ceremony is key.

Always make time to listen to one another, work together to create your ceremony, be unique and have what you want not what others want for you and finally make sure that you have everything planned so that you can relax and enjoy your day.

Definitely the vows. This is such a wonderful time and you can be as creative as you like. These are the words that should be carried with you throughout your life together.