Megan + Dexter | June 2024
“Sarah really was amazing. She was so supportive and listened to our stories which shone through in everything that was said in our ceremony. Not to mention working with the local registrars team to make our ceremony perfect.”
I got to the venue two hours early (practically my USP by now haha) but this time - as well as enjoying a quiet cup of tea, exploring the grounds and checking everything was ticking along - I was treated to a bit of a surprise. Highfield House - where the ceremony was being set up in the garden - was hosting a pre-Fringe comedy show up in one of their event rooms and the lovely reception team said I could sneak in for free.
I managed to chuckle (loudly, encouragingly, I love to laugh big) for a full forty minutes before I thought “I’m going to be “on” soon…I should probably go get ready myself.” But Alex Mitchell was hilarious and I was proper chuffed that I’d managed to fit in a unexpected show on a wedding day.
Photos by my talented friend Carla Whittingham Photography (I can call her my friend cos we’ve now worked together twice)
This ceremony was different to any I’ve done before, or since. Bride and groom Megan and Dexter were keen to have all the marriage proceedings in one go - legal aspect and personalised aspect - so they asked if I’d mind teaming up with the local registry office. And of course I didn’t! Say “yes” and work it out later, eh?
I went for Thai food and spicy margs with the lovebirds, and we planned how it could work - pulling in some of their favourite parts from friends’ weddings they’d been to.
Preparations were more complicated than usual - working out how the ceremony should or could run with two different parties ‘in charge’ and getting everything signed off; but we managed to sort a running order that worked for everyone:
the registrars met the bride and groom before the ceremony, separately, for legal checks
I welcomed guests and let them know what the ceremony would entail
once Megan had come down the aisle I told their brilliant love story and they made personalised vows to each other
the registrars took over to do the legal wording, ring exchange and signing of the register
then I took over at the end to get everyone on their feet to cheer out the happy couple
It worked smoothly, partly thanks to East Riding Registry Office being so fab, friendly and willing to compromise. I didn’t mind sharing the ceremony at all - I just want my couples to be happy!
The grounds of Highfield House were an absolutely breathtaking setting for this June wedding, and Megan and Dexter were incredibly lucky that that very light - but wet - sort of drizzly rain stopped just as guests took to their al fresco seats. Oh summer in the UK.
It was the most gorgeous, happy occasion for the most gorgeous, happy pair.
And, I tell you what, I’m not above the unadulterated thrill of being part of a crowd laughing at a comedian’s jokes and then being at the front an hour later having everyone laugh at mine.
“We had no stress around the ceremony - with Sarah being involved we knew she had it covered!”