YOUR CEREMONY
MEET THE REGISTRAR
KERRY LOVE ’ S NAME IS PERFECTLY FITTING FOR HER JOB AS A REGISTRAR WHO CONDUCTS CELEBRATIONS IN KENT
Photography by : Tom Cawdron
TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE : My role is to celebrate and register civil marriages and civil partnerships . I also conduct renewal of vows ceremonies and other celebratory occasions such as baby welcoming ceremonies . I have been employed as a registrar since June 2000 . I ’ m currently based at Aberdeen House , Ramsgate and travel around Kent to conduct ceremonies .
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A REGISTRAR ? I originally worked for the Registration Service in the early 90s and left when I went to university . In the year 2000 I met up again with some KCC colleagues who were working for the service and I was asked if I would consider returning as a registrar to conduct and register marriages , working at the weekends .
I had always enjoyed the marriage ceremonies as they were such joyous occasions during which I got to be a part of a couple ’ s very special day - so I didn ’ t have to think twice about applying ! I also remembered working with a great team of colleagues who shared the same passion for the role as I did and that is still the case today . The colleagues that I work with might vary from one ceremony to the next but it is always a pleasure to be working with them at really beautiful venues around Kent .
ARE THERE ANY WEDDINGS THAT ARE PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE TO YOU ? This is a really difficult question to answer as I have conducted so many weddings during my 23 years as a registrar . Each wedding is special and unique , as of course are the couples . The wedding ceremonies I have conducted have ranged from the very grand to really small and intimate affairs . Fashions come and go ( and indeed come full circle !) and each and every wedding I have had the privilege to conduct is memorable .
There are also many weddings that remain in the memory long after the celebrations have finished , including the ceremony I was fortunate enough to conduct shown in the photo above .
The couple were absolutely delightful . It was a very intimate ceremony and it encapsulates all that is so special about being a registrar . It is about being seen and yet not being seen and remembering it is always about the happy couple and their special day .
IF YOU COULD OFFER ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO COUPLES GETTING MARRIED , WHAT WOULD IT BE ? Enjoy every single moment !
WHAT ’ S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB ? I think my favourite part of the job is the moment that I announce that the couple are married . What an honour and pleasure it is to say those words !
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