Wedding Ceremony Guide for Cheshire East Cheshire 2011 | Page 29

I remember in the last couple of months leading up to the wedding, when most of the big decisions had been made and my dress had been bought, my thoughts began to stray towards the ceremony itself. What we could include and what wouldn’t be allowed, and how we wanted the ceremony to be. I needn’t have worried. The Best Man played his part to perfection, handing over the rings at just the right time. The Registrar then pronounced us Husband and Wife and everyone applauded. The Registrar then invited us to check and sign the marriage register - and reminded me that I was signing for the last time in my maiden name. The Registrar contacted us in the weeks before the wedding, asking us to complete a profile to give them an idea as to how we wanted the ceremony to be, they also asked if we would like to meet a member of the team to talk through the ceremony and put our minds at ease (nothing is half as daunting once you know what’s going to happen!). It was really reassuring to know that we could still have all the traditional bits (to keep my mum happy!). The photographer took lots and lots of photographs and all our guests were encouraged to take photographs of us pretending to sign the register. An usher escorted my mum to her seat (resplendent in her finery). My dad (beaming from ear to ear) walked me down the aisle (and was even asked for his consent to the marriage). The bridesmaids and ring bearers followed, and I’m told the groom looked particularly nervous as he waited for me along with the bestman holding tightly onto our wedding rings. Our marriage ceremony was perfect - just as I dreamed it would be - a celebration of our love for each other. I couldn’t believe I was finally there, as I heard the music begin for my entrance. Whilst we chose classical music, the Registrar said every wedding was different, with some choosing classical, others preferring popular music that was special to them, or even the traditional Wedding March. We could be as traditional, grand, low key or simple as we wanted to be – it really was without a doubt, ‘our ceremony and our choice’. The ceremony itself was beautiful, with our vows and promises to each other included within the Registrar’s script (we didn’t have to think of our own vows at all – what a relief!). We had two readings, the Registrar suggested some readings, but we were also free to choose our own. We managed to persuade two of our guests to read at the ceremony – the Registrar said family or friends reading would make a more personal ceremony, but if no one felt able to, then the Registrar would have read for us. Then the Registrar said a few words to finish the ceremony, everyone was asked to stand for the bride (that’s me!) and groom, the music began and we walked back down the aisle to a glass of champagne waiting just outside and then the celebrations began. The Registrar was incredibly helpful in guiding us through all the different aspects of the ceremony, and advised us on the ways we could make the ceremony more personal to us. I hope you have a fabulous wedding and remember, work with your Registrar to enjoy the ceremony you wish for. Don’t forget they’ve done this lots and lots of times before and are keen to make sure that you get to enjoy the best day of your lives. With love, Julie x t w e n t y s e v e n