Written by Evelyn Robertson, Celebrant at Fuze Ceremonies

Bespoke, Unique and Different

When I first met Fiona and Christopher I just knew we were in for a fun, loving and unique ceremony and overall special occasion, and boy was I right. I was so thankful for them choosing me to officiate their humanist wedding ceremony.

This humanist wedding ceremony had a bride with shocking pink hair, a song performed live by one of the bridesmaids, a remembrance candle lit, warming of the wedding rings, handfasting, drinking from the Quaich and the little matter of a photo shoot at a nearby farm with some cows!!!

Yes you read that right. Our animal loving couple, especially Fiona the bride, absolutely loves cows. When I met to discuss and start creating their bespoke humanist wedding ceremony script Fiona mentioned how costly it was to hire cattle not to mention housing them at the venue. Queue me, as I popped on my Celebrant Super Hero cape to help.

Fiona commented; “I had seen a company on a bridal page that bring a highland cow along to your wedding. My head went into overdrive and typically I got overly excited . Chris and I got engaged on halloween next to Gabriella the Cow in Disney World Florida. It meant so much to have my three favourite things – cows, Disney and halloween – all happening around me.”

The Couple’s Love Story

Let’s go back to the ceremony and talk marriage. Here’s an extract from Fiona and Christophers ceremony script itself which showcases who they are as a couple, the love they have for each other, and the journey that brought them to The Three Kings wedding venue on 1st October 2022.

Above: Lighting a remembrance candle for absent loved ones – Bottom: Bridesmaid and niece Arellia sang a played during the ceremony

Marriage

We we all know it’s a journey not a destination. It’s two people hand in hand walking the path of life, sharing their love and working hard together for what they need and want to achieve in life as one.

Marriage is a place where you should feel safe knowing that you have each other. I know that Christopher’s arms will be Fiona’s shelter and both of your hearts will be your homes.

Now, no ceremony can ever create a marriage; only you can do that, through love and patience; dedication and perseverance; and through talking and listening, helping and supporting and believing in each other through tenderness and laughter; learning to forgive and appreciate your differences, and by learning to make the important things matter and let go of the rest.

The Journey

Now I’m sure you will all agree that all of us here today have our own love stories; some are short, others long; some are yet unwritten, while others are just getting to the good part. There are chapters in all of our stories that are sad or disappointing and others that are exciting and full of adventure. So I asked Christopher & Fiona to tell me how their love story started so here we go…….let’s go back in time!

Back to random nights out where Christoper and Fiona became friends within these friends and one night Christopher asked the far too shy Fiona to go on a date. Eventually she thought let’s do this and off they set for a wee run in the car. Now this run started at 7pm and they got back at 7am just in time to get ready for uni. Another wee call from Christopher led the next five days where they were out seeing each other every night. Now I asked what they thought of the dates and Christopher tells me that he was very keen and really liked Fiona, and Fiona said, well there was nae sleep, little studying and lots of love.

It was from here that this couple had the good life, making lots of memories going on some great holidays and then three years down the line they eventually got their first house together.
Now its 2019 and Christopher planned to propose where better than at their favourite destination Disney at Fiona’s favourite time of the year, Halloween.

The Proposal

So after a wee shopping trip to Glasgow Christopher had the ring in the bag and off they set for this holiday and here they were visiting Gabriella the Cow and whilst Fiona was listening to all the history of this cow thought Christopher had maybe dropped something as he was down on the one knee with the perfect ring awaiting the answer, well he got hauled up by the ‘greetin’ Fiona as he popped on the ring and got the all important YES…and so this love story continues as they both are about to make their declarations to become husband and wife before us all here today.

The all important rings are lovingly exchanged

Secret Reasons

Before we move on to the formal part of today’s ceremony and continuing the theme of love I asked Christopher & Fiona to secretly give me two reasons why they love each other and one that drives them crazy; these have been a closely guarded secret until now, so here’s what they said………

Christopher said I firstly love Fiona because she is caring and how much she puts others first no matter what, if anyone is having a bad day she will always try her best to make them feel better and put a smile on their face. The second thing I love about her is she is always there to encourage me to follow my dreams and will always push me to accomplish any goals that I set. I will be forever grateful for everything she has done for me in life. BUT the one thing that drives me insane about her is her time keeping with absolutely anything no matter what it is she will always find a way to be late, actually I don’t think she has ever looked at the clock in her life.

Fiona and Christopher’s mum’s took part and helped during the handfasting ceremony

The happy couple’s dad’s then helped pour their drink of choice into the Quaich

Fiona said I love Christopher because he accepted me and loves me for who I am and always has from the start and also I love how there hasn’t been a day go by that he hasn’t made me laugh BUT it drives me crazy that he bites his nails and now he knows it drives me crazy he leaves his clippings in strategic places for me to find.

So to make this marriage even more perfect I hope that someone has given you a clock and a bin for a wedding present. Fiona keep your eye on that clock and Christopher hit the bin with these nail clippings.

And the fun didn’t stop at the ‘coos’ and the ceremony, it played a part all the way through Fiona and Christopher’s special day right into the evening entertainment, with the Father – Daughter dance stealing the show.

And Finally

To finish I would like to offer my own personal good wishes. Your marriage marks the start  of a wonderful new life for you both and thank you it was my pleasure and a grand honour to be a wee part of your big day.

I also want to wish you both a long, happy and prosperous, and most importantly a loving and happy life together. May you always keep your friendship and love for each other strong.
I’m sure I can say on behalf of everyone gathered here today we wish you all the very best of health, wealth and happiness as you begin your journey together as husband and wife.

The who’s who of Fiona and Christopher’s Wedding: