Blog written by Hazel Dale, Humanist Celebrant, Fuze Ceremonies

Photography Credit (unless noted otherwise): We Are Them Images

Venue: Sherbrooke Castle

An honour to reconnect

When people ask me what it’s like to be a humanist celebrant, I tell them it’s an incredible privilege, and nothing brings that home more than being asked to marry one of your oldest friends.

Let me take you back to 1994, when Scott and I first met. We were both going through the recruitment process for Strathclyde Police, and it didn’t take long for us to hit it off. Our shared sense of humour meant we became instant pals – though, with Scott towering at 7ft tall and me just scraping the 5’4” height requirement, we got plenty of ribbing from our fellow recruits!

Fitness Tests and Fast Friendships

We both had high fitness levels, and I’ll never forget the beep test. The training commander showed up to watch, and it came down to just the two of us, Scott with his giant strides, and me sprinting like a pair of pistons. The commentary wrote itself! We trained at Tulliallan Police College at the same time, and it was there that I truly realised how much of a solid friend Scott was.

He’s one of those people who always stays positive and is quick to offer support when you need it most. Over the years, he’s been there for me through thick and thin, always the same kind, funny, dependable guy.

Even when he moved to police in Bermuda, we stayed in touch. Whenever he was back in Scotland, we’d meet for a coffee and a catch-up. So when he called to say he was getting married and asked if I could officiate the ceremony, I was beyond delighted and more than a little emotional.

Getting the Green Light

I spoke to the team at Fuze Ceremonies, and was so grateful to get the go-ahead to conduct the ceremony as a Scottish humanist celebrant. I couldn’t imagine a more meaningful way to begin this new chapter in my celebrant journey.

It was at our first wedding meeting that I met the lovely Leanne and I could instantly see how perfect she was for Scott. She’s kind, funny, and totally matched his big personality (and big height!). Their love story is one that crossed years and continents, and despite the challenges of long-distance and work commitments, they always found their way back to one another. Eventually, they made the choice that they simply couldn’t be apart any longer.

Photo credit: We Are Them Photography

Planning a Ceremony Full of Heart – and Laughter

With both Scott and Leanne being naturally funny and full of life, I knew the humanist wedding ceremony would be packed with laughter as well as heartfelt moments.

One thing I absolutely couldn’t ignore was the height difference – how could I resist? When we decided to include a handfasting, I knew exactly what we had to do: I brought along a step ladder so I could actually reach them for the ceremony! It was a hilarious highlight and the guests loved every second.

A Ceremony I’ll Never Forget

While we had plenty of fun, I don’t want to downplay just how seriously I took the role. It was a true honour to write and deliver a ceremony that reflected their relationship, their history, and their future together. I wanted it to be perfect – for them, and for everything their journey represented.

Scott and Leanne’s wedding will always hold a special place in my heart. As my very first ceremony as a humanist wedding celebrant, it set the tone for everything I love about this role: deep connection, genuine emotion, and the joy of celebrating love in a way that’s completely personal.

Here’s to Scott, Leanne – and the magic of a well-placed step ladder!

Add our smiles to yours

No two couples are the same so no two ceremonies should be the same. At Fuze we work alongside our couples to make their humanist wedding ceremony script is unique, personal and bespoke. It’s your day your way with us, so let us add our smiles to yours. To check Hazel’s and all of our amazing celebrant’s live availability for your special date click here!

Blog written by: Hazel Dale, Fuze Celebrant