With the image of Matthew Priestley Photography serving as a backdrop, many couples are now seeking unique and personalized wedding ceremonies that reflect their love story. This is where Celebration Ceremonies & Weddings come in – a team dedicated to crafting bespoke wedding ceremonies in breathtaking locations that perfectly capture your dream day. Your ceremony holds a special significance on your wedding day, making it all the more important to get it just right. Whether you envision exchanging vows amidst lush greenery or under the stars at home, Celebration Ceremonies & Weddings can make it happen. By choosing them, you’ll be able to create an unforgettable experience that honors your love and sets the tone for a lifetime of happiness together.
Hi Jan, could you firstly tell WWW readers a little bit about you?
Welcome to our world where love stories unfold! As the founder of Celebration Ceremonies & Weddings, I’m Jan Shillito, and my passion is helping couples create unforgettable experiences that reflect their unique personalities. Our specialty lies in crafting personalized wedding ceremonies that exude heart, soul, and character – whether you envision an intimate gathering at a private estate or a whimsical celebration amidst nature’s beauty.
While our home base is Yorkshire, we’re always willing to travel the UK to deliver exceptional experiences that go above and beyond. Our expertise encompasses ceremonies for woodland weddings, festival celebrations, English country garden gatherings, rustic barn weddings, farm-to-table festivities, lavender-filled meadows, sun-kissed beaches, and more – limited only by your imagination and the possibilities!
What do you love/dislike about your job?
We feel incredibly fortunate to be in this profession, and I must say, we truly have the most rewarding job in the world! Unlike many wedding suppliers, we have the unique privilege of building a deep connection with each couple. We’re honored to be present at that poignant moment when they exchange their vows. It’s our pleasure to be the friendly faces at the end of the aisle, guiding them through their special day.
How did you get into the wedding industry?
As I reflect on my journey, it’s astonishing how far removed my childhood imagination was from the reality I’d eventually create. If someone had told me at age seven that I’d be leading wedding ceremonies for a living, I would’ve likely dismissed the idea with a resounding ‘no way!’ Little did I know that decades later, as I prepared to exchange vows myself, I’d discover why traditional weddings never resonated with me. The formal, inflexible nature of those ceremonies left no room for personal expression or creative freedom. We yearned for an alternative – a blank canvas where we could craft our own commitment ceremony. That desire sparked the concept of personalized wedding celebrations, which didn’t exist at the time. With no other option in sight, I simply did things my way. Following a brief visit to the Register Office to finalize the legalities with just two witnesses present, we hosted our ceremony and reception at home, surrounded by nature. It was nothing short of magical! This experience became the catalyst for my new path. When presented with an opportunity to take voluntary redundancy, I seized it. I became one of the first in the UK to earn national qualifications and approval from Ofqual in wedding and naming ceremonies. I went on to establish Celebration Ceremonies & Weddings, inspiring a new generation of couples seeking unconventional weddings. And so, my journey as a pioneering celebrant began.
What do you aim to achieve for your clients?
When designing a personalized ceremony, it’s essential to consider the couple’s beliefs, values, personalities, and style. A meaningful celebration should allow them to tell their own story, making promises that are authentic and unique to their relationship. The chosen location should evoke a sense of ‘this is us,’ providing an intimate atmosphere where they can truly be themselves.
What style are your ceremonies?
Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique style of each couple. We’re skilled at ‘speaking their language’ and crafting ceremonies that authentically reflect their personalities. Whether it’s a vintage, bohemian, country, festival, classic-chic, or eclectic vibe we’ll ensure that every detail harmonizes to create a cohesive experience.
As an individual with a eclectic taste, I draw inspiration from both the old and new, as evident in our recent feature in House Beautiful. My design background from the Glasgow School of Art instilled a passion for making creative personal statements, which I now bring to my clients’ ceremonies. When styling these events, we seek out one-of-a-kind props to create an ‘altar’ that tells a story and sets the tone for the ceremony.
Image by Opal Desires
What do you think the future of the wedding industry holds for your business?
The horizon is aglow with endless possibilities as the concept of hosting a personal wedding ceremony anywhere takes shape. We’re thrilled to be pioneers in this fresh trend, quietly paving the way for couples who crave authenticity and originality. With modern brides and grooms increasingly emboldened to chart their own course, even traditionally hands-off grooms are now enthusiastically participating in the planning process. This newfound confidence has given rise to a desire for distinctive experiences and settings, with wedding ceremonies being no exception. As we gaze into the future, we’re heartened by the prospect of unique celebrations unfolding in unconventional yet breathtaking backdrops.
What do you predict to be the next wedding trend?
While our approach may differ from the conventional notion of following trends, we prefer to be trendsetters ourselves. This philosophy is reflected in our affinity for unique elements like woodland treehouses and the use of traditional, seasonal British cut flowers, which add a touch of classic elegance to any wedding setting.
Could you tell us some information about your packages/prices?
Our ceremonies are customizable, which means that our pricing is unique to each couple’s needs and preferences. Factors such as seasonality, day of the week, number of guests, location, and any additional services or design elements can impact the final cost. We encourage you to reach out to us for a personalized consultation to discuss your plans in detail. Our team is friendly and approachable, so don’t hesitate to get in touch. For our most budget-conscious couples, we do offer a 15% discount for weekday ceremonies, including Fridays, which can be a great way to save on your special day.
Do you have any tips for couples in selecting suppliers?
Before embarking on the planning journey, it’s crucial to establish a clear vision for your special day. Start by reflecting on what matters most to you and your partner. Imagine sitting down together with a warm beverage of your choice, pen in hand, and writing down your individual thoughts on what you hope your wedding will represent, what aspects are non-negotiable, what memories you hope to cherish, and how you envision your guests experiencing the celebration. Once you’ve both expressed your perspectives, compare notes and distill them into a shared list of priorities. With this foundation in place, you’ll be free to unleash your creativity and let inspiration flow from the top of your priority list down. If personalizing your ceremony is at the forefront of your planning process, we’re here to support you with our comprehensive guide to planning a meaningful and memorable outdoor wedding. Simply reach out for more information.
What do you do when you’re not doing weddings?
While life’s busy moments can be overwhelming, I’ve learned to cherish the small pleasures that bring equal satisfaction. Like savoring the first cup of tea on a morning, indulging in homemade baking like Yorkshire parkin, letting loose and dancing to my favorite tunes, capturing life’s candid moments through photography, immersing myself in short films, or taking a rejuvenating walk amidst nature’s serenity.
How can we get in touch with you?
If you’re looking to get in touch, send us an email at [email protected] or visit our website www.thememorybox.com/ceremonies/ for more information. Alternatively, give us a call on 07745 385 981 or connect with us on social media through Twitter @CelebrationW, like us on Facebook – Celebration Ceremonies & Weddings, and be inspired by our pins on Pinterest – CelebrationW. We’re thrilled to have had the opportunity to share more about our services, and we appreciate your kind words Lou! We can’t wait to help make your special day truly unforgettable. And a big thank you to John Steel for providing the wonderful image.