It was the busiest weekend of the summer and Miranda and Mathew had been through the ringer trying to figure out how they would get married during a pandemic, with numbers changing weekly, and lots of friends and family to keep happy at the same time. Sound familiar? Miranda was my first wedding coaching client so we spent a lot of time trying to figure out how to have a wedding plan, a backup plan, and an oh-my-god plan just in case the worst scenario played out on the wedding day. Miranda and Mathew told me they would be getting married on their date regardless of the circumstances so we needed to be prepared for whatever the government dictated. They knew they needed to tell people they could no longer come as numbers were going up and down so together we crafted this EMAIL they sent to the guests they had to let go.
Finally their big day came and I went to Miranda’s parents’ house for the big (well, small) event! I had such a great time and got to experience come super cool things this city-mouse turned country-mouse had never done before! Oh and I learned what a ‘hay cake’ is! Yeah, I had no idea either!
It is a big of a hike from the house to the ceremony site so Miranda and Mathew made sure someone was waiting for me to arrive to drive me through the farm and to the opening into the forest!
How cute are these signs they had at the entrance welcoming everyone?!
They even had a nice shoutout to their photographer on the sign letting their guests know it was to be an unplugged ceremony!
*** ProTip – ask your Officiant to also make an announcement before the ceremony begins to make sure all phone ringers are turned off because we have all see this scenario play out: We tell people to turn off their ringer. Most play along and check their phones to make sure they wont disrupt the ceremony, a few don’t check because they never get calls (mmmm hm) and we get on with the show. Sure enough a phone starts ringing, everyone is looking at their own phones except for one person who is looking around all judgey wondering who left their ringer on. Guess whose phone is ringing? Exactly. The person who believes they never get calls so they refused to make sure their phone is off. A good Officiant will encourage those who don’t get their phones out, and make sure your ceremony won’t be interrupted.
How sweet is the arch they had for their very farm themed wedding! The aisle was flanked by farm tool equipment thingies (oh I have no idea what they are but they are farmy!) and lots of pretty flowers added to the festive decor! EDIT – Miranda has told me they are chicken feeders! See, we all keep learning around here!
Our backdrop was this gorgeous forest – everyone looks good with a green background so this was absolutely perfect for photos and video!
A closer look at the chicken feeders turned wedding decor! So cute!
I loved the inscription on their arch! “Two people in the woods is the start of a fairy tale”. So perfect for a wedding at the edge of the forest!
A lovely way to honour and remember loved ones who joined Miranda and Mathew in spirit at their wedding. It can be such an emotional day but don’t shy away from the little touches that bring you comfort while you get married.
The signing table! We gathered there for all the paperwork and some photos – I love the signs all around telling us their story and what’s important to them.
My office for the day! What a fantastic setting for their rustic, country wedding! The trees provided just the right amount of shade so we weren’t melting in the August heat.
This is the day I learned what a hay cake is! I was asked to make an announcement for the wedding party to meet at the hay cake. Ummm ok! I made the announcement and no one looked confused except me so it landed and everyone did what they were supposed to!
Of course! It’s a cake made of hay that will be given to the cows after the wedding! It all makes sense now!
Our sweet couple super excited to finally be married and heading to their party! Wahoo!
*** ProTip – when your guests have to get through some kind of terrain to get to your wedding or ceremony, let them know ahead of time! Miranda told me to wear boots and change into my shoes at the ceremony and wow, that was a massive help because as much as I am a pro in heels, I would’ve been kinda unhappy and might’ve actually sprained an ankle getting from my car to the ceremony – I would’ve kept smiling tho because the show must go on! Thanks for keeping me safe Miranda!
Seeeeeee I told you there were cows! They are so cute – and we know Highland Cows are the Harleys of the bovine world! #SAMCRO
He looks scary right? Don’t worry, I was on the other side of the fence when I took this photo – and I wasn’t wearing red!
It’s always like Christmas morning when my couples send me the link to their photos! Sarah Hiltz was the photography for Miranda and Mathew and we had such a fun time working together! I always try to chat with the photogs before ceremonies so they know how I work, what I’m cool with, and what I’m not cool with. Sarah is a photo ninja and I didn’t even notice her getting in there for some super awesome shots during the ceremony!
Ceremony complete – CHECK!
Paperwork signed – CHECK!
Miranda and Mathew know what to do next – CHECK!
Everyone has been thanked for making me feel so welcome – CHECK!
That means there’s just one thing left….
KISS! And now they are officially married! Wahoo!
Happiness, relief, joy, all the feels at once! Now let’s get some champagne and celebrate!
While everyone was on their way to the hay cake to get arranged for photos, Sarah was so kind and offered to take a few pics for me for my marketing…how sweet is that?!
I am so happy to have some new photos for my socials and website! Thanks so much Sarah! You rock!
Alright so here’s where I give y’all some life advice so lean in and take heed…
When someone asks if you want to pet a cow, there is only one response. You go pet the cow.
Realize how scary it was afterwards, and in the meantime…go pet the cow!
Thank you Miranda and Mathew for such an awesome day, the cool experences, all the photos, and especially….
…this sweet gift! Oh my gosh what a lovely thing to do! Someone knows I like my gin and I will forever think of myself as a unicorn on a stripper pole with diamonds being thrown my way! Thank you M&M – you da best!
“We just wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your hard work and dedication when it has come to our wedding! From the very moment you signed on to be our officiant, I know you were something special! As the months continued and we stayed in contact I knew I was right! Not only did you provide services for us, but you became someone I wanted to talk to. You helped calm the nerves of a very nervous bride during a pandemic and you played on with performing weddings however you were allowed. Your poured your heart into writing our ceremony and making sure it was absolutely perfect in every way! You supported us, coached us, guided us, and finally married us. I am forever grateful to have found not only the best vendor to perform our wedding, but that the lady behind it all turned out to be as awesome and caring as you! We appreciate everything you have done for us and I will continue to stay in touch! We hope you enjoy this drink on us (in your new mug!) and we cannot wait to see what our future holds. Cheers! M&M”
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Avril Ewing Officiant & Celebrant 