Earlier this spring, I had the absolute pleasure of conducting the wedding ceremony for Mark and Louise at the stunning Lapstone Barn in Chipping Campden. The day couldn’t have been more perfect – bathed in soft sunshine, surrounded by rolling Cotswold hills, and filled with the kind of warmth that only comes from deep love, close family, and cherished friends.
From the moment I met Mark and Louise at a wedding fair, I knew their ceremony would be something special. They had such a genuine connection – one that deserved to be reflected with care, laughter, and meaning. Together, we created a deeply personal ceremony that honoured their story, including their engagement on the beach at Aberdovey and their eight years of love and adventure together.
And of course, it wouldn’t have been complete without Minnie, their beloved dog and proud ring bearer! She trotted down the aisle like a seasoned professional, tail wagging, spreading smiles to every guest along the way. Her involvement made the day feel even more personal – a true celebration of family in all its forms.
One of the most touching moments was the unity candle ceremony, a beautiful and symbolic act that brought together their individual flames into one shared light. It’s a ritual that always moves me, and it captured the essence of their relationship perfectly – two souls, now walking forward as one.
The ceremony also featured some gorgeous readings from their guests, including one of my all-time favourites from Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Hearing it read aloud in such an intimate setting gave me goosebumps, reminding us all of the quiet, steady love that holds couples together through the years.
Afterwards, Mark and Louise shared these kind words:
“We can’t recommend Ruth enough after having her as the celebrant at our wedding. From first meeting her at a wedding fair, she was able to bring out the emotion within and put it into words, a gift not many people have. Every interaction from this first meeting was enlightening and not only helped us create a special ceremony but helped us both express how we really feel about each other with personalised vows crafted in partnership with Ruth. And finally, a perfectly executed ceremony with the perfect combination of humour and gravitas. The candle lighting ceremony topped off the ceremony, demonstrating the symbolism of the wedding exquisitely. Thank you so much for making our day perfect!”
It was truly an honour to be part of this day. Thank you, Mark and Louise – and Minnie – for letting me share in your love story.
Images by kind permission of Sam Box Photography https://www.samboxphotography.co.uk
Venue Lapstone Barn http://lapstonebarn.co.uk
Dog sitting service shortlegsdogcare.co.uk
