Love, Laughter, and Surprises: A Celebrant Ceremony in Surrey for Holly and Laurence

When Holly and Laurence first reached out to me to help them craft their celebrant ceremony in at High Billinghurst Farm in Surrey, I had no idea just how memorable the celebrant ceremony would turn out to be. From a gospel choir smuggled into the venue to an incredible post-ceremony party, their wedding was nothing short of spectacular.

Holly and Laurence are the epitome of an uber-classy couple. Their love story could easily rival any rom-com. From our very first meeting, I was struck by how deeply connected they were, not only to each other but also to their family. This included their adorable daughter P and their dapper dog, Ted.

When we met for the first time, it was over a relaxed roast lunch—the kind where you end up chatting for hours, feeling like old friends. They told me about their journey together, their dreams, and the incredible day they were planning. It was clear they were pouring their heart and soul into their wedding, and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it.

The celebrant ceremony was a true reflection of their love story, filled with personal touches that made it truly unique.

The Venue and the Big Entrance

High Billinghurst Farm in Surrey provided the perfect backdrop for Holly and Laurence’s ceremony. Nestled amidst rolling fields and surrounded by rustic charm, it was an idyllic location that suited the couple’s vision to a tee.

The barn was beautifully adorned with flowers, twinkling lights, and an air of excitement as guests enjoyed drinks before the start of the ceremony.

Setting the tone for the rest of the day, we aimed to create memorable moments that would leave kick the party off on a massive high!

One of the highlights of the day was the surprise gospel choir that Holly had secretly organised. Smuggling them into the venue without Laurence catching wind of it? Now, that’s no small feat!

A couple of months before the wedding, Holly contacted me to ask for my help in getting the choir into the venue without Laurence’s knowledge. Thankfully, the venue has a prop room right by the ceremony barn, so we were able to hide everyone until the moment arrived.

Not only are they lovely people, but the gorgeous voices of CK Gospel Choir brought an emotional start to the proceedings as they serenaded Holly down the aisle. Watching Laurence’s face light up with surprise and delight was a moment that none of us will forget.

The Celebrant Ceremony: A Celebration of Love and Laughter

The ceremony itself was a true reflection of Holly and Laurence’s personalities—heartfelt, lighthearted, and brimming with love. It began with a reading by Laurence’s sister, Caroline, who recited the delightful poem “How Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog” by Taylor Mali with gusto – the best rendition I’ve heard! So good that Caroline may like to consider a new career as ‘Rent a Reader.’ It was the perfect choice, given the prominent role their beloved dog Ted played in the day. Ted joined everyone during the reception and I dare say he almost stole the show!

Then came the love story segment, where we took a trip down memory lane. Holly and Laurence’s journey began at the iconic Tiger Tiger in Croydon, a night that involved friends, Jaeger bombs, and a lot of laughter. Despite living in different countries at the time, their connection stood the test of distance. Holly stalked Laurence on Facebook, while Laurence went to great lengths to find internet cafes during his travels in Australia just to send her emails. Fate eventually brought them back together at Tiger Tiger, and the rest, as they say, is history.

When Holly described Laurence as her “lobster,” it was clear that their love story was one for the ages—because who doesn’t adore a good Friends reference? Lobsters famously mate for life, and that’s exactly how Holly feels about Laurence. As a nod to this sweet story, I couldn’t resist wearing lobster earrings to the ceremony. It felt like the perfect little detail to celebrate their journey and their playful sense of humour. After all, when someone finds their lobster, it’s worth making a statement—even if it’s dangling from your ears!

Their story is filled with quirky and heartwarming moments. From Holly climbing out of her mum’s window for a date at Thorpe Park (still a mystery as to why her mum locked her in the house!) to moving into their first home together, each memory adds to their journey. That first night in their home, with no furniture, a bed made on the floor, pizza, and Prosecco in mugs, encapsulates their ability to find joy in the simplest of moments.

It’s this blend of humour, resilience, and deep affection that makes their relationship so special.

Every celebrant ceremony tells a unique story, and theirs was no exception.

One of my favourite parts of any ceremony is hearing the vows, and Holly and Laurence did not disappoint. Laurence’s vows were a heartfelt declaration of his love for Holly and their daughter, P. He promised to keep their lives exciting and full of passion, to never stop making Holly’s happiness his priority, and to always be grateful for their little family—#TheScotts, as they lovingly call themselves.

Holly’s vows were equally moving. She spoke of Laurence being her best friend, her soul mate, and her greatest love. She vowed to support and encourage him, to comfort him through tough times (even those self-inflicted ones!), and to always strive to be the best version of herself for him and P. Her words were a testament to the depth of her love and the strength of their partnership.

And just as their vows came to a close, the choir sang a rendition of “Love Is All You Need” by The Beatles as a nod to the couple’s shared love for the film Love Actually!

Holly and Laurence also incorporated a unique cocktail blending ceremony into their day. Together, they created their signature Espresso Martini (yum!), symbolising the blend of sweet, bitter, smooth, and strong experiences that make up a marriage. I did, however, as their best man to shake the shaker just in case of mishaps! Such a fun way to symbolise the union of a fun-loving couple that had everyone cheering as Holly and Laurence raised their glasses.

The Party of the Year

Once the ceremony was over, the celebrations truly began. Holly and Laurence had planned an epic post-ceremony party that kept guests entertained well into the night. The gospel choir made a second appearance, and their soulful voices had everyone singing along during the drinks reception. During the dinner the insanely amazing Luxe Showband kept the energy levels high, while guests enjoyed delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails. There were plenty of laughs, epic dance moves, and more than a few tear-jerking moments during the speeches.

It was clear that this was more than just a wedding; it was a celebration of love, family, and the joy of coming together. Holly and Laurence’s friends and family played a huge role in making the day so special, and the couple’s gratitude was evident in every detail.

Reflections on Holly and Laurence

What makes Holly and Laurence such an extraordinary couple is their unwavering love and support for each other. Holly shared with me that despite the ups and downs of their younger years, it’s always been Laurence for her. She recently found an old text she’d sent him, saying she often imagined walking down the aisle to him and starting a family together. And now, here they are, living that dream.

Laurence’s admiration for Holly is equally profound. He spoke of her passion and energy, her belly laughs that make her mouth form a boxy smile, and her unwavering love for their family. Together, they have built a life filled with laughter, dance sessions in the kitchen, and a shared vision for the future.

The Future is Bright

Looking ahead, Holly and Laurence have big dreams. They hope to build a little empire in the countryside, perhaps even start their own business one day. Travel is also high on their list, with plans to explore the world with their children. Laurence dreams of a football team-sized family, though Holly is still weighing up that idea!

Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: Holly and Laurence will tackle it as a team, with laughter, love, and a shared sense of adventure. Their wedding day was a beautiful celebration of everything they have achieved together and a joyful glimpse into the exciting chapters yet to come.

Final Thoughts

As a celebrant, it’s an honour to be part of such a significant moment in a couple’s life. Holly and Laurence’s wedding was a perfect blend of elegance, fun, and heartfelt emotion.

From the surprise gospel choir to the touching vows and the unforgettable party, it was a day that will be remembered by everyone who attended.

So here’s to Holly and Laurence—a couple whose love story is as unique as it is inspiring. May your days be filled with laughter, your nights with dance, and your years with the kind of love that grows stronger with every passing moment.

Cheers to #TheScotts!

Feedback

“As soon as we met Miranda, I turned to my fiancé and said “we’ve got to have her!” and it was the best decision. From start to finish Miranda went above and beyond. I planned a surprise which she helped me deliver (even writing a second script so that my husband wouldn’t see the surprise!). From personalised gifts to personalising her attire in the ceremony to match our love story. Our ceremony was nothing like I’ve experienced before and all of our guests have since commented how creative and personal it was. Thank you Miranda, you’re a star!”

Suppliers

Venue High Billinghurst Farm

Photography Ian Bursill Photography

Second Shooter Triple Fox Weddings

Gospel Choir CK Gospel Choir

Reception Band The Luxe Showband

Catering Earth Catering

Dress Blackburn Bridal