I had the pleasure of marrying the lovely Lucy & Chris at one of the most stylish weddings I’ve seen this year. It took place at the lovely Stone Barn in the Cotswolds.

Their love story began in their work head offices 8 years ago. They’d be in the same meetings as each other, excitedly being aware of where the other was sitting, without ever actually talking. Often, they found themselves awkwardly standing in lifts, both fancying each other but neither daring to talk to the other, until they eventually started chatting at the work Christmas party.

What followed was six months of sneaking around and hiding their relationship. They would pretend they didn’t know each other by day, then steal a snog in the pub loos during after-work drinks.

Fast-forward several years and Chris had been trying to find the perfect moment to propose, but things kept getting in the way — like covid. He finally found a gap in Lucy’s diary, and suggested they go on a walk in the Chilterns. As they approached the peak, there were hordes of Duke of Edinburgh students ahead. Thinking on his feet, Chris selected an odd but secluded patch at the side of the path instead. When he got down on one knee, Lucy was so shocked she lay down, before saying yes.

Their wedding was effortlessly stylish. Lucy looked incredible, as did the bridesmaids who rocked matching brown silk suits with matching orange heels.

I caught up with Chris and Lucy recently to ask about their day.

How did you find out about celebrant ceremonies and what made you decide to have one?

We first heard of them at Chris’ cousin’s wedding — where we first experienced one. Both of us were so surprised and delighted by how swept away we were with their story. Often at weddings, people don’t know how they met or have a deeper sense of who they are as a couple or as individuals. It was such a refreshing experience, grounding us in the room and helping us feel closer to the day and couple. Also it was lovely that it skipped all the clichés, outdated jokes & often pretty male-heavy narratives!

How was the process of creating your wedding ceremony?

Joyful! It was a chance for us to purposely sit and really think about our relationship, both together and separately. We took a trip down memory lane (which we don’t often do!). We were excited and admittedly a little nervous to talk about ourselves for a couple of hours. But as soon as we met Roxy she made us feel at ease. It was a relaxed atmosphere with great questions and guidance, as Roxy let us ramble, laugh, discuss, reflect and feel grateful for each other. We should all get a chance to do this!

Looking back at the day, how did the ceremony feel?

The perfect tone setter and atmosphere creator! It felt special to share our stories and love for each other, helping us feel in sync with the room. Roxy knew exactly the vibe we wanted – there was laughter, tears and smiles throughout. Getting to stand up there and listen to Roxy in a way made us feel like passengers too, helping us relax on what can be quite an adrenalin-fueled day!

What was the most special part of your ceremony and why?

It’s so hard to pin down just one part as they all played such an important role in how we felt – the story of how we met, the secret parts to each other, the lives we’re living now and hope to live. For us, if we had to sum it up… the most special part was how it created a sense of togetherness, silliness and happiness in the room. It really set the tone for the rest of the day.

Tell me about your vows:

Roxy guided us with modern vows. It was a lovely, calm moment.

What would you say to couples considering a celebrant ceremony?

If you want something that feels more personal, relaxed and a chance to take a trip down memory lane – do it! The process is fun and reflective. It will help create the atmosphere you’d like for the rest of the day and feel more connected with your guests.

How did your wedding ceremony tie in with the rest of your wedding day?

It set the tone for the rest of our day! Lots of laughter, smiles and love. Many stories were then threaded throughout the day and in the speeches. Our table names were named after significant moments/stories in our life and these were all spoken to in the ceremony.

How did your ceremony go down with you guests?

Raving reviews! Created a lot of conversation.

How would you describe the vibe/style/look & feel of your day

The vibe was laid back, relaxed, and filled with love and laughter. The style and look were the same – clean, simple, modern clothing and not too formal. It felt like one big fun celebration from kick off to end.

What's the best piece of advice you would give to other couples getting married?

Start with how you want the day to feel and work backwards from there. Think about the energy you want to be surrounded by. Do it your way – it’s for you!

Did you do the legal bit before or after your ceremony? or how did you combine the two together?

We had a legal ceremony 2 weeks before with our direct family and headed to the pub after. It was great and a nice warm up for the big day.

What did you love most about planning your ceremony?

Taking the time to stop, pause and reflect. We loved going back over our history together and thinking about where we have been and want to go as a team.

Tell me about your wedding location. How did you decide on the venue?

We had it at the Stone Barn in the Cotswolds. It was in the countryside and all in one spot. It was the first venue we saw! We wanted something that felt modern, laid back and had great food – also the space and size meant the flow of people stayed together. When we first saw it we immediately felt relaxed and could see us spending it there.

What do you remember most about your ceremony?

Having a moment to feel grounded, taking time to look around the room and see all our loved ones' smiling faces. We got to enjoy the ceremony with them!

If you could do the day all over again, is there anything you’d change?

Nope – just savour each moment, it flies by!

Suppliers:

Venue: Stone Barn | Cotswold Wedding Venues — Cripps & Co - Weddings Venues (crippsandco.com)

Flowers: Go Wild Flowers |

Band: Truly Medley Deeply

Lucy Dress: Amare (amare-bride.com)

Chris Suit and Shoes: Scott Fraser Collection

Beer: Beowulf Brewing Company | brewery | Walsall WS8 7NL, UK (beowulfbrewco.co.uk)

Photographer: Alex Tenters Photography / Kent Wedding Photographer

Videographer: Agne Harris Films

Lucy Vale and Jacket: Grace Lane London

Wedding rings: LLW Handmade Jewellery (@loveslabourswon_) • Instagram photos and videos

If you’d like to find out more about creating your dream ceremony including a gorgeous Cotswolds Wedding, get in touch to find out more.