Ciara and Joe got married in the fabulous Orleans House Gallery in London earlier this year.

Their wedding was a memorable one. It was actually their second wedding – the first came within an hour of first laying eyes on each other.

Ciara was over from Ireland for Notting Hill Carnival. The pair met outside the port-a-loos, with Ciara and her friends covered from head to toe in paint. When Ciara asked Joe what he was drinking and he replied, “Gin & Juice,” she started rapping the namesake Snoop Dogg song word perfectly.

When Ciara finished her rendition, Joe said: “wow, I’d marry you right now that was so impressive.” So, there and then, they had their first wedding. Their friend choreographed the occasion, picking out a best man and bridesmaids and recruiting a random passer-by to walk Ciara down the aisle.

As we told this story in the ceremony, Ciara’s friend, Jude - who’d taught her Gin & Juice - did a rendition of the song. It was such a brilliant moment and made for a hilarious and heartwarming interlude.

Along with some amazing stories from their time together, we had a ring warming, and Ciara and Joe wrote beautiful, personalised vows.

They answered these questions from their honeymoon in South America (Peru, to be precise!) Thanks so much, guys! Not jealous at all…

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

We attended a few celebrant ceremonies of our friends and family in the past few years. We have also noticed a massive shift from religious ceremonies to celebrant led ceremonies. 

We loved how personal they felt to the couple, and the informal, more natural approach. You really get to know the couple during the ceremony. 

How was the process of creating your wedding ceremony?

We found the process very straightforward. Roxy was really easy to communicate with and sent us over a questionnaire to get to know us before we met up with her in a local cafe for a more detailed meeting a few months before the wedding. It felt like meeting a friend for a coffee and was super relaxed. 

Roxy came with lots of ideas, and we felt like she really listened to us, and had a genuine interest in us as a couple, and our story.  

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

Our ceremony was probably the highlight of the whole day. We felt it was a true reflection of us. We went through every emotion in such a short space of time. 

All nerves on the day completely disappeared once the ceremony started. Roxy put us both at ease.  Everyone complimented how professional, articulate and fun Roxy was.

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

We wrote our own vows which we are so glad we did, as we felt they really reflected us as a couple. It was also the first time most of our guests saw personalised vows at a ceremony, and they really enjoyed this part. 

We also loved Roxy’s idea to ask our musician on the day to add a piece of music that was very relevant to how we met. It is so special to look back on. 

Tell me about your vows:

Roxy encouraged us to write our own vows, and even sent us examples beforehand for guidance which were really useful. 

Our vows were light-hearted, and very ‘us’. 

We kept them as a surprise from one another, so it is really fun to look back on our genuine reactions on the day. 

What would you say to couples considering a celebrant ceremony?

If you want a ceremony that truly reflects you as a couple, and your guests will remember and speak about in years to come, then please do it. We have zero regrets. 

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

The ceremony was at the start of our wedding day, and it really set the tone for the rest of the day which was relaxed, fun and full of love. 

How did your ceremony go down with you guests?

For some of our guests it was their first time at a celebrant ceremony, and they realised what they have been missing out on for so many years. Some guests even stated it was the best ceremony they ever attended, which is so wonderful to hear. 

Two of our guests who got married a few months later even asked if they could ask their celebrant to use the blessing of the rings ritual at their wedding, as they had never seen it done before, and thought it was so unique.

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

Relaxed, modern, musical, and FUN! 

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

It is easy to get swept up in the planning of the wedding, but on the day, the main thing is that you and your partner enjoy yourselves and make the time to celebrate with each other. 

You won’t even notice or care if certain aspects do not go to plan. 

Oh, and don’t check the weather app 5 times per day in the week leading up the wedding! 

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

We live in London and decided to have our reception at the Mitre Hotel in Hampton Court. It is right on the river, and we were able to hire a boat with our guests and sail to the reception from our ceremony at Orleans House Gallery in Twickenham.

The staff really pulled out all stops on the day and were so professional. 

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

As cliche as it sounds, we would not change anything. It was honestly the best day we could have hoped for. 

Ciara & Joe’s wedding suppliers:

Videographer: @agneharrisfilms

Photographer: @wildthingswed

Florist: @blooming_flair

Ceremony Venue: @orleanshousegallery

Venue: @mitrehamptoncourt

Hair: @katya.valentinahair

MUA: @jennyojomua

Dress: @theweddingclubofficial / @chosenbykyha

The boat ride: @turklaunchesuk