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How To Include Your Pet In Your Ceremony

How To Include Your Pet In Your Ceremony

by Mary Gibson | Mar 4, 2022 | ceremonies, wedding tips

How To Include Your Pet In Your Ceremony Unleash the love As you’ve heard me often say, a celebrant-led wedding ceremony is about having the day you want, with who, and what you want at your wedding ceremony. One of the questions often asked is, ” how can...

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celebrantangel

A celebrant in Aberdeen for couples who want to laugh, love and legally tie the knot, I'm the girl to make your day memorable, fun and with meaning.
This Is Why This weekend reminded me why I love w This Is WhyThis weekend reminded me why I love what I do.Sometimes being a celebrant means stepping in, making a few calls, calming a wobble, and helping someone find the right person for their day, even when they can't book me because I’m already booked.Then a message like this pops up, and it gives your heart a little squeeze. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.This weekend threw a few curveballs - plans changed suddenly for more than one couple, and I was glad I could step in.If someone needs help and I can help, I always will. No expectations, just doing the right thing when it matters, your wedding days important no matter who you are.And I know every one of us wedding vendors around here would do the same. We’ll never see you stuck, so never be afraid to reach out if you come across a problem.#celebrantreview #happycouple #heretohelp
We did it! I absolutely love these post-ceremony We did it!I absolutely love these post-ceremony photos, that look that couples give each other that says“WE DID IT”“…and nobody objected”“…and I didn’t trip”“…and now what day is it again?”It’s relief, joy, love, and a tiny bit of how did that go so fast? all rolled into one look, and I never get tired of seeing it.
Communication? That’s Kind of My Whole Job From t Communication? That’s Kind of My Whole JobFrom the moment you book me, I’m yours.Not just on the wedding day, but right from “we’ve picked a date!” to “we’re married and slightly wondering what day it is.”Questions? Wobbles? A late-night “is this normal?” moment?Pop into my inbox or WhatsApp. You’re never a nuisance, honestly.I’ve seen so many posts recently from couples getting married within a few months and barely hearing from their celebrant or wedding suppliers, and I never quite understand that.That’s just not my style… in fact, you might end up saying “thank goodness she’s gone!” as I love to communicate. 😊Planning a wedding is exciting, emotional, and occasionally a bit bonkers. Silence doesn’t help.I believe your celebrant should be calm, present, and actually answer their messages. That’s not a daft thought, is it?Will I reply instantly every single time?If it’s during sleeping, dog-walking, or grandkid-wrangling hours, maybe not, but I promise you’ll hear back from me.And I’ll always take your questions seriously (yes, even the ones that start with “this might sound silly…”).And if you don’t hear back from me via email? WhatsApp or give me a call. Sometimes emails sneak into spam and get missed, though I don’t think I’ve ever missed one 😉Your wedding isn’t just another date in my diary. It’s your day, and I’m right here with you, every step of the way.So never worry about reaching out. No question is too small, no concern too silly.That’s what I’m here for 😊 I would never want a couple to say, "We can't get hold of our celebrant" weeks before their wedding.
They came from afar... Over the last five years, They came from afar...Over the last five years, I’ve had the absolute joy of working with couples who’ve travelled far and wide to get married in our beautiful Scottish countryside.Rowan and Martyn made the journey all the way from England for their ceremony at @cluny_castle, and oh, what a day that was.The Wie family crossed the Atlantic from America for their wedding at @gordoncastleestate. It turned out to be one of the wettest days of the year… but spirits were high, umbrellas were out, and they still had an absolute ball.Ryan and Zoe came all the way from Canada to marry at @drumcastle, a small, intimate ceremony tucked away in the library. Cosy, romantic, and very lovely.And then there was Dongho and Amie, travelling over from Ireland and Korea for their ceremony at @ardoehouse.So yes, I may be based in Aberdeen… but I work with couples from all over the world who choose to say “I do” right here.We might not always meet over coffee, sometimes it’s Zoom, Teams or WhatsApp, but it still works beautifully. Same care, same laughs, same heartfelt ceremonies… just with a few more time zones involved.And 2026 sees a few more couples coming from abroad to get married with me.From Aberdeen to anywhere on the map, if Scotland is your “I do” place, I’d love to be part of it.photos by #fireandice #alisonwhitephotographyuk #eastsidephotographysco #bernadetakupiecphotography
And the prize for the wettest ceremony of the year And the prize for the wettest ceremony of the year goes to…Janette and Duncan 💦who got married on Sunnyside Beach in July 2024Blue skies all morning.Grey clouds as the ceremony began.And the exact second we finished?Absolute biblical rain.But it was still a cracking wee wedding. Just them, their two boys, a photographer, a videographer… and not a dry sock between us and the end of the day.#beachweddings #sandendbeach #summerwedding
Ceremony bloopers.. I thought I’d share a couple Ceremony bloopers..I thought I’d share a couple of my ceremony bloopers, neither serious, both funny… and both leaving me absolutely mortified at the time.The first was at Zoe and Gregor’s wedding at @palmcourtaberdeen.I dropped the ring.... Yes. That ring. Now, this may have had something to do with the body I worked having come along to watch me do a ceremony. No pressure at all.I was a bundle of nerves.Thankfully, as you can see from the photo, Zoe and Gregor found it hilarious, so no drama, no gasps, no heart attacks.The second one was even funnier… and somehow even more mortifying.Anouska and Donny got married at @meldrumhouse, and it was a gorgeous day, full of love, laughter and brilliant energy.The couple went off to sign the paperwork, came back to stand in front of me… and I confidently called him Dolly.Dolly?I have absolutely no idea where that came from. Especially as Donny was nothing like a “Dolly” 😂The good news?Everyone laughed, Donny survived, the marriage was still very legal, and the day carried on beautifully.So yes, I take what I do seriously.I’m prepared, professional, and I care deeply about getting things right.But every now and then… real life sneaks in, thankfully everyone laughs, and it becomes part of the story 💛If you want a ceremony that’s in safe hands (normally) and leaves room for warmth, laughter and the occasional perfectly imperfect moment… You know where I am 😉#ceremonybloopers #celebrantangel #funweddings
Something a bit different… And definitely not for Something a bit different…And definitely not for the faint-hearted 😏 But oh my word, it was SUCH good fun.At Kerry and Stephen’s wedding, we did a huddle. “What’s that when it’s at home?” I hear you ask…Right before the exchange of rings, I asked Kerry if she was ready to do this (don't worry we had it all planned).Without missing a beat she fired back: “Damn right I am.” (They’d only been together 19 years… no pressure.)Then I turned to Stephen and asked him the same thing.He… ummed. He paused. Then he turned to his boys and asked for a huddle.Cue a wee group of lads whispering furiously in the corner, as seen in the photo.The guests knew nothing about this part of the ceremony, and the looks on their faces were priceless, pure panic mixed with “is he backing out?!” 😆After a minute or two of intense consultation, Stephen returned, nodded confidently and said:“Yup.”We were in hysterics… and then very happily got on with the ceremony 💛It’s such a fun thing to include, but I’ll be honest, I’ve not met another groom since who’s been brave enough to do it 😉If you’re reading this thinking “aye, that sounds like us”, and you’ve got the right sense of humour for a ceremony with personality, laughter and a few surprise moments… then we should absolutely have a chat.Drop me a message... bravery encouraged, huddles optional 😄Photo courtesy of #_55photography#weddinghuddle #funceremony #celebrantaberdeen
This is where you'll find me in February 2026 As This is where you'll find me in February 2026As my 2026 wedding season starts with this one.This one is for Robert and Maria, who have come all the way from Dubai and the USA for their wedding blessing at Arode House Hotel. Let's hope they don't need a dinghy to get there, as I see the roads are closed around there for the next 21 days.#ardoehouse #2026weddings #celebrantangel #getttingmarridinscotland
Have I married anyone famous? Well… yes I have. Have I married anyone famous?Well… yes I have.Albeit Aberdeen wedding scene famous but hey, fame is fame, and I’ll take it 😉@paulblackmusic1 and Libby got married at The Seafield Arms in July 2024, and Paul had actually asked me to be their celebrant before he’d even proposed to Libby.Not sure if that was either incredible forward planning… or he just really liked my vibe. I’ll let you decide 😏I was absolutely delighted to say yes, and over the next few months, I got to know Paul, Libby and their girls through some cracking meetings in the lead-up to the ceremony. Meetings full of laughs, stories, and that lovely feeling you get when you just know a family belongs together.And if you're looking for a singer for your party/event or wedding, then make sure you give Paul a shout.And… if you’re famous (locally, nationally, or just in your own kitchen), and you’re planning a wedding, I’m always happy to add another name to my very exclusive celebrity list 😄✨#paulblackmusic1 #seafieldarms #celebrantaberdeen
Let's talk Tiny Wedding spots. 2025 had me lucky Let's talk Tiny Wedding spots.2025 had me lucky enough to officiate at two of the most beautiful tiny wedding venues in Aberdeenshire — and honestly, they were small but mighty on the magic ✨Sue and Bruce tied the knot in the chapel at Drum Castle, tucked away in the grounds like a little secret waiting to be discovered. And ohhh… it was beautiful. The kind of place where you automatically lower your voice and your heart does a wee flutter.This was a small, intimate wedding, just their bestest people, no extras, no fuss, and absolutely no “we invited them because we had to”. It wasn’t a religious ceremony, but it was perfectly them, and the chapel couldn’t have suited the couple better if it had been built with their love story in mind.And a special shout-out to David, the coordinator, who was calm, organised, and quietly making sure everything ran like clockwork… the kind of person you want on your team on a wedding day.The second of these gorgeous tiny weddings was for Sarah and Russell, another beautiful couple, this time saying their vows outdoors, and what a spot they chose.The Rose Garden in the grounds of Crathes Castle is one of those places that makes you stop mid-sentence and go, “Well… that’ll do nicely.” Surrounded by roses in full bloom, sunshine behaving itself for once (thank you, weather gods), it felt quietly magical rather than showy.Sarah made her way through the gardens with her mum, a proper lump-in-the-throat moment, and yes, we did have a few curious onlookers. Far fewer than I’d expected, and all wonderfully respectful, giving the couple their moment while still sneaking a little smile at the romance unfolding.2026 already has me booked into more beautifully intimate wedding spots, some brand new to me, and I genuinely can’t wait to show you them.So if the thought of a big, busy wedding makes you break out in a cold sweat (or reach for a calculator), and you’d rather have something personal, relaxed, and full of heart, do go and have a look at these two venues.Photos by @debbiewalkerphotography and @jenniferriddellphotography #castleweddingsscotland #drumcastle #intimateceremony
Surprise Surprise! ( if you've now got Cilla Black Surprise Surprise!( if you've now got Cilla Black in your head, you’ve officially entered my age bracket 😁)I’ve had the absolute joy of doing two surprise weddings in my time, not a surprise to the couple, obviously, but to the guests… and honestly? 10/10 would recommend it.The first was Ally & Carol. Guests rocked up to what they thought was a “birthday party,” armed with prosecco and zero suspicion.Then Ally hopped up and casually announced, “Small update… we’re getting married. In about 15 minutes.”Cue the crowd going full Eurovision, cheers, clapping, and so happy for them both.Then we had Cally & Lindsey. Also, a “birthday party” (I’m sensing a theme). We got everyone singing Happy Birthday, then revealed the twist: “It’s also a wedding!”The room absolutely melted. Short, sweet, zero chaos, and surrounded by their favourite humans. Perfect.So why would you have a surprise wedding?Because sometimes you want intimacy without the committee.Because drama can’t RSVP if it doesn’t know where to show up.Because you fancy skipping the 18-month spreadsheet and jumping straight to the good bit.And because the look on your guests’ faces is priceless.If you’ve ever thought “could we…?” the answer is yes, you absolutely could. And if that's what you want to do, then that's fine, you'll have as much fun as a bigger wedding at less cost.Need any help planning a surprise wedding? Pop over for a chat let's see how fun we can make it.#surprisewedding #doitourway #celebratntangel
This appears to be rant week but.. Over the last This appears to be rant week but..Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve seen quite a few posts from couples who paid a wedding vendor in full right at the start of planning… and then found themselves in a really awkward spot later on: the vendor disappears, the couple changes their mind, or the wedding doesn’t go ahead.Full payment upfront? Weddings are emotional and expensive, and nobody deserves that kind of stress on top of everything else.What surprises me is that most vendors I know don’t actually work like that. Lots will take a booking fee or part payment to secure the date, and then the rest will be paid much closer to the big day.For example, I take a deposit when you confirm your date, and the rest is due a month before your ceremony. It spreads the risk, makes everyone feel more secure and gives you time to save. You’re not paying everything out at once.Of course, if your wedding is imminent, a few weeks or months away, or you're buying your wedding dress, paying in full can be fine. Short timeline, everything’s ready, no drama.So, if you’re in the planning stage, it might be worth asking the vendor what the payment schedule is and what happens if things change. Just a small question that could save a lot of heartache.#payingyourvendors #weddingpayments #celebrantangel
They say you never forget your first... And they' They say you never forget your first...And they're right.Ivor and Barbara were my first ceremony ever back in 2021.Had a call from Ivor, who lived in Spain and was coming home for a vow renewal. We had a chat, they booked me, then he proceeded to tell me he had been a funeral celebrant when he lived in Aberdeen.If the fact that this was my first ceremony didn't make me nervous enough, that certainly did.But they were a fantastic couple and family to work with, and he said I did a "good job", so all was well in the end. We had loads of fun on the day @palmcourtaberdeen , you'll see their "adopted" son who was brought out from the loft especially for the occasion.Their two adult kids did a beautiful reading to their parents, and they had a great chill day together. Just the way they wanted their day to be. It's been an exciting journey with all my beautiful couples since then.
Okay, I need to say this out loud... 📣 And I'm su Okay, I need to say this out loud... 📣And I'm sure my fellow vendors will feel this one too.When you email vendors asking if we're free for your date, we get it, you're reaching out to multiple people at the same time, and that's totally normal!. But if you find your perfect match before you speak to me after I've replied to you, please send a quick "thanks, but we've found someone" replyWe're real humans over here, not inquiry-bots. Sorry for the moan, but it's a pet hate of mine and just had to get it off my chest 😁#ghosting #celebrantaberdeen
A big thank you to Kirstin and Matt for booking m A big thank youto Kirstin and Matt for booking me as their celebrant in September 2027 at the Norwood Hall.Looking forward to getting to know them both and hearing their story.#norwoodhallwedding #wedding2027 #celebrantaberdeen
And we're off On a road trip today up to Lossiemo And we're offOn a road trip today up to Lossiemouth and Elgin to meet 3 of my lovely couples, busy wee day, but so looking forward to meeting them all.I'm hoping we don't need the swimmer packed, as it's been pretty manic with the rain photo by Martin Bennie photography#roadtripscotland #elgin #martibenniephotography
Let's try that one again. I should have had a nap Let's try that one again.I should have had a nap yesterday me thinks...Casey and Oscar are getting married in August 2027 at the lovely Barra barn, not July 2027 as the post said. But we'll all be in the right place at the right time on the day, I promise 😁#barrabarn #2027wedding #celebrantaberdeen
Wheres the rings? At Melissa & Clyde’s wedding la Wheres the rings?At Melissa & Clyde’s wedding last year, we decided to give the Best Man a wee fright. The plan? Hand him an empty ring box… and only then ask for the real rings (safely stashed with another groomsman, obviously).Did we abandon the prank? Absolutely not. The lads swapped to “extra in a comedy sketch” mode, and the guests were none the wiser.Did we abandon the prank? Absolutely not. The lads simply swapped to “extra in a comedy sketch” mode, and the guests were none the wiser.It wasn’t the plan Melissa and I masterminded… but it was hilarious. And honestly? That’s weddings. The best stories are the ones that go a little sideways and get captured forever, in this case by the fabulous #meganjackphotography, who caught every suspicious glance and heroic ring-retrieval.So, whilst getting married is a serious thing, you can have some fun at your ceremony too.Anyone got any "surprises" planned for the ceremony? #ceremonyfun #yourweddingyourway #ceremonysurprises
What about the kids? If you’re wondering how to k What about the kids?If you’re wondering how to keep the wee ones entertained at your wedding, here’s a fun idea I saw last year at Shirley & Mike's wedding. They handed out little cameras! Turns out, kids + cameras = comedy gold and a whole lot of adorable memories.They gave them a wee photo scavenger list (“the groom smiling”, “someone wearing funny shoes”, “flowers” etc), and the kids took it very seriously… in the way only kids can. I’d have loved to see the final gallery, there was probably a 50/50 mix of artistic genius and extremely close-up eyeballs 😂I love seeing kids get into photography. It keeps them busy, gives them a “job” for the day, and teaches them to capture moments, which is what you’re left with once the confetti settles.So why not pop a disposable camera or kids’ digital cameras on the table with a simple list of things to snap, or just give them free rein and see what magic they make!#photosbyzoefife #entertainingthekids #weddinggames
I need to remind myself What was in the script th I need to remind myselfWhat was in the script that had @studiosnapweddings capturing all these laughs on the day.There are some cracking photos from Leanne and Martin's wedding @aswanley in November 2025, which shows how great a day they had.It was lovely to meet Brian from studiosnapweddings too, always nice to work with new vendors#aswanley #studiosnapweddings #yourweddingyourway
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