Weddings of the Heart
I see wedding ceremonies and civil partnerships as festivals of Love, and it is a great joy for me to accompany a couple on the journey that leads to their marriage ceremony.
Initial exploration and finding a date for the ceremony
I am happy to meet with a prospective couple free of charge to explore the possibility of working together. Finding a date early on, and making sure I am available is key!!!!
Your intentions in getting married
Answering a questionnaire will provide a wonderful platform for me to get to know you and help you get clearer about your relationship and wishes in getting married.
Using this, and in consultation with you, I will begin to create a tailor made wedding ceremony, to reflect your spiritual beliefs, deepest thoughts and highest intentions.
I will help you recognise the difference between intentions and expectations, and offer support to bring “blind spots” to the light.
Your vows reside already in your heart
I will help you bring those deep wishes and intentions to the light, and support you, or collaborate with you, to write your own vows that reflect your unique relationship.
Legal registration of the marriage
It is still not possible in England, as a non-denominational minister, to do the legal registration of the marriage. This has to take place in a registry office, or on a site registered for weddings for example, a hotel, to which the Registrar will come. However, it is not necessary in the simplest form of the registry office wedding to exchange rings, or speak the “statement of intent”. Together with the vows, these can be kept for the heart of the ceremony, which I will lead, where family and friends are gathered to witness the event. Some couples like to go to the Registry office right before the wedding ceremony where I am waiting with most of the guests for them to arrive. Others prefer to do the legal part the day before, or some other time.
The sacredness and joy of marriage or civil partnership
When I work with a couple, as their minister, I hold them in my heart for the duration of the process from the time we agree to work together to the big day itself. I am available for additional counselling if necessary. Most couples find two or three meetings suffice in discussing the creation and shaping of the ceremony. It is very much a collaborative event. I am able to give advice on many aspects of what is involved in the ceremony, and support the couple in the emotions that can arise, often unexpectedly.
Rehearsal
A wedding rehearsal is essential. It is ideal if it is at the same time of day as the wedding is going to be, so we know what the sun will be doing! You will find that the rehearsal is a great opportunity for all kinds of laughter and tears, and nervous tension to be released so that the actual wedding can run smoothly.
Wedding venues
I have performed wedding ceremonies in many different locations, inside and outside, from private gardens to woodland, or beaches, from hotels, to village halls, and private houses or other function rooms. I am certain that “there is no place where Love is not”, and that any place is made sacred by the loving hearts of the wedding guests and family.
Copy of the wedding ceremony
When we have agreed the final version of the ceremony, (usually after the fine tuning at the rehearsal) I create a fair copy for you to keep. This will be artistically arranged in a folder with images and poems to reflect your big day.
Fees
I am self-employed as an Interfaith Minister. The service I offer is at least five days work, and, from January 1st, 2015, I now charge £700 when the wedding is within a day’s travel from home, i.e. South East England, and London. Travel costs are in addition, with petrol at 40p per mile. If the wedding is further away and I need to stay over night, the fee for the wedding is £800, plus travel costs. This allows for the extra time travelling and being away from home. Board and lodging would also need to be provided in addition.
To get in touch with Annie
Call 01342 826570/07791 942544
Or email at anniebee@zen.co.uk
The Blessing of the Hands
"These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other, today, tomorrow, and forever.
These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.
These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, comfort you like no other.
These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow, and tears of joy.
These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children, and grandchildren.
These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one.
These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.
And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."
Our Joy, Our happiness
“Dearest Annie,
Thinking back on everything, Tony and I have a huge amount to thank you for. Firstly your gentle insistence at getting a date set for our first “wedding meeting” in December, then your wonderfully uplifting advice and support, from that moment until we arrived in Spain, and lastly your presence throughout the weekend, always there, smiling, laughing, inspiring and encouraging. You have been like an angel in our lives, quietly guiding us and then finally giving a most beautiful and soul touching ceremony. I am still over whelmed by how well our wedding celebrations unfolded, the abundance of wild flowers, their colours, their petals, the moon rising up during dinner and slowly moving through the dark sky witnessing our joy, our happiness. The feeling of love from all around as we stood before you uttering our vows beneath the ancient tree, the sun leaving behind its gentle glow. I feel your presence there somehow enabled these things to happen. Thank you for everything you have brought into our lives Annie, for you kind, wise words and your magical ways! Love, love and more love...”
Belinda & Tony
