Picture this: the stunning backdrop of the Sidmouth coast, a deck overlooking the sea, and a couple ready to say “I do” in a beautifully personalised ceremony. This was the scene at a Summer wedding I had the privilege of officiating as a celebrant under ‘Ceremonies with Lisa’, at the beautiful Sidmouth Harbour Hotel. A day filled with love, laughter, and… all kinds of weather!
Yes, we had it all: sun, rain, and wind in equal measure. The ceremony was originally planned to take place on the hotel’s elegant decking, offering panoramic views of the sea and the charming town of Sidmouth. However, as any British wedding celebrant knows, the weather always has it’s own ideas! Throughout the day, we were constantly moving chairs in and out, negotiating with the elements. Umbrellas were shared, sun parasols doubled as windbreaks, and there was a real sense of community as guests helped each other stay comfortable and dry. The unpredictability of the weather only seemed to make the event even more special—there was a sense of camaraderie and joy that perfectly matched the spirit of the occasion.
A Unique Wedding Experience
We began the day with the legal formalities conducted by the registrars. After the legal portion was complete, the couple transitioned to a more personalised, meaningful ceremony led by me, as their celebrant. This is where the magic of the day truly unfolded.
The couple had chosen to incorporate several beautiful elements into their ceremony that reflected their love story and family. There was live music, which filled the air with joy as they exchanged their own heartfelt vows. As always, hearing couples speak their own words of love and commitment to each other is one of my favourite moments—it’s so personal and moving.
We also included a hand-tying ritual, involving the couple’s children. This ritual was a powerful symbol of the bond they were creating not just with each other, but as a united family. With the children holding the ribbons, they played an integral part in the ceremony, making it a truly inclusive experience for everyone involved.
Surprises and Traditions
As if the day couldn’t get more unique, there was a delightful surprise guest—a toy donkey! This quirky and fun addition had everyone laughing and added an extra touch of charm to the already unforgettable day.
But the surprises didn’t stop there! Just as the couple exchanged their rings, a thrilling appearance in the sky – The Red Arrows! The iconic RAF aerobatics team soared across the skyline, as if leading a personal fly-by for the couple. It was a completely unplanned but spectacular moment that added an extra layer of excitement to the ceremony. The timing was perfect, and the crowd’s amazement was electric—it felt like the skies were joining in the celebration!
The couple also chose to jump the broom, an ancient tradition that symbolises sweeping away the past and stepping into a new life together. It was a joyful, symbolic act, and there was something so special about watching them leap over the broom, hand in hand, with the sea behind them, their loved ones cheering, and the Red Arrows having just flown by.
Music, Love, and Capturing the Moment
The music for the day was as eclectic as the weather! A live jazz band serenaded the couple as they made their way back down the aisle, adding a touch of celebration and sophistication to the proceedings. The sound of jazz floating in the air as the waves crashed behind us, and the Red Arrows disappeared into the distance, was something magical—it was as if the day itself was orchestrated in harmony with the music and celebration.
Throughout the day, I had the pleasure of working with the incredibly talented photographer Sarah Hall, who captured each moment with an artistry that truly does justice to the intimacy and beauty of the day. From the emotional vows to the hysterical appearance of the toy donkey, and the breath-taking Red Arrows flyover, Sarah was there for every tear, every laugh, and every special moment. Her photos will no doubt be treasured by the couple for years to come.
A Day to Remember
Despite the ever-changing weather and the logistical challenges that came with it, this wedding was an absolute joy to be a part of. In fact, the unpredictable weather and the surprise Red Arrows appearance seemed to add to the experience, creating a story that will be told and remembered for a lifetime. It was a perfect blend of tradition, personal touches, and spontaneous fun, and I couldn’t have been more honoured to help bring the couple’s vision to life.
As a celebrant, it’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do. The ability to create a ceremony that’s tailored to the couple’s wishes, that reflects their story, and brings their loved ones together is such a privilege. This wedding at the Sidmouth Harbour Hotel was a beautiful reminder of the power of love, family, and celebration—even in the face of a little wind and rain.
Here’s to many more magical ceremonies!
With all my love,
Lisa