Personal service

That's just what we received today - personal service. Our officiant came to our house to talk about the ceremony and to gather all the information needed for him to register us as a married couple after the wedding. We had to tell him who's taking who's surname, give him passport photo's, copy's of identity documents and then he also took our fingerprints. It feels so official now!

We're so happy with our choice of officiant, not only does he have the same name as my father but he's also very friendly, gentle and will do whatever we ask (as far as the ceremony is concerned). The ceremony with be light-hearted with a touch of religion. We're both Christian and although we don't want a seriously religious ceremony we think its only fitting that we do have a bit of religion in there. We've also asked that he be clear on each stage of the ceremony, so that the guests know what to expect and that sort of thing. Like when we have to sign the register, he'll make it clear that the guests remain seated and then when its all done to shower us with petals as we make our way back up the aisle.

Although we're not writing our own vows (we would have liked to but our nerves would get the better of us) N has said that she'd like to read a poem after we've exchanged rings, so I'm very much looking forward to that.

This is the order of our ceremony:

• Processional
• Words of welcome
• Prayer
• Exchange of vows
• Exchange of rings
• Unity candle ceremony (very short and simple)
• Pronouncement of marriage
• Signing of register
• Recessional