An Elegant Celebration of my Six Years as an Independent Celebrant

November 13, 2024

To mark my sixth anniversary as an Independent Celebrant (and I thought I may as well celebrate my 60th birthday at the same time), I hosted a beautiful black-tie event at The Lansdowne Club in Mayfair, London where I am a preferred supplier.

This luxurious evening (ladies in long black evening dresses and men in black dinner suits) gathered family, friends, clients, and esteemed colleagues who have supported my journey, and every detail reflected the elegance and gratitude I wanted to share.

This business began thanks to my son, Dwayne, and his partner, Erin, who inspired me to pursue this path in the first place when they first began speaking of marriage.

An Elegant Arrival and Warm Welcome

Guests were greeted in the Crush Hall by a beautifully crafted cake gifted by my cousin Val, which took centre stage alongside the very stylish Vogue Photo Booth by Victorose London which was a great hit. This elegant entrance set the tone as guests made their way into the Long Gallery, where they enjoyed a champagne reception accompanied by the exquisite live music of Adam on Piano and the soulful vocals of Dionne Clarke. Adding a unique, artistic touch, Sarah Smart captured the guests in chic, fashionable portraits, a delightful keepsake for all in attendance.

A Sumptuous Banquet and Heartfelt Acknowledgments

There were 65 of us for dinner and once everyone had gathered, we moved into the grand Ballroom, where the long banqueting table was meticulously dressed with white flower arrangements and candles, courtesy of Kate Wren Flowers. The ambiance was one of regal, timeless sophistication as we dined on a gourmet three-course meal by Executive Chef Henri Brosi.

Before the evening continued, I shared a brief, heartfelt thank-you speech, expressing my gratitude to all who have been part of my journey. I acknowledged the talented planners who joined us — Chenai of ByChenai, Roberta of Roberta Burcheri Events, and Natasha of Pearline Events — for their unwavering support and trust in my work as an Independent Celebrant.

I also celebrated the couples I had the privilege of marrying — Charlotte and Ray, Simon and Tara (Simon also provided the PA systems for the evening), Hannan and Tom, and Grace and Joe — and warmly thanked my family and friends who joined me for this special evening.

After dinner, guests returned to the Long Gallery, where evening guests joined us, welcomed with either champagne or a delightful rum punch — a thoughtful surprise from West Grove Rum. This unique touch was a wonderful surprise and added an element of festive charm to the night.

Entertainment that Captivated and Energised

With the Ballroom transformed into a party atmosphere, Velvet Notes took the stage, captivating guests with a rich blend of jazz, RnB and contemporary sounds. As the evening continued, DJs Stephen (Hyper Esq), Martin (DJ Arrow), and Labon (DJ Legs) kept the energy high, drawing everyone to the dance floor and ensuring the celebration lasted well into the early hours.

Capturing Every Memorable Moment

Special thanks go to Cesar Portes and Vic Rivero of Luxe Moments Photo Films, whose expert photography and videography captured the elegance and joy of the evening. The Vogue Photo Booth allowed guests to capture glamorous shots in a unique and memorable way, while Cesar and Vic documented each beautiful, candid moment, creating a lasting visual record of this celebration.

Gratitude for an Unforgettable Evening

None of this would have been possible without the exceptional contributions from each supplier and my best friend Sharon (She listened to every idea, proof read every word and looked at the myriad dresses/shoes until I had made a choice.).

I am deeply grateful to Medina Williamson, Head of Events and Sales at The Lansdowne Club, for her faith in my vision and her team’s dedication (particularly Francesca and Tam) to making it a reality. Many thanks as well to Julie West for my makeup, Winsome for my hair, and Safiyya and Solace London for each dress, which made me feel truly glamorous. I also extend heartfelt thanks to Ceci Johnson and her team at Ceci New York for the stunning invitations and Louise Ross of Autumn Rabbit for the beautifully designed event website, which provided all the essential details and information for my guests.

This celebration was a heartfelt expression of my gratitude for the many wonderful people I have met as an Independent Celebrant. It was a beautiful reflection of community, joy, and the art of meaningful connections. Here’s to many more years of celebrating life, love, and unforgettable moments!

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that blends history, elegance, and charm, The Lansdowne Club is a perfect choice. This 18th-century gem offers beautiful interiors and exceptional service, creating the perfect setting for your special day. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, this venue adapts effortlessly to your vision. Having hosted my event there, I can vouch for its elegant atmosphere and exceptional attention to detail. To find out more book a consultation with The Club’s dedicated wedding team, it’s a magical place to begin your wedding story!