The guests were gathered into the cosy beamed room of the Moat House which had been adorned in elegant florals in hues of blue, a perfect backdrop for a cold December wedding.

Despite the chill outside, the atmosphere inside was warm and inviting.

When the announcement of the groom's arrival was made, Steve entered to his chosen song, “Everybody wants to rule the world” by Tears for Fears. Despite the cheers and applause almost drowning out the track, Steve walked in grinning, fully embracing his moment.

Once everyone had settled, (and after a few more reassuring words to a slightly nervous Steve), the moment we'd all been waiting for arrived. First came the bridesmaids, beautiful visions in shades of blue, setting the stage. Then came Jo, our radiant bride accompanied by her lovely dad, her smile lighting up the room.

The ceremony was overflowing with heartfelt love and laughter, Jo and Steve's personal story at the heart, reminding everyone why we were all there.

There was a ripple of amused gasps when it was revealed that Jo and Steve had completed the legalities of their marriage in a secret ceremony (known only by a handful of people) a few weeks before in an intimate ceremony, just the two of them in Gretna Green.

In homage to Jo's Polish heritage, we included a symbolic ‘bread and salt’ ceremony, an old Polish tradition symbolising the union of the bride and groom and their families and a blessing for a long and happy life together. Jo’s dad stepped forward offering the bread, symbolising a life free of hunger and the salt, a gentle reminder that life isn't always sweet and any challenges they face, they face them together

Next came an added element which involved something stronger! The best man presented two shot glasses, one held water, the other vodka! Tradition has it that whoever takes the vodka ‘wears the trousers’ in the marriage!

At this point, it was already clear without the vodka ceremony who wore the trousers, Jo wasted no time when asked who was going to read their personal promises first and without any hesitation Jo quickly declared she was!

Nevertheless, the glasses were offered on a tray to Jo first. Jo carefully examined the glasses, she certainly couldn’t be fooled, and spotted a tell-tale bubble in the water, and with a cheeky grin, made her choice, leaving Steve with the vodka. The countdown began, with the guests joining in, both shots were swiftly knocked back, and judging by her smile, I suspect Jo wasn’t disappointed with the outcome!

After signing a commemorative certificate, we had another surprise in store. Jo’s sons (who were also kept in the dark about this until they were called up) were asked to distribute song lyrics to a Christmas favourite, Slade’s ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’, everyone joined in, it was loud, joyful and unforgettable.

After Jo and Steve had made their exit, guests gathered downstairs for drinks and then something else magical happened.

December the 21st marked the winter solstice, the longest night of the year when darkness reaches its peak, and the light begins its quiet return. With the promise of brighter days ahead, it was a perfect day for a wedding ceremony as Jo and Steve step into their bright future together.

In an almost symbolic twist, as guests were enjoying their drinks, suddenly we were plunged into complete darkness for one split moment the room fell silent.  Staff rallied quickly depositing candles around the room which gave off an ethereal glow.

A power cut had descended on the whole area, and a veil of darkness fell upon us.

Then as if by some surreal magical coincidence, as guests were preparing to move into the dining room the lights came on to an eruption of cheers from the guests and the party started!

Jo and Steve’s wedding ceremony was a celebration of love, laughter and unexpected surprises and that’s what makes life (and marriage) so much more meaningful.

I stepped out of my front door with quiet anticipation.  It was still dark, but the birds were just beginning to ruffle their feathers and stretch their wings preparing to burst into a dawn chorus.

There was something about the stillness of the morning, and as I slid into the passenger seat childhood memories came flooding back.

Gently being lifted into the back of our Ford Cortina in the darkness, wrapped in a blanket by my mum as we started on the exciting journey for a family holiday in Cornwall, a journey we made every year, but from our home in the Midlands, it always felt like we were going on an amazing adventure a million miles away.

I resisted the urge to ask Rob ‘are we there yet’ and shook my head back to the present.

As we got closer to the venue the excitement began to escalate, there were several reasons for this.

I was meeting up with celebrant friends, I was looking forward to hearing from the fabulous speakers and I was going to spend the night in a bed on my own, in a swanky hotel…bliss!

But most exciting of all, I was a finalist in the Association of Independent Celebrants annual awards.  The category I’d been nominated for was ‘Outstanding Couple and Family Celebrant’.

We arrived at the venue, I hastily waved Rob off and wheeled my suitcase into the building.

After lots of hugs from familiar celebrant friends, a fresh coffee and a complimentary pastry, we made our way into the hall for the start of the day and the AGM.  The formalities began with the outgoing President making his speech, new officers duly elected, and reports agreed.

Next came the inspiring and mesmerising keynote speech from the incredibly talented Charlie Jordan, a former radio presenter, Birmingham Poet Laureate and Celebrant, her words left me wide eyed and open mouthed.

After a delicious lunch we continued the afternoon with more wonderful workshops, finally ending the day with a relaxing meditation session.

We retired to our rooms to get ready for the evening celebrations.  I’d taken a small bottle of Prosecco to enjoy while getting ready, and in complete and utter self-indulgence, I took a leisurely shower, poured my Prosecco and wallowed in the uninterrupted silence of pampering and preening.

One last check in the mirror, and I made my way downstairs to meet my lovely celebrant friend Sara for a pre-dinner G & T.

Everyone looked fabulous all dressed up in their best bib and tucker. I’d taken two dresses, a demure black dress, and a more me, shiny leopard print number… I went with the leopard print!

We were called through, found our table, and sat down to enjoy the delicious three course dinner, enjoying lots of chatter as we did so.

Then it was time.

The awards ceremony commenced.

I have to be honest here, a couple of other categories were up first, but once again I was transported back to childhood.  This time I was at school waiting for my turn to speak and not hearing anything that preceded because I was too nervous thinking about my turn. This explains why I actually can’t remember the categories that went before mine.

I dared to dream I might win and was thinking about my acceptance speech!  However, I did clap and cheer the runners up and winners.

This was it, the President announced my category, and as is usual, a snippet of one of the nominations was read out, and the runner up announced, we clapped and cheered the very lovely and worthy runner up.

Next the winner.

Once again, an anonymised snippet of a nomination was read out… wait… this sounds like one of my brides, unless another celebrant had been up late the night before the wedding reassuring her bride that everything was going to be ok…could this be?  I leaned in and whispered to my friend, I think this might be me, I continued to listen for more clues, my stomach doing butterflies.

I’d love to say I walked graciously to accept my award with dignity and decorum, but I didn’t.

After giving Sara a hug that nearly knocked her off her feet, I whooped for joy as I hurtled to the front before they could change their mind.

So, do awards matter?

Well, my ceremonies won’t be any different now I’m an ‘award winning celebrant’ my couples and families will still receive the same commitment, love, dedication, and professionalism.  But from a personal perspective, to be recognised, acknowledged and rewarded for doing something I love by my couples and the judging panel is an honour I will treasure always.