Aswarby Rectory was the perfect setting for Tash and Brad’s intimate and romantic wedding ceremony. They enjoyed gorgeous February sunshine and kept cosy with a drinks reception including mulled cider and wine. And, of course, Swiftie Tash made sure to include some tiny Taylor-touches, too!
When I arrived, Tash and her wedding party were getting ready upstairs in the gorgeous private suite, with champagne and a Taylor Swift soundtrack. I spotted Tash's second dress - a gorgeous sequinned number - hanging up ready for later.
Downstairs, Brad was greeting guests and collecting his nerves. The beautiful minimalist ceremony room had been dressed with fresh flowers and candles to create a bright yet cosy ambience.
Their day was captured in full by Kirsty Mackenzie and Pristine Videography. A few months after the wedding, I chatted with Tash about her wedding and her thoughts on the ceremony.
So, Tash! Tell me about your ceremony! i know you were quite nervous beforehand - how did you handle that?
I had taken steps to make sure I didn’t get overwhelmed ahead of ceremony (only having my close friends in the room, not having suppliers there until later, having everything ready to go as needed), but before I walked into that room, and watching my bridesmaids go in, it all kind of hit me. My maid of honour turned around and said ‘you’re fine, you’ve got this, Brad’s just there’ and that calmed me right down.
How did your ceremony feel?
It felt like it went too quickly! I cannot believe it was 40 minutes, it felt like maybe 5.
I remember laughing a lot, and I remember looking out at my people and seeing how touched they were - that was a lovely moment. To hear your story back in such a succinct way, but still being able to capture all the personality and detail - it was surreal. We wanted our ceremony to be heartfelt but humorous, and the vibe was cosy and informal. And that’s what we got!
TOP TIP: Despite it all being a blur, I’m so grateful for a videographer because now I can watch our love story being told any time I want!
What was your favourite moment from the ceremony?
Is it cheesy to say all of it? Probably. But I really did love it all. The laughter was probably my favourite. Oh and my best friend’s son launching the rings at us - toddlers are cute but chaos!
TOP TIP: DEFINITELY sit for your story - if you’re in heels, your feet will thank you.
tell me about your vows
We wrote our own personal vows. I was really excited about it, and with your help I think we nailed it.
TOP TIP: Give your vows the time, energy and thought they deserve. And practise them!
You were a little worried about how a Humanist ceremony might go down with some of your guests.... so, what feedback did they give about your ceremony?
Ohhh well I think Brad’s grandparents told you ‘it’s the best ceremony we’ve ever been to - AND we’re religious’ 😂. At our reception drinks everyone was talking about how much they loved the ceremony, about how personal and lovely it was. It was perfect.
How did your ceremony tie-in to the rest of your wedding day?
Wonderfully - it was the perfect start to our perfect day. I think the fact that it can be anything you want it to be is the exact reason why it’s for everyone. It can also be held at any venue you like, with whoever you like and however you like. There’s no reason not to have a (humanist) celebrant ceremony.
Ceremony Gallery:
Some of my favourite (non-ceremony!) things from Tash and brad's day:
Their signature drinks, named for lines from Taylor Swift songs!
Their 'Choose Love' charity donation gift request, raising money for refugees.
The cosiness of the candles in the ceremony room, and the velvet sofas and roaring fire in the sitting room.
Their fully vegan menu for all guests catered by Salted Orange, featuring:
Tomato and basil soup with mock-gruyere on toast; spit-roasted butternut squash with potatoes, maple root veg and stuffing; and wedding cake and coffee for dessert.
The whole day was fully vegan, from the mulled wine to the evening bao buns!
And, speaking of their cake... it was this stunner from Clemie Vegan Cakes
And, finally, Tash doing a speech and her epic dress change later on in the day!
Tash and Brad were a dream to work with, and I am SO pleased they chose a Humanist celebrant for their big day.
I’m Louise Gather, and I am your go-to for kickass gatherings!
My specialty is writing and performing wedding ceremonies that are both heartfelt and hilarious – I can guarantee laughter, fun, and happy tears! I absolutely love my job, because every couple’s story and every wedding day is completely unique.