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We spoke to the owner of DMG Ceremonies, Donna Marie Graves, to find out more about the company.
She tell us: "DMG Ceremonies is an independent celebrant business in South Wales. For those who may be unaware, a celebrant is a self-employed professional who will work directly with you.
"I can officiate weddings, civil-partnerships, elopement and vow renewal ceremonies. These are non-legally binding celebration ceremonies. The beauty of a celebrant-led ceremony is that by separating the legal registration of marriage from your wedding ceremony you're able to have a personalised, handwritten scripted ceremony, one that no one else will have. Gone are the days when ‘one style fits all’ or an ‘off-the-peg’ ceremony. I offer a bespoke ceremony, different from any of those gone before or after.
"You have so many other choices when planning your wedding, from the catering and flowers to the colour scheme and stationery. It's important that you consider the choices available and plan who will officiate your ceremony too. The actual ceremony is an important part of your special day. You may wish to have a 'fusion' ceremony with some traditional, religious or spiritual elements coupled with modern or bespoke elements too. I will work with you to understand your ideas and provide the best wedding ceremony for you.
"Some of the tailored aspects I offer include include:
"A ceremony at a special place, such as a marquee, by a lake, in a barn, in your garden, in the woodlands, in your favourite pub, on a beach or in a vineyard, in fact anywhere as no venue license is required.
"It can take place at any time you want, such as sunrise, morning, afternoon, sunset or even an evening under the stars.
'"The service will be written just for you with personalised vows, readings, poetry and music.
"A ceremony that involves the most important people to you and even your pets.
"I can tailor the staging and layout to suit you. Will you have one aisle or two? Facing a picturesque view or have your guests in circles around you?
"We can incorporate your theme too, from boho, festival, whimsical, eco or an enchanted forest.
""A ceremony with a unity element added such as a candle, hand-fasting, crowning, salt, wine, cocktail blending or a planting ceremony.
"There may be some of you, unfortunately, that have received a call or email to say your wedding, civil partnership or elopement is cancelled. All the time spent planning, all those feelings of excitement and anticipation are NOT lost. You can still celebrate and have your ceremony. I'm adapting to these current challenges. The usual consultations over ‘coffee and cake’ are now transforming into online ‘Zoom’ meetings. Some couples are wishing to celebrate their original wedding date, so ’virtual wedding affirmation ceremonies’ can be arranged. These may be intimate, micro-ceremonies or invites sent to all your guests to be present, to celebrate with you. Other couples are wishing to continue with their wedding nuptials, on their original date, and so opting for the alternative ‘get wed online’ option. Even ‘surprise’ ceremonies and celebrations can be coordinated (if you can keep a secret!) You may be experiencing difficulties in booking a registrar, with the postponement of others taking up new booking dates and registrars unable to take any bookings for the foreseeable future. If you check my availability, you can continue to plan the wedding of your dreams, beyond the current situation, into 2021 and beyond.
"After all, it is your day, your ceremony, your way!"
To find out more, visit www.dmgceremonies.co.uk