I have loved every wedding I’ve done. Each one has been unique to the couple getting married.

However one that will always stand out in my memory was my first surprise wedding for a very fun couple.

They’d been engaged for years but just never got around to getting married. Until one Christmas they decided to just surprise their family and do it with as little fuss as possible.

The plan was hatched, the family would all be in the area for Christmas so the bride set up a fake family photo session at home. Everyone had to dress smartly and be there at a certain time.

I entered the gathering as the photographers assistant and once everyone was ready the groom hit play and the song Marry You by Bruno Mars started playing. His daughter immediately began to cry… she already suspected something was going on.

I then announced that I was not a photographers assistant but instead was a Celebrant and that the couple were finally going to get married.

There was shock and confusion and tears and laughter.  It was just what the bride and groom had wanted. They had pulled off one great surprise.  We moved over to where the ceremony was to occur and I began with the opening of the ceremony.

As I did the daughter in law to the couple exclaimed, “What!?! They are getting married right now?!?” Laughter ensued.

The ceremony continued with lots of humour and participation from the guests. It was one of the most humourous, personal and fun family ceremonies I have been privileged to be a part of. A day that they won’t forget and neither will I.

Bringing laughter and joy is one of my favourite parts of weddings.

If you’d like to surprise your family and friends give me a call and I will help you plan the perfect surprise.

*Note: You can surprise your guests with a surprise wedding but legally in Australia you cannot surprise your fiancé. Both parties to a marriage must have time to consider the marriage and not be placed under pressure in order to give proper legal consent.