Real Ceremonies by Sonal Dave
Venue – Highlands Estate
Wedding Planner – Radhika and You
Gospel Singers – Get Gospel
Decor – Wedding Touch
Photography – Raj Passy
Videographer – Moss
Supreet is Indian, and Francesco is Italian.
Supreet shared that Francesco is her home. He makes her feel safe, and he is her best friend. She couldn’t imagine her life without him. He pushes her to be better; she learns from him every day. He is everything she wants in a partner- patient, kind, genuine, caring, loving and gentle.
Francesco shared that Supreet is the sweetest, most caring, and very smart person. She gives him strength when he needs it and brings joy and excitement to his life. She is the only person with whom he feels 100% comfortable saying anything and being completely himself. He can laugh, cry and open up completely. She is very passionate and driven, and he is proud of her.
Supreet and Francesco contacted me, and we arranged for them to come home for an initial chat to see if I would be the right Celebrant for them. As soon as they sat down on the sofa in my lounge, we connected. We talked, we shared, and I knew they were a perfect couple for me to create and deliver their personalised ceremony. They agreed. The booking form and contract signing were completed, and I left them with a questionnaire to complete.
We worked together on Zoom after that, and after creating their first version, I shared it with them for review. After receiving their comments, I updated the document and shared it with them again to review.
When creating a celebrant ceremony for two cultures, I must ensure that the ceremony celebrates them as individuals and as a couple. What an opportunity it was to work with the Indian and Italian cultures.
One of the readings was delivered in both English and Italian, and a Gospel Choir provided great music and entertainment. The couple made promises, exchanged rings, shared personal vows and received a blessing.
Hylands Estate, London Road, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM2 8WQ
Hylands Estate is an award-winning Grade II* listed mansion. Hylands House is set in 574 acres of landscaped parkland. Here, you’ll find their beautifully restored ceremony and reception rooms, the contemporary Grand Pavilion, and the outdoor wedding ceremony garden just a few steps away.
Hylands House is the vision of luxury and opulence. The Banqueting Room provides a stunning backdrop for a wedding ceremony with its 24-carat gold leaf decorations and silk-lined walls. The Drawing Room is remarkable with its gilded ceiling and stunning marble fireplace. Our beautifully refurbished wedding suites create a unique link to the estate’s gardens with a horticultural theme. The Grand Pavilion offers a stylish celebration space with sparkling chandeliers and ivory drapes.
Sonal was such a perfect celebrant for our wedding.
When we decided we wanted to create our ceremony, we knew finding the right celebrant was a crucial task. When we came across Sonal’s profile – we had a feeling she would be great – and she really was.
From our initial meeting we instantly liked Sonal and pretty much decided we wanted her on the spot. She instantly understood our values and what we stood for. She was non judgmental, friendly and incredibly warm – we felt she was truly open to our ideas and delivered exactly what we wanted.
So many people complimented Sonal during and after our wedding celebrations – she blended the Western and Eastern parts of our wedding beautifully and really was the perfect glue that made our ceremony perfect. I was a bit unsure how the ‘older’ more traditional members of our family would receive a slightly different ceremony, but the elegance, friendly and professional manner in which Sonal carried out our ceremony made it perfect. She was on time and worked well with the other suppliers.
Thank you so much, Sonal, for our beautiful wedding ceremony- I cant think of anyone who would have been more of a perfect fit – you were wonderful!
