A beautiful wedding celebration at The Green with Julie and Josh

At Celebrant in Cornwall, we are always especially grateful when we are booked by couples with whom we feel we are a great match. Whether it’s shared values, a similar sense of humour or that something special you just can’t put your finger on – it really does make the journey more enjoyable and the connection more meaningful. Josh and Julie were one of those couples, and having already celebrated their official union in Japan two years prior, they sought a ceremony led by a celebrant who understood them and would be able to deliver the celebration of their dreams.

A breathtaking venue

Julie and Josh had already chosen The Green for their celebration, a venue we always enjoy visiting. Nestled in rolling countryside and looking out over some of Bodmin Moor’s most striking features, The Green offers a truly picturesque backdrop for any celebration. Our couple envisioned a ceremony by the lake in late September, coinciding with Julie’s birthday. Their dream was for a relaxed and happy ceremony, and as a vegan wedding, it would be a truly green celebration in every sense!

Crafting a unique ceremony

We began working with Julie and Josh in early July, and the first draft of their ceremony was ready shortly after. With the words crafted, there were still some lovely details to finalise, such as a beautiful hand-tying ritual that would involve each of their 42 guests. The couple chose ribbon colours to represent the unique qualities each brought to their relationship: white for serenity, purple for wisdom, green for compassion, light blue for sincerity, and pink for love. To further personalise this special moment, guests would be asked to write notes of good wishes on the ribbons ready for tying around Julie and Josh’s hands.

Other wonderfully unique aspects of the ceremony included the couple entering the ceremony together, bespoke vows which had been kept a surprise from one another, and participation from the couple’s mothers in presenting the rings. With such a deeply personal ceremony, it was decided no additional readings were needed, and the only further detail added was a symbolic moment where Josh and Julie signed a copy of their vows.

A day to remember

Saturday 27 September finally arrived, and it was a surprisingly blustery day, but fortunately with no rain. We travelled across the moors, passing the Cheesewring, Sharp Tor and the iconic engine houses at Minions, and arrived at The Green, where there was a gentle air of excitement as guests enjoyed drinks and conversation. Due to the slightly inclement weather, the ceremony was relocated to the Oak Arbour, a decision which enabled our couple to still have the outdoor ceremony they hoped for, but with a little more shelter. The falling acorns added a perfect and romantic touch for nature-loving Julie and Josh.

As the ceremony began, the warmth of the guests was evident. Everyone participated joyfully in the group vows and appeared to relish hearing every moment of Julie and Josh’s journey over the last five years, including tales of their meeting during Covid, their shared love for travel and adventure, a wonderfully romantic proposal, and plans for their future years together. The hand-tying was a sentimental highlight, and the couple’s eloquent and honest vows moved many to tears. The presentation of the wedding rings by Catherine and Satomi added to the occasion’s poignancy, and once the vows were signed, there was a jubilant cheer as the couple exited to bubbles, a delightful alternative to confetti.

Heartfelt thanks

After the ceremony, I was invited to stay for drinks and canapés – a lovely gesture from Julie and Josh. It was an opportunity to chat further with friends and family, and I was made to feel most welcome. Julie kindly sent a message the very next day, expressing their happiness with how the day went. A few days later, this email arrived:

“We wanted to thank you so much for Saturday. We are so happy with how it went and couldn't have asked for a better ceremony. Thank you so much for your guidance in designing the ceremony and for delivering it so wonderfully on the day. You've given us the memories of a lifetime. (Also, if anyone we know is looking for a celebrant in Cornwall, we'll be sure to recommend you!)”

They followed up with a heartwarming review posted online:

Lisa was fantastic! From the first online meeting we had together, we felt like Lisa was a perfect fit for us. We felt comfortable discussing ideas for the ceremony with her, and she provided a lot of help so that we felt prepared for it. The ceremony itself was excellent. Lisa spoke clearly, made the guests laugh and feel relaxed, and spoke in a sentimental way at the right times. We couldn't have asked for a better celebrant!

A joyful collaboration

We are incredibly grateful to Julie and Josh for choosing us to help celebrate their special day. The photos, taken by Andy on behalf of Charlotte Atherton, really are a testament to the joy and love shared at this beautiful wedding celebration at The Green. Working with Julie and Josh was such a rewarding experience, reminding us of the privilege we have in creating unforgettable moments for couples in love across Cornwall.