Oscar and Lucy’s wonderful wedding ceremony with Lisa of Celebrant in Cornwall

It’s a rare occasion that we venture to Somerset for a wedding, but when Lucy and Oscar reached out to us at Celebrant in Cornwall, we knew immediately this was a couple we couldn't resist. (It’s impossible to say no to your ideal clients!)

And although it was only six months until their June wedding, their choice of a weekday celebration allowed us the flexibility to join them in creating a memorable day. Lucy’s heartfelt message to lead celebrant Lisa after our initial conversation sealed the deal: “It was so lovely to meet you and we’d love for you to be our celebrant (if you’ll have us)!” This was certainly cause for one of our famous skippy dances around the kitchen…

A Venue with Special Meaning

Lucy and Oscar chose the breathtaking Coombe Lodge at Blagdon for their celebrations – a location which held special significance for them, as some of their first dates took place near the neighbouring Chew Valley Lake. And while they could have opted for a registrar to lead their ceremony at this venue, they both wanted the personal touch that only an independent celebrant can provide. After deliberating the pros and cons of a registrar attending alongside to complete the legal paperwork on the same day, they then decided to handle the legalities at their local register office, freeing them to design their day with Lisa of Celebrant in Cornwall exactly as they envisioned.

Thoughtful Planning

This was a couple who approached their ceremony planning with impressive care and thought, starting with the completion of their couples’ questionnaires. These provided me with many delightful (and often hilarious) insights into their shared loves and life together, with many anecdotes demonstrating how incredibly well suited they were. Lucy and Oscar also suggested we speak with a number of friends and family members to gather even more personal thoughts to weave into the ceremony - and I would later incorporate this into the ceremony as a ‘secret section’. Then when our follow up meeting in March arrived, it was filled with much laughter and warmth, and way too much fun to be considered work! I was very flattered to learn that Oscar later remarked to Lucy, “You were so right about Lisa, I’m so glad we booked her! I always feel so loved up after our chats!”

Crafting the first draft of their ceremony was an absolute joy, and I was thrilled to receive their positive feedback: “It really is a beautifully written ceremony and we love the flow of it. Thank you for all your hard work.” Their personal vows soon followed, which Lucy and Oscar crafted with emotion and authenticity, promising a truly special ceremony.

The Big Day

The arrival of Monday 16 June 2025 came swiftly, and we set off from Cornwall with excitement, snacks and music blaring from the radio. Somerset greeted us with warm June sunshine, setting the perfect stage for the day. Coombe Lodge, with its luxurious country house charm, was a fantastic choice of venue, and renowned for its exclusivity and focus on weddings and special events, it really was the perfect backdrop for their day. I was super-excited to meet Lucy, yet to get dressed but surrounded and supported by her crew, while Oscar was ready, enjoying drinks with family and friends, and it was wonderful for me to have time to meet those I’d only heard about or perhaps conversed by email with. 

As more guests arrived, they were treated to drinks and a chance to explore the beautiful grounds, captured in sketches by the talented Jana, the Wedding Sketcher, who we would highly recommend! Music was provided by Lorna and Lucy from the Sorelli Ensemble, the sound of their strings suiting the atmosphere perfectly. The ceremony space was adorned with vibrant wildflowers in blues, yellows, oranges, greens, and pinks, arranged in cute coloured glass bottles and wooden crates (great work by Claire at The Wilde Bunch), alongside lanterns with flickering candles, and a peek into the reception room revealed some equally thoughtful personal touches, with little portraits drawn of all Lucy and Oscar’s favourite companion animals.

A Ceremony to Remember

There were so many parts of this ceremony I adored, but one of my favourites was the couple’s decision to enter together. Initially Oscar waited at the front with me while key members of the wedding party entered, and then when Lucy walked to the head of the aisle, looking truly incredible, Oscar went to greet her with a kiss, and he escorted her to the archway where I was waiting. The ceremony began with community promises and a ring warming, engaging all 50 guests in a touching moment. Lucy and Oscar’s story, filled with nostalgia and humour, was complemented by three beautifully chosen readings. Good friend Talia read an excerpt from Lang Leav’s Love and Misadventure, while Oscar and Lucy jointly read James Fenton’s Hinterhof, and this was my personal favourite. Lucy’s brother, Will, later read The Beauty of Love, another highly thoughtful choice.

The couple's personal vows were, as I predicted, the absolute highlight and prompted both laughter and tears, and this was followed by Oscar’s twin, Dorrie, presenting the all-important wedding rings. A joyful signing was followed by a celebratory shower of confetti and cheers as the couple made a balcony appearance.

A Perfect Honeymoon

Oscar and Lucy honeymooned at the stunning Gara Rock, another glorious venue we enthusiastically recommend! With its breathtaking views and perfect weather, it surely felt as if they were on the Côte d'Azur that week! Upon their return, Lucy sent a touching message: “We had the BEST day, and the ceremony was my favourite part. Just wanted to say you’re the best, and thank you for doing such an amazing job.”

What an absolute delight it was to be part of Oscar and Lucy’s wedding celebrations. Their love and attention to detail made it a day we will never forget.

They left us the kindest review:

Thank you so much, Lisa, for running such an amazing ceremony. It was absolutely perfect and just what we wanted! Most of our friends and family came up to us to say it was the best wedding ceremony they’d ever been to. Oscar was reluctant initially to have a celebrant, but these were his words to me afterwards: You were so right about asking Lisa to be our celebrant. I admit it! We had the BEST day and the ceremony was my favourite part. I really enjoyed standing and facing our guests and just taking them all in. Thank you for suggesting that, Lisa. We’ve since had multiple thank you cards saying that the ceremony was such a highlight- so heartfelt and connected. One person mentioned that they normally find wedding ceremonies dry (and sometimes boring), but they loved every moment! Just wanted to say you’re the best, and thank you for doing such an amazing job. Lisa listens to you deeply and genuinely cares about getting to know you as a couple. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Lisa to be your celebrant, and if you’re on the fence, just book her! Lots of love, Lucy & Oscar P.S. There aren’t many photos of Lisa being awesome because she kept discreetly stepping out of the way for key moments. She was the quiet presence leading a beautiful ceremony that had everything in it that we wanted.

Photos were taken by fellow supplier from Cornwall - Lyra & Moth - Creative Photographers in Cornwall