How did Sinead and Mike get 12 guests into a forest clearing and surprise them with their wedding on Christmas Eve? Impossible? You’d think so but everything came together and exceeded everyone’s expectations. A gorgeous couple, an up-for-it celebrant, content creator and photographer along with a brilliant forest stay team made it happen. A surprise Christmas Eve wedding in the forest – magical!
Sinead contacted me towards the end of November to see if I was available to deliver their wedding ceremony in the forest on Christmas Eve. I jumped at the prospect. Sinead, Mike and their two boys had planned to spend Christmas in the Forest of Dean with ten of their closest family members.
About a week after they had booked the stay, Sinead said to Mike, “What if we get married on Christmas Eve in the forest?”. Mike thought the idea was bonkers. Sinead spoke to her mum. She thought it was bonkers too. Sinead kept elaborating on her vision and eventually, they both came round to the idea.
Sinead got in touch and we arranged a call. We chatted about their plans and it was clear fairly early on that we were a good match. Sinead and Mike booked me right there and then during our call. The countdown began.
The ceremony script took shape quickly with Sinead and Mike writing their vows in record time. They had given notice with a day to spare and took care of their statutory marriage registration three days before their ceremony in the woods.
Every wedding celebrant will hear me when I say that I was glued to all of the weather apps in the run up to Christmas. It was uncanny. The festive weather forecast varied a fair bit but the 24th December remained consistent – 13 degrees, light cloud. No rain. My heart had sunk when Sinead and Mike sent me a video of the ceremonial space in the rain so the forecast was a welcome ray of hope!
I arrived in the forest, the sun shining, a slight nip in the air but I was wrapped up – stylishly, of course! I was blown away by the space the team created.
The path down to the ceremony space was lined with greenery blown down by Storm Darragh, jars of candles sat on logs, bundles of fairy lights hung among the trees all topped off by a temporary arbor created by the team. They had even carved seats for Sinead and Mike’s sons – such a thoughtful touch.
And if that all seems magical, the greatest magic had yet to happen. Sinead and Mike had cajoled everyone into taking an afternoon stroll to see the “light show” in the trees. Ayla and Daniella captured their approach. The family thought they were going to star in a promotional video. I stood by the sign announcing, “Tis the season to be married.” It took a few moments before everyone realised what was about to happen. There were hugs, kisses and tears. Mike’s brother John had the best reaction which was captured by Ayla.
Sinead and Mike went to get changed in the pump house (complete with spiders) while I kept the family company setting the mood for what was to follow. Mike made a Hollywood A-lister style entrance.
Sinead entered accompanied by Dad, Malcolm, to Craig Armstong’s Glasgow Love Theme.
The ceremony was a celebration of Sinead and Mike, of their family and the life they have created together. Every single member of the family received a personal address and it felt very intimate. There was laughter, tears of joy and playful interaction as the couple’s story was shared.
After Sinead and Mike surprised each other with their vows, their sons brought up the rings. With the light fading, the space became more magical. The fairy lights coming into their own and the firepits providing warmth as well as light.
The ceremony ended with rapturous applause and enthusiastic whooping and cheering lead by Auntie Jean. Hugs were shared, marshmallows toasted and the couple celebrated. The family created a sparkler corridor for the newlyweds to parade through. It was all captured by Ayla and Daniella who did a fantastic job at dusk in the middle of the winter.
Sinead and Mike had always thought they would have the big wedding in the fancy house with 120 guests but after ten years, two children, they wanted something simpler. No less meaningful but more representative of them now. Christmas is Sinead’s favourite time of year so it made sense to get married when all of her family were gathered together.
Christmas weddings are growing in popularity so why not subscribe to the magic of the festive season and have your wedding during the most wonderful time of the year?
You can read more about Sinead and Mike’s wedding in this BBC article! A huge thank you to Daniella and Ayla for capturing the ceremony so beautifully. You can get in contact with photographer Daniella via her website https://www.daniellamarinosphotography.com/ and content creator Ayla via https://reelallaboutit.co.uk/. And if you’d like to see the ceremony, follow this link to Instagram.
I’m Sam, a Bristol-based wedding celebrant who creates unforgettable ceremonies to be treasured. I travel wherever beautiful, unique and heartfelt ceremonies are required! Get in touch if you’d like to plan a surprise wedding.