Multi-award winning Professional Toastmaster and Master of Ceremonies
Fellow of the Guild of Professional Toastmasters
SAME SEX WEDDINGS
Guy is an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, and loves to create bespoke weddings.
He gets to understand the wants and needs of the nearlyweds, which are unique to the couple. One of the points to discuss and agree are the “forms of address” used on the day that feels appropriate to the couple. This is first discussed in the initial meeting. Here, the style, feel and atmosphere envisaged by the couple is brought to life, with Guy following up and offering suggestions to enhance the day.
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A recent example is a same sex wedding at Carlton House Terrace in London. The couple were concerned about how they could make their wedding relevant, personal and appropriate to them - set against the backdrop of weddings where traditions are normalised for heterosexual couples. Whilst etiquette is a great guide, it is exactly that – a guide. Guy explained that tailoring the day’s events to suit them was most important, and talked though how the vision of the couple can become reality: their day, their way.
Guy had a long meeting at the venue to get to know the couple, and for them to get to know him. Terminology was discussed and agreed. For example instead of Groom and Groom, first names would be used in pre-ambles and introductions. Winning trust and confidence, we walked through the day, which would have four entries of the wedding party to the ceremony, a reading, a pre-formal entry of parents to the wedding breakfast, followed by the formal entry of the happy couple, amongst many other things. Guy’s personal tribute to the happy couple preceded the cake cutting. Time was spent on understanding the personalities and characters of the couple, thereby coming up with a bespoke tribute that captivated the audience and couple, and went down brilliantly!
There was no first dance. Instead the cake cutting would herald the start of the evening party, so Guy co-ordinated with the band to ensure this was seamless and received the introduction needed to get everybody ready to hit the dancefloor.
Leading up to the big day, Guy was contactable for advice at any time. A big reassurance to his clients.
On the day, the work and preparation paid off. An absolutely first class day was enjoyed by all, but most importantly, by the happy couple. Here is the review from the happy couple, and from Luxury wedding planner, Laura Hillman.
“Master of ceremonies, and that’s the point - a Master, a real Master of his trade.
We found Guy through our wedding planner, Laura Hillman and what a find! From our very first meeting we felt really comfortable with Guy’s approach, his obvious experience, knowledge and clear understanding of what we required.
What we liked was his friendly manner and desire to work with us and guide us through our wedding day. Right from the start and throughout our wedding day Guy’s professionalism, his friendly authority and attention to detail made our day extra special - which included a bespoke tribute to us, which we loved.
Guy is marvellous and we wholeheartedly recommend him
Many thanks, S & P.”
“Guy is a toastmaster working to the highest level. I am luxury wedding planner and I recently booked Guy to act as Master of Ceremonies for a high-end wedding on behalf of my clients at Carlton House Terrace London on the 30 July 2022.
From the outset Guy understood the brief, adapting his service to the needs of my clients. He was an excellent communicator and incredibly professional throughout. On the day he was invaluable to me. He ensured the smooth running of the entire day, keeping guests informed, and looking after my couple.
Knowing guests and clients were in safe hands with Guy I was able to focus on my role and oversee other areas. When the dinner over ran he made recommendations to ensure that evening guests were not kept waiting - it was amazing to have this level of problem solving and input from a toastmaster!
He is a key team player, provides a first class service at all times, and exceeds his clients' expectations. I wouldn't hesitate at recommending Guy and can't wait to work with him again!”
LH, 8th August, 2022.
