It’s the special, unexpected moments that make your wedding day truly memorable. Wedding Celebrants are lucky to have a great overview of your ceremony and often witness moments that could never be planned. Today we’ve been chatting with our recommended celebrants and are lucky enough to share some beautiful and very special moments from days they have officiated – enjoy (and maybe get the tissues ready!)…
Creative Ceremonies – Trisha Bonham Corcoran
Image: @davidmcclellandphotography
Catherine O’Connor Celebrant & Solemniser
Image: Gillian Higgins Photography
Image: Gillian Higgins Photography
“Every ceremony I create is special in its own way, but Shannon and Jack’s wedding at the Four Seasons in Carlingford was one that truly reminded me why I love what I do.
They wanted a ceremony that was simple, genuine, and full of heart — and that’s exactly what we created together.
On the day, they stood side by side within the most beautiful floor flower arch created by millies_parlour, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The atmosphere was full of emotion, anticipation, and pure love. And while there were plenty of happy tears, what stood out most was the laughter. Real, spontaneous, from-the-heart laughter that brought everyone together and made the ceremony feel truly alive.
As a celebrant, it’s moments like these that mean the world to me. Seeing a room filled with people completely invested in being there for the couple, it’s magic. Shannon and Jack’s ceremony was proof that even the simplest ceremonies can be the most powerful when it’s honest, heartfelt, and full of joy.
It was an honour to be part of their day, and a beautiful reminder that when love leads the way, everything else falls perfectly into place.”
Stephen Brady Wedding Celebrant & Solemniser
“The ceremony took place just a few weeks ago at the Lucan Spa Hotel, and it was particularly special. The couple were both Irish-born but from an Egyptian family background. As such, they chose to say their vows in Arabic, which I was more than happy to accommodate.
What made it truly unique was a heartfelt moment during the ceremony when each family member and close friend came forward—mum, dad, siblings, aunts, uncles—and offered personal words of wisdom and goodwill to the couple. They shared advice, blessings, and hopes for their marriage, all from the spot just above where I usually stand. It was deeply moving, and a privilege to witness such sincere and loving contributions from so many voices.”
Nuala O’Sullivan Celebrant & Registered Solemniser
Images: RayTerry Photography
“Friday March 21st 2025. The Commodore Hotel, Cobh, Co Cork.
Wedding Ceremony of Mary & Kay.
Just before the ceremony, I had a chat with Mary and Kay’s 10-year-old son Ethan. He beamed with pride about his role in the hand-fasting as he assured me that he would tie a very good knot – he had learned how to do it in Scouts!
As the moment came, all eyes were on him. He stepped forward with quiet focus, and for a few magical seconds, the room held its breath. You could’ve heard a pin drop. Then Mary and Kay raised their hands to reveal the perfectly knotted ribbons joining them together, any the room erupted in spontaneous cheers and whoops of joy It is a standout moment for me – authentic, joyful, and heartfelt—that shows how even the smallest of hands can play a big part in love stories and reminds me why I love being a celebrant.”
Rev Barbara Allen – Celebrant and Solemniser
“I love these photos”. I have rarely experienced a bride and groom so incredibly joyful throughout the entire ceremony. There was so much laughter but at the same time, so much respect for the commitment they were making. I particularly love the photo of them lighting the unity candles. As this happened near the start of the ceremony, the groom was still quite emotional following the arrival of the bride. He was laughing at and through his tears and the bride was fully sharing the great joy of the moment. The “feel-good” atmosphere in the room was tangible. A real stand-out for me.”
Pat Clarke-Brown Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
“A stand out moment for me was last year when I got to help the Groom prank his best man by giving him a sealed empty ring box.
When the ring exchange came around poor John brought up the rings but the box was empty. The look of panic on the poor guys face was priceless.
We ended his suffering quickly though as our ring bearing Alpaca saved the day!”
Sarah Donovan – Humanist Celebrant and Solemniser
‘Preparation is key, but sometimes adaptability makes a moment even more special. I once worked with a lovely couple, Ciara and Gael, who wanted each of their 40 guests to bring a cord or ribbon for their Handfasting Ritual. They reminded their guests several times, but on the day, some had forgotten, leaving their hands empty and unsure of how to take part.
I always carry spare ribbons, but there simply weren’t enough for everyone. Looking for a solution, I noticed that the wedding booklets had been bound with cords. With a little encouragement, guests removed them and proudly held them aloft, happy to contribute. Together, we gathered and tied them, creating a beautiful, unexpected addition to the ceremony.
It took a little extra time, but the outcome was worth it. The laughter, the sense of unity, and the way everyone worked together made the ritual even more meaningful. It was a reminder that sometimes the best moments come from solving small challenges, turning them into something truly special.’
Legal Celebrant Ireland
“One of the standout moments in my journey as a celebrant was officiating a secret wedding in 2019. The couple had initially booked me for a “Welcome Baby” ceremony to celebrate their six-month-old son. Before the pregnancy, they’d been planning a traditional fairytale wedding, but the pressure, opinions, and logistics had left them feeling overwhelmed.
During one of our chats, the bride had a lightbulb moment: What if they combined the baby ceremony with their wedding day and kept it a surprise? The groom was instantly on board, and the plan was set in motion.
Guests were invited to a relaxed “Welcome Baby” summer celebration, with a casual dress code and no indication of what was really planned. After a sweet and heartfelt baby ceremony, I had the absolute honour of revealing the surprise that they were also getting married that day! The look of pure joy on their guests’ faces was unforgettable.
What followed was the most relaxed, love-filled celebration: a BBQ in the hotel gardens, picnic blankets on the lawn, no seating plan, no pressure. It was just family, close friends. and a whole lot of love. The impromptu speeches, laughter, and happy tears made it all the more special.
It was everything a celebration should be… genuine, joyful, and true to the couple. And for me, it remains one of the most meaningful moments of my celebrant career.”
Rev Geraldine Bown – Registered Solemniser
“One of my stand out moments was when the groom Alan said “I do” to me instead of his bride Avril. A photographer captured the moment.”
Kerry Wedding Celebrant – Legal Solemniser
“As a wedding celebrant I love to keep weddings fun, relaxed and full of laughter. There is nothing more beautiful than seeing that sheer excitement on a couple’s face when they have just tied the knot. That punch into the air that says ‘we did it’ , ‘we are married’ …there is no better feeling in the world.
This shot was taken just after the couple did a traditional celtic handfasting – so literally ‘tied the knot.'”
Brian Twomey Wedding Celebrant and Registered Solemniser
Images: Claire O’Rorke Photography
“One moment that still makes me smile was at the wedding of Ruth and Kim at Barnabrow, East Cork. From the second they stood together, you could just feel it—they were completely into each other, glowing with love and joy.
After their vows, and that magical “I do” moment, we included a Quaich ceremony—an old tradition where the couple share a drink to symbolise unity, and then offer it to their nearest and dearest as a gesture of connection and community. Traditionally, it’s done with whisky. And on the day, I may have been slightly too generous with the pour.
Ruth and Kim took one look at the amount in the cup and wide eyed gave me a look of absolute disbelief—like I’d handed them a full tumbler instead of a symbolic sip! Their faces were priceless—equal parts disbelief and delight.
I said something reassuring and (I like to think) very witty at the time, though I’ve no idea what it was now. Whatever it was, it had everyone laughing. It was the perfect combination of love and laughter and brought a lovely moment of lightness after the emotion of the vows.
For me it is a beautiful reminder that weddings don’t have to be stiff or serious to be meaningful. Sometimes, the magic is in the unexpected moments… and maybe just a little too much whisky.”
