In this blog we look back at a truly individual ceremony involving an autumnal colour palette, bespoke elements and of course Burt the chihuahua.
Who: Theo and Oliver
Where: https://www.theminories.org/
When: September 2026
1st Contact: I first met Theo and Oliver at a Wedding Open Day at The Minories in Colchester in 2025. The Minories is a well known Art Gallery within the city and Theo and Oliver, who are also artists and creatives volunteered at the venue, so it was a really meaningful location for them. As the venue explored possibilities for weddings and events they explored the possible of this venue being the place for their ‘big day’.
We had a chat at the open day about their theme, colour palette, interests and how they wanted to make their wedding day about ‘shopping local’ and utilising vendors who were local to the venue as well as those that understood their quirky ideas and inclusivity needs.
After a video chat secured their booking, I visited Theo and Oliver at home and met the king of the household, Chihuahua Burt. We discussed autumnal colours to be handfastened with, a theme of love and inclusion told in a folkloric style with non gendered language, a ring warming and the possibility of jumping a broom. I got to work straight away, packing it all in with traditional and timeless elements whilst respecting the individuality of their story and style. Over a number of meetings we honed the contents, ditching the broom but introducing a tarot card pull, until all parties were happy with the content and logistics which we then walked through at the venue to work out entrance and exit route and seating that would allow for couple to be able to be seated for part of the ceremony so there was no undue physical pain.
Wedding Day: I got to the venue an hour ahead of the event and was blown away by the beautiful autumnal decorations of flowers and pumpkins in the ever gorgeous gothic Folley which was to host us for the ceremony. I had a look around in the gallery which was to become their reception space later which was simply decorated with fairy lights and trinkets on the tables as the walls were adorned with works of art.
I met the wedding party of trusted friends and loved how everyone’s outfits echoed the autumnal colour palette in rich textures of velour which reflected the textures in the binding chords we were due to use in the ceremony – I love it when the synchronicity becomes apparent. King Burt was tucked up in his stroller, decorated with burgundy fringing and looked every bit the commanding presence. I was relieved that the heat that had been so prevalent through this summer had decided to dissipate a little and people were far more comfortable in their formal wear.
Soon the gusts were gathered and it was time to welcome the Bridal party. Although we were using non gendered language to reflect Theo’s non binary identity, they were happy to be acknowledged as a bride and therefore have bridesmaids and a bridal party and Oliver was very proud to wear the title of groom.
I had the joy of telling their love story in a folkloric style, referencing their meeting at Comic con in 2014 and Oliver’s ‘epic journey to Essex on his trusty steed Megabus’ which received laughs in all the right places. We had personal vows followed by bespoke promises and a handfasting before we signed a commemorative certificate. Sadly, the tarot cards were misplaced so we saved this element for later in the day. Rings were exchanged and then I had the privilege of announcing the spouses for life to their congratulatory congregations of family and friends.
The smiles were warm and beaming and I received so many compliments about how the ceremony was so right for them that I knew we had cracked it – the best compliment I can receive is a happy couple and audience.
Celebrant Led: Theo and Oliver were able to have a ceremony that included not only their personal love story, their interests and personalities but they were able to have their gender identities and pronouns considered and didn’t have to worry about the inclusion of dead names – not something that gets considered by the registry service.
We were able to flex and adapt when I realised that we were having personalised vows included and when the tarot cards were misplaced and we had a humorous moment when one of the coordinators forget they were due to play some music and went off to have a chat with a colleague – a good job they were friends of the newlyweds!! 🙂
I had such fun for this wedding. A fabulous couple had a great time, surrounded by loved ones in an environment were they felt comfortable and in a venue that was meaningful to them. We laughed, cried and celebrated together and it was gorgeous. Congratulations Theo and Oliver, oh and Burt 🙂
Supplier Love:
Photos: https://www.xantheoldingphotography.co.uk/
Music: https://www.instagram.com/goblin.band/?hl=en
Box cameras: https://www.instagram.com/thriftless.shiftless/
Flowers: https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZr0LqDCU0/?img_index=1
