King and Queen of your very own Castle

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend. I know, I know...it goes too quickly right?

I was lucky enough to spend the weekend by the sea in beautiful North Somerset, visiting relatives and meeting a lovely couple who have booked me to perform their wedding ceremony this summer.

The happy couple are holding their wedding at the amazing Walton Castle located in the Victorian seaside town of Clevedon. The castle is a Grade II listed 16th Century hill top property with 360 degree views over wooded North Somerset countryside on one side and the Bristol Channel and Wales on the other.

The main part of the accommodation is housed on four floors in an octagonal keep which sits in the centre of a stunning cobbled courtyard. There are several self contained suites located in the outlying turrets and even a swimming pool. Let the party commence!

This will be my second wedding at this wonderful venue and I'm already so excited to be visiting it again.

Photography via WaltonCastle.co.uk

What makes this place so special is that it feels like your holding a country house party at your very own rural retreat. You rent the property in its entirity, like you would a holiday let, meaning there are no venue staff on hand to direct you.

The owner is more than happy to recommend local suppliers, so you are not entirely without expert advice. The fabulous Seth's Kitchen comes highly recommended...which I can also personally vouch for :) DELICIOUS!

If you fancy being King and Queen of the Castle for a wedding weekend to remember, you can contact the owner by email: waltoncastle@aol.com

Walton Castle is not licenced for civil ceremonies but if you're hoping to say "I do" in the grounds of this amazing place, simply contact me ChristabelCelebrates@gmail.com and I'll be happy to help!

Christabel x

Photography by Nick Williams via WaltonCastle.co.uk

Setting the Scene: Your ceremony backdrop

The lovely Alice in Weddingland recently asked if I'd be happy to provide a quote for her blog post The Alternative Altar: Unique Wedding Venues. Was I happy? I was over the moon! I LOVE this blog. It's full of beautiful and inspiring things and jaw-dropping photography. You can read the post here

As someone who writes and performs wedding ceremonies this post was very close to my heart. I believe the ceremony is the heart of a wedding, the moment when a couple express their love for each other and make promises for the future.

In such an intimate setting why not dress the scene to match the theme of your special day. Use objects, materials, flowers or fauna that you love or mean something to you.

The alternative altars featured by Alice in Weddingland are beautiful examples to inspire your own backdrop creations. Streamers or bunting, floral arches with exotic flowers, shabby chic furniture or sumptuous drapes are just a few of the gorgeous ideas that will give your ceremony that wow! factor.

Here are a few more to get the creative juices flowing. Enjoy!

Christabel x



 Fresh in Love Photography via 100layercake.com

Jackson Wright Photography via Ilovefarmweddings.com



Eric Kelley Photography via loveandlavender.com

Stephanie Fay Photography via bvweddings.com



Anahi Navarro Wedding Photography via anahiphotoart.com

Happy New Year and what a year it's gonna be!

Wowzer. Well, what a start to January 2012!

Typically the start of a new year is always a bit of a downer. The excitement of Christmas has finally subsided; you've eaten too much, spent too much and had way too much to drink. You find yourself a few pounds heavier, everywhere except your wallet.

But for the start of this new year I'm going to laugh in the face of misery! I'm telling depression to 'take a hike'. Lethargy to get 'on your bike.' And self-doubt, well you can just ummmm, do one!

So, I'm feeling rather bouncy about 2012. Maybe it's the Olympics or the Queen's Jubilee. A year of celebration stretches ahead and I shall be sharing some magical moments with couples getting married, renewing their vows, and naming their babies.

To get the celebrations underway, I'm delighed to say that a wedding I performed at has been featured on the legendary Rock 'n Roll Bride blog.

You can read all about this magical wedding and swoon over the gorgeous images by Joanna Millington here

Before you click, here is a pic of me peforming the nuptials.

Photograph courtesy of Joanna Millington Photography

Happy New Year to you all. Hope it brings you health, happiness and joy plus plenty of reasons to celebrate!

Love, Christabel x