Tag: Relationships

valentine's day, Valentine's Day

Spontaneous Knee-Bender?

MM The Celebrant

7 Reasons to Plan Your Proposal on Valentine’s Day (and Not Be a Spontaneous Knee-Bender)

So, you’re thinking of proposing, but you can’t decide whether to wing it in the moment or go all out on Valentine’s Day? Well, as a wedding celebrant in Scotland, I’ve seen my fair share of engagements – the good, the bad, and the “Oh dear, was that meant to be romantic?”

While spontaneity is charming, here are seven reasons why planning your proposal for Valentine’s Day is a much better idea than suddenly dropping to one knee in the frozen aisle of Tesco while holding a meal deal.

1. Valentine’s Day Already Does Half the Work

It’s the one day of the year where restaurants dim the lights, scatter rose petals, and pretend every dish is “sensual” (even the mashed tatties). The atmosphere is already there – you just need to show up with a ring!

2. You’ll Actually Have a Ring

Speaking of rings… spontaneous proposals often involve an IOU or a Haribo sweetie ring in place of an actual sparkler. That’s fine when you’re ten years old in the playground, but if you’re proposing as a fully-grown adult, let’s aim for a bit more preparation.

3. No One Wants a ‘Hangry’ Proposal

Imagine this: you’re walking along a scenic loch, feeling the romance in the air… when suddenly, hunger strikes. Your partner is giving you the look (you know the one), and now you’re down on one knee while they’re just thinking about chips. Valentine’s Day proposals usually involve a meal first. You’ll both be well-fed and in the mood to celebrate properly!

4. The Photos Will Be Instagram-Ready

A well-planned proposal means you can subtly hint to a friend (or a hired photographer) to capture the moment, rather than relying on a blurry, mid-blink selfie taken in a panic. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re not explaining why your engagement photo has a kebab in the background.

5. No Awkward ‘Wrong Moment’ Moments

Spontaneous proposals come with risks. Don’t do it in the supermarket or when they are in the toilet!!!

AND…

What if you pop the question just as your partner is mid-sneeze? Or right after they’ve stubbed their toe and are cursing in five different languages? Planning for Valentine’s Day means choosing the perfect moment, rather than an unfortunate one.

6. It’s the One Day You Won’t Forget

Some people propose on random Tuesdays and then spend a lifetime trying to remember if it was March or April. But Valentine’s Day? Easy to remember. No forgotten engagement anniversaries, no awkward “When did we get engaged again?” questions. Simple. Effective. Foolproof.

7. You’ll Have a Lifetime of ‘I Planned This’ Bragging Rights

Nothing screams romance like being able to say, “Yes, I orchestrated this whole thing with thought, care, and a touch of magic.” Instead of, “Yeah, I just sort of… did it in the queue for the chippy.”

So, There You Have It!

While spontaneous proposals have their place, if you want to get it just right, a well-thought-out Valentine’s Day plan is your best bet. Besides, if all else fails, at least you’ll have an abundance of heart-shaped chocolate to soften the pressure!

See you next time!

Beautiful Ring Boxes

celebrate life, Celebrations, Civil Celebrant, electricity,, familial love, Fun, Life, Love, Mindfulness, poetry, Relationship Advice

What is Love?

MM The Celebrant

As the sun sets on my romantic dreams!

I still don’t understand what it is!

A bit like electricity?

Love is like a light switch which turns on and, in my case off—I still don’t understand how that works either. Sometimes love lights up your world, other times it shocks the heck out of you, and occasionally it leaves you in the dark, wondering if you paid the bill!

Love is indeed complex, like trying to fold a fitted sheet. We think there’s a “right way” to do it, but let’s be honest—most of us are just rolling it up and hoping it doesn’t unravel at the worst possible moment which is a bit like some relationships.

Yes, familial love is often considered the simplest and most instinctive form of love. It’s like the Wi-Fi of relationships—always there, connecting you whether you like it or not. Sibling love, in particular, is a special kind of chaos. One minute you’re ready to donate a kidney, the next you’re wondering how they’ve managed to annoy you with just their breathing. But that’s love—equal parts devotion and exasperation!

Romantic love is definitely like a roller coaster designed by a mad scientist—thrilling, confusing, sometimes making you scream, and yet, you keep getting back in line. One moment, you’re writing love poems in your head; the next, you’re arguing over who left the cap off the toothpaste. It’s wild, unpredictable, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, it flips upside down. Honestly, understanding romantic love is like trying to read a novel in a language you don’t speak, but you’re too invested to put it down!

Platonic love with men can feel like trying to keep a cat off your keyboard—no matter how many times you explain the boundaries, they keep testing them. It’s that deep connection where you think, “Are we friends?” and then, boom, they’re looking at you like you’re the last piece of pizza on the platonic platter. Love should be all about shared values, trust, and having a laugh—but sometimes, we misread the map and ends up at “Kissville” when you’re just trying to chill in “Pals Town”.

Self-love is definitely the best!

No need for mind games or decoding mixed signals—it’s just you, appreciating yourself like the absolute legend you are. You always know what you want for dinner, how you like your coffee, and let’s be honest, no one gives you a better pep talk than you. It’s the most straightforward relationship you’ll ever have, plus you never have to share the last piece of your saucy orecchiette!

Now that’s true love!

To find our more about becoming a celebrant CLICK

Uncategorized

Tying the Knot?

MM The Celebrant

Legal or not?

In Scotland, tying the knot, or getting married, is a legal process governed by specific regulations.

The differences between a non-legal and legal wedding are very specific and the ceremony needs to reflect this. As a celebrant I cannot stand in front of guest and an any way ‘pretend’ a wedding is legal if it is not.

To make it legal I need to have the schedule issued by the Registrar of Scotland and the date and venue must be correct. If there are any discrepancies I would phone the Registry office of who issued the schedule and they would decide if the wedding would, or should not go ahead.

These are not decisions we can make because that is Scots law!

Here’s a summary of the key points regarding marriage in Scotland:

Legal Weddings:

  1. Age: Both parties must be at least 16 years old.
  2. Capacity: Both parties must have the mental capacity to understand the nature of the marriage.
  3. Notice of Marriage: Notice must be given to the registrar at least 29 days before the intended date of marriage.
  4. Residency: No residency requirement for marriage, but notice must be given to the registrar in the district where the marriage will take place.
  5. Documentation: Both parties must provide documentation including birth certificates, passports, and, if applicable, divorce or death certificates from previous marriages.
  6. Consent: Both parties must freely consent to the marriage.
  7. Prohibited Degrees of Relationship: Parties cannot be closely related by blood or adoption.

Marriage Certificate

A marriage certificate is issued following the ceremony, confirming the legal status of the marriage.

During the ceremony, both parties must declare that they accept each other as legally married in the presence of the celebrant and two witnesses.

If you have any specific questions about the legalities or processes related to marriage in Scotland, feel free to ask!

To find out more about how to become a celebrant click here!

poetry

To a Friend!

MM The Celebrant 
Each to their own!


I know I’m not for everyone

Nor they, indeed, for me

I see my faults

Address them

But they’re still a part of me.

 
If I have had you in my life

Through good times and the bad

I never meant to cause you harm

Or tried to make you sad!

 
Though my intentions were never saintly

I tried to do my best

I gave opinions, as I saw

Stuck by them rather bravely!



If you ever saw the worst in me

Moved on an then we parted

I’d like to say I thank you for

The joy with which we started.


All things end eventually

In friendship and in life

I’ve been the best that I could be

A Mum, a friend, a gran – a wife!



So, hold on to your memories

and Jumpers - of the past.

Consider the landscape of your life, 

The ups and downs don't last



Relish every minute 

Because time

It moves...

So fast!

If you like poetry click here!

Uncategorized, weddings

Wedding – Roles and res

MM The Celebrant

What do you expect from your Bridesmaids and Groomsmen?

What are their roles and responsibilities?

Who does what and when?

Continue reading “Wedding – Roles and res” →
Books, Uncategorized

Check this out at Amazon

MM The Celebrant

The Mental Pause: Memoirs of a Gorbal’s Girl! https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06WP571Y2/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_43TQTHZPV12M7WKFYD1X

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“Heart wrenching story how alcoholism can effect a family. Very well written and totally
had me hooked ! Could not put it down. Very sad that the author can remember so much graphic detail
about her often troubled childhood. Thankfully the humour and love made this very sad tale easier to read.”

I loved it!

Click this link to read more!

celebrate life, Celebrations, Civil Celebrant, Civil Celebrations, Civil Weddings, weddings

Planning a Wedding?

MM The Celebrant

Availability?

What is your vision?

What is your budget?

Continue reading “Planning a Wedding?” →