But before I step into 2014, I've looked back over the last twelve months and realised a few things happened in the life of Sincere Moments - things that are unlikely to ever happen again!
So here are my Top 3 Highlights from this year, in no particular order - each one with its' own set of emotions and memories!
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Will you marry me?
Back in April, I was delighted to design and lead little Oscar's Naming Ceremony. Pete and Heather are just wonderful parents, deeply devoted to each other and their son.
But little did we all know, that Pete had something more up his sleeve for the big day!
Before the ceremony started, Pete took me to one side and gently said that he had something that he just wanted to say at the end to everyone - and could I make time for that please. Of course! - I envisaged he wanted some space to make his own personal thanks to his family and friends.
But here's the shock......because this is what he really wanted to do:
There wasn't a dry eye in the room........as Pete turned to Heather............and thanked her for everything that she brought into his life......and everything that she'd become to him. He loved her..........and would she marry him? Little Oscar had no idea of the enormity of what was happening around him!
Needless to say the answer was a resounding Yes!........and I'm looking forward to helping them both celebrate their marriage next year.
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Dragon's Den Entrepreneur picks Sincere Moments as one of his favourite small businesses
It was April again that brought good news! The business found itself in the spotlight for some local and national media coverage.
Theo Paphitis, the former Dragon's Den entrepreneur................picked Sincere Moments as one of his top 6 favourite small businesses. That meant immediate access to Theo's international business network, to his other winners in the UK, and to his growing #SBS (Small Business Sunday) business network.
In November, I travelled to Birmingham to spend the day with him and other entrepreneurs......to hear his views on business.................and to receive my award from him.
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During his speech, he made one particular comment that hit home to me.........."If your business doesn't rock your boat.........then go and get a job!"
Being a Celebrant certainly rocks my boat!
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An intimate Renewal of Vows - for a most inspirational lady!
It was down in Somerset in June, where I was delighted to lead a Renewal of Vows ceremony for a truly inspirational woman.
Naomi Thomas is the founder of the charity The Wedding Wishing Well Foundation (www.weddingwishingwell.org.uk) - a charity that helps terminally ill people, to have the wedding of their dreams. In 2010, Naomi found out that she had incurable breast cancer - news that simply wiped out all her future dreams.
On 6th June 2012, she married Graham. A year later, and they decided that they wanted to celebrate their first year of marriage together with a Vow Renewal ceremony. In Naomi's own words.....'We don't know if we'll have a second wedding anniversary!'
Away from all the spotlight and the media, Naomi and her husband Graham together with their son Devon, renewed their vows in the fabulous St Audries Park Manor House.(http://www.countryhouseweddings.co.uk/st-audries-park)
(Photos courtesy of http://www.martingillman.co.uk)
It was probably one of the most intimate of ceremonies that I've ever designed and led. No audience. No spectators. Just two people lucky and grateful to have their time together.
Naomi went on to win the Daily Mail's Inspirational Woman of the Year award, taking her to Downing Street to meet and be congratulated by Samantha Cameron. She's a remarkable lady who's making such a huge difference out there. It was a pleasure to meet her and I wish her much strength in the times ahead.
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So there we have it! A year where I've met many wonderful people and been involved in many milestone occasions.
Every ceremony I take is as unique to me, as it is to the people involved. No two ceremonies are ever the same - nor should they be! I'm always humbled at the personal stories people share with me and how they allow me to turn them into amazing ceremonies.
To all those I've worked with over the year, you've all taught me something, you've all made a difference for me.
Thank you for choosing Sincere Moments to be part of your celebration.
Happy New Year to you all.
XCarole.
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