Stephen McLaren

A jet-ski was hurtling across Loch Lomond towards us, just as the couple were sharing their vows. There were 20 of us, gathered high up on a spectacular viewing platform overlooking the water, so we must have looked like quite a scene. From our vantage point, it looked like someone was racing towards us to try and stop the wedding! I asked the bride if she knew the person almost flying towards us like James Bond and everyone laughed!

Relaxed, friendly, helpful, hands-on, professional,

We care. We are dedicated in everything that we do. Our open-mindedness, our fairness and our adaptability means we are always inclusive. We respect the privilege we have. Helping people mark the big moments in their lives is an honour and we always remember that.

Be yourselves! Do it your way and don't be afraid to ask for help. People who love you will want to help you and any professional wedding service providers who you hire for your day, well it's our job to help. So always ask!

I always like the choice of material people use in a traditional handfast. Often, it is a scarf or a tie from someone who is no longer with us.

I guide couples through the creative process, from day one right up until the wedding day. I share previous ceremony scripts with a new couple (with names and details changed of course!) and I help to tie all the couple's ideas together by adding the right words so that we have a great script on the day. I try to make it easy for them!

I also guide couples through the legal process.

On the wedding day, I follow the plan we have created so that everything goes ahead as planned. I know who is involved and I know where we should all be so that timings, (eg for the music and all the other special moments in the ceremony), happen just how we want it to.

A couple got married by the monument on Calton Hill in Edinburgh. I was amazed at how well the guests, armed with cans of G&T, managed to climb onto the monument so they could have a great view of the ceremony. Kilts, dresses and high heels are not the best gear to climb in but it all went really well. No-one fell, men's bums weren't exposed and everyone had a great time!

By reassuring the couple with two things: a great script and a great plan. I always arrive early so that I can help to make sure things go smoothly.

Being involved with people on such a happy occasion is a privilege and a joy. My role as a Celebrant can often be emotional but it is always fun. It takes planning but I enjoy that part too. I like being part of a couple's wedding team as we prepare the ceremony together.

The other bonus is that every wedding is different, so there is always something new to experience and enjoy. There is always something new to learn too.

I love the couple's story and if they choose to do this, I enjoy the emotions and delight at their secret promises.

I can't forget the big celebrations when the couple kiss! That is always amazing!