Personal wedding ceremony scripts, vows & speeches that weave your unique story into your big day
Image: Stephen Michael Photography
Asking a friend or family member to perform your wedding ceremony is a beautiful way to make it personal and meaningful. I craft custom ceremony scripts that feel specific and authentic, telling your story and everything you want to express in this sacred ritual.
I also work with couples to write wedding vows and speeches, guiding you with format choices and helping you put your deepest feelings into words.
About
Marriage is an ancient tradition, but each marriage is unique to the couple and everything they bring to it. A wedding ceremony is an opportunity to reflect that unique alchemy, to weave your story into ritual, whether it’s in front of your community, or a private commitment between you and your partner.
If you’ve asked a friend or family member to hold your ceremony for you (or perhaps you’re the one who’s been asked), I can write a script that includes all the important details, flows naturally, and feels real and true to you.
Image: The Keepers Media
Is this for you?
- Do you want a loved one to perform your wedding ceremony and they need help knowing what to say?
- Have you been asked to “officiate” a ceremony and you’re not sure how to make it flow?
- Do you need help writing your wedding vows?
- Do you have to make a speech and would love a writer to turn your thoughts and feelings into words that still sound like you?
Yes? You can book a free exploratory meeting here.
If you work with me, I will:
- Guide you through all the puzzle pieces of a ceremony, helping you decide what feels right as we hold each component up to the light
- Listen to the story of you (or the couple whose ceremony you’re performing), and ask you thoughtful questions to get a real sense of the unique magic of your relationship
- Honour your voice in the writing of your vows or speech so that your promises and stories sound like you
- Craft something for the person who will perform your ceremony, so you feel safe knowing that your wedding ceremony will feel like a true expression of who you are.
Is this for you?
- Do you want a loved one to perform your wedding ceremony and they need help knowing what to say?
- Have you been asked to “officiate” a ceremony and you’re not sure how to make it flow?
- Do you need help writing your wedding vows?
- Do you have to make a speech and would love a writer to turn your thoughts and feelings into words that still sound like you?
Yes? You can book a free exploratory meeting here.
If you work with me, I will:
- Guide you through all the puzzle pieces of a ceremony, helping you decide what feels right as we hold each component up to the light
- Listen to the story of you (or the couple whose ceremony you’re performing), and ask you thoughtful questions to get a real sense of the unique magic of your relationship
- Honour your voice in the writing of your vows or speech so that your promises and stories sound like you
- Craft something for the person who will perform your ceremony, so you feel safe knowing that your wedding ceremony will feel like a true expression of who you are.
Kind Words
I am a lover of love stories and the way they are told. I would love to work with you to create something true to you – an encapsulation of your story and your values that you will have forever.
I am not:
- An officiant – I do not perform the ceremony, I help you create the structure and the script, which you then take to whoever will be leading your ceremony to perform
- A wedding planner – I work with you to design a ceremony structure and script, I do not handle the other elements of a wedding
- A lawyer – I do not handle any of the legal aspects of your wedding.
I will happily help with recommendations, though.
One of my favourite questions to ask people is, “How did you meet?”
The reaction is almost always the same. The couple pauses, looks at each other, and smiles, and you can almost see the warmth of the memory, the comedy of an initial disconnect, the unique mythology of their relationship flit through the air between them.
The kernel of the idea behind Something True lies in this look.
I love weddings – love weddings. And the ceremony is always my favourite part. It feels like such an honour to be asked to witness two people make their promises to one another in front of the people who form the fabric of their lives. I find that the ceremonies that are the most moving, the most joyful, are those where the officiant has really taken the time to get to know the couple, and to craft a ceremony that is a reflection of their partnership and values.
If the person holding the ceremony is a friend or family member, this can make it even more personal.
For my own wedding…
The officiant we had our hearts set on wasn’t available, and, because the way she approached ceremonies felt quite special, we weren’t sure if anyone else would be able to weave our story into the ceremony as much as we wanted it to be.
So we wrote our own.
We didn’t just tell our story, we did different things – like surprising everyone with our first dance as we were pronounced married. It felt so personal and real and true to who we are as a couple, and the journey we’ve travelled together, and we loved it. The amazing messages we got from our guests told me that they did too.
And that’s when I thought – what if I helped other couples do the same thing? What if I pieced things together for you as we walked through everything you want your ceremony to be? What if I helped you put into words everything you feel about your person and the kind of life you want to build together?
It’s a perfect Venn diagram of my favourite things – love stories, the personal, weddings, and writing.
Tell me your story. And I will write you something true.
Image: Stephen Michael Photography
Packages
Email hello@somethingtrue.co.za for pricing.
Vows Planning Workshop
A guided session for couples who want to write their own vows but aren’t sure where to start. I’ll walk you through different vow formats, listen to your story, and help you uncover what you truly want to express. It’s also a deeply connecting experience to share with your fiancé in a relaxed, welcoming space.
Includes:
- 1–1.5 hour online session
- Guidance on vow formats and examples
- Inspiration and practical tools to help you write your own vows
Joint Promises
For couples who want to create shared vows instead of the usual, traditional words – promises that capture your values and vision for marriage. Together, we’ll shape a unique set of vows that feel like your own personal marriage contract.
Includes:
- 30-minute online meeting to explore your story and shared values
- Guidance on choosing the values that will anchor your promises
- 5 bespoke vows crafted for you, based on the values you select
Personal Vows
If you’ve decided to do your own vows and want help expressing what you feel in a way that sounds natural and true to you, I’ll guide you through the process and craft vows that capture your heart and voice.
This package includes vows for one person. If you and your partner would both like personal vows, you’ll each need to book this package separately.
Includes:
- 1-hour online meeting (plus a follow-up if needed)
- Bespoke set of personal vows written just for you
Speeches
Whether you’re the bride, groom, best friend, or parent – I can help you write a wedding speech that captures everything you want to say. Together we’ll craft something that sounds like you, flows beautifully, and holds all the thank-yous and stories that matter most.
Includes:
- 1-hour online meeting (plus a follow-up if needed)
- Bespoke wedding speech crafted from your notes and stories
Ceremony Script
If you’ve asked a loved one to perform your wedding ceremony, I’ll write a custom script that tells your story and captures the tone and rituals that feel right for you. It’s everything your celebrant needs to lead a heartfelt, natural, and truly personal ceremony.
Includes:
- 1-hour online meeting (plus a follow-up if needed)
- Bespoke ceremony script written just for you
- Guidance for the person officiating your ceremony
The Whole Package
Everything you need for a ceremony that feels true to you – your unique story, vows, and promises woven together. This package includes your full ceremony script plus personal vows for both partners, at a more economical rate.
Includes:
- 1 joint meeting to explore your story (plus a follow-up if needed)
- 2 individual vow meetings (one for each partner)
- Bespoke ceremony script
- Bespoke vows for both partners
Email hello@somethingtrue.co.za for pricing.
How It Works
I have structured the packages to keep things simple while also offering you flexibility in terms of the areas in which you’d like my input. You don’t need to have a clear idea of what you want for our initial meeting – we can explore all the options together when we meet.
If you decide to go ahead, we’ll schedule an information gathering session (the fun part) where I ask you all about your story, drawing out everything I need to know to get started.
Get in Touch
Interested in working with me?
Please fill in the form below or email me at hello@somethingtrue.co.za and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
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