Weddings

Testimonials:

We had a small wedding in September in the Iveagh Gardens Hotel in Dublin. Margaret was absolutely brilliant in helping us work through how the Ceremony should be structured and had lovely ideas for the proceedings, potential readings, placement of music etc which really helped us as we had no idea where to start. We had a few calls with Margaret and then met in person to talk through how it would all work in practice. Margaret was so organised and reassuring as we were both quite nervous but we knew we were in safe hands. Our guests all commented that it was the nicest Ceremony they had ever attended and how lovely, kind, and calm Margaret was. It has been an absolute pleasure working with Margaret and I would highly recommend her to add that special touch to your special day.

October 2021

"In 2015 we celebrated our marriage. We wanted to have a non-religious ceremony with friends and family from disparate traditions. Margaret Roche was the person we turned to in helping us plan and officiate on our special day. Margaret had some wonderful suggestions around structuring our ceremony and had ideas that we weaved in, including a hand-fasting ceremony. We could not have had a better person to officiate: she was so calm, engaged and engaging. Every one of our guests felt that they were party to a unique event and many commented on how Margaret facilitated the co-construction of a celebration which spoke of our cultural heritage (Irish and Pakistani) which sought to find common ground (the symbolism of the hand) and reach our guests, including those who are deaf sign language users. She brought a sense of calm, spirituality and unity amongst us all and these memories will be cherished throughout lives. "(LL & HS)

"Margaret was the perfect celebrant for us. We cannot recommend her more highly. Even in the weeks and months before the big event, she was a calming and assured presence. Knowing that we were in a safe pair of hands actually took a huge amount of the stress out of the planning process. My partner and I wanted an alternative experience to the standard church wedding as we are not very religious. We wanted a warm, intimate ceremony devoid of stuffiness and biblical references. Margaret helped us to craft our own personalised script. We found her templates gave us a good starting point and we added our own content under her guidance. This allowed us to involve family and friends in the day which made it so special. Throughout the ceremony itself, she spoke eloquently and had the right balance of solemnity and humour. While we wanted everyone present to have fun, we also didn't want it to turn into a party too soon. It's an important life event and Margaret marked the occasion really well. I actually expected to be more nervous on the day but knowing that we had a good plan in place allowed us both to relax and enjoy it. A couple of our guests actually booked her since our wedding." (Lauren & Simon Dec. 2019)

"In a very stressful turn of events my husband and I found ourselves in the position of needing a new registrar a few days before our wedding due to new Covid-19 restrictions. What could have been a very trying time was quickly turned around when Margaret came to our rescue and agreed to do our ceremony. From our first call with her she was very calming, kind and professional. She quickly made us feel reassured and was able to tell us everything we needed to know to help us organise all of the legal bits. On the day she delivered the ceremony beautifully, making it feel special for us while also keeping our guests engaged. I couldn't recommend Margaret more, and thank you very much for everything you did to help us in our time of need!" (Hazel & David Aug.2020)

Planning a wedding during Covid-19 maybe wasn't the easiest time, but there was one constant in our planning that gave us both a great sense of calm and serenity, and that was Margaret. Thorough, Kind and Enchanting. From the offset, Margaret shown a deep understanding of planning and creating a unique and personal ceremony. Always available and prompt to reply, I would not hesitate to recommend Margaret to anyone. We are incredibly grateful for all she has done for us and are delighted to have had her part of our special day as well. Thank you again for such a beautiful day. It truly was a wonderous and special moment.. Clodagh and Martin, December 2020

"We can't thank you enough for being with us every step of the journey. You have been truly amazing and we are so grateful."

Margaret, we didn't get to see you before you left yesterday. I am so sorry! Thank you for the most fabulous ceremony -you were terrific! And every laugh made it even better! We are so thrilled to have had you there doing the most important job on our special day. CMcE, September 2021

Hi Margaret, I just want to say a huge thank you for the beautiful ceremony. It was absolutely brilliant and everyone loved the laughs. It was so much more organic. Thank you again. CMcC, September 2021

What YOU can expect

· Friendly, sensitive and inclusive service

· Guidance around your Legal requirements

· Professional service

· Planning, Creation and Delivery

From the day we first contacted Margaret until our big day, Margaret was absolutely amazing. She really listened too what we were looking for for our ceremony and what mattered too us which is all we wanted. Each zoom meeting was filled with thought and laughter which I will always remember fondly. On our big day Margaret was just wonderful, from meeting myself before the ceremony and totally putting me at ease to carrying out the most amazing ceremony for our close family and friends and our little dog Lola even got a mention, we really could not have asked for more. We will always remember how special Margaret made our day and will be forever thankful.

Kindest Regards,

Mr&Mrs Fitzpatrick. 8th June 2022

About Me:

If you want a wedding ceremony that is less traditional unique, individual and fun, and reflects your life, you have come to the right person. Together we can make your dream a reality.

I bring a richness of experience to my role as a One Spirit Interfaith Minister and Solemniser. One Spirit Interfaith respects and enables service to people of all faith paths and none. The form of your ceremony is very flexible and will be led by your wishes. It can be formal and traditional or more light-hearted and fun. It is your choice. The great thing is I create a ceremony around you and your special story.

My professional life began as a Drama teacher and Adjudicator, followed by studies in Counselling (NUI, Maynooth), Mediation (UCD, M.Phil (Trinity College, Dublin). I have been a Life Coach for many years. I have extensive experience of making radio programmes, creating two Sound and Vision Award winning documentaries. I contributed to the anthology “With Trust in Place – Writing from the outside” (ed. Alice Leahy, Townhouse 2002). My varied professional background ensures I have rich resources and experience from which to create a ceremony or ritual which best reflects your culture, tradition and dreams.

With these rich resources and experience I will create a ceremony or ritual which best reflects your culture, tradition and dream.

It will be a magic blend of music, images and words that celebrates and reflects who YOU are. I welcome diversity of gender, orientation and culture.