Oxfordshire best celebrant named finalist for second year

Suzi van der Mark of Celebrations by Suzi, based in Nettlebed near Henley-on-Thames, was named as the best celebrant at The Wedding Industry Awards (TWIA) regional final last year.

More recently, she secured a place in the final of the Guides for Brides Customer Service Awards for a second year, picking up her award at Oxford Town Hall on March 18.

The accolade celebrates those who have gone the extra mile to provide outstanding customer care to couples throughout the year.

Suzi van der Mark, an independent celebrant from Nettlebed, near Henley-on-Thames (Image: Mark Rock)

She said: “After being named best newcomer at the previous TWIA, it is a huge vote of confidence and I’m absolutely blown away. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my clients’ generous feedback and for trusting me on the most special of days.”

“It really is the icing on the cake”, she said, “Taking the time to get to know my couples to create a truly bespoke wedding ceremony that’s full of memorable moments and personal touches without any rules of restrictions is a total pleasure and a real privilege.”

READ MORE: Bicester Village car park to bring 517 additional spaces

She says her 25 years in corporate communications as a professional writer and storyteller for brands and businesses has proven invaluable in her role to deliver memorable ceremonies from scratch.

She said: “The Statutory Ceremony at the Register Office is a great option and ensures that my couples can have a one-of-a-kind ceremony on their wedding day in front of all their guests with me without any rules or restrictions on music, readings, rituals, faith, vows or promises.

“This allows for a truly celebratory ceremony that reflects them and their wishes entirely because the legalities have already taken place.”

Couples described her story telling as “magical”. One said: “Her amazing story telling was just magical and she got us and the mood spot on”. Another said: “Suzi is a beautiful creative writer. How she transformed our love story into our ceremony was quite amazing – pure genius.”

She only books one wedding a day, allowing for limited time constraints on the couple. She said: “If a guest of bride is running late or we want to wait for the weather to pass, we can. Unlike a council registrar, I’ll have no time constraints or other weddings to rush off to, so I can help with alleviating stress levels and any other unforeseen circumstances.”

Bespoke barn ceremonies have proved a particular hit, including Stratton Court Ban in Bicester, Notley Tythe Barn near Aylesbury and Old Luxters Barn near Henley-on-Thames.