Hello Lovebirds!
Planning your wedding involves many choices, and selecting the right officiant is crucial. The officiant sets the tone for your ceremony, making it memorable and personal. One exceptional choice is Ontario Wedding Officiant, True North Ceremonies, led by Rev. Laura Murgatroyd.
About True North Ceremonies
Based in the heart of the Kawartha Lakes, True North Ceremonies specializes in creating personalized ceremonies for modern couples. Rev. Laura Murgatroyd is a certified celebrant and ordained minister with CIMM, licensed to perform weddings across Ontario. With a background in marketing and radio hosting, Laura brings exceptional writing and public speaking skills to her role. She is passionate about marrying people of any faith or gender, tailoring ceremonies to reflect diverse spiritual and cultural backgrounds. Her approach ensures that each ceremony is relaxed, fun, and emotionally resonant.
Finding the Right Officiant
Choosing the right officiant is about much more than just who’s available on your wedding day. Rev. Laura Murgatroyd of True North Ceremonies emphasizes that the right officiant should resonate with your vision and bring professionalism, warmth, and creativity to your special day. Here’s what she suggests keeping in mind:
Personal Connection: It’s essential to feel comfortable with your officiant, as they will be sharing your love story. A good rapport can make the ceremony more meaningful.
Experience and Credentials: Ensure the officiant is licensed to perform weddings in your location and has experience with the type of ceremony you envision.
Flexibility and Personalization: Look for an officiant who is willing to tailor the ceremony to your preferences, incorporating any cultural or spiritual elements that are important to you. Rev. Laura is known for her flexibility and commitment to reflecting the unique backgrounds of each couple.
Professionalism: An organized and detail-oriented officiant can help ensure that your ceremony runs smoothly, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day. Rev. Laura’s background in marketing and education contributes to her exceptional organizational skills.
Personalized Ceremonies Crafted with Love
When I asked Rev. Laura how she personalizes each ceremony, her thoughtful approach stood out. Every ceremony she performs is rooted in understanding the couple’s unique story, values, and vision for their future together. Here’s how Rev. Laura makes each ceremony truly personal:
As a trained celebrant and wedding officiant who specializes in crafting bespoke ceremonies,
my approach to personalizing each ceremony is deeply rooted in understanding the unique
story, values, and vision of the couple I am marrying. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how they
got to this moment in their lives together, and all that they have to look forward to. I believe that
every couple has a beautiful narrative, and it’s a privilege to bring that to life in a meaningful and
memorable way on their special day.
Here’s how Laura approaches this process:
Getting to Know the Couple through a Questionnaire
I send the couple a questionnaire that’s organized into two parts: one part about the ceremony
details (they can complete that together) and the other part about their relationship, which I ask
them to complete individually. I ask questions including how they met, milestones they’ve
shared, and what they love and admire about one another. I also inquire about the values they
share—whether it’s family, adventure, spirituality, humor, or something else—and their hopes for
their future together. Couples often tell me how much they enjoy this part of the process. We
don’t often take the time to put our feelings into words, and the results are truly wonderful. Their
responses allow me to understand their personalities, priorities, and any important elements
they want to incorporate into their ceremony.
Incorporating Personal Stories
I love weaving in personal anecdotes and memories from the couple’s life together. This could
be a funny story from their first date, a meaningful experience they shared, or something that
shines a light on their relationship. These moments make the ceremony feel authentic and
relatable, and they remind the couple and their guests of the unique bond they share.
Reflecting Core Values
Every couple has values that they hold dear, and I work to reflect these values in the ceremony.
Whether it’s a focus on equality, family, faith, or something else, I ensure the ceremony aligns
with what truly matters to them. This might involve selecting readings, vows, or rituals that are
meaningful and reflective of their beliefs.
Customizing Rituals and Symbolism
I can incorporate a host of symbolic rituals—including a unity candle, sand ceremony,
handfasting, or ring warming—that can be personalized to suit the couple’s preferences. For
example, if they love the outdoors, we might incorporate a nature-inspired ritual, or if they have
a strong cultural or religious background, we might honour those traditions in a way that feels
inclusive and respectful.
Crafting Vows That Speak from the Heart
Couples can choose to write their own vows, or I can craft vows for them to acknowledge with a
response – saying “I do!”. Some couples may choose to keep it lighthearted and humorous,
while others may focus on deep emotional commitment. Together, we ensure that the vows
reflect their personalities and the spirit of their relationship.
Creating a Seamless Flow
A bespoke ceremony isn’t just about individual moments, but also about the overall flow. I
carefully consider the pacing, tone, and transitions between sections of the ceremony, ensuring
everything feels harmonious and natural. The goal is to create an experience that feels
effortless yet profound, where every element complements the next.
Incorporating Family and Loved Ones
If the couple values family involvement, I might suggest ways to include parents, siblings, or
close friends in the ceremony—whether it’s through readings, blessings, or even just a moment
of appreciation. The idea is to honour the people who have supported the couple in their life
together and to bring them into the celebration of this next chapter.
Infusing Creativity and Fun
Finally, I always keep the couple’s personalities in mind, ensuring that their ceremony is a
reflection of their unique style. If they have a sense of humor, I may add light-hearted moments
or a playful twist. If they prefer a more traditional or elegant quality, I ensure the ceremony
respects that tone while still being personal and reflective of their story.
At the end of the day, my goal is to create a ceremony that doesn’t just celebrate the union of
two people, but also tells a compelling and beautiful story of who they are individually and as a
couple. By infusing elements of their journey, values, and love for one another, I craft an
experience that feels as exceptional as they are.
Pro Tip
Discuss with your officiant how you can involve family and friends in the ceremony to create a more inclusive and engaging experience.
Incorporating Sentimental Moments
One of the couples that Laura and I both had the pleasure of working chose to skip stones as a unity symbol at their Ceremony. I asked Laura how she helps other couples incorporate sentimental moments or traditions into their ceremonies. She responded, “When skipping
stones is a cherished custom for a couple, I ensure that this tradition is thoughtfully and
beautifully incorporated into the ceremony in a way that aligns with their unique story and
values. For Katrina and Brian, we held their ceremony at a quiet spot by the river that was
significant to their relationship – a place where they would often skip stones together.”
Laura’s Approach weaving special traditions into the Wedding Ceremony:
Introducing the Ritual to Guests
Incorporating a tradition like skipping stones might be new to some guests, so I make a point of
explaining its significance during the ceremony. For example, I may say something like:
“As part of today’s celebration, [Couple’s Names] will now participate in a tradition that holds
special meaning for them. Skipping stones is a symbol of harmony, balance, and the love they
share. Each stone represents the wishes and dreams they hold for their future, the strength of
their bond, and the joy they find in one another’s company.”
This way, the guests understand the depth of the tradition and its personal connection to the
couple.
Creating a Beautiful, Meaningful Moment
Once the tradition is explained, we move into the actual moment of the stone-skipping ritual. I
emphasize that with each stone they skip, they are making a wish or sending a thought into the
world for their marriage. It could be a wish for love, patience, adventure, or growth—whatever
resonates with them most.
Including Family or Friends
If the couple wishes, this ritual could also be made more inclusive by inviting close family or
friends to join in the stone-skipping. Each person could step forward and skip a stone with a
simple wish for the couple’s future. This act would not only honor the tradition but also reinforce
the communal aspect of marriage, highlighting the support and love the couple has from those
around them.
Blending with Other Ceremony Elements
To ensure a seamless flow, I work to integrate the stone-skipping moment with the rest of the
ceremony. The ritual might be followed by a quiet moment of reflection or a transition to a
celebratory portion of the ceremony, depending on the couple’s preference. My goal is to make
it feel natural, cohesive, and impactful.
Handling the Unexpected
Weddings often have surprises, but Rev. Laura’s grace under pressure ensures these moments become part of the story. When asked how she handles the unexpected, Laura responded, “as an experienced wedding officiant who genuinely cares about the couples I marry, I approach unexpected situations with grace, adaptability, and a problem-solving mindset. My goal is to ensure the couple’s day remains as stress-free and magical as possible, no matter the
circumstances.”
She continued “for inclement weather, I always encourage having a backup plan in place, such as an indoor location or a tent, if possible. On the day of the ceremony, I monitor weather conditions and
work with the couple and other vendors to make quick adjustments if needed. If we need to
pivot to the backup plan, I guide everyone calmly and reassuringly, so the focus stays on the joy
of the moment.”
She added, “When it comes to technical issues—whether it’s a microphone malfunction or a forgotten
playlist—I stay composed and resourceful. I coordinate with fellow vendors to resolve issues as
swiftly and seamlessly as possible.”
She concluded, “Most importantly, I remind the couple that unexpected moments are a natural part of life and can often lead to some of the most memorable and heartfelt stories from their wedding day. By
staying calm, flexible, and positive, I ensure that their ceremony remains a beautiful celebration
of their love, no matter what surprises arise.”
Pro Tip
Meet with potential officiants to discuss your vision for the ceremony and gauge how well they align with your expectations.
A Personal Note from Me to You
When it comes to choosing the perfect officiant, the advice of an expert like Rev. Laura Murgatroyd of is invaluable. Laura has officiated countless weddings across Ontario and knows exactly what it takes to create a ceremony that is meaningful, personal, and unforgettable. Her suggestions for finding the right officiant can help you make this important decision with confidence. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxed, intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, Laura’s insights will guide you toward an officiant who aligns with your vision and values.
How Wild Bloem Studios Can Help
We know that finding the perfect vendors is key to creating a wedding that truly reflects your unique style and personality. That’s why we specialize in connecting couples with talented professionals who match their vibe. We’ll take the time to understand your vision and carefully curate recommendations, ensuring every detail feels authentically you.
Want more tips and tricks? How to Get Legally Married in Ontario
Thank you to Scott Wilson Photography for all of the photos in this post! To see more of their work, check out their website!
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