Cherry Newman - Bride Buddy

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Hi Everyone, My name is Cherry and I am the founder of Bride Buddy. A premium Celebrant service for your wedding in France. I aim to make your day so completely unique, personal and memorable for you both.
I love what I do, and I am here to create the best, most special memories for my couples. How lucky am I and how cool is that!

What's on Offer?
As a couple you are unique, so why not your ceremony too? Telling your story, being traditional or not, getting your guests involved in the ceremony or including some fun wedding rituals, it really is up to you. There are many ways to bring a personal touch to your wedding day. I will work with you, having some laughs along the way, meaning that on the day, we won’t be strangers – but friends. Every couple is different and that’s why each ceremony is tailor-made, making sure that your wedding is exactly how you want it to be.
My website has lots of ideas, advice and information, along with blogs, photos and stories of real Bride Buddy couples. My fees are fair and transparent at €750 for a fully bespoke ceremony. This includes all travel fees and being an ‘all inclusive’ price means there are no hidden extras.

About Me
Personally, I have over 20 years’ experience as a former Superintendent Registrar in the UK, and over 8 years working for myself as a successful wedding planner and now Celebrant. This means that my knowledge is second to none, but you won't get a stuffy 'registrar' attitude with me. Ceremonies are warm and relaxed, reflecting your personalities and my sense of humour! My attitude was then, as it is now, fun, friendly, and professional. I am here for you with help, guidance and advice throughout the process, not just for your ceremony.

My husband Paul and I took advantage of voluntary redundancy and changed our life for one in Greece. The itchy feet started when we realised that we couldn’t spend every day on the beach and Bride Buddy was born. After many years offering a full wedding planning and ceremony service there, we are now permanently based in France to be closer to family nearby. Here, I offer bespoke, unique celebrant led ceremonies in South West France, Limousin, The Dordogne, Bordeaux and the Lot.

If you want more freedom over the kind of wedding ceremony you have in France, please get in touch.
It would be my greatest pleasure to be a part of your special day!

Make your day a Bride Buddy day! Ceremonies with a Heart.

What kind of ceremony can we have?

Bespoke means your ceremony will be unique to you both. It can contain whatever elements you want. It can be traditional, different or quirky. Some marriages are inter-faith and with a celebrant ceremony any symbolic aspects can be included. There are fun short wedding rituals that can be added such as hand fasting, sand ceremonies and my current favourite - the cocktail ritual! I have performed weddings dressed up as a Cowgirl, and in 60's fashion and even talked about 'our place in the Universe' for one particular couple. Talk to me about designing your ceremony around you.

Can you help with the Legal Stuff?

Having previous Registrar experience means I can guide and direct you with the right information from the start. For a legal marriage in France, as a non-citizen you have to fulfil a 40 day residency so the majority of my couples opt for a basic register office marriage in the UK with just 2 witnesses to fulfil the legal obligations, and class their wedding celebration in France as their 'official wedding day'. I can guide you through every aspect of the UK side of things, advising you on documents required, how and where to book your appointments and if you have any special circumstances regarding previous changes of name/divorce/adoption/non-British citizen, you can rely on me to point you in the right direction.

What can we expect from you on the Big Day?

Having written your ceremony containing all the elements that you want, written exclusively for you both, on the day you can rest assured it will be conducted with warmth, fun and friendliness. I will arrive in good time. I will check with the venue on things such as ceremony music, seating, bride's entrance and so much more to ensure your ceremony runs smoothly. I will also make sure the bridal party know exactly what they are doing and where they are going. Checking in with the Best Man and Witnesses and any guests performing readings. I will organise the guests to their seats, and of course, before the ceremony starts, I will come and see you both, separately or together to ease your nerves and run through any last minute queries.

Do you have a 'Back up Plan'?

Couples often ask me this question and the short answer is Yes. In a professional capacity I have built up a network of fellow celebrants and suppliers. As friends, we believe in 'community not competition' and supporting each other is what we do. I have a few celebrants local to my area who are willing to step in case of an emergency, though in over 20 years of being involved in weddings this has only happened to me once when I cracked a bone in my back many years ago. If you must know, I was dancing and fell over!