Kind words
Notes from couples after the day, in their own words. I keep every one, and I read them again on the morning of a big ceremony, when the nerves arrive.
We eloped at sunset above the ocean with two friends and a thermos. Nell found the spot, checked the permit and still made us both cry.
Every question I sent got an answer within a couple of days, even the silly ones.
We wanted something short and a bit funny. She delivered both and still had my dad wiping his eyes.
Clear about the paperwork, flexible about everything else.
Halfway through my vows the wind took my card. Before I’d stopped laughing, Nell had the printed copy from her folder in my hand.
Calm, warm and properly prepared.
She read our draft aloud to us over video and fixed the two lines that didn’t sound like us.
We had six guests, two of them our witnesses. It was quick, legal and still felt special. Nell treated it like it mattered, because it did.
Her microphones meant my nan heard every word, which was my one request.
Nell witnessed our notice on a video call while we were still living interstate, which made everything much easier.
The rehearsal was the best decision we made. By the day we knew where to stand and what came next, so we could just enjoy it.
We renewed our vows after twenty years and Nell made it feel fresh rather than sentimental. Our kids did a reading and she helped them practise beforehand.
She remembered every name, including our dog.
Our families come from very different backgrounds and Nell found a way to include both without the ceremony feeling long. Several aunties asked for her details afterwards.