IT’S ALL ABOUT LOVE, LOVE, LOVE…
This industry warms our heart at the best of times, but it doesn’t get any warmer than when we’re talking about Gerrie and Susan Douglas-Scott. Chaplains and Humanist Celebrants, they’ll go to any length to ensure your ceremony is completely personal to you. They live for love’s smaller moments as well as love’s bigger ones, providing support throughout. On top of that they’re so bloomin’ lovely to be around that they often become part of the extended family, officiating all the important milestones in the years after your wedding too! We chatted to them to find a bit more about what they do and why you need to book them for your ceremony pronto, Tonto…
WHO ARE YOU + WHERE ARE YOU BASED?
We are Gerrie and Susan Douglas-Scott, Chaplains and Celebrants, and members of Humanist Fellowship of Scotland alongside 9 other celebrants. We are based in Prestwick, Ayrshire, but travel all over Scotland and to Europe – we want to be ‘there’ for you in every way we can!
We offer support and our skills and our caring to those we serve wherever they are in their lives – from babies to the oldest in our community. We also donate 10% of all fees to charities like Beatson Cancer Care. Last year, we’re proud to have donated £18000 to about 12 charities often connected to our wedding couples.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORKPLACE
Our workplace is where our families and couples are! Physically, yes, but also metaphorically!
WHERE/HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN?
It all began over 15 years ago for us, when Gerrie’s cousin passed away. It was a humanist funeral…and there it all began for both of us. Celebrating people’s lives (at funeral ceremonies) is still our passion and to be part of the beginning of healing for families is a great privilege. I hesitate to say joy – but it makes us happy when people say things like “She would have LOVED that! It’s just like you knew her.”
An unexpected part of our work that is happening more and more is that we are now marrying people from those families of over 10 or 15 years ago! Out of this our chaplaincy role has developed – offering support, empathy, compassion where it is wanted.
FAVOURITE WORK TO DATE?
There are so many! As we specialise in being part of weddings that are really chosen by our couple, they’re full of the kinds of things that mean most to them and are personal…for example:
Gerrie married a Peruvian couple in Culzean Castle in Spanish!; the photo(s) we receive of couples just absolutely immersed/engaged/happy in the moment during their ceremony!; being part of the same families at the happy and the sad times…; and services in the Hospice when of the partners is seriously ill. It’s an amazing privilege to be able to do that. With this, we support the Joan MacGregor matrimonial Fund every year and all our celebrants donate their services for free.
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
People! Sometimes we weep at the computer to read people’s own vows they have written. It inspires me that people can reach into their hearts as individuals and couples to express what they feel with such sincerity and saying their truth.
DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY
7am: make our breakfast – bullet proof coffee and eggs usually!
8.30: open the front door and walk on to the beach with Freeda the Weimeraner and Rupert the ring bearer. Walk for 5 miles in the dunes
11am – answering enquiries, writing ceremonies
Afternoon – family visits or couples visits and mini rehearsals.
Evening – we usually try to spend some quality time together – we know life is tooooo short!
WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO GO?
We love to be at the beach, exploring the hills and the woods. We also love quirky cafes like Gro Coffee in Irvine and restaurants who understand our healthy food – but it has to be REALLY tasty!
FAVOURITE WEDDING VENUE?
Wherever means most to our couple! Whether it’s out in nature, a farm venue, the woods or a classy hotel – we love The Hermitage near Dunkeld – the key is whatever means the most to our couple.
TRENDS YOU HOPE TO SEE THIS SEASON
Long may love continue to give us hope and peace and great fun!
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
Be yourself…and say YOUR truth.
