Intimate By Design
A wedding ceremony, at its heart, is a form of storytelling. It’s the process of putting into words the sacred bond between two people, pledging it will last forever in front of those that matter most. As micro-weddings grow in popularity, celebrants are adapting their approach to create heartfelt and immersive ceremonies designed for smaller, more personal celebrations. Western Australia Wedding and Bride’s Hannah McDonald sits down with Bryanna Wright, authorised marriage celebrant at Ceremonies with Bryanna, to discuss her process when couples decide to say ‘I do’ with just a few.
Image courtesy of Limbo Images.
As a celebrant, Bryanna prides herself on crafting personalised ceremonies full of heart, thoughtfully capturing each couple’s personalities and values to tell their unique love story. “I bring a warm, organised and professional approach to every wedding, ensuring that each ceremony is thoughtfully planned and beautifully delivered. Every detail matters, and I take great care to create a ceremony that feels both meaningful and engaging,” she says.
Bryanna believes that every couple’s love story is one of a kind – and their ceremony should reflect this. “There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits all ceremony. I take the time to genuinely get to know each couple – their relationship, their views on marriage and their hopes for the future – so together, we can create a ceremony that feels true to them.” While no two ceremonies are the same, small-scale weddings tend to follow a distinct rhythm – one Bryanna navigates with care and experience.
Good Things, Small Packages
Micro-weddings provide an opportunity for celebrants to do more than just host the ceremony – they can create a shared experience that feels close and intimate. “Making a small ceremony feel just as powerful and memorable as a larger one comes down to creating meaningful connections and focusing on what truly matters. I centre the ceremony around the couple’s unique journey, highlighting the moments that mean the most to them,” she explains.
In terms of guests, couples often feel a deeper connection with each audience member, fostering a warm, relaxed atmosphere – one they hope the celebrant will embody as well. “In more intimate ceremonies, I naturally adjust my approach. I use warm, genuine words that feel natural and true to the moment. It’s a style that leans more into storytelling than speech-making, helping guests feel like they’re truly part of the experience, not just observers,” she emphasises.
More Than A Seat
Bryanna believes that a ceremony is not just a celebration of the couple – but a moment to capture and involve the loved ones in witness. “Including guests in the ceremony is something I value – while always ensuring the focus remains on the couple and their love story. I love sharing stories that offer fresh glimpses into the couple’s connection,” she remarks.
Because micro-weddings are often made up of the couple’s closest family and friends, it gives celebrants the chance to bring guests into the fold, making everyone feel connected and cherished. “I usually open with a warm welcome that acknowledges the closeness of the group and the meaning behind choosing a small celebration. I also love acknowledging the people in the room, such as parents and close friends.” It’s the little things that make everyone feel meaningful to the experience and truly integral to the moment.
To get specific, Bryanna shares one of her favourite go-tos for guest involvement. “When I share the couple’s love story, I often weave in the names of those who’ve played a special role in their journey – like saying, ‘Brad played cupid and introduced Steve and Kate.’ These personal touches help guests feel connected to the ceremony in a genuine way,” she asserts.
Your Love, Your Rules
As a small-wedding aficionado, Bryanna shares her best strategies to bring out the intimacy in the day – with tips that you can employ yourself. “One of the best ways to keep a micro-wedding engaging is by prioritising the vows. With fewer guests and a more relaxed atmosphere, this becomes a beautiful moment for the couple to share personal vows. I always encourage them to write their own words and take their time – allowing space for emotion, connection and authenticity,” she shares.
Humour is a fantastic way to incorporate more detail and texture to the ceremony. “I love weaving humour into a ceremony in a way that feels natural and true to the couple. Often, this comes from their own stories – like a funny first date, a proposal that didn’t quite go to plan, or an inside joke they share. These light-hearted moments bring joy to the ceremony and remind everyone that love is not only beautiful, but fun and wonderfully real,” she adds.
Bryanna encourages couples to consider interactive experiences with their guests to add deeper connection and meaning to the ceremony. “I can also incorporate rituals, such as a ring warming, where each guest is invited to hold and bless the rings with a silent wish or prayer. It’s a beautiful way for loved ones to be part of the moment,” she suggests.
As Bryanna reflects on the essence of small ceremonies, she emphasises the power of simplicity and presence. “Not every second of a ceremony needs to be filled with words. Pauses create space for connection, reflection and presence – turning a small ceremony into something truly immersive and unforgettable.” Sometimes, in a day often marked by chaos and energy, it’s the quiet moments that speak the loudest.