Gay London Life | Dec '23 & Jan '24 Issues - Magazine - Page 77
© Ross Willsher Photography
© Nick Brightman Photography
Aisle be There
© paoladepaolaphotos
If you or someone
you know has
recently got down on
one knee, Proud Fox
Ceremonies could
play a major role on
the big day — GLL
speaks to founder
Martin Fox-Roberts
Hey Martin! Tell us a bit about how Proud Fox Ceremonies came into being.
What makes a good celebrant in your opinion?
My main job is being a British Sign Language interpreter, but I’m also a qualified
Someone who you instantly get on with — you will know as soon as you
massage therapist and a drag queen (under the name Maria Hurtz). When
speak to them. That’s why I always have a Zoom call with my couples. Also
Covid struck, all of that had to stop (except for some remote interpreting work).
someone who really listens to you and offers you a choice. This is your
I wanted another skill to acquire just in case.
special day, after all!
I thought about the three things that happen in life — births, deaths and
Can you share some of the weddings you worked on last year? Any out of
marriages — and started to research around that. The work of celebrants
the ordinary requests?
flashed up on my screen and I suddenly got excited. I could do this! So I began
All the weddings this year have been incredible but one ceremony that
training as a wedding celebrant and after completing the course, I immediately
particularly stands out for me was with a gorgeous same-sex couple at
set up Proud Fox Ceremonies.
the stunning Hedsor Hall. One of them spoke British Sign Language as
How do you go about planning a big day with a client?
a first language, so I delivered the ceremony in Sign Supported English
When I first receive an enquiry, I like to meet the couple face-to-face, either in
(spoken English with Sign Language simultaneously). They also opted for a
person or remotely, which we are all used to now. We chat about the ideas for
#DragYouUpTheAisle ceremony, so had me as Maria Hurtz in full drag. We
their ceremony and to get a feel for each other. Once I receive a booking form
weren’t sure how the family was going to react, as some were just getting
and responses to a questionnaire I send out, I arrange our first consultation
used to the idea that it was a same-sex wedding. It went down a storm! It truly
when we discuss their plans and I start putting together the ceremony and
brought everyone together with laughter and some tears, but ultimately with
the couple’s ‘love story’! Then, as we get closer to the wedding day, we’ll have
lots of magical memories for everyone.
another consultation when I go over the ceremony script together.
And finally, any resolutions for 2024?
It really is the couple’s choice about what they want to include and this can
Oh gosh… I need to get fit! I’ve put on a bit of weight so standing in those
extend to unity or symbolic rituals. These can be the traditional handfasting,
heels is getting harder — cramp seems to set in before we’ve even got to the
sand ceremony, glass-breaking or tree-planting, but it can also be something
warming of the rings!
more modern and foxy, such as first shots together, a gin ceremony or
something entirely new. I also love to get guests involved too!
32
For more information, visit proudfoxceremonies.com
