Aileen Massie

Hi, I’m Aileen Massie and I’ve had many jobs over the years but was primarily a primary school teacher for twenty two years. Apart from my friends, family and my wee cockapoo Esme my burning passion is travel, with my favourite destination being South East Asia. I’ve taught at a school in the jungle of north east Thailand, kayaked in Vietnam, visited an ethical elephant sanctuary in Chang Mai, where I was able to wash and feed these magnificent creatures, and sadly have seen poverty at its absolute worst in Cambodia. I love the people, the food and the absolute acceptance of everyone regardless of heritage, religion, age or sexuality, it really is one big melting pot and being there makes me feel alive.

As well as family, friends and travelling I am passionate about: music, dancing, going to gigs, walking along beaches in all weathers, reading, watching a good drama with a prosecco in hand and meeting people from all walks of life.

I always said I should have written a book about my life as a teacher and I really should have started one when I began my celebrant journey. Having conducted many marriages I have helped numerous brides into their dresses, searched for lost items on the day, given the back of my ear rings to a mother of the bride who had lost hers, sang and played with many a young flower girl or page boy who was feeling over whelmed and stopped a bride just as she was entering the venue as her groom was about to faint. And despite being reminded several times watched as many a groom burned rubber on the way home for the schedule or the rings, it really is an amazing role I have.

There are so many memories, I’ve conducted ceremonies on the top of hills, on beaches, in back gardens and in a couples’ sitting rooms. I have also been in many a grand venue but each and every one is different and so very special.

When a couple contact me I always offer to meet them so we can get to know each other over a coffee and form a connection.  I like to think that on the wedding day the couple are getting married by a friend and not a stranger, it really is important to me. I am the couple’s voice and their ceremony is all based on them and their relationship. I will give them different ideas and make sure the ceremony is the best it can be.

Every marriage ceremony is special and I personally love handfasting. Only recently I married a couple and the groom was from Scotland and the bride from Cape Verde and suggested they used the Saltire and the Cape Verde flag for their handfasting bindings and another bride was from the Philippines and her groom from Scotland so they chose to use the groom’s family tartan and a piece of filipiniana from the bride’s traditional filipino wedding dress, bringing both families and cultures together. Jings I can go on and on!

Get in touch and let’s have a chat about your unique marriage ceremony.

Aileen x