Photos (above): Ceremony speaker: Merveil - Photographer: Manon Engels Photography
Article in collaboration with Merveil
What does a professional ceremony speaker do?
‘A professional ceremony speaker, as we define them at Merveil, tells people's stories at unique moments in their lives,’ says Stefanie. "Think of a birth, a wedding or a farewell. In doing so, he or she creates a personal ceremony in which stories, rituals, speeches and music flow together beautifully."
"How we do that? We engage with people, listen to their stories and then get to work on designing the ceremony and writing out all the texts. In doing so, we always start from a white sheet. We are adept at storytelling and creating moments that fit the couple perfectly."
What skills does a ceremony speaker have?
Stefanie: ‘In 2019, I founded the Merveil Academy to coach and train people with a heart for storytelling to become professional ceremony speakers. One of the most important skills I focus on with my trainees is structure. A ceremony performed by a professional is one that hangs together logically. Think of it as a ride through the couple's story."
‘In addition, ceremony speakers are very good listeners and creative centipedes,’ shares Stefanie. "By asking the right questions, people talk endlessly. Bringing all this information together and creatively transforming it into the right text and form is a second important skill."
‘Finally, we also take control of everything around the ceremony and leave nothing to chance,’ Stefanie continues. ‘From briefing the speakers to the ceremony setup and where we keep the rings: everything comes together in a script. We think of every detail so that the couple is completely unburdened and can enjoy 200%."
What is the added value of a professional ceremony speaker?
‘Everything is about wonder,’ Stefanie explains. "A professional ceremony speaker is the ideal, neutral outsider. It is the person who hears a couple's story for the first time and can therefore clearly name the gold in their relationship. When you are in the middle of it, you often don't see it anymore."
"When you and your partner share your story with a professional, magical things happen. Wonder forms the common thread and so your ceremony becomes a total experience for all present."
About Merveil
Stefanie Clinckemaillie is the driving force behind Merveil. ‘After my sister's wedding ceremony in 2016, I thought, “This was SO beautiful!” That's how Merveilwas born in 2017.’
The tailor-made personal ceremonies were an immediate success and that's how the company grew into what it is today: a team of five enthusiastic and warm storytellers who guide you and your partner from the start in a super personal and tailor-made way - in three languages and at home and abroad.
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