An independent wedding celebrant that has held celebrations across Bucks and Berks has secured a coveted spot in the regional finals of The Wedding Industry Awards.

Suzi van der Mark, of Celebrations by Suzi, is up for Best Celebrant after winning Best Newcomer at the awards for the South Central region last year.

This is the first step on the road to 'national glory' for Ms van der Mark in her relatively new career as a wedding celebrant, which follows 25 years in corporate communications.

Ms van der Mark creates and delivers 'joyful and truly personal' wedding ceremonies for her couples and says her experience as a professional writer and storyteller for brands, businesses and their people has proved 'invaluable' in her role as an independent celebrant.

It has allowed her to pivot her skill set to write and deliver meaningful and memorable ceremonies from scratch, with the story of her couples at their centre.

Wedding at Hollands Farm by Suzi van der Mark(Image: Firewood Photography)

Ms van der Mark, who lives in Nettlebed near Henley, said: “To be selected for the best celebrant category of The Wedding Industry Awards for a second year is mind-bogglingly brilliant.

"Winning at the awards last year was a wonderful accolade and such a surprise – particularly as the judges decide your fate entirely on client feedback.

"So huge thanks to all my couples who voted.”

“Getting to know them and taking the time to create a truly bespoke wedding ceremony that's full of memorable moments and personal touches without any rules or restrictions so it’s a true reflection of them, their story and their wishes is a total pleasure and a real privilege.”

Wedding celebrant Suzi van der Mark at Monkton Barn(Image: Leela Yasmin Weddings)

A real trend this year for Ms van der Mark and her wedding ceremonies has been the venue choices of her couples, as far afield as Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and the Cotswolds.

Barns have proved a particular hit, including Old Luxters Barn, Stratton Court Barn in Bicester and Notley Tythe Barn, and August even saw Suzi deliver a wedding ceremony at The Bodleian Library in Oxford.

She added: “I’m bowled over by the generosity of my couples and delighted by the recognition of The Wedding Industry Award judges to be in the Best Celebrant category again in such a competitive region.

"Now I can’t wait to see what the regional awards night at Froyle Park brings me and so many of my talented friends in the wedding supplier community.

"I have everything crossed, for all of us."

Damian Bailey, founder of The Wedding Industry Awards, said: “Founded in 2011 The Wedding Industry Awards remains the biggest, most rigorous and most respected awards in the UK wedding industry. We're dedicated to recognising and rewarding excellence and this year’s TWIA Regional Finalists are clearly at the top of their game.

“Importantly, our awards focus on the quality of the feedback received by eligible couples rather than the number of votes, ensuring larger companies and talented individuals compete on a level playing field - so the best wedding suppliers always rise to the top.”