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Here at CWM HQ we're literally never satisfied when it comes to providing our readers with enough wedspiration. Because...
Be dragged up the aisle with The Foxy Celebrant
Martin Fox-Roberts at Proud Fox Ceremonies crafts magical, one-of-a-kind ceremonies to will make you feel proud and maybe even a bit foxy! Martin prides himself on putting your experience at the centre of everything he does from the very start to the very end. Whether it's an exciting union of a wedding or renewing your vows - an experience that's unique to you and will always to remain with you as one of the happiest memories in your lives.
So, what makes him different? Martin says, "I believe in giving couples choice and there's plenty to choose from with Proud Fox Ceremonies. Not only do I have three great packages...
The Proud Package
The Foxy Package, (includes a symbolic ritual)
The Loud, Proud & Foxy Package (which includes a holistic therapeutic couples massage - I'm an ITEC3 Holistic Massage Therapist. MGHT).
"...couples can also have a choice of which Celebrant: myself as a The Foxy Celebrant, or me as Maria Hurtz, a delicious and devilish Drag Queen, for drag themed weddings, which is included in another add on package called 'Drag You Up The Aisle' with Maria Hurtz!"
A 'Drag You Up The Aisle' ceremony is your show - a show all about you; putting you centre stage! And you can include pretty much anything - you can all dress up, lip-sync, and break out in a fierce dance routine... and don't worry, if there are young people around, Martin or Maria will keep it PG too!
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| Credit: Teddy Pig Photography |
We chatted with Martin to find out more.
We'd love to hear more about your background, tell us!
"I've been performing as a drag queen for the last six years, mostly in London at renowned venues including Royal Vauxhall Tavern, Soho Theatre and regularly perform at a east end pub, The Northcote in E11. I was a Drag Idol Semi-Finalist and QX Magazine Awards Nominee for Best Drag Act and Best Comedy Act. I love being the host of a cabaret night called, Can Can Cabaret, Un Cabaret De Cirque and for the last few years, a charity show for Lupus called ‘Reach Out And Touch’, with Wilmot Mulley.
"I can’t claim to be the first drag queen celebrant, more likely that I’m the only accredited drag celebrant currently operating and creating weddings in the UK."
"I was born and brought up in the North East. Initially I trained as an actor, but after some time I set up my own business in theatre promotions and while working on a theatre festival, I met my now husband Neil; who is a deaf actor. In 2000, I moved to London and straight away started night school to learn British Sign Language, which is Neil’s first language and the first language we used at home.
"I continued to work in theatre, as a theatre manager at Battersea Arts Centre and carried on with my sign language studies. In 2008, I qualified as a British Sign Language Interpreter, which is a job a love and I get to work with some incredible people from all walks of life. It’s a very privileged role to have: you are literally with people form birth to death and everything that happens in between. I give back to the community when I can and since 2013, every year I take great pride in volunteering my services in managing and co-ordinating the amazing team of 17 BSL performance Interpreters for Pride In London."
Drag queen, celebrant, we understand though that your talents don't end here...
"I'm also a qualified and fully registered NRCPD, British Sign Language Interpreter Pg Dip, - this is my day job! So, this means I can officiate ceremonies using British Sign Language for BSL Users, Deaf couples or CODAS (Children of Deaf Adults), in their native language, without them having to rely on using an Interpreter. This makes a ceremony more intimate, much more personal and, of course meaningful.
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| Credit: Teddy Pig Photography |
Naturally, it should be a couple’s right to have a wedding in their first language and have that experience, which takes on a whole new level. Interpreters might still be needed so that the hearing member of the families or friends can have access to what is being said; so why not, let’s turn those tables.
"I’m a strong believer in being multi-skilled, armouring yourself for whatever life throws at you. With my skills and experience, I believe I can offer couples a lot to make their ceremonies utterly unique and totally memorable."
Tell us about your own wedding day, was the ceremony as much fun as those you create for your couples?
"In 2012, Neil and I had a civil ceremony, which was a magnificent day, and the highlight of my life. We had two amazing BSL interpreters for our ceremony, but I couldn’t stop laughing, for when it came to committal, Neil had one of the interpreters, who was stood behind me, in his eye line and ended up proclaiming ‘I do’, to the interpreteter, instead of me!"
What's your top tip for a successful marriage?
"Throughout the years we’ve been together, we’ve had some amazing times, learning from one another and sharing very special moments, but of course we have our arguments too, which, please note, I can never win! Neil has his say, but then when I try to make my point, he stands and simply closes his eyes!! Unable to see or hear me – he wins! So, that’s my secret to longevity, keep the peace and have your own quiet victories!"
Find out more about Proud Fox Ceremonies at www.proudfoxceremonies.com
