A celebrant duo – both called Laura and aged 29 – have joined forces to launch a new wedding service.

Laura Bell, from Chickerell, had already founded Fox & Star Events in May.

But after working back-to-back weddings with Laura ‘Lou’ Brown at Mapperton House last season, both have now joined forces to found Fox & Star Ceremonies.

Laura (Bell) said: “With everyone being away from loved ones for so long, families and couples have missed out on introducing new family members and celebrating weddings.

“I first of all wanted to launch baby naming ceremonies after wanting one for my own son, but I just didn’t know where to start when I had him, three years ago.

“After taking a couple of bookings for naming ceremonies, I approached Lou about coming into Fox & Star and we talked about launching weddings from August 15.

“We already have wedding and vow renewal enquiries coming in for next year and 2022 which is an amazing position to be in.”

As certified celebrants, they both trained independently with the Academy of Modern Celebrancy and Fellowship of Professional Celebrants.

Celebrant-led blessings and ceremonies are bespoke and unique, offering flexibility on location.

With the wedding industry in crisis due to social distancing measures, it’s become an increasingly difficult period for wedding suppliers and venues.

Registrars and priests are also becoming limited with dates and times of ceremonies.

Lou, from West Bay, said: “When Laura approached me I didn’t have any reservations about working alongside her, this is something we had already achieved so well in the past.

“After working extremely hard in all aspects of the weddings I was delighted at the thought of training as a celebrant.

“I love the personal touch and that you’re able to conduct their service bespoke to them.

“It’s brilliant that you can choose any of your favourite places to have your blessing or ceremony making every bit of your day even more special.”

Fox & Star Ceremonies is launching an exclusive competition on its social media from August 17 to celebrate the launch.

The winner can choose from a silver naming ceremony or put the value towards a wedding blessing or vow renewal silver or gold package.

Terms and conditions apply.

Visit www.foxandstarceremonies.co.uk for more information.