A Wild Day Out With Odin’s Wolves , Wild Heart Hill, 2024
Photography by Thorn and Found and Robert Maxwell and subject to copyright laws
We heard the Norse myths about the creation of Odin’s faithful and fearless wolf companions, Geri and Freki who gratiously agreed to have their pics taken with us, even allowing tummy rubs and furry cuddles. Red Fox inspired the archer within, so many guests hit their targets every time. Alex Tyler led the teams in the age old tug-of-war which so many enjoyed and caused much mirth and merriment. Everyone filled their tummies with tasty treats from The Spud Shack. Little red Riding Hood finally met a friendly wolf. We heard about Ratatoskr running gassip between the great eagle atop Yggdrasil and the dragon Nidhogg that lives at the tree’s roots, we sang, we laughed and the sun shone down upon us. Thank you so much to my amazing family who worked with me and helped to make all this possible. Really looking forward to next year and also having the chance to meet the goddess Freya’s mighty hawk Vedrfolnir as well as the beautiful birds of prey that form a great part of the stories. Don’t forget Project Wolfheart that do such amazing work helping our wolf friends.
Katherine and Matt Handfasting Anniversary at Wildheart Hill, Beltane 2024
All photography by Thorn and Found and subject to copyright laws
"We asked Mel to bless us with a handfasting ceremony on the spur of the moment and she graciously agreed. We felt very special and cared for and the ceremony was beautiful and meaningful. We can't recommend Mel highly enough!"
Siân and Harry Handfasting at Wildheart Hill, Beltane 2024
All photography by Thorn and Found and subject to copyright laws
"Melanie was a dream, she was so kind and thoughtful when it came to sorting out how it all works, what we'd like to include and had us in happy tears on our first call with her. From beginning to end Mel was so helpful with what we wanted to include and upon meeting her in person it was like talking to family, including our young girls and Siân’s mum, welcoming us all. It was the perfect handfasting that we'd been looking for for a good few years and out of it we believe a friendship has formed also, Many thanks Mel."
~ Harry ~
Paul and Lucy Handfasting at Wildheart Hill, Beltane 2024
All photography by Thorn and Found and subject to copyright laws
"Sometimes people cross your path that really touch your heart. This beautiful couple certainly did just that. Unbeknownst to me, the had decided to travel all the way from Portsmouth to have this blessing.
The red cord of destiny seemed to be the theme running through the lives of the couples that had ceremonies at Beltane this year - lives entwined long before meeting even.
Paul and Lucy's story was no less so, deeply moving and so much love. We were all crying at one point as a very special visitor gave her blessing.
The Cropley Family Traditional Norse Ausa Vatni & Nafnfest, Wild Heart Hill Beltane 2023
All photography by Thorn and Found and subject to copyright laws
We decided that we would like a naming ceremony (Nafnfest) for our youngest son. Mel was brilliant at guiding us through the process of what would happen and what we would like to include and also exclude from our ceremony. Mel tailored the ceremony to suit us as a family, making sure our 3 elder sons were included and ensuring that our youngest son was happy with what would happen. We decided that my husband would gift a wooden sword as was tradition, and Mel had this commissioned for us along with a beautiful box that contained his certificate. We had the ceremony at the Beltane Festival at Wild Heart Hill. It was a wonderful day, and enjoyed by all our family and friends.
~ Sophie & Mark~
Geraint and Nicola Celtic Wedding at Wild Heart Hill, Beltane 2023
All photography by Thorn and Found and subject to copyright laws
Mel went above and beyond to make sure she really understood us as a couple and wove our words, thoughts and feelings into a beautiful ceremony. From the start we felt she was invested in us as a couple as she gently explored our journey with us, paying attention to detail and getting a true sense of our relationship. We felt her presence in the ceremony as a mindful guide as she discreetly led us through our commitments to each other. We had the most beautiful and meaningful experience and this was thanks to Mel being an expert in her craft but also by being a fellow human willing and able to connect deeply. Thanks so much, we are so grateful to you. ~ Gez and Nicola ~
Oliver and Sadie Norse Handfasting at Wildheart Hill, Beltane 2023
All photography by Thorn and Found and subject to copyright laws
"I had the absolute pleasure of having White Raven conduct our Handfasting ceremony. From the literal first interaction with Mel and Keturah, it was clear that they were not only kind and professional, but as knowledgeable as possible when considering the importance and spiritual significance of this union. The space they created felt safe, sincere, and at one with the Gods. Mel takes this work as seriously as it truly deserves and the level of care and intuition she exhibited when preparing our Handfasting made me feel truly welcome and cared for in such a transition in my life.
They provided my partner and I with a beautiful ceremony, that everyone in attendance felt blessed to witness, and all our family and friends who could not attend thought was remarkable. Mels handling of the honoured traditions of the faith was rigorous, and truly made the day even more special."
~ Oliver ~
Gavin and Faye Celtic Vow Renewal at Wild Heart Hill, Beltane 2023
All photography by Thorn and Found and subject to copyright laws
Oh my! What a beautiful ceremony we had! We chose a hand fasting Vow renewal and had Mel’s guidance and love the whole way. The detail and thought Mel put into everything was incredible. It was so special. We can't thank you enough. You cannot put a price on how much emotion Mel brings. Priceless! I would do it all again tomorrow. ~ Faye McCoy~
