How did it all begin?
Charlie started writing verses to commission while still at Bristol University. From performing at a number of twenty first birthday parties his name spread and soon he was being asked to do weddings as well. On returning from Los Angeles four years ago he set himself up as the UK's only full time wedding bard and has since become a leading figure in the speechwriting industry. He has been commissioned by the national press to write wedding odes for famous couples like the Beckhams and The Duke and Duchess of Wessex. Charlie was recruited by the Big Breakfast to be in-house poet for a Valentine's Day special and was also wedding bard for GMTV at the first ever marriage held aboard the Millennium Wheel. He regularly appears in the wedding magazines, and was the subject of a double page feature in Friday's Evening Standard. Charlie has delivered his carefully crafted odes in a multitude of locations from churches, marquees and lofty galleries to beneath the towering skeleton of a Tyranosaurus Rex, from the battlements of a ruined castle to the steamy confines of the London Eye.
How does it work?
Each poem takes about a week to write so we need as much notice as possible. Once we have your contact details Charlie will ring you to arrange a suitable time for a short telephone interview. Whether it is you who's getting married, or a friend/relation, he will find out all the relevant info and compose a two to three minute poem. In order to make it as entertaining as possible you need to think clearly about the things you want to say. There are some standard questions that will help. How did the couple first meet? What happened next? Any classic moments during the romance, for example holidays? How and where did he propose? What is she/he like: Amusing or annoying habits, best points, hobbies, interests, stories that sum them up etc. The more information we have the better the poem.
How much does it cost?
Just a minimal deposit - until you're totally satisfied with the finished piece. The idea is that you don't have to pay until you've heard it and given your seal of approval. Once you're entirely happy with the poem, you send us a cheque and we send you the vellum printed scroll. Prices vary according to requirements. Please call us or email for more details.
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London Eye Wedding as seen live on GMTV, Spring 2001. |
What the punters say:
"Poetry catches people's attention and their imagination. The Queen has Andrew Motion. We had Charlie Ottley as our poet laureate." Will Janssen, groom.
"Everyone loved it. Charlie delivered the poem like a Shakespearean actor. It was so romantic." Gill Stockman, Bride.
" GMTV broadcast the first ever wedding live from the "London Eye on Thursday10th May 2001.Charlie Ottley provided the icing on the cake with a specially commissioned poem for the occasion. The bride and groom loved it, the presenters loved it, and the viewers loved it. We think he's a star, and will be delighted to work with him again!" Siobhan O'Gorman, Series Producer, LK Today.
"A hilarious tribute to the newly-weds, celebrating their match in brilliant verse." Henry Fitzherbert, Sunday Express.
"That was marvellous, that was really good. And it'll be a lovely souvenir as well. Have that framed." Lorraine Kelly, GMTV.
"It was wonderful, you made the best day of my life even more special. I can't thank you enough." Alison Taylor, Bride.