What a fabulous day for the new Mr & Mrs Panayi!

After several delays, and lots of planning and re-organising, James and Claire, along with their daughter Ariana, and son Bailey (as well as a fabulous group of their family and friends), all descended on the gorgeous Gldings Barns yesterday to celebrate their marriage and what a day it was!

As they live in Harrogate, most of our communication was over Zoom, but we managed to meet face-to-face on their venue visit some weeks ago, and put the finishing touches to their very personal day.

When I arrived yesterday the venue was mostly set with just a few bits left to do, and the groomsmen were immediately on the case and putting things into action.  I walked the space, checked that everyone would be able to see the couple in their chosen standing and seated positions, and then checked in with he photographer, videographer, groom, groomsmen and venue team.

I then had a few moments to do a little read through in situ, and make sure everything worked as per our plan.  All was set and I was ready to welcome guests!

As the space at the back of the barns filled with the chatter and laughter of their guests, I could tell this was a great group of people, all ready to celebrate, and ready to be a part of their bespoke and personal ceremony.

With all welcome messages completed, it was time for me to greet the bridal party and organise the rather large and fabulous procession.  As the music began the group was led by the mother of the bride and groomsman, then ushers, bridesmaids with the couple's children, maid of honour, and lastly, the beautiful bride and her father Peter.  They all looked incredible, but Claire (the bride) looked sensational, a vision coming down the aisle, and with all of her nearest and dearest watching and supporting her.

I always cast a glance over at the groom as his bride enters the setting, and he was overcome with emotion, seeing her looking so beautiful, the realisation that this was finally happening, and the sense of occasion brought tears of joy and love to his eyes.  It was such a special moment.

With everyone seated, and my couple in their positions facing their guests we set the tone immediately, connecting them to the couple, getting them to participate in the ceremony, and making promises to support them in their marriage.  Everyone was full of smiles and in great spirits, the blue skies and sunshine made for the most incredible day, and the ceremony was then in full swing.

We had three wonderful readings (all beautifully read), and I had the honour of telling the couple's story, and leading their vows and really special ring wording too, accompanied by the best man and maid of honour.

“I promise to love you tenderly,
to cherish and respect you,
to laugh with you and cry with you,
to comfort you with my gentleness
and support you with my strength.
I promise to walk with you in sorrow, 
joy, illness, and age,
facing life together wherever it may take us”
 

They celebrated with a kiss, as their guests cheered them on, and we concluded with the signing of a family certificate.  Their two children joined them to add fingerprints and it was lovely to be able to help them create such wonderful memories together.

As I recapped on all that we had witnessed and presented them back to their guests, cheers went up, along with lots of confetti, and the couple enjoyed a few moments alone before re-joining their guests.  It was the perfect start to their day of celebrations and it was the most wonderful atmosphere!

Afterwards, the bridesmaids all said how emotional and enjoyable it was, one commenting on how she didn't realise you could have your story told as part of a ceremony (you can with a celebrant!). 

"Claire (unknowingly) arranged a surprise date ice skating for her and James and had no idea that they were all experts and that James even had his own boots at home!  

I think the cat was well and truly out of the bag when James began doing spins and skating backwards at speed!"

The bride's father and mother were both so delighted and thanked me for organising it so well and 'stage-managing' everything during the ceremony.  It was an absolute pleasure working with Claire and James and a delight to meet their family and friends. 

"They tell me that life has been hectic, but amazing since their two little ones have arrived.  They are amazing parents, and they absolutely adore their little family."

What a fabulous day, congrats Mr & Mrs Panayi, and may your future be filled with much love and happiness.

Jenny

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Venue: Gildings Barns

Celebrant: Jenny Knight - Knight Ceremonies

Photographer: Chris Giles 

Videographer: Ben Foster

Catering: Browns Kitchen