My couple for this weekend reached out to me with a clear idea of how they wanted their ceremony to be.  They told me they had ideas for ways in which to make it personal and wanted to explore these further.  I was thrilled, as it meant I knew they were open to options and were keen to embrace working with a celebrant.

We began discussions and outlined a very special ceremony indeed.  Over time, we developed the ideas, worked out how they would all fit together and it was then over to me to write a script that held everything together, conveyed their love for each other, and was light-hearted and fun too.

By the time the day arrived, we had everything in place, and another opportunity to do a quick run-through before everyone arrived.  As the couple were entering together after their wedding party, they were all happy to hang out together that morning, and so when I arrived on site, they were all putting the finishing touches to their outfits, and enjoying the build-up to the day starting. 

The main thing to check was the sound levels as one of their fabulous bridesmaids Vera, was singing them down the aisle and also playing guitar.  The setting for their ceremony was in the field opposite the farm courtyard and as I walked back up and away from the space, I could clearly hear the beautiful sounds drifting nicely across the field.  It was perfect, and the guests were going to love it!

With my final checks completed, all equipment in place and tested out, space walked and viewed to ensure all was central to the tree, and conversations had with the wedding party and their parents, it was time to head back to the ceremony area to begin welcoming everyone.

As people started to arrive, I noted that we had guests from all over the UK and indeed from overseas, so once they began taking their seats, I made everyone feel at ease, delivered all of the notices, and explained a little about what was about to happen.  It always feels different when one-half of the couple is not present for the procession, and so I have to make sure everything is set for their arrival too.

I suggested a wonderful moment before we began where I announced both sets of parents to their seats, and despite being outdoors, the field was filled with clapping and cheering.  I could tell we were about to have a great time!

Having been given the cue to start, I asked all to be upstanding, gave the nod to the bridesmaid to commence playing and singing, and the wedding party began their entry into the field.  It was quite a long walk down to where we were having the ceremony, but it all worked beautifully and they looked sensational in their finery, all making their way towards us with the most stunning countryside views as our backdrop.

As my couple came into view, they looked so relaxed, happy and in love.  Chloe has the most amazing hair and decided to wear an olive green shade as her wedding dress, with an exquisite white veil with floral detailing.  They both looked incredible, and as we got them into position, facing their guests, and with their wedding party flanking us at the front, it must have been quite the sight!  I can't wait to see the official pictures taken from the guest's viewpoint.

We gave everyone a huge welcome, and acknowledged the couple's dear friends, the bridesmaids and "merry men", who have all been such a support to the couple, and so it was a befitting start to their day, to have them all accompanying them in.

We shared details about what marriage means to the couple, and a few anecdotes to set the scene. Everyone seemed to have beaming smiles throughout, and it was wonderful to see both sets of parents thoroughly enjoying this personal ceremony for their son and daughter.

Before sharing details about their journey, we informed everyone that the couple's wedding rings would also begin a journey, whereby they were taken to the back of the rows of guests, and held until we announced the start of the 'ring-warming' ceremony, whereby they were passed along the rows and to each guest, and imbued with good wishes before reaching the front ready for the ring exchange later.  As they embarked on this journey, we started to share details of the couple's story, with much laughter accompanying them throughout.

It was quite the story and I loved how everyone was totally invested in what was happening.  Even though we had advised they were welcome to take photos throughout (apart from the wedding party's entry), I don't think I saw a phone held aloft at all.  They were all listening to it all, thoroughly enjoying hearing about how the couple got together, their funny stories, and why we were all here on that day.

As part of the story, it became clear that my couple were huge lovers of tea.  They drink it a lot and wanted it to have its very own place in their ceremony, and so a 'tea ceremony' was created!  They decided to blend two of their favourite teas (Breakfast and Earl Grey), to make their very own blend of 'Earl HAYE'.  This was a rather poignant moment as I'd hinted at the couple creating a new surname too, and using the first two letters from the groom's surname (Hanack) and the last two of the bride's surname (Tye), they created Haye, and it was a lovely way to explain this and introduce it to everyone before the pronouncement at the end.  

Once the tea was blended, it was taken away for the caterers to serve after the wedding breakfast, something that the guests could then sample, as well as having just witnessed its creation.  Such a lovely moment, and a great talking point afterwards!

We then moved on to the couple's vows and having made promises with me, they then shared their very own words, which became quite the focal point of the whole celebration.  They were emotional, funny, and sincere and showed just how much they cared about each other.

As I glanced along the line of bridesmaids I could see several of them crying, as well as laughing, and how happy everyone was to be there.  It really did feel intimate, warm and very personal, but also full of great energy, and support for the couple too.

The couple chose to have a ring warming where their wedding bands were passed throughout their congregation, each guest imbuing them with warmth and good wishes.  As they reached the front of the rows of guests, the groomsman and bridesmaid at the far end of the line collected them and began passing along towards us in the middle, finally reaching the best man and maid of honour.  As we introduced the ring exchange and explained how and why this takes place in a wedding ceremony, the rings were handed over and the couple sealed their promises by placing the rings on each other's hands.

It was then time to bring things to a wonderful conclusion, recapping what had taken place, and presenting the new Mr & Mrs Haye back to their loved ones.  As guests waved their ribbon wands, and cheers went up, the lovely Vera sang the couple back out of the field and everyone followed for reception drinks.  It was perfect!

As I helped to clear the space, I was inundated with people coming up to say how much they enjoyed it, with one guest and her daughter telling me it was the best wedding they had been to.  High praise indeed, and a complete joy to be a part of this special day, for two such lovely people.

Congratulations Chloe and Tom!

Jenny

x

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All images in this blog were taken by Jenny Knight.  We look forward to seeing the official images soon.

Venue: Myrtles Courtyard (via Blank Canvas Weddings)

Celebrant: Jenny from Knight Ceremonies)

Photographer: The Kensington Photographer

Catering: Keeley's Kitchen