Blog from my team member Laura . . .

"Mirella and Joel were tying the knot at the wonderful Gildings Barns, deep in the Surrey Hills. They had really wanted to get married outside, and we had all been watching the weather in the days running up to the ceremony, as it really wasn’t playing ball this September.  

It kept us guessing right up to the last moment, with heavy rain in the morning, sunshine on my arrival, and rain again as the bride and groom arrived, unusually together, about an hour before we were due to start. So, we decided it would have to be indoors, but we were all sure that there would be sun at some point! 

It felt very autumnal and by happy coincidence, their styling of oranges and soft neutrals matched the season beautifully, and they say a knot that has become wet, is harder to untie!

The ceremony itself was a blend of the couple’s Greek and Welsh backgrounds. Mirella arrived in the ceremony space with her father, who speaks very little English, and a touching moment of quiet pride occurred as he shook hands with the groom. I greeted everyone briefly in Greek, then switched to my preferred language of English (not Welsh sadly!) to welcome the guests and set the scene for this bilingual ceremony.

I was honoured to share the couple’s Love story with their guests; these two embody the theory that ‘opposites attract’, but they share a real love of travel. To honour this, Joel proposed to Mirella on a glacier in New Zealand, and because she isn’t a fan of rings, he gave her a necklace as an engagement present, which she was, of course, wearing on their wedding day.

The guests smiled warmly whilst Mirella’s sister delivered a heartfelt reading in her own language – a wonderful way of honouring heritage and family roots. The majority in the room did not understand the words, but her emotions were clear to all!

Guests were then surprised with a 'Reading Lottery', with every guest's name in a basket, the Groom picked a name, and the lucky ‘winner’ joined us at the front to read a great reading from Dr Who! Thankfully, she was up for the challenge and read the excerpt beautifully!

Exchanging rings proved a bit of a challenge: with a Welsh Best Man and Greek Maid of Honour, the language barrier had us passing rings back and forth in some lighthearted confusion before finally getting them to the right hands! 

As the ceremony closed, guests showered Mirella and Joel with gorgeous orange petals, symbolising prosperity and joy. However, as hoped for, the sun had broken through again, and guests took advantage immediately after the ceremony with a spirited rice throwing, a Greek tradition, celebrating their steps into married life surrounded by light and laughter. Guests then enjoyed drinks in the sunny courtyard whilst the venue set up for the wedding breakfast – a Greek feast that smelt divine!!

What I loved most about this day was the way cultures, families, and little imperfections came together to create something unforgettable. Plus, I was congratulated on my Greek by some of Mirella’s family as I was leaving, which was an unexpected compliment!! 

At Gildings Barns, with its rustic charm and rolling hills just beyond, we witnessed not just a wedding but a true celebration of love in all its colourful, sometimes chaotic, always beautiful forms.

Mirella and Joel, it was an absolute joy to stand with you as you spoke your vows. May the warmth, laughter, and resilience of your wedding day carry you through all the chapters ahead.

Laura x"