My couple were keen to have a relaxed wedding, despite the grand surroundings, and so it was my job to fuse these two elements together and to create a befitting ceremony for them and their surroundings.

My groom is of Greek Orthodox faith, and my British bride is Catholic, and so we looked at ways to combine both beliefs.  Finding common ground was my starting point, and it was clear that they are both respectful of each other's faith, but essentially are beginning a new family, with their little girl Athena, so it was key to build a service that honoured both, but also highlighted their moving forwards as their own family unit.

With their venue booked, the glorious Heckfield Place, we were all set for their gorgeous outdoor wedding.  When I arrived, there was a hive of activity, their photographer and videographers all scoping out the setting, and their amazing florist was adding decorative touches to the beautiful fountain that formed a centerpiece to the ceremony setting.

It looked absolutely glorious when I arrived, and after checking in with the venue team (who were just phenomenal), and all of the suppliers and family members that were involved, it was time to get everyone seated.

Guests were all enjoying time catching up on the terrace and then descended down into the gardens to take their seats. It was a very warm day, with the sun peeking through broken cloud, the perfect conditions for their wedding outside. 

After we'd been given the cue that everyone was in place and ready to join us, I delivered my welcome notices, and provided their international guests with a little detail about the venue and the setting.  The grounds that we were in are a part of a 400 acre grounds that accompany the buildings, and are home to some of the oldest trees in the UK.  It is a spectacular part of the Hampshire countryside and everyone was suitably enjoying themselves in the gardens.

As I asked everyone to be upstanding, the wedding party began to join us, and as the bride came into view, the groom looked so emotional.  I had been given a sneaky peek of the dress before the day, and I must say that it looked even more sensational on my lovely bride.  It was quite the moving and heartwarming moment seeing her and her father coming down from the house to the ceremony space, and I could really see just how much these two love one another.

As everyone took their seats, we turned the couple around so that they were instantly connected to their guests, and we had planned in some lovely moments to get everyone involved right from the start.  Remembering their wishes for this to be a relaxed ceremony, we took inspiration from their story, their family support and made sure that everyone felt included.  It was such a lovely atmosphere and everyone thoroughly enjoyed seeing these two making their promises to eachother.

The vows that we had were a modern take on the traditional ones and by way of sealing their promises, we included a ring exchange.  Before the couple exchanged their wedding bands, we asked the best man and maid of honour to join us to partake in a traditional Greek ritual, a 'Stefana'  which involves the exchanging of two crowns across their heads three times by each of the two attendants. 

As I provided details of this lovely and symbolic part of their ceremony, the beautiful olive branch crowns were exchanged and everyone applauded.   It is always wonderful to include elements of faith or heritage and it really added depth to this personal part of the service.

With rings then placed on one another's fingers, we concluded the ceremony, and I presented them back to their guests and they all let up huge cheers! 

As the couple headed up to the house for a moment alone to sign their wedding day certificate, the guests headed out to the front of the house to form a walkway for a confetti throw as the couple made their way to the fabulous classic car that the bride has owned since she was a young girl.  Her father bought it for her as a gift and investment, and on her special day she got to ride off in it for photos whilst their loved ones all enjoyed drinks in the walled garden.

What a magical and incredible day for the loveliest couple.  I wish them and their little family all the very best for their future and know that it will be one full of love and great memories.

Congrats Chris and Juliette!

Jenny

x

(All images taken in this blog were by Jenny Knight - we look forward to seeing the official pics soon.)

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Dream Team:

Venue: Joanna, Anna, and the amazing team at Heckfield Place

Photographer: Iona Wolff

Celebrant: Jenny from Knight Ceremonies

Florist: April Rose Flowers

Musicians: Ben and Antonia from Herringbone Cocktail Club