In September last year, a lovely couple reached out to me to chat about the celebration of their marriage that had taken place in a small church ceremony during the summer.  They wanted to include family and friends in a ceremony at the wonderful Hurlingham Club in Fulham, that spoke of their achievements and felt upbeat but built around formal and traditional moments.  I couldn't wait to find out more!

Once writing started I could see just how their ceremony would pan out, and how I could weave all of their story and wonderful personal elements into it.

As the wedding drew closer and the script was finalised, attention turned to the logistical aspects.  With a groom in the military and a bride with family roots in the forces too, this was always going to be a very organised celebration and wow was I impressed!  When I arrived I met the bride's brother, and the groom's best man and we chatted about the details of the ceremony, and they both found a quiet spot to digest everything to make sure they were ready.  Everyone there, including the lovely florist and venue events team, were busy putting finishing touches to things to make sure they were just perfect.

I arrived with plenty of time to walk through the details, check the space, and collaborate with the florist to ensure the ceremony space looked fantastic, but that it also worked from a practical perspective.  They were incredible and so lovely to work with.  Thanks to Georgia and her team!

I had a check-in with the wonderful musicians, the photographer, the bride and her family, and then the groom who looked very dapper indeed.  I spoke with the bride's father and spent time with the couple's gorgeous dog Winston too.  He did so well despite not being overly comfortable with large crowds.  

We were then all set for the guests' arrival and the start of the ceremony.  As family and friends filled the space, there was a real sense of excitement and anticipation.  As I received word that the bride, her father, and her little flower girl were ready, the music began and everyone stood to welcome them.

The bride looked absolutely beautiful in her elegant gown and it was at this point that I looked to the groom to witness his reaction and his eyes were full of love and admiration for her.  It was a wonderful moment indeed.

As I seated everyone and the couple moved into position angled towards their guests, it was time to welcome everyone and to set the tone for the start of their celebrations, with some guest involvement, some light-hearted moments and an acknowledgement of those that sadly could not be present on the day.

Mike and Emily met back in 2014, and therefore have 10 years in a relationship with one another to celebrate.  They have navigated all of the twists and turns in life as a team, and the moment had finally come to formalise everything in front of their nearest and dearest.

"When I asked Mike and Emily what marriage means to them, they told me that it means a solid commitment to one another, a celebration of them as a couple.  Today is a once-in-a-lifetime moment; experiencing this together today will set them up for the best possible married life."

I shared details of their story, and took everyone on a little journey, recapping on details about how they met, and some of the funny moments they have shared.  We had two lovely readings from the groom's sister, and the bride's brother respectively, and then reached the vows which they exchanged perfectly.

As they had already exchanged rings the year before, we included a 're-dedication' of their wedding bands and spoke of the meaning behind this and of the solemn vow that they have made to support and commit to one another.

"They are strong, committed, with very similar values, and are completely in love."

With just the signing of their wedding day certificate left to complete, we asked guests to relax and enjoy a rendition of 'Jerusalem' played by the lovely Stefania and Pietro on the harp and the violin.  It was incredible, and provided a lovely moment to pause and enjoy being together in the space before the couple walked back up the aisle.

After both lovely mums had completed the signing, I brought everything to a lovely crescendo, reminding everyone what we had just all witnessed, and then presented this wonderful couple back to their friends and family with huge applause!

As the couple enjoyed a moment alone, and a first look at the reception setting, we gathered guests outside for a confetti throw and photos, followed by their drinks reception.

What an incredible day for a truly lovely couple.  Thank you Mike and Emily for allowing me to be a small part of your big day.

I wish you both much love and happiness for your future together

Jenny

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