Another blog from my team member Teona following her recent wedding at the lovely Tournerbury Estate on the South Coast. . . 

"I met our couple just a few months ago, so we had just a short while to get to know each other and for me to create a personal ceremony for them both.  

I was immediately drawn to this couple they had been through some challenges and were keen to have a very relaxed, laid-back, family day, and working with them both was a delight.  

They wanted to have a Handfasting included in their ceremony, both very keen to include their family so we chatted about how this would work, and they chose both sets of parents to be involved.

Driving up to Tournerbury Estate, up a little stony road, and through farmland, I wondered if I was in the right place, and then this most beautiful venue came into view, a stunning natural venue surrounded by trees and fields – laid out with a mixture of seats and hay bales.  A Yellow School Bus was the bar and the sweetest of Ice Cream Vans and a Bouncy Castle was laid on for the children (and adults later on me thinks!!).

I was met by Nicola from Behind-the-Scenes Events who was incredibly helpful, and we went through the cues and checks of the day.  I then began setting up and chatting with guests, there was a lovely, relaxed feel amongst everyone, a festival vibe and you could feel a very good time was going to be had by one and all.

I then went to check in with Bride Sarah, she was calm and looked radiant.  I had a final few words and a hug and then headed back to Groom Kai and Best Man Harry for our final chat.

It was one of the hottest days of the year, but it didn’t deter anyone - guests seated, happy and relaxed, housekeeping messages read we all welcomed Kai with cheers and claps before his beautiful bride came to join him.  The music started and guests stood to welcome our lovely bride escorted by her very proud Dad Viv.  

Through the Ceremony we heard Kai and Sarah's story leading up to this day, lots of thanks to special people in their lives, and included the guests in some fun promises. There was lots of laughter and a few tears and a wonderful feeling of love and support.

The Ceremony included a Handfasting which involved Sarah’s dad Viv and brother Simon, who wrapped the cords gently around Kai and Sarah’s hands.  A blessing was said and to conclude Kai’s Dad Dave and Mum Lyn together tying the knot, this was then released and to be kept for a memento of this special day.

We ended the ceremony with the exchange of vows and rings and Kai and Sarah were declared Husband and Wife to a loud round of applause and lots of cheering.

Kai and Sarah took time to sign their Wedding Day Certificates with family as witnesses as their guests waited patiently, and then with another very loud round of applause and all the guests cheering Kai and Sarah walked back down the Aisle together greeted by a wave of love and support from all their family and friends.

As I was saying my goodbyes and a final hug to bride and groom Sarah whispered to me “Thank you it’s exactly what I wanted” I was overcome with emotion and completely thrilled that I had made their day special.  What a wonderful day and what a wonderful job being a Celebrant is!!

I felt it was an honour and a privilege to have been part of this special day and that Kai and Sarah put their trust in me to deliver their personal Ceremony.   I wish them both and their gorgeous sons Harry and Rufus all the happiness in the world and all the very best for the future.

Teona x"

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Dream Team:

Venue:          Tournerbury Estate, Hayling Island
Wedding Planner:      Nicola “Behind the scenes Event”
Photographers:      Lauren Harris Photo
Marianne Harris Photography
Celebrant:        Teona Osborne