My lovely couple reached out to me as they were looking to host their fourth ceremony (following their legal and religious celebrations) and this one was to be at Rivervale Barn.  They wanted a celebrant to help them celebrate with family and friends together, but in a simple way, focussing on them as a couple and the support from their family and friends.

The bride is from Pakistan, and the groom is Cuban and so this was to be a combined celebration of their love and relationship, and they decided to do this at the fabulous Spinney, the outdoor ceremony setting at Rivervale.

Having created a simple, elegant, and love-filled ceremony, we arrived on the day to a mix of grey clouds and light rain, but this did not stop the plan from being outside.

Once everyone was ready and seated, we welcomed the bridal party, and everyone cheered as they came into view at the top of the aisle.  The sense that everyone was really behind this couple was evident, and made for a wonderful atmosphere.  With the tree canopy overhead, the stream bubbling away to one side of us, the scene could not be more perfect.  

As the bride joined us with her very proud father at the front, she looked spectacular, and the groom looked very pleased to see her.  It was such a lovely moment, and both families were clearly emotional and very excited for what was about to come.

I welcomed the couple to their ceremony, paid tribute to their absent loved ones, and we went on to talk about marriage and what it means to this lovely pair.  We spoke of love, the aspects of the partnership that make these two work so well, and how they see each other and appreciate both their similarities and the differences equally.

The bond that they have is incredible, and it was clear that they have been welcomed into each other's families too.  It is always so inspiring to see two people carving out a path in such a diverse World, and embracing their cultural differences as they create their very own family going forward.

I sprang a small surprise on the couple, and shared some little notes containing best wishes, and anecdotes from family and friends, and then we moved on to the sharing of their promises.  

As the couple had already exchanged rings, we acknowledged this, spoke of how this tradition symbolises the joining together of not just two people but their families too.

As they celebrated their love with a kiss, their guests erupted with cheers and applause, and then they took a moment to sign their wedding day certificate before being presented back to their guests.

It was a lovely, warm ceremony full of heartfelt sentiment, and as we left, it was so lovely to see both families connecting, celebrating and full of happy smiles, and a day ahead of them full of fun!

Congratulations Calixto and Meshall! May your future be filled with love, happiness, and laughter.

Jenny

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