 Colourful, vibrant and joyful; the three words I would use to describe Jo and Davey’s wedding celebration. This creative couple wowed us all with their vision and their suppliers certainly delivered. Abbey Hall in Eye, Suffolk, is a creative space with bags of potential, which our couple made their own in every nook and cranny. The barn space lends itself to rustic vibes and is a fantastic palette for florists and designers to play with. Outside, there are glorious views over the Suffolk countryside looking out to the local church as a backdrop and miles of green fields. Jo and Davey had to postpone their wedding due to the pandemic and then went ahead with 30 guests – their nearest and dearest who just happen to be brilliant people! They also chose some top tier suppliers for their wedding; Rebecca Avery – Flowers The Banqueteers – Banquet Anne Schwarz – Photographer Carla Leclezio – Cake Jo’s Mum – Dress The restrictions didn’t stop any ounce of joy, as the guests arrived you could feel their anticipation for the day ahead! The bridesmaids arrived first (in gorgeous technicolour), followed by Jo and her lovely parents. Jo’s Dad, Ray, walked Jo down the aisle to her waiting groom and our handfasting ceremony began. It was bursting full of love, with readings from Davey’s sisters, Lou and Kath, and best man, Josh, followed by the Mums, Jan and Ali, tying the beautiful handfasting ribbons before the vows. Jo looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress, which had been handcrafted by her Mum; what a talent! They exchanged rings with the incredible backdrop of a flower arch created by our florist Rebecca, and after the signing of the certificate, Jo and Davey walked back up the aisle and into their married life together, accompanied by a live performance of Peter Gabriel’s ‘Solsbury Hill’. Meanwhile, The Banqueteers had been hard at work preparing the food, which was out of this world. The tables had been designed and laid beautifully with lots of flowers and heaps of colour. The photographs of the food and the speeches speak a thousand words. Into the evening and it was time to strike up the band, led by Davey’s Dad and all round music legend, Roger. He had brought together some fabulous musicians for a traditional band and surprised our bride and groom with a first dance that he had arranged for the evening, featuring Roger’s saxophone solo. A self service bar provided by Jo and Davey and pulled pork burgers kept everyone delighted throughout the evening and a further highlight was Davey’s Uncle, Trevor, playing some classic tunes on the venue’s piano. Pure joy. © Ellie Lomas 2021
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 Connie and Pam are a vibrant and outgoing couple with hundreds of friends and a wonderful family and the life they have created together is a joy to be a part of. They chose to have their ‘Wedstock’ at a great glamping venue, Jubilee Camping, in the rural village of Damerham, Hampshire. It was July 2018 and the hottest day of the year. (I had to take refuge inside the refrigerated catering van before the ceremony!) As people gathered and headed towards the shade the excitement grew and it was clear that everyone was up for a weekend of fun and laughs. The brides arrived in style and in convoy before coming down the aisle together to Etta James’ classic track, ‘At Last’. The ceremony was a true celebration of their love. Tom, Josie and Chantelle gave their readings, brilliantly delivered and full of love for an amazing couple. Connie and Pam chose to include a handfasting ceremony within their wedding, which was a beautiful moment. Then came the personalised vows, which they spoke with so much tenderness; "I promise to love you, care for you, honour you and respect you for as long as I live. I vow to cherish you, for all that you are and will become, taking pride in who we are, both separately and together. My commitment to you is absolute, there will be no other, for the rest of my life." After the signing of the certificate and leaving together to Florence And The Machine with ‘You’ve Got The Love’, it was on to the party, full festival vibes surrounded by their best friends and dear family. This was one authentic and soulful wedding! Destiny is a mysterious thing. No matter what you do or where you go, you cannot avoid it. And, no matter how hard you try, even putting forth your greatest effort, you can’t force it to happen before it's time. This occasion we witness today is the destiny of two souls. There is not a force in the universe that could have kept you apart, and there is nothing they could have done to come together sooner. Each of you had to live your lives , lives that were stepping stones that have led to this moment in time, this uniting of hearts and minds that shall be forever more. This occasion we celebrate today is destiny of two souls. Yes, destiny is a marvellous and mysterious thing. (Anon) ©Ellie Lomas 2019
 Surely one of the most romantic wedding venues in the England, The Orangery of Longleat House looked incredible in the September sun. Built for the 2nd Marquess of Bath in the early 1800s, the building is charm itself. The walled perimeter encloses the love labyrinth rose garden, where guests arrive before making their way past the wrought iron hearts and up the steps to the Orangery, entering through the huge French doors. Gillian and Tom chose Longleat because of their love of animals and being regular visitors to the famous safari park, they wanted to stay true to themselves and have their day their way, in a place they loved. Thankfully, Gillian and Tom had always planned an intimate wedding with their nearest and dearest and so despite the pandemic, they were still able to have a 2020 wedding. Their ceremony was meant to be held within the quirky Banqueting Suite in Longleat House but out of respect for the late 7th Marquess, the house was closed. As a result, their venue was upgraded to the beautiful Orangery and surrounding gardens. The bride and groom made sure to try and employ local suppliers where possible. Gillian’s stunning wildflower bouquet, as well as the buttonholes and corsages, were sourced from ‘Brother’s Farm’, an organic blueberry and flower farm close to the couple’s home in Dorset, and arranged by Becca Franklin. These were collected the day before the ceremony on the short journey north, along with the most delicious animal themed cupcakes from ‘PiliPala Cakehouse’ in Poole. The wedding transport was Gillian’s favourite vehicle - a VW camper van, owned and chauffeured by family relatives who live in the area. As guests started to arrive, they were greeted by Tom in his smart tartan trews, to honour Gillian’s Scottish heritage. The excitement was captured by photographer, Duncan Ireland, who had travelled from Scotland after impressing Gillian and Tom at a family wedding the previous year. (The one supplier who was way out of area!) Duncan’s relaxed and enthusiastic style put everyone at ease, and his vast experience and skill meant that their day was captured perfectly. To keep the ceremony low key, Gillian and Tom opted not to have any bridesmaids or groomsmen, instead Tom’s dad, Richard, looked after the rings. But, true to tradition, Gillian was accompanied down the aisle by her dad, Brian. The processional music was very fitting, ‘The Circle Of Life’ from ‘The Lion King’! Gillian’s entrance from the far end of the Orangery made everyone emotional. Months earlier, Gillian visited Poole’s Oxfam wedding department with her mum, Lynn, after receiving recommendations from friends. She found a gorgeous new designer dress for a fraction of its RRP and the proceeds went to charity! The dress was a perfect fit and coupled with a tartan stole that matched Tom’s trews, looked stunning. She is a natural, outdoorsy person who rarely wears make up so, keeping true to herself, Gillian did her own hair and stayed make up free on her big day. The ceremony began with Tom’s mum, Patricia, reading an excerpt from ‘The Amber Spyglass’ by Philip Pullman before the congregation heard a little about their life together which had brought them to be standing in front of them on that day. Just before we had the traditional style vows, Gillian and Tom read their personal messages to one another. They included lots of humour in their words and had everyone in stitches at certain points, but their heartfelt words also brought a few happy tears. After the vows and exchange of rings, we paused for the traditional photos to be taken with the marriage certificate before Gillian’s mum, Lynn, read Pam Ayres famous wedding reading, ‘He Never Leaves The Seat Up’. Gillian and Tom made their way back up the aisle as husband and wife to rapturous applause whilst George Ezra’s ‘Paradise’ played, and their ceremony was complete. On they went to celebratory drinks, a sumptuous afternoon tea and their Longleat Safari VIP tour where they got up close and personal with the animals! Gillian and Tom chose to have a celebrant led ceremony meaning they were able to personalise the words to truly reflect their relationship and hopes for their future life together. Despite the pandemic restrictions, it was their perfect day. Photographer, Duncan Ireland, said; "Although I'm based in Scotland, I love the adventures that wedding photography takes me on, all over the world and it was hard to imagine more of an adventure than Gillian and Tom's wedding day. I photographed Gillian's brother's wedding in 2019 and first met Gillian and Tom there - so I was thrilled when asked if I'd come to Longleat for their own wedding day - of course, I agreed without needing to think about it. They're such a lovely couple - we shared a fantastic day in the Lake District for a pre-wedding shoot when lockdown ended and with their ease in front of the camera I knew they'd be a joy to photograph in such a special location. Every wedding is a unique experience, but this amazing setting and scope for creativity made the day a wonderful highlight to the year. After all the struggles of 2020 I was so pleased for Gillian and Tom; their day was perfect.” © Ellie Lomas 2021  If, like many couples, you already have little ones before tying the knot, you might be thinking about how to include them in your wedding ceremony.
Of course, they will likely want to be a bridesmaid or pageboy, flower girl or ring bearer, but some couples also like to have their little boy as best man. So sweet! Whether you have one or more children with your partner or will be becoming a step parent, a lovely idea is to include them in your vows which, with a celebrant led ceremony, is very easily done and makes for a beautiful moment in the service. Why not include them in a sand ceremony, gifting them the finished jar as a memento of the day? Or, you could all light a unity candle, a lovely idea for indoor ceremonies. Your child might be a talented singer or instrumentalist, having them sing or play you down the aisle would definitely bring a tear! Handing out orders of service as people enter or giving people confetti cones are also great ways to involve your children, no matter what their age. ©Ellie Lomas 2020  What to expect from a good Funeral Celebrant
Ellie Lomas ©2020 (Member of the Institute of Civil Funerals) |
