This was a wedding that had all the hallmarks of a couple in love.  Their ceremony was created with lots of details about them, and was full of tender, funny, and love-filled moments.  I was excited to see them both on the day and meet them face-to-face for the first time!

The couple lives and works in China, and so our communications had been over Zoom and email but the feeling that I got from our discussions, was that these two were completely in love and awe of one another.

On the day when I arrived, the groom was busy putting finishing touches to the ceremony decor, and we quickly drafted in help so he had a chance to relax and enjoy chatting to people.  One of his groomsmen, and his best man, popped in to make sure he had eaten something, and it was lovely to see them checking in, helping, and looking out for him.

I was asked to finish off the decor with some colourful fabric, and once in place, I carried out all of my checks with fellow suppliers, the venue, and of course the bridal party, and we were soon ready to welcome guests into the space.

As they joined us in the ceremony barn, it was clear that everyone was ready to celebrate, and despite being a relatively small group, they were in fine voice, and the anticipation began to build as the bridal party was ready to make their way over from the honeymoon suite.

With cues given, the guests took to their feet, the music began, and the bridesmaids and flower girls joined us to welcome to bride.  As the Maid of Honour reached the front, the doors closed and the bride moved into position.  The doors then re-opened, and the groom looked full of emotion and delighted to see her.  I just love this really special moment!

She reached halfway down, and as choreographed, the groom walked up to meet her, gave her a welcome kiss, and escorted her to the front, where they hugged and kissed each other's parents to say thank you.  

Jessie, the bride, is Chinese, and her parents, Maid of Honour, and one of her friends had joined them for this special day, and so I felt it only appropriate to welcome them in Mandarin.  She chose to carry in an exquisite Chinese fan as a nod to her beginning the journey as part of her Chinese family, and then, when she exited the ceremony, she walked out with a bouquet, to symbolise her joining a Western family, and the creation of their very own family unit.

The ceremony was also being recorded so that those who were unable to travel, could see what had happened, so I orchestrated a 'wave to camera' moment, so they would all feel a part of things and acknowledged as important guests.

With everyone then seated, and in position, I welcomed everyone that had just joined us, and we began to talk about what marriage means to this couple.  How they feel about one another, and I spoke of their love story, sharing details in order to celebrate what they have achieved.  Having experienced a period of time living apart and conducting a long-distance relationship, it was important to reference their dedication and commitment.

These two have a clear connection, a real honesty to their relationship, and if anyone was in any doubt about how they felt about each other, the vows that they shared confirmed this well and truly.  There were very few dry eyes during their own vows, as the couple made promises and spoke about their feelings and hopes, and dreams for the future.

Despite having read their vows before the day, I felt such overwhelming emotions hearing them exchange their special words, and it was quite the moment indeed.  I felt so delighted for this couple, so elated that they were celebrating in this way, and making it so personal.

As a special surprise, they had decided to give all guests a little bag which was not to be opened until given the cue by me, as this was to determine who would come up to participate in the exchange of their wedding rings. Two of the bags contained the actual rings, and the others contained treats, and so when it was time to open them, the room was full of excited chatter, guests checking if they had the actual rings, and the hive of activity that followed was really quite funny.  Eventually, the two participants came up to the front with the rings, and we heard the couple speak their words of commitment, and saw them place the rings on each other's hands.

We then asked the couple to sign their wedding day keepsake certificate, joined by the two flower girls who put fingerprints onto the certificate (swiftly cleaned with wipes to avoid any marks on dresses!), and photos were taken of them all enjoying this fun moment.

As I brought their lovely ceremony to a close, their guests were all ready to welcome them, and so as they started their walk back up the aisle, the room erupted into loud applause and cheers of joy.  It was wonderful.

They then went outside into the beautiful courtyard for a fun alternative to a confetti throw that involved some fabulous bubble gun machines!

What a wonderful wedding for two incredible people.  Congratulations, Jessie and Tom, and I wish you much love and happiness for your future.

Jenny

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