At the end of April, I had the honour of officiating at the intimate wedding of two fun-loving individuals, Jess and James. As I stood before them and their friends and family (some of whom had travelled from as far as Australia and New Zealand!) in the garden of The Plough in Sleapshyde, St Albans, I couldn’t help but feel excitement.
The Setting: A Beautiful Pub Garden
April is a beautiful month, the month when everything springs to life. It is also the month of showers and unpredictable temperatures! It didn’t disappoint with keeping us on our toes, not knowing whether sun cream or brollies, or a combination of both, would be needed. Thankfully, the rain held off, and we could go ahead with James and Jess’ wish of having their wedding day outdoors.
The outside of The Plough lends itself perfectly to a wedding, having a ramped aisle in the middle leading up to the seating area, which Owen and his staff had transformed into traditional pews for the guests to sit at.
The Ceremony: A Blend of Tradition and Personal Touches
Jess and James wanted their ceremony to be as light-hearted and unique as they are. After Jess’ arrival, escorted by her dad and gorgeous bridal party, to piano music being played by their friend Gary, we kicked things off with a warm welcome to their guests, making everyone feel at home. The ceremony was designed to be intimate and heartfelt, with each element reflecting their shared values and experiences.
The highlight? Their personal vows. Both Jess and James had written their own and they were a perfect mix of traditional and humorous. It was a touching reminder of how love can be both tender and fun.
Incorporating Family and Friends
Family and friends were at the heart of this celebration. Not only was the wedding party made up of a friend, a sister, brothers and nieces but James’ Dad, Michael, shared a reading ‘He’s Not Perfect’ by Bob Marley, and he, along with Jess’ mum Lois, signed the wedding certificate at VIP witnesses.
James and Jess’ two adorable children, Max and Evie, were also stars on the day.
Max was the ring bearer, proudly carrying the (fake!) rings that symbolised his parents’ commitment to one another (the real ones were safely tucked away by James’ brother!). Evie, their daughter, charmed everyone with her radiant smile, adding to the atmosphere of the day.
Handtying and Certificate Signing: Symbols of Unity
A unique and beautiful part of Jess and James’ ceremony was the handtying ritual. This ancient tradition symbolises the binding of the couple’s lives together.
To end the ceremony, James and Jess signed their wedding certificate, officially marking the beginning of the new chapter in their lives. This formal act, witnessed by their closest family and friends, solidified the promises they had made to each other.
Reflecting on the Day
Officiating Jess and James’ wedding was a joyful experience. It was a beautiful reminder of the importance of love, community, and the joy of coming together to celebrate life’s special moments. Their wedding was a perfect blend of tradition, personal touches, and joy – a true reflection of who they are as a couple.
Congratulations Jess and James!
Photographer: https://www.instagram.com/amycassidyphotography/
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