Perfect weather….Perfect venue……..Perfect Couple……..
……Perfect Day! That is the way to describe the special day for Elen and Rhodri Wedding Day on Saturday 22nd November 2014.
Elen and Rodri Marriage at St James’ Church, Holywell
The day changed the recent weather of rain and wind to be clear blue skies and glorious autumn sunshine. It showed off St James’ Church, Holywell in all its glory.
The church founded by St Beuno in the 7th Century and dedicated to his niece, St Winefride.
The churchyard shared with St Winefride’s Chapel. It overlooks the site of the Holy Well of St Winefride, a place of pilgrimage for over a thousand years.
St Winifride’s Chapel and Holy well
Rhodri could have made a Pilgrimage of his own. Coming from South Wales he has moved a little closer to heaven, the north of the country!
It was good to be able to meet him and the Best Man when they arrived at the church.
Rhodri and his Best Man
Choir Entertain Guests on Arrival
It was a pleasure for the choir to entertain the guests as they arrived at the church. What an appreciative group they were. It is becoming more acceptable for the wedding guests to applaud the choir’s performance.
Our first item was ’Y Ddau Wladgarwr.’ The guests made sure we knew that they were enjoying our contribution.
We finished with the spiritual ‘Silver Trumpet.’ First tenor, Stephen Voros, made his great solo debut performance.
Well done Stephen, that’s the hardest one under your belt.
Elen’s Arrival at the Church
The Wedding Service
Following Elen’s arrival the Reverend Aidan Coleman welcomed everybody. The choir and congregation sang the great wedding hymn ‘Love Divine All Love Excelling’.
Two readings followed. Craig Spanswick’s ‘Mi Gerddaf Gyda Thi,’ (I’ll Walk Beside You’) was moving.
Reverend Coleman then conducted the formal part of the wedding. It ended with Elen and Rhodri’s first married kiss, to cheers and resounding applause!
Elen and Rhodri’s choice of second hymn was perfect for the choir. The much loved ‘Calon Lan’, which gave the choir the opportunity to sing out.
Elen and Rhodri Special Day Request
During the signing of the Register the choir performed ‘The Rose’ and ‘Gwahoddiad.’ These songs were at the request of Elen and Rhodri.
Once again the applause was overwhelming.
The service ended. The bride, groom and wedding party walked back down the aisle. The choir singing the spiritual ‘Amen’ with all the guests clapping in time. It was a special day.
What a happy and joyous service it had been.
Elen and Rhodri
Elen and Rhodri then stood at the door of the church. Thanking everyone as they came out. Then it was time for photographs.
and finally………………..
The start of many, many more for Elen and Rodri
It was a real pleasure and privilege to have been part of the special day for Elen and Rhodri.
We all wish you a long and happy married life together.
Your choir was a joy to listen to and made a lovely ceremony even better. Thank you so much.
Hello Carol.
I think I spoke to you outside the church door after the ceremony. I am so pleased that you enjoyed the choir’s contribution to Rhodri and Elen’s special day. It is very kind of you to take the trouble to let us know how much it meant. Thank you. With all good wishes.
Paul Harrison.
Agree with Carol. Your contribution made a beautiful service even more special – and very moving.
Hello Glyn and Roberta
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to share your comments on our contribution to Elen and Rhodri’s wedding ceremony. We really do appreciate it. It was a very relaxed and happy ceremony and the choir thoroughly enjoyed the privilege of being a small part of it. We are grateful for the invitation. With all best wishes to you and your family.
Paul Harrison.