The wedding of Alyson and Michael took place at the magnificent St Werburgh’s Church in the centre of Chester on Saturday, July 7, 2018.
St Werburgh’s Church, Chester
Outside, the prolonged warm sunny weather made it a perfect setting. Inside the soaring gothic arches and tall windows also give a sense of style and space.
A space that was soon to be filled with a delightful couple and their families and guests.
Father Paul Shaw called it ‘a wonderful day’. I agree, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Choir Prepare for Wedding of Alyson and Michael
Interior of St Werburgh’s Church
The choir members arrived early in good time to ‘feel the atmosphere’ and to experience the wonderful acoustic of St Werburgh’s Church.
Michael and Best Man David Walker
The groom, Michael Corney, also arrived very early. Gracious, welcoming and naturally excited.
Michael comes from Milford Haven in Pembroke. I also suspect his Welsh upbringing is responsible for the choir’s invitation.
Alyson is from Tilston, Cheshire and they first met at Cardiff University Sailing Club.
They now live in Cheltenham and have known each other for eight and a half years.
As the first guests arrived the choir then sang ‘O Gymru’, Let There be Peace on Earth’, ‘Myfanwy’, ‘Angels Watching Over Me’, ‘The Rose’, and ‘Gwahoddiad’.
Emotional Entrance at Wedding of Alyson and Michael
As Alyson made her entrance with her father, Bill Mapstone, church organist James Andrews played the plaintive ‘Te Deum’ by Marc-Antoine Charpetier. It was a striking and emotional entrance.
Affable Father Paul quickly settled everyone down with humour and gentle warmth.
The congregational hymn ‘Guide Me, O thou Great Redeemer’ sounded wonderful.
Lisa Adams read two readings with reverence, followed by a reading by Pat Bates. The sentiments appropriate and touching.
Entertaining Homily
The spiritual homily by Father Paul, full of humour and light hearted reference to the age of the church, matched by the age of the Welsh choir!
Our delightful couple then completed the Blessing and exchange of rings and vows with determination and perfect diction.
The final congregational hymn, ‘Lord of all Hopefulness’ sung with gusto.
During the signing of the Registers the choir entertained the congregation with ‘Amen’, ‘You Raise Me Up’ and ‘Calon Lan. The enthusiastic whoops from the bridesmaids much appreciated.
Mr and Mrs Corney Leave Church
Mr and Mrs Michael Corney then left the church to the Wedding March by Mendlessohn, with organist James Andrews, literally pulling out all the stops. Exhilarating !
Wedding of Alyson and Michael
Outside scenes were also joyous and we’re glad we appeared in a photo or two.
Alyson and Michael with Choir Conductor, Arwyn Roberts and Accompanist Nia Jones
Finally, in sailing terms ‘May the wind be always at your back,
may the sun shine warm upon your face, as you face your lives together as husband and wife.
Moreover, thank you for inviting us to your special day. We wish you every future happines.
Llongyfarchiadau – achlysur arbennig a llwyddiannus arall i’r hogiau.
Thanks to Richard Thompson for the blog, it’s a great write up!
Please do extend our thanks to everybody who came to Chester on Saturday.
Michael Corney
Michael
Thank you for your kind words of appreciation. We enjoyed being part of a wonderful wedding service.
Best regards to you and Alyson.
Richard