The wedding of Florence and Matthew at Lingholm Estate on Saturday 6th April turned out to be a delightful affair. But, from the choir’s perspective, it was a secretive engagement that required careful planning and delicate timing.
Not to prolong the reader’s agony, the secret is revealed. Matthew is Welsh, and Florence’s surprise gift to Matt is to have a Welsh choir magically appear to sing at their wedding.
Sounds easy, but it could have gone wrong – at any stage. The logistics of the exercise well thought out by Florence, choir coordinator Gron Wynne, and staff of the Lingholm Estate.
Secret Arrivals at Wedding of Florence and Matthew
Choir members on way to Lingholm Estate
Choir Members Walking from Coach to Lingholm Estate
An ‘advance choir party’ of five, and choir conductor Arwyn Roberts, left Keswick by taxi at 3pm. Arriving at the majestic Lingholm Estate at 3:15 pm.
By this time all guests had arrived at the Stone Room for the wedding service at 3:30.
The ‘Famous Five’ entered nonchalantly at the back of the Stone Room. Choir shirt and tie disguised by conventional clothing.
So far so good.
The rest of the choir travelled to the Lingholm estate by coach. Then secretly escorted to the back of the Stone Room.
Silently waiting for the cue to make their musical entrance.
Spectacular Entrance at Wedding of Florence and Matthew
The bridesmaids, followed by a radiant Florence, made a spectacular entrance.
The wedding service was a joyous celebration of the marriage of a couple who have become inseparable since meeting at University.
Readings by Helen Thomas, Emma Lewis and Alice Trehane provided both poignancy and humour to the occasion.
Matt and Florence then exchanged touching and loving personal commitments:
“Florence, all your attributes make you the wonderful person you are. Today is the beginning of the rest of our lives together”.
It was time for the ‘Famous Five’ to discard the cover-up clothing and start the plaintive singing of ‘The Rose’.
The singing also became progressively louder as the rest of the choir entered the Stone Room. The solo from baritone, Peter Davies, utterly captivating.
Reactions at Wedding of Florence and Matthew
In short, the reactions were beyond our expectations. Matthew’s expression was priceless. Sheer joy and perplexity in equal measures.
Florence, showing pleasure, that her present to Matt was delivered as she had imagined.
Moreover, guests were reduced to tears. The Stone Room engulfed in love and happiness. The level of appreciation was deafening.
Then choir musical director, Arwyn Roberts, wished Florence and Matthew every future happiness together.
He also invited the congregation to sing two more songs with the choir. ‘Calon Lan,’ which is Matt’s favourite song, and ‘Amazing Grace’.
Mr. and Mrs. Forward then led the congregation out onto the lawn for canapes and drinks.
The shores of Derwentwater providing the perfect backdrop to an idyllic day.
Florence and Matthew Wedding at Lingholm
On the lawn the choir broke into another song ‘Y Ddau Wladgarwr’ (The Two Patriots) before Matt requested we sing the Welsh National Anthem.
Choir and Guests Enjoy Drinks at the Lingholm Estate
We duly obliged, of course, with Matt holding centre stage, and singing manfully and proudly.
Consider the audition a huge success.
With our sincere thanks for asking us to be part of the wedding of Florence and Matthew.
We wish you every future happiness together.
Gyda phob dymuniad da oddiwrth Côr Meibion Dinbych a’r Cylch.
Annwyl Richard.
Adroddiad gwych.
Med
Diolch Medwyn am dy gefnogaeth hael bob amser.
A fantastic day and a huge surprise. Thanks again for the incredible renditions. The Rose has since become a new favourite. Currently reminiscing as we move from London to Bath for the next stage of our lives.
Thank you both for your appreciative comments. It was a fantastic and joyous day. We wish you every happiness in Bath and for the future.