On Saturday 10th May 2014, the choir returned to Llangynhafal Church for the wedding of James and Abbie.
The last time we performed there was in July 2011 to record our last CD, ‘Voices From The Vale‘. We specifically chose the church for the recording after singing at a wedding there and experiencing the really fine acoustics of the ancient building.
It felt good to be back for the wedding of James and Abbie.
Wedding of James and Abbie at Llangynhafal Church
The weather was perfect on that occasion with the church basking in glorious sunshine, which all contributed to some really happy memories of the recording.
On our return on 10th May 2014, we hoped that the weather would be just as perfect as we were there to take part in the wedding of James and Abbie.
Unfortunately, on our arrival it was cloudy, dull and raining but the weather could not detract from such a very special day in two young persons’ lives.
Wedding of James and Abbie Commences
We started our first programme as the guests started to arrive in church. It is usual for us to sing for half an hour before the start of the wedding service.
Our opening was ‘Y Ddau Wladgarwr’, or ‘The Two Patriots’. The style and tempo was then changed with ‘Panis Angelicus’, which was clearly well received by the congregation.
In fact, as we continued with our programme the level of the applause rose. I suspect that there were a number of guests who had never heard a Welsh male voice choir perform before.
As the time approached three o’clock, the arrival of the bride was eagerly anticipated. However, I think this was the point where James had his first taste of what married life would bring.
He had to learn that it is a ladies’ prerogative to arrive late.
As the time went on the choristers also had a learning experience. Trying to interpret the anxious looks between Arwyn, our MD, and Joyce, our marvellous accompanist, as to what we could sing next. Then the sign language from Arwyn to us trying to communicate the decision.
Late Arrival of the Bride
Eventually, and with a little relief, the message was passed to Arwyn that the bride had arrived. This was the choir’s cue to perform one of the much loved songs from our last CD, ‘The Rose’.
Abbie had specifically requested that we sing it as she made her entrance and procession down the aisle. It was clear from everybody’s reaction that it meant a great deal.
It was the perfect choice for the wedding of James and Abbie.
Reverend Philip Chew presided over a very relaxed and happy ceremony culminating in the happy couple having their first kiss as man and wife, to a good round of applause from everyone present.
During the signing of the Register the choir performed requests of ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and ‘Hine e Hine.’
This gave the chance for all the formalities to take place and the bride, groom and processional party to prepare to leave.
Again, this was another cue for the choir to perform a further special request for the Recessional, ‘African Prayer’, which was also very well received.
Best Wishes on the Wedding of James and Abbie
We would like to thank Abbie, James and their families for asking Denbigh & District Male Voice Choir to be part of your very special day. We hope that we lived up to, or preferably exceeded, your expectations.
Thank you also for the very kind and generous invitation to your wedding reception. We all send our congratulations and wish you a long and very happy married life together.
I’ll finish with just one piece of advice. Abbie, if you and James are flying away to some exotic destination for your honeymoon, please be on time for the flight! !
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