The wedding of Claire Louise Richards and John Wynne Jones on December 20 2014 got Christmas off to a good start.
Wedding of John and Claire at St Cynfarch’s Church
St Cynfarch’s Church in Hope was a wonderful setting for such an occasion. Decorated with Christmas themed arrangements. A traditional crib nativity scene in front of the altar.
The Church is one of a few that still has sheep grazing in the Churchyard. It is proud of its tradition.
A stained glass window depicts the ancient connection with the sheep.
Choir Sings for Arrival of Guests
As the wedding guests arrive the choir assembled in front of the Altar. We started with the rousing ‘Y Ddau Wladgarwr’ or ‘The Two Patriots’.
A varied selection of songsfollowed. Including the lovely Welsh carol ‘Wyt Ti’n Cofio’r Nos Nadolig‘. The guests particularly appreciated ‘You Raise Me Up’, ‘Silver Trumpet’ and the evergreen ‘Myfanwy’.
In keeping with wedding tradition Claire arrived late. John did not seem fazed by that.
The choir joined with the congregation to sing the carol ‘Good King Wenceslas.’ Raising the roof in the process!
Wedding of John and Claire
The wedding of John and Claire moved to the marriage service. The relaxed atmosphere seemed to take over as an emotional John struggled to repeat his vows.
Claire also struggled to repeat her vows for laughing. But it all seemed so right and natural.
I think it was with some relief that John kissed his bride to loud cheers and a round of applause.
Again, the church roof rafters shook with the singing of ‘Calon Lân‘ and then the carol ‘Joy To The World’.
Signing of the Wedding Register
During the signing of the wedding Register, the choir sang ‘The Rose.'[easyazon_image add_to_cart=”default” align=”left” asin=”B00JS24EZ8″ cloaking=”default” height=”160″ localization=”default” locale=”UK” nofollow=”default” new_window=”default” src=”http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51S5rHXPgpL._SL160_.jpg” popups=”default” tag=”denanddismalv-21″ width=”160″]’ Peter Davies was in fine voice once again. This was followed by ‘Silent Night’.
The choir ended the signing of the Register with the Spiritual, ‘Amen’. This was again appreciated by the guests.
The Rector then introduced Mr & Mrs Jones to the assembled throng for their walk down the aisle. Followed by Arwyn and Dafydd!!!!!
John and Claire then had the opportunity to thank all their guests outside the Church.
Best Wishes for Future Happiness
The choir wishes the new Mr & Mrs Jones a long and happy married life together. Thank you for the privilege of the invitation for the choir to be part of your special day.
We also wish you both, and your families, a very merry Christmas. We hope……
Mrs Susan Richards says
Thank you to all for singing so beautifully at my Daughter Claire’s wedding to the Lovely John !
As I walked into the church I was filled with such emotion it was stunning !
Claire and John are such a lovely couple and everyone who knows them say they are besotted with each other and have such a relaxed approach to life that I think shone out in the beautiful service .
John filled with emotion and then Claire and John smiled and laughed through the whole day from waking in the morning they both enjoyed their special day .
Thank you again
Claire’s Mum
Paul Harrison says
Hello Susan. Thank you for taking the time to provide such lovely feedback to us. We really do appreciate it. I think you could tell that we all thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. You are quite right, it really came through what a lovely couple John and Claire made. The wedding service was just so natural. It is really a privilege for us to be invited to be a part of such special occasions. May I take this opportunity on behalf of all in the choir to wish you and your family a very Happy New Year, and perhaps you could pass on our best wishes to John and Claire also. Thanks again and kind regards.