The 4th July is readily recognised as Independence Day and a ‘Happy Holiday’ in the US of A, but for this lovely young couple – it will be remembered for the memories of a romantic outdoor wedding ceremony in the heart of Leicestershire, heartfelt vows (that made me cry), a unity candle ceremony (that included their little boy) as well as a surprise for the two moms…
Rachel, Ben, their family and friends really pulled out all the stops for this setting.  It looked amazing!  A section of a camp site was reserved just for them and their guests (they knew the owners which is always good for the wedding budget), a fabulous tipi, a luxurious wedding tent for the couple to spend their first night in, and several tents for friends and family.  It was going to be a late night of celebrations!
Rachel and Ben’s love story is special – but it’s private so I won’t go into detail – other than to say they were childhood sweethearts – went their separate ways as they wrote individual chapters in the “Book of Life” and then reunited several years later.  It was written in the stars. It was just meant to be. They are such a cool, relaxed and real couple.  I loved working with them.  Rachel’s bridesmaids made themselves comfortable in candy striped deckchairs as they sat through the ceremony, until one of them was called up to sing.
“Thank you so so much for such a wonderful ceremony. It was everything we wanted and everyone commented on how lovely and personal it was…I don’t think I’ve ever seen my dad cry like that!”

The ceremony area was rustic and inviting.  Ben was on hand early to make sure that everything was just right for his beautiful bride – we ran through some key points in the ceremony – just to refresh ‘what was going to happen when.’ As a surprise for the two moms – Rachel and Ben included a Rose Ceremony.  They presented each of the mothers with a single white rose as a symbol of new beginnings.  Their mothers were the first to welcome them into the world as new-borns; so it felt right that on their wedding day – a mother’s kiss and blessing would be the first to send them on their way into their new life together as husband and wife. Yup – there were tears.
It was a family affair; Uncle Jonathan read the Apache Wedding Blessing – very fitting given the tipi nearby. Before Rachel and Ben exchanged vows and their rings, they lit two candles that represented them as individuals as well as their respective families, and then helped Lucas (the other star of the show) to light his candle. Once they had exchanged vows and their rings – all three of them used their individual candles to light the centre candle – watching it burn brightest when all three candles worked as one.   A Unity Candle ceremony can be tricky when the ceremony is outdoors – but my clear lantern protected the candles from the wind! Rachel, Ben and Lucas: Keep Laughing and Loving x Some photo’s courtesy of my iPhone but professional pics from Lee Glasgow Photography (who was amazing on the day!).

You can watch a snippet of Rachel & Ben’s outdoor ceremony and wedding video superbly captured by Amazingdayz Wedding Films at the bottom of this blog. Enjoy!

The Apache Wedding Blessing

Now you will feel no storms, for each of you will be shelter to the other.

Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.

Now there is no loneliness, for each of you is companion to the other, you are two persons, but there is one life before you, and one home.

Turn together to look at the road you travelled, to reach this – the hour of your happiness. It stretches behind you into the past.Look to the future that lies ahead. A long and winding, adventure-filled road, whose every turn means discovery, new hopes, new joys, new laughter, and a few shared tears.

May happiness be your companion; May beauty surround you both in the journey ahead; And through all the years to come. Go this day to your dwelling place and enter into your days together. May your days be good and long upon the earth.

Your adventure has just begun!