No wedding celebration is ever the same. There are so many variations. Chloe and Serina’s celebration at The Upper House, Barlaston was a unique civil humanist ceremony with elements of spirituality from pre-Christian traditions but heavily meaningful and solemn in terms of the binding and devotion of the couple to each other. Indeed, the traditional ring exchange was replaced with a hand-fasting ceremony where Chloe and Serina’s hands were bound by a cord, wrapped and turned over by a few close family members. It was meaningful and joyous. Their exit from the ceremony was by stepping over a sword - again symbolic of their both stepping into a new life together. The ceremony, conducted by Auriol Hayes focused on their lives and how they came together as a couple. Chloe and Serina’s speeches spoke of their common connection and devotion to each other. It was a highly emotional and joyous day with full participation of the family and guests, and I was delighted to be a part of it.
