What a beautiful day I have had! The sun shone and the air was warm and I went to stunning Daymer Bay to conduct a Humanist Ceremony of Re-affirming Wedding Vows on the cliffs and it was just brilliant! The lovely couple had been married for 6009 days today and it was his birthday.
As a surprise, she had organised friends and family to be on the cliffs and it was just the loveliest, happiest ceremony that brought tears to many an eye. It included a Hand-fasting which I have not done before and many readings done by family and friends, one of the most moving poems being written and read by their lovely daughter. It was so very special and I have permission to share these photos with you. Click on any photo for the caption and detail.
L’s bouquet in my favourite colours
About to go under the confetti arch
Nearly through and everyone very happy
The Hand-fasting ribbons
Cornish Violets growing on the cliff at the Ceremony spot
The Wedding party
Confetti
The view when walking back to my car afterwards
babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin
April 8, 2015 at 1:29 am
beautiful ceremony…
I would love to have something similar for my Bobby and my 50th wedding anniversary…
I may plan it…I have 4 more years!
mybeautfulthings
April 8, 2015 at 6:34 am
Oh, I wish I could be there to do it for you! They really are very moving ceremonies. 🙂
Judy @ newenglandgardenandthread
April 7, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Besides the beautiful people, flowers and scenery, I learned a couple of things in this post which is always a nice thing. I was not familiar with the terms, Humanist Ceremony or hand-fasting ribbons. Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate a special event.
mybeautfulthings
April 7, 2015 at 5:56 pm
It is! It is a non-religious ceremony, written mostly by the couple themselves shaing their shared history and hope for the future with, always, the most moving and heartfelt personal vows. I always have to read the words many times before I conduct the Ceremony as I have to remain clear-eyed! They are truly beautiful events. 🙂
Grannymar
April 7, 2015 at 6:14 am
Ireland legalized Pagan handfastings in 2010, but Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom, does not yet recognise Handfasting as legal. Such a pity as it seems like a wonderful and simple way for couples to declare commitment to one another.
mybeautfulthings
April 7, 2015 at 8:47 am
Humanist weddings are legal in Scotland but not yet in England. It is a shame as these ceremonies are so very individual and life affirming. 🙂
Grannymar
April 7, 2015 at 2:30 pm
I agree!
john zande
April 6, 2015 at 9:26 pm
Marvellous! And dogs, too! 🙂
Did I miss something, Sally… You’re a celebrant now? That’s fantastic!
mybeautfulthings
April 7, 2015 at 8:05 am
I’ve been a Celebrant since 2009! I do Weddings, Baby Namings and Affirmations but not Funerals. It’s a wonderful part-time job that I love! Each ceremony is so honest and personal and totally unique – just so life affirming. All the best to you 🙂
john zande
April 7, 2015 at 9:51 am
I certainly knew you were involved with Humanist ceremonies, just not the actual celebrant. I must have missed something 🙁 But that’s truly wonderful. How does one even go about becoming a recognised celebrant? Is it something like becoming a Justice of the Peace?
mybeautfulthings
April 7, 2015 at 12:14 pm
One can be trained in various ways. I was trained on the job with a Mentor, John Langford (on Fb) whom I shadowed and who then came to my first ceremonies to see that I was doing it all properly so I am certified by Cornwall Humanists. The other way is through the BHA which costs a fortune! The basic course was 200pounds followed by one each for weddings, namings and funerals each at 200. Then you have to pay the 10% of each fee to them too! Everyone for whom I have done a Ceremony has been delighted with my services! 🙂
john zande
April 7, 2015 at 12:18 pm
10%!?! My goodness, that sounds awfully like a church tithe 🙂
mybeautfulthings
April 7, 2015 at 12:49 pm
Doesn’t it? I just looked up the 2015 BHA fees for training – 1,920 pounds! At 275 per wedding, (take off 20% tax) it would take me more years than I have to earn back the fee!
BHA actually recommend 350-1000 for a wedding ceremony so it wouldn’t take quite as long to recoup the fees! 🙂
ladysighs
April 6, 2015 at 8:06 pm
What a beautiful day for a lovely ceremony.
mybeautfulthings
April 6, 2015 at 8:14 pm
It really was, just perfect! 🙂