Humanist Woodland Ceremony: Christine & Dan part II
When Christine originally got in touch with me and told me she was planning a woodland wedding, I was so excited. I’m not sure there are many things more beautiful than dappled light through trees, so the idea of having a woodland wedding in this sort of setting had me on board from the outset. Christine also mentioned that there might be bluebells in flower, and I was completely sold! Months later, the wedding day arrived, and I was not disappointed.
Before I even arrived at Woodland Farm, I was enjoying the sign posts pointing guests in the right direction, deeper into the Cornish countryside. As I walked along the ribboned path into the woodland, I think I may have actually started skipping with joy – there were hay bales set up for the guests to sit on, a spread of bluebells on the ground and an enormous old beech tree, under which the ceremony was due to take place. Just one of the most magical locations I can imagine for a wedding ceremony.
It was a truly incredible day. With Dan ready and the guests gathered in the woodland, Christine walked under the ribboned trees, with the beautiful sound of the harp floating across the clearing. Christine and Dan said their own personal vows under the beech tree. They then completed their woodland wedding by tying an actual knot to symbolise their joining together in marriage. The sun filtered through the overhead tree canopy and the wind blew gently through the leaves. It was utterly beautiful.
After the humanist ceremony, the guests enjoyed drinks in the courtyard. Everyone followed the red carpet (dodging the farm dogs, who clearly thought the carpet was especially for them!) across to the decorated barn to continue the celebrations. There was a personal note from the bride and groom for each guest, waiting to be opened once they were seated. For the wedding favours, Christine had created a beautiful piece of art based on Dan and her profiles, and the guests were invited to choose a small brass piece of this to take away and use however they like. Suggestions on the brilliant explanation cards included a piece of jewellery, a Christmas decoration or a ‘rear view mirror dangling thing’!
After a BBQ buffet meal, and some emotional and entertaining speeches, the wedding guests returned to the woodland. Christine and Dan had created a really fantastic treasure hunt through the woods! The deep forest was really spectacular, with a thick carpet of bluebells and more huge trees, all set off by the evening light. When everyone finally made it back up to the barn, the evening celebrations began, with games and fun, and a wonderful Cornish folk/rock band leading lots of dancing.
Going back to the brass favours, I keep my one attached to my camera bag. It is my own little wedding talisman now, carrying a little bit of the magic from Christine and Dan’s woodland wedding with me to every other gorgeous wedding that I photograph.
