Alice & Jo’s Same Sex Wedding, Longstowe Hall

Alice and Jo’s same sex Wedding Ceremony took place at the stunning Longstowe Hall in Cambridgeshire.  Set in beautiful gardens, Alice and Joanne’s Wedding Ceremony was held on the Gazebo Island on the lake.

Having contacted White Rose Ceremonies in September last year, we met with Alice and Joanne several times to create a ceremony that reflected who they really are.  Their wedding rehearsal was held at a location close to Longstowe Hall.  We had a wonderful time with them and their families at the rehearsal, spending time walking through the ceremony so that they were completely comfortable with it.

The sun shone on their Wedding Day, guests were seated and the bridal parties arrived.  Joanne walked with her father and bridesmaids first.  Alice followed with her bridesmaids, escorted by her mother until she reached her father’s wheelchair.  He was determined to walk his daughter to meet Joanne and to everybody’s delight, he did this.  A very happy and touching moment that left us all with tears in our eyes.

Alice and Joanne’s Wedding Ceremony was emotional and funny in equal parts. Their rings were held closely in the palms of each family member to wish Joanne and Alice love and support in the marriage before being placed on their fingers.  With beautiful readings and a signing of a commemorative certificate, Alice and Joanne’s happiness was there for all to see.

We had the perfect day with Alice, Joanne and their families.  It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Alice’s father just three weeks after the wedding.  He was a very special man and we were so glad that he found the strength to be there for Alice and Joanne on their happy day.

A poem for Giles – ‘He is Gone’

You can shed tears that he is gone,

Or you can smile because he has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back,

Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see him,

Or you can be full of the love that you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember him and only that he is gone,

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back,

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

By David Harkin (adapted)

Photographs courtesy of: Andy Fountain Photography

Venue: Longstowe Hall