Lauren & Nick

I would like you all to join me in taking a moment to stop and look around at those you love, your friends, family, children, or life partner, and give thanks to those special people. These are the people who shape us, who make us happy, who make us smile, and who keep us safe. They infuriate and frustrate us, but they love us. Today is all about love, so take a moment to appreciate them and your wonderful relationships.

Can we also take a moment to think about those who cannot be with us today? Reflect on a special person who is no longer with you, but whom you still carry in your heart, especially Lauren’s mum, Janice, and Nick's grandad, Cyril. Though they are not here in person, their love for these two has shaped them into the beautiful couple we see standing before us today.

Penny & Helen

Welcome, Penny and Helen. We are all thrilled to be here today to celebrate this special moment in your journey. Penny and Helen have known many of you for years, and each of you here has played a part in their love story. It is only fitting that you share this once-in-a-lifetime moment with them. Some of you have travelled from as far away as Australia, while others have come from just down the road. Penny and Helen are excited and grateful for your presence as they make their commitment to one another. Your love and support enrich this ceremony with meaning, creating a foundation of ongoing encouragement for them throughout their marriage. In this way, you transform this ceremony from a simple moment between two people into a community milestone that will be cherished for years to come. Everyone loves a wedding! It’s a chance to dress in your finest, meet up with old friends and family, and enjoy some good food. I assure you, the food at the Mobury is excellent. Add in a few glasses of fizz, and let’s end it all with a good boogie! What’s not to love? So here we are—today is the day when Penny and Helen say, "I do," and their families become one. We are all here to celebrate with their children as Tom, Josh, Jess, Emily, Parker, and Ivy see their moms become Mrs and Mrs. Smith-Walker.

Mike & Steven

Mike and Steve spoke constantly on the phone and enjoyed weekends together, ensuring the time they shared was special. They explored Oxford and took trips to Amsterdam and Dublin. Mike fell in love with Amsterdam; the canals, the bikes, and the laid-back attitude of everyone there. He soon relaxed into the Amsterdam way of life, saying he could see himself living there, spending his weekends visiting the art galleries and drinking coffee at the outdoor cafés. The city did not have the same effect on Steve; the trams, bikes, and canals were too much for him. A few times, he nearly got struck by a bike, and on one occasion, Mike had to save him from falling into a canal. Luckily for us, Steve had his say: they didn’t settle in Amsterdam; Evesham is far more central for everyone to visit them.

Clare & Jasmin

At this point in a love story, I usually share a tale of a dramatic proposal at sunset on a tropical beach, accompanied by an orchestra playing a medley of 80s classics. But not today. While our ladies may not be the most romantic pair, they are genuine. Their proposal took place at home, in the living room, while Netflix was on, and their fine dining consisted of a bag of jelly babies.

In fact, their idea of a perfect date involves getting the kids in bed on time, having Chicken Dhansak, and watching a good crime drama on TV.