Everybody in Broughton was wedding guest
Last updated at 15:14, Monday, 06 June 2011
IT was unconventional to say the least.
But when Carly-Jade Wilkes and Stephen Holland finally said “I do” at their local church, the whole community celebrated.
The market town turned out in force to attend the young couple’s wedding at a packed St Mary Magdalene Church in Broughton – where there were no fewer than 20 bridesmaids.
The young couple, both 23, offered an open invitation to the community after an overwhelming response to their appeal for unwanted furniture for their home.
And the market town did the newly-weds proud as they turned out for the service and afterwards enjoyed a street party in The Square – despite some driving rain which held off just long enough for the family photos to be taken in the churchyard after the ceremony.
Canon Nick Thornley, who led the service, said he had never witnessed a wedding with so many bridesmaids.
Speaking about the community element of the occasion, he told the congregation: “That in itself is a wonderful thing and it tells us something about marriage itself, because it is a community event.
“It’s not just about two people. It rather reminds me of a time 2,000-plus years ago when Jesus went to a wedding in Cana (when Jesus turned water into wine).”
The congregation sang “Give me Joy in my Heart” and “All things Bright and Beautiful”, and Phoebe Gibbard-Thompson played the harp while Carly, who works at Broughton post office, and Stephen, a baker, signed the register.
The couple are honeymooning in Paris.
The bride’s mother, Diane Bath, said: “It was absolutely fantastic. It was a lovely, lovely service and I’d like to say thank you very much to Nick the vicar.
“It was absolutely gorgeous and everybody looked so lovely. The bridesmaids were very well-behaved too. I cried all the way through.”
First published at 11:51, Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Published by http://www.broughtonlocal.co.uk
It was a brilliant day,Carly looked beautiful. I was proud to share Stephen and Carly's day.
Have your say
What a lovely day for everyone in the community i wish the both of you all the happiness in the world. Never has there been such a well matched couple, i truly believe your love you share will last forever. Your good friend Dave x
Posted by David Allan on 26 May 2011 at 07:57