“We have a beautiful cosmos, you and me.”
Ivor Cutler
When I met with Anita and Matt, it was clear from our first conversation that their ceremony would be incredibly personal. In their words, their wish was: “a simple, beautiful ceremony that’s part of a lovely day where we can all relax and enjoy each other’s company.”
We met on the banks of the Solway Firth, at a sweet cottage where they often spend time together with their friendly labrador, Orla. Anita had decorated the cottage in stunning flowers and quotes from their favourite songs.
Before the ceremony, we all spent a mellow time chatting, enjoying delicious snacks and fizz, and toasting Matt and Anita’s exciting day.
Their secret ceremony took place beneath an apple tree arch in the cottage garden with sea and sky as witnesses. The sound of the waves gently crashing to the shore created a perfect cocoon for the sharing of their story.
Holding their wedding rings in the centre of their joined hands, bound by the beautiful Handfasting ribbons that they had made to symbolise their love and partnership, Matt and Anita declared their intention to share their future together.
“In binding your hands together, you are declaring your wish and intention to leave this place today with your lives bound together as one. After today, the two stories of your lives will come together and two sets of hopes and desires for the future are joined in commitment and intention.”
I tied the knot as they declared their shared promises. Then Matt and Anita exchanged emotional Marriage Vows then gifted each other a ring. The whole event was infused with a joyful intimacy and beautiful authenticity. It was my absolute pleasure and honour to declare these two kind-hearted people married.
Anita and Matt began their married life by sharing with these gorgeous lyrics from Mike Scott’s Open:
“Open to the world
Open to spirit
Open to the changing wind
Open to touch
Open to nature
Open to the world within
Open to change
Open to adventure
Open to the new
Open to love
Open to miracles
Open Beloved to You
Open to learn
Open to laughter
Open to being blessed
Open to joy
Open to service
Open to saying “Yes!”
Open to risk
Open to passion
To peace and silence too
Open to love
Open to beauty
Open Beloved to You”
Congratulations Anita and Matt. Wishing you both many wonderful adventures in the years to come with all the happiness, long walks, great talks, adventure and joy that you could wish for. Thank you for trusting me with your ceremony, and for sharing these beautiful details with us.
Thank you also to Sean Bell and Justyna Maria, talented partnership behind We Are Elopers, for so wonderfully capturing these gorgeous moments of Matt and Anita’s day.
Stunning floral displays by Mountain Daisy Flower Farm.
