We had our first sunny days in a while this week in Wester Ross and, after the wild and windswept winter months, it’s making me long for the easy, sunlit days of summer. So, it’s been lovely to reflect back to Kenyah and Kevin’s “no fuss”, gentle ceremony in Kenyah’s mum’s most beautiful garden last year.

When I asked Kenyah and Kevin what kind of feeling they wanted for their wedding ceremony, they were clear that they didn’t want a ceremony that was too wordy, or overly long, or a ceremony that was “too lovey-dovey”. Kenyah made it clear that – being quite limelight-shy – Kevin really hates being the centre of attention. And Kevin even admitted that he’d rather not be mentioned at all! 

So, we honoured these two kind-hearted, thoughtful and by their own admission “geeky” people in a shared ceremony that entirely reflected their own unique personalities, the love they have for each other, and their views on Marriage.

The sign on the door to the garden reflected them perfectly and Tolkien fans would have recognised the symbolism.

Kevin and Kenyah walked hand-in-hand down their wedding aisle together, as a symbol of their equality and shared commitment to one another. While we celebrated their love with stories from their time together, their wedding rings were passed among their friends and family so that each person could hold them and imbue in them any wishes, prayers or blessings they had for the newlyweds.

Their ceremony was sweet and simple with so many loving touches. As the birds sang and the butterflies danced around us, we heard how these two naturally shy people first met when working together in a restaurant, and how when Kenyah was complaining about not having anyone to see the new Star Wars movie with that evening, and Kevin offered to chum her, neither of them really knew if it was an actual date.

Well, date or no date, it’s clear that night brought them closer. By the end of the evening, they had made a plan to have an official date the next day watching Frozen 2 and they both knew they had found someone special.

A whirlwind two years later, when Kenyah asked Kevin if she wanted to get married on the 16th September (because 169 is his favourite number), Kevin didn’t miss a beat. And they planned to make their life promises to each other amidst the flowers and trees the following summer.

We spoke of how Kenyah and Kevin complement each other perfectly, how they both bring each other a feeling of safety and security and how they have a great time together whatever they are doing. We heard a beautiful rendition of Pablo Neruda’s Sonnet XVII in both English and Spanish by one of Kenyah and Kevin’s dear friends.

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, topaz, 

or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off. 

I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, 

in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

Pablo Neruda – Sonnet XVII

Kevin and Kenyah exchanged rings and personal vows, then sealed their promises with a Handfasting. I was delighted to pronounce them both married to the cheers of their family and friends.

To close the ceremony, Kenyah and Kevin enjoyed a first sip as newlyweds together from their wedding Quaich. Then we toasted them with a blessing and a dram of fine whisky.

It was such a beautiful, uplifting day and I was honoured to be a part of it. Sending so much love and congratulations to you both, Kevin and Kenyah. May you have many wonderful adventures in the years to come with all the great talks, epic games, and happiness you could wish for.

Thank you to Elliot Caunce for these lovely photos.