Congregation's kindness won our hearts
Richard and Pauline
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"I felt different from the moment I walked out of church," said Pauline who married Richard at St Andrew’s Church, Glaston, Rutland, in August 2007.
She had always intended to have a church wedding, believing it to be the ‘proper’ place to marry. The solemnity of the service had been important to her. St Andrew’s was not in Pauline’s or Richard’s parish, so at that time, the couple had to apply for a Special Licence to marry there, which was granted. (Under a new law, you now no longer need to apply for a Special Licence if you have a particular connection with your preferred church. Read more.)
Following several meetings with the vicar, the Revd Jane Baxter, a date was arranged for Richard and Pauline’s wedding. The Vicar recommended the couple got to know the congregation before the wedding and so they attended services leading up to the wedding date.
"I couldn’t believe how kind and welcoming everybody was," said Pauline, "and as the wedding drew near, villagers came to clean the church, someone volunteered to cut the grass and polish the brass. The Churchwarden even arranged a barbeque for all those who were helping to spruce up the church!
"With everyone joining in to help us, we began to feel part of their community. Despite the hour’s drive from our home to the church, we still want to continue to see them and be involved in the church and community, it’s such a special place. Everyone has been fantastic."
The Revd Jane Baxter said: "Richard and Pauline had such a special day - they and their family put so much into the occasion. They made considerable efforts to travel here and to become part of the community. People in our church were only too pleased to welcome them and help them out for their wedding."
Photographs are credited to Lee David Photography