We celebrated our ruby wedding with the vicar who married us
Dave and Margaret
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Dave and Margaret Smailes have just celebrated their Ruby wedding by renewing their vows on their anniversary date, with the same vicar who married them 40 years ago at St Mary Magdalene Parish Church, Harlow in Essex.
In 1970, Dave and Margaret’s wedding was the Revd John Payne-Cook’s very first wedding as curate of a neighbouring parish at the time. Dave remembered fondly: ‘We were all quite nervous, but we each helped the others through the experience. This made the whole ceremony very special for all of us. We have never forgotten that.’
The Smailes decided to celebrate their anniversary by renewing their vows and found John at St Mary the Virgin Church, Pirton in Hertfordshire.
They were delighted that he was able to perform the service for them, especially as he plans to retire in 2010.
John said: ‘It was wonderful to receive a message out of the blue from a couple I had helped 40 years ago, and to then welcome them to worship at my current parish and enable them to renew their vows.
'I sometimes wonder what has happened in the lives of the countless couples I have married. Now I know that the first were indeed blessed – and came back for more!’
Dave added: ‘The day we renewed our vows was wonderful - above and beyond what I had originally envisaged. It was the perfect end to a nostalgic and heartwarming reunion with the Vicar, John, after so many years.’
Did You Know ?
There are now 'Pocket Prayers' for marriage proposals. Read more
You don't have to marry on a Saturday. Read more
If you marry abroad, you can come home to a church ceremony
Two-thirds of the CofE’s churches are listed buildings
You are welcome to marry in a CofE church whatever your beliefs
You don't have to be christened to get married in church