Low Wood Bay Resort humanist handfasting | Sarah + Gary
In December of last year I had the privilege and pleasure of leading Sarah and Gary’s very beautiful humanist handfasting at the Low Wood Bay Resort and Spa, situated between Ambleside and Windermere in the Lake District. Sarah and Gary had already fallen in love with the idea of handfasting before I first spoke to them, so it was clear from the start that’s what our ceremony would be focused around. However, when we talked for the first time it was obvious just how significant their children were going to be in their ideal ceremony too.
As a result, I suggested various ways in which we could involve them, directly and indirectly, and Sarah and Gary were very excited about the possibilities. It was important that the balance in the ceremony was just right, since we wanted it to feel very much like a wedding whilst at the same time being about them all as a unit. In the end I gathered words both from Sarah and Gary and their children, creating a script that included sections they wouldn’t hear until the day itself. This added an even greater sense of anticipation in advance of the day and it was very touching how much effort Sarah and Gary’s family put into making it as perfect for them as possible.
On the day itself the Lake District weather didn’t exactly play ball, which isn’t really a surprise in December, but it couldn’t have mattered less. Even though the gathering was only small, there was an abundance of love and emotion in the ceremony room throughout. The children’s words clearly meant so very much to Sarah and Gary and there were plenty of tears, but we made sure there was just as much laughter too. The handfasting involved the whole family, each member holding and then pulling their own ribbon with which to tie the knot as one. I know it is a moment they will individually and collectively treasure forever.
Despite the evening closing in, Sarah and Gary made the most of their photo shoot with the ever talented Tiree Dawson afterwards and I think these gorgeous photos really capture the couple’s joy and the beauty of the place. Sarah and Gary’s testimonial is below if you would like to hear their take on the day.
‘We chose a hand-fasting ceremony because we wanted our wedding to feel deeply personal and meaningful, not scripted or generic and from our very first conversation, we knew we’d made the right choice with you.
The process leading up to the day was calm, thoughtful and genuinely supportive. You really took the time to understand us as a couple and as a family, especially how important it was for our children to be included in the ceremony rather than just watching from the sidelines. That meant so much to us. The ideas you suggested, the way you listened, and how you shaped the ceremony around our story made it feel completely ours.
On the day itself, the ceremony was even more special than we’d imagined. It felt warm, emotional and intimate without being overwhelming or awkward. The children being involved gave the whole moment a sense of togetherness and unity, and it truly felt like we were marking the joining of a family, not just a couple. So many people commented afterwards on how beautiful, relaxed and meaningful the ceremony was.
We would absolutely recommend a hand-fasting ceremony and you as a Celebrant to anyone who wants something personal, inclusive and heartfelt. It didn’t feel like we were fitting into a template; it felt like our story was being honoured and shared in the most lovely way.
Thank you Hannah for making such an important part of our day so memorable’.
Sarah + Gary
If you like what you’ve read in Sarah and Gary’s testimonial and would like to know more, do check out my Weddings page, Wedding brochure and Instagram page. If you’ve any questions, just get in touch. It will be lovely to hear from you. Hannah Wroe Gill, Lake District Humanist Wedding and Handfasting Celebrant
