Chartwell House in Broadstairs has hosted a wedding blessing ceremony for home manager Diane Collins and her husband, Paul Blake.
The ceremony was led by Chaplain Judith Andrews, a licensed lay minister who has been a key figure in many of the home’s spiritual services. Judith shared a moving blessing for Diane and Paul, reminding the couple of the foundations of marriage and Chartwell House resident Gerald Gold shared a poem written by team members Helen and Gabriel.
His words resonated deeply with everyone in attendance: “Love is the laughter shared each day. The gentle words we softly say is holding hands through every storm and finding peace when hearts are warm. It’s in the little things we do, in every ‘I love you’ that’s true. Upon that time, we’ll never break. Promise kept with each breath we take. So here’s to love, both strong and kind, a lifelong journey intertwined. May joy and grace fill all your days, and love light up your endless ways.”
Gerald also shared a Shakespearean reflection: “I am reminded of Midsummer Night’s Dream, ‘Joy, gentle friends! Joy and fresh days of love accompany your hearts.’”
He then continued with a humorous and emotional reflection from his own 68-year marriage: “When I got married, my wife made me promise I would make her laugh each day. This, I did for nearly 69 years. One day, she said to me, ‘I’m very cross with you.’ I just smiled. She said, ‘I don’t want to laugh. I’m very, very cross.’ And then, we both laughed. Laughter is happiness, and here at Chartwell, we’ve got bucketloads of laughter—and, of course, that results in happiness.”
Gerald ended his speech with a personal blessing for Diane and Paul.
The day included love stories from residents, wedding photos and words of advice for the newly blessed couple. Guests enjoyed a buffet lunch, a stunning wedding cake, music, dancing, and even a doughnut wall and photo booth.
Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager of Chartwell House, said: “It was such an honour to help organise this special day for Diane and Paul. Watching our team and residents come together to create something so personal and full of love was truly heart-warming.
“It’s moments like these that remind us how strong the bonds are within our community, and I’m so proud of everyone who helped make the day unforgettable.”
The home issued a special thank you to the event photographer.
As the celebrations continued, resident Joyce delighted guests as Diane’s maid of honour, showering the happy couple with confetti.
Diane said: “Words cannot express how deeply touched Paul and I were by the love and thoughtfulness that went into the blessing ceremony.
“The Chartwell House team and residents have always felt like family, but this day truly made us realise just how special this community is. To have our love celebrated by those we care for and work alongside every day is a memory we will cherish forever. I am endlessly grateful to everyone for making this day one of the most meaningful moments of our lives.”
Judith Andrews is a Chaplain not Chaplin.
Ooops, typo, my error. Will correct