On a stunning June day at the Hotel W Algarve, I had the absolute pleasure of officiating the wedding of James and Sofia. It was a heartfelt ceremony, full of love, laughter, and beautiful moments.
Welcome & Announcement
I kicked off the ceremony by welcoming everyone and reminding guests about the couple’s wish for an unplugged ceremony. With professional photographers on hand, everyone could focus on experiencing the moment rather than capturing it on their phones.
The Entrance
As the bridal party made their entrance, I asked everyone to stand. Sofia’s father, Jaime, joined his daughter for a touching moment. When I asked him if he blessed the union of Sofia and James, he responded with a heartfelt “I do,” and then took his seat.
A Unique Welcome
To make sure everyone got their perfect shot, we staged a quick “fake” ceremony for 30 seconds. This allowed guests to take all the photos they wanted before putting their phones away for the real thing.
However, don’t just take my word for how enjoyable this was—check out the video below…
The Heartfelt Introduction
The heartfelt introduction during the ceremony was a poignant moment where I shared the deep personal connection I have with Sofia and her family. Having known Sofia since the day she was born and cultivated a close friendship with her mother, Tina, over nearly three decades, I felt privileged to stand before them on this significant day. We paused to remember and honour loved ones who couldn’t be present, particularly Sofia’s grandfather, Reg, whose memory and influence were palpable throughout the celebration.
Love Story and Vows
James and Sofia’s love story began in November 2017, from a social media connection to their first date that lasted until the early hours of the morning. Their journey included many milestones, from their first house to a memorable proposal in James’ parents’ garden.
Declaration of Intent and Vows
James and Sofia exchanged heartfelt vows, promising to love, cherish, and honor each other for the rest of their lives. They exchanged rings, symbolizing their unending love and commitment.
Declaration of Marriage
With great joy, I declared James and Sofia husband and wife. They sealed their marriage with a kiss, and it was my privilege to present them as Mr. and Mrs. Crooks for the very first time.
Conclusion
Following the heartfelt vows and the exchange of rings, James and Sofia sealed their commitment with the signing of the wedding certificate, surrounded by their closest loved ones. A poignant reading added to the emotional depth of the ceremony, capturing the essence of their love and the promises they made to each other.
As the ceremony drew to a close, guests rose to their feet, filled with warmth and joy, to celebrate the newly pronounced husband and wife. The air was abuzz with heartfelt congratulations and wishes for their future happiness together.
My Message to James & Sofia
It was undeniably a day of pure magic, where every moment resonated with love, joy, and the promise of a beautiful future ahead for both of you. As you embark on this journey together, my heart is filled with happiness for the love you share and the life you are building together. May each day be as enchanting and fulfilling as your wedding day, and may your love continue to grow stronger with each passing moment.
Congratulations on the beginning of your new chapter! Wishing you a lifetime of love, laughter, and endless happiness.
Warmest wishes,
Kellie
Watch some great highlights of James & Sofias Wedding ceremony.
Special Thanks to James Hardie Photography for all the images.
Drone photos and Video James Hardie Photography
Wedding Venue: W Algarve
DJ and Music Supplied by: Hip Hop Hire
Arch Rental:The Algarve Celebrant
Makeup by Isabel Catatão
If you’ve been following along on my Instagram and Facebook, you’ve likely noticed my penchant for sharing my daily footwear choices, which I fondly call my “shoes of the day”!
For James & Sofia’s wedding, the bridesmaids wore pale grey dresses, inspiring me to opt for a matching grey dress myself. The black Ruby lace shoes I chose were ideal for the occasion, allowing me to dance joyfully through the ceremony.
