Chartwell House Holds Special Wedding Blessing Ceremony for Beloved Manager Diane
Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes recently hosted a heartfelt wedding blessing ceremony for Home Manager Diane Collins and her husband, Paul Blake. The day was a celebration of love, not only for Diane and Paul but for the many love stories shared by the residents and team at Chartwell House.
The ceremony was led by Anna 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: “Marriage is given that husband and wife may comfort and help each other, living faithfully together in need and in plenty, in sorrow and in joy. It is given that with delight and tenderness they may know each other in love, and through the joy of their union, strengthen the bond of their hearts and lives.”
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One of the most touching moments came from Chartwell House Resident, Gerald Gold, who 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.’”
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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 bucket-loads of laughter—and, of course, that results in happiness.”
Gerald ended his speech with a personal blessing for Diane and Paul: “On behalf of the residents of Chartwell House, I’d just like to say, my Diane, be steady at the helm, with Paul navigating along the fairway with favourable wind and tide, and finally sail to an island called Shangri-La. God bless you both now and evermore.”
In true Chartwell fashion, the home was adorned with love stories, 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. Residents shared their own memories of love, making the day not only a celebration of Diane and Paul but a testament to the deep connections and joy that define life at Chartwell House.
Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager of Chartwell House who championed the organisation of the event, shared: “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 heartwarming. 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.”
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A special thank you goes to the photographer who generously donated his time to capture the day’s unforgettable moments. As the celebrations continued, Resident Joyce delighted guests as Diane’s maid of honour, showering the happy couple with confetti and laughter.
After the ceremony, Diane expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the entire Chartwell House community, saying “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 I 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.”
The wedding blessing ceremony at Chartwell House was a true celebration of love, laughter, and community, marking a memorable day for everyone involved.
You can watch highlight of the ceremony on the video below.