As a celebrant, every wedding ceremony holds special moments, but some have an extra spark that touches everyone present. Recently, I had the privilege of officiating the wedding of Lee Ryan, one of Blue’s iconic voices, and Verity Paris, a talented singer in her own right. Held in the captivating city of Seville, this wedding was intimate, emotional, and unforgettable.
A Day Filled with Love and Music
Lee and Verity’s wedding combined the rich romance of Seville with moments that highlighted their unique bond. Although the day brought rain, it added an almost cinematic touch, as if nature itself wanted to join in their celebration. This wasn’t just any ceremony; it was an event where family, music, and love became intertwined. Their three children and Lee’s Blue bandmates stood by their side, creating a beautiful backdrop of support.
How we Prepared their Bespoke Ceremony Together
In the months leading up to Lee and Verity’s wedding, I had the privilege of working closely with them to craft a ceremony that truly reflected their unique love story. From the very beginning, they expressed a desire to honor their shared cultural backgrounds and include their children in meaningful ways. One of the highlights of the ceremony was the sand ritual, which symbolized the beautiful blending of their lives and family. Music, a central part of their connection, played a significant role, with a standout moment being the stunning performance by gospel choir leader Simone Lisa Kennedy, whose beautiful blessing brought an extra layer of emotion to their already heartwarming ceremony. Every detail was carefully planned to ensure the day felt as unique and personal as their love.
The couple shared in an interview with OK! Magazine that the ceremony was the most special part of their day. We crafted a ceremony that blended various traditions and included meaningful symbols, such as the sand ritual, which made the moment deeply personal. Watching Lee walk down the aisle with their newborn son to the strings of Hans Zimmer’s “Time” was a touching prelude, while Verity’s entrance to “I’m Kissing You” by Des’ree left many teary-eyed. These musical choices perfectly captured the intimacy and gravity of the occasion.
Behind the Wedding Details
As a couple deeply connected to their roots, Lee and Verity wanted a location that reflected both their love for music and the significance of their shared journey. They chose Seville for its rich history, stunning beauty, and personal connection to their hearts. Verity, glowing in her stunning wedding dress, captured everyone’s attention with her elegance. The intimate ceremony took place at the spectacular Hotel Alfonso XIII, an iconic setting that perfectly matched the grandeur of the occasion. After the ceremony, a lively surprise awaited the guests: a traditional tuna band, which added a delightful and unexpected touch to the day.
The celebrations continued at the magnificent Villa Luisa, where Lee and Verity surprised their guests with more musical acts, keeping the energy high and the mood joyous. One of the evening’s highlights was a flamenco horse dancing performance, which added a vibrant and cultural flair to the already unforgettable day. Lee’s Blue bandmates also participated in the wedding, standing by his side and contributing to the warmth and sense of camaraderie that filled the air.
Being part of Lee and Verity’s wedding as their wedding celebrant was truly an honor. The love they share is genuine and deep, resonating in every word and gesture throughout the day. Witnessing their vows and guiding them through the traditions they chose was a reminder of how powerful love is in all its forms.
Special thanks to this amazing team:
Planning: @ahandinmarriage – Photographer: @ernestovillalba -Celebrant: @weddingcelebrantinspain (aka @diariodenovia) -Ceremony venue: @hotelalfonsoxiii -Reception venue: @villaluisaeventos -Catering: @agapecatering360 -Florist: @floreslaboheme- Cake: @aquarelacakes -Horse Show: @ang_peralt -DJ/Sax: @who_killed_the_dj – Stationery: @papelosophie -MUA: @cheyannemakeup -Live painter: @mercedeslopezcharro -Musicians: @quikenavarro – Opera singer: @maeinasimionimusic – Choir: Marbella Gospel Choir
@simonelisakennedy – Lighting: @selerombodas – Sound: @staffsound
